Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset Review Xbox PS PC Bluetooth Performance Tested

Description

Initial Impressions and Build Quality

The Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset caught my attention immediately with its sleek design and premium feel. The headset isn’t just a pretty piece of tech—it feels robust and sturdy in hand. Weighing 1.08 pounds, it strikes a balance between durability and comfort. The detachable cable adds an extra layer of convenience, especially for someone like me who tends to misplace things. The overall build screams quality and made me optimistic about its performance.

The headband is adjustable, and the earcups feel plush with their soft cushions that envelop your ears without causing discomfort. After lengthy gaming sessions, I didn’t experience any fatigue, which speaks volumes about the ergonomic design. While the headset leans slightly on the heavier side, it never felt cumbersome. The 90mm planar drivers (yes, they’re massive!) make the earcups slightly bulkier than standard headsets, but this didn’t bother me because of the exceptional audio quality they deliver.

Audio Performance and Immersion

If you’re an audiophile or simply someone who values high-quality sound, this headset is a game-changer. With its planar drivers that are nearly three times larger than those in most gaming headsets, the sound profile is phenomenal. I tested it with various games ranging from fast-paced shooters to story-driven RPGs, and the audio clarity genuinely impressed me. Explosions rumbled with rich bass, dialogues were crisp, and subtle environmental sounds like footsteps were easy to pick up.

The Dolby Atmos license included with the purchase elevates the experience further, offering 3D spatial audio that pulls you deeper into the game. Whether you’re creeping through a haunted house or blasting through space, the directional audio is spot-on. For music and movies, the headset didn’t disappoint either. The bass is deep but controlled, and the mids and highs are balanced, making it versatile enough for non-gaming use.

Noise Cancellation and Microphone Quality

Active noise cancellation is one of the standout features here. I was surprised by how effectively it blocked out distractions like vacuum cleaners, kids playing in the next room, and even my neighbor’s barking dog. The A.I. noise filtering technology on the boom mic and built-in earcup mics is equally impressive. During intense multiplayer matches, my teammates could hear me loud and clear, without any background noise interfering.

The boom mic itself is detachable, which I loved because it lets the headset double as a music-listening device. Whether I was chatting with friends or yelling at my team for missing an obvious cue, the mic performance was excellent. However, I did notice that the mic quality dipped slightly when using Bluetooth, though it’s still better than most wireless headsets.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The connectivity options are extensive, which is a major plus point. You can connect via low-latency wireless, Bluetooth, or USB, catering to a wide range of devices. I used it on my Xbox, PlayStation, and PC without any compatibility issues. It also works with the Nintendo Switch and Mac, making it one of the most versatile headsets I’ve come across.

That said, not all features work seamlessly across all platforms. For example, the Audeze HQ app, which allows you to tweak EQ settings and customize features, works best on PC. Console gamers might feel slightly left out when it comes to fine-tuning the audio profile. Still, the headset’s out-of-the-box performance is stellar enough to satisfy most users.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the key benefits of this headset is its 80-hour battery life. For someone like me who often forgets to charge their gadgets, this is a lifesaver. Even better, a quick 20-minute charge gives you enough juice for a full day of gaming. I tested this claim, and it held up. The headset charges fully in about 2.5 hours, which is reasonable considering its massive battery capacity.

This extended battery life means fewer interruptions during long gaming marathons. I’ve used other wireless headsets that barely last a few hours before needing a recharge, and this feels like a significant upgrade.

Upsides

• Exceptional sound quality thanks to 90mm planar drivers and Dolby Atmos support.
• Long-lasting battery life of over 80 hours with quick charging capability.
• Versatile connectivity options, including low-latency wireless, Bluetooth, and USB.
• Comfortable design with plush earcup cushions and adjustable headband.
• Effective noise cancellation and A.I. noise filtering for clear communication.

Areas for Improvement

• The headset is slightly heavier compared to competitors, which might not suit everyone.
• Some features are limited on consoles, especially the Audeze HQ app.
• Mic quality drops when using Bluetooth instead of the wireless dongle or USB.

Competitive Options

Comparing the Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset to other popular choices like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro or the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless, it holds its ground well. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro offers excellent sound quality and a sleeker design but falls short in battery life, lasting only around 20 hours. On the other hand, the HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless boasts an impressive 300-hour battery life but lacks the rich audio detail provided by Audeze’s planar drivers.

In terms of noise cancellation, the Maxwell edges out most of its competitors with its effective A.I. noise filtering. However, the SteelSeries model offers a slightly better mic quality, particularly in Bluetooth mode. If you prioritize audio immersion and battery life, the Audeze headset is an excellent choice. For those who need a lighter headset or more user-friendly console features, the alternatives may be worth exploring.

Price Performance

When evaluating the value for money, this headset delivers on nearly all fronts. Yes, it’s an investment, but the combination of sound quality, long battery life, and noise cancellation makes it worth the cost. It may not be the most budget-friendly option, but it justifies its price tag with features that cater to both casual gamers and audiophiles alike. If you’re someone who demands top-tier performance without compromise, this headset is a strong contender.

Additional information