Audeze has just rolled out the Maxwell 2, the latest version of its wireless gaming headset—and it’s not just a small refresh. Shown off at CES 2026, this update takes the original Maxwell, which was already a fan favorite, and makes some meaningful changes to how it sounds, feels, and works across devices.

From huge 90mm planar magnetic drivers to a redesigned headband and upgraded mic system, the Maxwell 2 is built for gamers who care about more than just RGB lights and flashy branding. And with over 80 hours of battery life, it might be the last thing you need to charge before a weekend-long gaming session.

Let’s start with the drivers. Audeze is sticking with its signature planar magnetic approach—something you don’t see much in typical gaming headsets. These 90mm drivers (yes, they’re big) are paired with Fluxor magnets and Fazor waveguides to deliver a wide frequency range from 10Hz all the way up to 50kHz. In plain terms: deep bass, detailed highs, and a cleaner sound across the board.

The real star here, though, is a feature called SLAM. This patent-pending tech was first seen in Audeze’s high-end CRBN2 headphones and now makes its way to the gaming world. Instead of relying on software tricks to simulate 3D audio, SLAM focuses on how sound physically moves through the drivers—bringing out more accurate positioning and punchier bass. It’s designed to help you hear both the subtle stuff (like footsteps) and the intense moments (like explosions) without one overwhelming the other.

Audeze also made a point to improve comfort this time around. If you’ve ever had a headset dig into the top of your head after an hour or two, you’ll appreciate the updates. The Maxwell 2’s headband now uses a wider suspension strap with ventilation holes to reduce heat and pressure. The ear pads have been reworked too, giving your ears a little more room inside while still keeping things quiet with a closed-back design.

There’s also a new magnetic system for the ear pads. Swapping them out—whether for cleaning or replacing—is now a quick, no-tools-required job. It’s the kind of quality-of-life update that seems small until you actually need it.

If you play team-based games, your voice chat needs to be clear—and the Maxwell 2 is ready for that. Audeze has upgraded its FILTER AI system for noise cancellation, doubling the bandwidth so it can better cut out things like background typing, loud fans, or just general home noise.

The boom mic is removable and has a hypercardioid pickup pattern, which means it’s tuned to focus on your voice and ignore as much background sound as possible. There’s also a physical volume knob on the headset for fast, no-fuss control—something that’s easy to overlook until you’re fumbling through menus mid-match.

The Maxwell 2 is designed to connect to just about any device you have. It comes with a USB-C dongle for ultra-low-latency wireless gaming on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. If you care about audio lag—and you should—this dongle is a must.

But it doesn’t stop there. Bluetooth 5.3 is built in too, with support for LE Audio and LDAC. So whether you’re pairing it with your phone, tablet, or even a Nintendo Switch, you can expect high-quality wireless playback. That makes it a solid pick for more than just gaming—it can pull double duty for music and movies as well.

Just keep in mind that the PlayStation and Xbox versions are sold separately, and Audeze hasn’t said whether the Xbox model will work with PlayStation natively. That’s something to check before you hit “buy.”

Battery life on the Maxwell 2 is rated for over 80 hours of use. That’s far more than what most gaming headsets offer, and it means you could go several days—or even a full week—without needing to plug in.

Of course, how long it actually lasts will depend on how you’re using it. Playing over the wireless dongle with mic and noise cancellation running? You’ll probably see shorter battery life than when just listening to music over Bluetooth. Still, even under heavy use, it’s likely to outlast the competition.

And when you do need to charge, USB-C fast charging helps get you back in action quickly.

Alongside the hardware launch, Audeze is introducing a brand-new app to help manage settings. It’s available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android—and it’s designed to be faster and easier to use than the previous version. You can adjust EQ, check battery levels, and tweak mic settings all in one place.

Even better, the app also works with the original Maxwell headset. So if you’ve already bought into the ecosystem, you’re not being left behind.

The Maxwell 2 isn’t trying to be a flashy headset with gimmicks. Instead, it focuses on audio performance, long-term comfort, and practical features that matter—especially if you’re serious about gaming (or just want one headset that works everywhere). Whether you're competing in ranked matches, catching up on Netflix, or listening to music on your commute, it’s designed to handle it all without needing a pile of extra gear.

That said, it’s not the only option in this space. The Maxwell 2 is going up against some tough competition, including the Logitech G Astro A50 ($398.99 at Amazon), beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro ($329.99), SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro ($379.99), and Sony INZONE H9 II ($349.99 at Sony). All of these headsets offer different strengths—whether it’s ecosystem integration, mic quality, or brand-specific features—so the choice ultimately comes down to what you prioritize.

Still, for those who’ve been waiting for a headset that treats audio as more than just an afterthought, the Maxwell 2 could be a great pick in 2026.

The Audeze Maxwell 2 is available now in two versions:

• PlayStation version: $329
• Xbox version: $349

Both support Windows, macOS, mobile devices, and the Nintendo Switch. Just double-check which console version you’re buying to avoid compatibility headaches.