Audeze has released Maxwell 2, the successor to its Maxwell wireless gaming headset, and it is already in stores amid CES chaos. The headset carries a higher price than its predecessor, but bundles a long list of upgrades that touch audio performance, microphone quality, comfort, and bass response. The marquee feature is Audeze's SLAM technology, described as delivering heightened spatial immersion and punchier bass by pairing 90mm planar magnetic drivers with patented magnets and waveguides, delivering a claimed 10 Hz to 50 kHz frequency range.
Alongside the hardware upgrades, the Maxwell 2 adds an AI-powered noise-cancelling microphone with twice the bandwidth of the original model, part of a broader shift in gaming headsets toward clearer voice chat. The new mic aims to reduce ambient noise while preserving voice intelligibility during intense gaming sessions, a feature that increasingly separates premium kits from budget options in crowded multiplayer environments.
A redesigned Audeze mobile app accompanies the Maxwell 2, with updates available for Windows and Mac. The app lets users tailor various headset settings and create EQ profiles, including configurations optimized for console gaming. This mirrors a growing trend in the headset market, where competitors like SteelSeries have emphasized console-specific EQ control as a differentiator. Whether the Audeze app will deliver comparable depth and flexibility remains a point of interest for early adopters.
On the build and comfort front, Maxwell 2 is noticeably heavier than its predecessor, weighing in at 560 grams compared with the original Maxwell’s 490 grams. A redesigned head strap is intended to improve fit and distribution, but the extra mass remains a consideration for long sessions. Battery life remains strong at up to 80 hours, a figure that helps offset the heavier frame for users who value endurance in wireless gaming setups.
Availability and pricing put Maxwell 2 squarely in the premium segment. The headset is in stock at various retailers now, with the PlayStation version priced at $329 and the Xbox model at $349 in the United States. In the United Kingdom, the base Maxwell 2 lists at £339, with £369 for the Xbox-enabled variant. A more expensive version featuring active noise cancellation is planned for release later this spring, expanding the lineup for users who want maximum isolation in noisy environments.
Overall, Maxwell 2 represents a clear step forward for Audeze’s gaming headset line, trading some carrying comfort for meaningful gains in audio clarity, mic performance, and software customization. For enthusiasts who prioritize precise spatial audio, strong bass response, and flexible EQ+mic controls, the Maxwell 2 remains a compelling option in the high-end wireless tier. As with any premium headset, real-world comfort during extended sessions will hinge on individual fit and head shape, but the combination of SLAM audio and a robust feature set could keep Maxwell 2 at the top of many wish lists.
The broader market continues to integrate more software-driven approaches to headset tuning, and Maxwell 2 aligns with that trend while anchoring its value in a mature acoustic platform. As CES buzz settles, buyers will weigh the deeper bass, wider high-frequency response, and the potential comfort trade-off against raw price and the promise of ongoing software updates. For now, Maxwell 2 stands as a strong technical upgrade to a favorite, with Audeze signaling intent to broaden its appeal through an ANC-enabled variant later in the year.
