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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallBottom line: The original, first-generation Audeze Maxwell remains a technically ambitious wireless gaming headset for players who value planar-magnetic sound, very long stated battery life, flexible connections and a capable boom microphone. Its 490 g weight, large earcups, passive-only isolation and version-specific console compatibility make the buying decision less straightforward. Choose the Xbox edition for Xbox, the PlayStation edition for PlayStation, and verify that any listing is the original Maxwell rather than the separate Maxwell 2. Audeze now labels the first-generation model a legacy product that is no longer available new on its main product page, so condition, region and stock must be checked on every listing.
What this review covers
This is a review of the original Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset, not Maxwell 2. Audeze’s official product page now marks the first-generation headset as a legacy product and links to Maxwell 2 as a separate successor. Maxwell 2 is not a renamed version of the headset reviewed here; a listing that says only “Maxwell” needs its generation, console edition and condition confirmed before you buy.
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The original Maxwell’s proposition is unusual: Audeze combines 90 mm planar magnetic drivers with a low-latency wireless USB dongle, Bluetooth 5.3, USB audio, analog input and a detachable boom microphone. Audeze’s product page reproduces the assessment, “The Audeze Maxwell Wireless excels in just about every area, from the sound quality to the battery life,” attributed to T3.com with a Platinum Award. That is an editorial endorsement, not a guarantee that every listener will prefer its sound or fit.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIndependent measurements from RTINGS describe the original as a strong gaming headset with low non-Bluetooth wireless latency, long battery life and good boom-microphone performance. The same review identifies substantial weight and bulk, possible fatigue, inconsistent fit and weak passive isolation. RTINGS says its measurements concern the Xbox variant and that the Xbox and PlayStation models are separate variants. Its review page lists an update date of April 8, 2024, a writing modification date of August 24, 2026, and Methodology v2.3.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Which Maxwell should you buy for Xbox or PlayStation?
The console edition is the most important choice. Audeze recommends using the version made for your console. The Xbox and PlayStation models carry different platform features and licensing, and their dongles are not interchangeable in every use case.
| Edition | Best fit | Platform feature | Compatibility warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maxwell for Xbox | Xbox consoles, with PC and other supported devices as needed | Embedded Dolby Atmos license | Audeze’s FAQ says Xbox Maxwell dongle use on PlayStation is unsupported and may not work. |
| Maxwell for PlayStation | PlayStation consoles, with PC and other supported devices as needed | Tempest 3D support for the PlayStation version | The PlayStation version does not work on Xbox over wireless or USB. |
These warnings apply to the original models. Bluetooth behavior depends on the connected device, but Bluetooth flexibility does not turn one console edition into the other. If you own both console families, buying one Maxwell and assuming its USB dongle will serve both is risky; plan around the console you use most and verify secondary-device support before ordering.
For PS4 or PS5, use the PlayStation edition and its intended wireless or USB path. For Xbox, use the Xbox edition. On a PC or Mac, either console edition may be suitable for general computer use, but the console license and dongle behavior still belong to the edition you purchased. A used listing should show the edition on the box, dongle and product label rather than relying on a generic product title.
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Core hardware and connection specification
| Feature | Original Maxwell specification or documented behavior |
|---|---|
| Driver | 90 mm planar magnetic driver, using Audeze’s proprietary driver technology. |
| Wireless | Low-latency wireless USB dongle for gaming and other supported USB hosts. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio and support for codecs including LC3plus and LDAC; actual support depends on the connected device. |
| Wired audio | USB audio and 3.5 mm analog audio. |
| Microphone | Detachable boom microphone with beamforming and noise reduction; removing it switches communications to the internal microphone. |
| Equalization | Multi-band EQ and saved user profiles through Audeze HQ. |
| Spatial-audio licensing | Dolby Atmos license on the Xbox version; Tempest 3D support on the PlayStation version. |
The planar driver is the hardware feature most likely to distinguish Maxwell from ordinary gaming headsets. It is designed to deliver the speed and detail associated with planar magnetic transducers, while the wireless system is intended to preserve that capability without a cable to the console. Those specifications explain the headset’s appeal, but they do not eliminate the practical questions of weight, fit or room noise.
Battery life and fast charging
Audeze’s user guide states an expected battery life of more than 80 hours at an 80 dB listening level. That is a manufacturer expectation under a stated listening condition, not a universal runtime for every volume, codec, microphone state or connection. Audeze’s UK refurbished listing also describes more than 80 hours at 80 dBA.
The user guide says a 20-minute charge can provide approximately 20 to 30 hours of use when a supported 1.8 A fast charger is used. The UK listing expresses the same capability as a 25% charge from 20 minutes. Treat both figures as Audeze specifications: charger output, battery age, volume and wireless settings can change the result. A refurbished or heavily used unit may not match the behavior of a new battery.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
This capacity is especially useful for people who move between work and gaming devices or who do not want to charge every night. It also reduces the risk of a dead headset during a long session, provided you use the fast-charging conditions described by Audeze and keep a wired fallback available.
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How to connect Maxwell for gaming
Recommended wireless arrangement
Audeze recommends using the USB dongle as the primary gaming connection and Bluetooth for a secondary device. The arrangement lets a console or computer carry the game audio while a phone or tablet remains available over Bluetooth, subject to the capabilities of those devices.
- Confirm that the dongle and headset are the same console edition intended for your system.
- Connect the dongle to the console or computer and select Maxwell as the system’s audio output and microphone where the operating system presents those choices.
- For a second device, open its normal Bluetooth settings, select Maxwell and complete pairing. Bluetooth codec and LE Audio availability are controlled by that device.
- Use USB audio when you want a wired digital connection to a computer or compatible host.
- Use the 3.5 mm cable for analog audio. Audeze specifies that the cable belongs in the AUX port nearest the volume wheels; the recessed front port is for the boom microphone.
The analog port is not equivalent to the wireless and USB paths for every feature. The guide says the dual-endpoint PC/Mac game-and-chat mix works on supported connections except AUX. If you are using a platform such as PS5 or Nintendo Switch that does not provide two simultaneous audio outputs, adjust the balance through the device’s own system settings instead.
Game and chat balance
On a supported PC or Mac connection, the separate game and chat endpoints allow the two audio streams to be balanced without changing the game’s master volume. AUX does not provide that dual-endpoint function. On consoles that expose only one mixed output, the system’s audio controls determine the balance, so the headset’s PC/Mac workflow should not be expected to appear.
Using the boom microphone
Insert the detachable boom into its designated recessed front port when you want the headset microphone. Removing it switches communications to the internal microphone, according to Audeze’s guide. This makes the headset usable for a quick call without the boom attached, while the boom remains the better choice for deliberate game chat.
Sound, latency and equalization
RTINGS rates the original Maxwell’s non-Bluetooth wireless latency as low enough for gaming and describes its sound as adjustable through the companion app’s EQ and presets. Audeze’s own product information describes multi-band EQ and saved user profiles in Audeze HQ. That combination lets you keep different tunings for competitive games, single-player titles, music or voice-heavy chat rather than relying on one fixed signature.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
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The Xbox version includes an embedded Dolby Atmos license, while the PlayStation model is associated with Tempest 3D. These are edition-specific platform benefits, not interchangeable labels. Spatial processing can also be affected by console and game settings, so the license alone does not determine how every title will sound.
Bluetooth is better treated as a secondary-device mode than as the default competitive-gaming path. Audeze lists Bluetooth 5.3, LE Audio, LC3plus and LDAC support, but codec selection and latency depend on the phone, tablet or computer on the other end. For timing-sensitive play, the USB dongle is the safer primary connection.
Microphone quality and voice chat
The boom microphone is detachable and uses beamforming and noise reduction according to Audeze. RTINGS found the boom’s voice capture and background-noise handling positive in its testing. Those findings make Maxwell a credible choice for team chat, streaming voice and work calls when the boom is positioned correctly.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The internal microphone is a convenience option after the boom is removed, not a reason to discard the boom for every use. If other players report a change in clarity, check whether the boom is fully inserted and whether the platform has selected Maxwell as its input device. The headset’s communication behavior can also change when you move from a dual-endpoint PC/Mac connection to AUX or a console that manages the mix itself.
Comfort, weight and isolation
Audeze UK lists the headset at 490 g. RTINGS describes it as heavy and bulky, with the potential for fatigue during extended sessions and less stability during moderate movement. That does not mean every wearer will find it uncomfortable, but the mass is a central buying consideration. People who prefer lightweight headsets, have a smaller head, or move frequently while playing should treat fit as a risk rather than an afterthought.
The closed-back cups provide some passive reduction of mid- and high-frequency sound, but RTINGS reports weak isolation against low-frequency rumble. There is no active noise cancellation. A train engine, air conditioner or other bass-heavy source can therefore remain audible even when speech and higher-pitched room sounds are reduced.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
For a desk-based player who values sound quality and can tolerate a substantial frame, the weight may be an acceptable trade. For travel, exercise, frequent room changes or multi-hour sessions, try to confirm the return policy and the seller’s condition description before committing. Refurbished units can also differ in pad wear and clamp feel, even when the electronics function normally.
Maxwell versus Maxwell 2: avoid a generation mix-up
Maxwell 2 is a separate successor product. The original product page labels the first-generation Maxwell legacy and directs readers to Maxwell 2; it does not redefine the original as Maxwell 2. A comparison that mixes the two generations can produce incorrect assumptions about drivers, battery, weight, software, accessories or platform support.
When a seller uses a shortened title, ask for the exact model, console edition, included dongle and photos of the packaging. Do not infer a Maxwell 2 specification from an original-Maxwell listing, or carry the original’s stated battery figure into a Maxwell 2 buying decision. Use the current product documentation for whichever generation is actually being offered.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Availability and how to inspect a listing
Audeze’s main product page says the original Maxwell is no longer available new. Audeze UK has listed a refurbished PlayStation/PC version, but regional inventory and condition can change. Neither the presence of that page nor an old comparison table proves that a unit is in stock, that a particular seller is authorized, or that a particular warranty applies in your country.
Before paying, verify each item in this checklist:
- It is the original first-generation Maxwell, not Maxwell 2.
- The console edition matches your primary console.
- The correct USB dongle is included and matches that edition.
- The seller states whether the headset is new, refurbished or used.
- The listing identifies the shipping region, return terms and warranty coverage.
- The battery, ear pads, headband and microphone are present and in the condition described.
- The current price and stock are visible at the time you order; do not rely on an old cached price.
A regional refurbished listing may be a practical route for PlayStation and PC buyers if its stock, shipping and warranty meet your needs. Buyers elsewhere should not assume that the same offer, price or support terms apply.
Common problems and practical fixes
The dongle does not work on my console
First check the edition. The Xbox dongle’s use on PlayStation is unsupported and may fail, while the PlayStation model does not work on Xbox over wireless or USB. If the edition is wrong, software changes cannot make it a supported cross-console headset; use the model intended for the console.
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
I cannot adjust game and chat separately
Confirm that you are not using AUX, because the guide excludes AUX from the dual-endpoint game/chat mix. On PS5 or Nintendo Switch, use the platform’s system audio controls because those devices do not provide two simultaneous outputs for the headset to balance.
The microphone is missing
Check whether the detachable boom is inserted in the recessed front microphone port. If it has been removed, Maxwell switches to its internal microphone. Then confirm Maxwell is selected as the input device in the console or computer’s audio settings.
The headset sounds fine but room noise remains
This is expected behavior for a design without active noise cancellation. Closed-back passive isolation is stronger for some mid- and high-frequency sounds than for low-frequency rumble. Move to a quieter position or use another headset if deep environmental noise is a priority.
The headset becomes tiring
RTINGS identifies weight, bulk and fit inconsistency as potential causes of fatigue. Recheck headband adjustment and ear-cup placement, take breaks during long sessions and use the return policy when available. A unit that is electrically sound can still be the wrong physical fit.
Who should buy the original Maxwell?
It suits
- Xbox or PlayStation owners willing to buy the correct edition rather than a supposedly universal model.
- PC gamers who want low-latency dongle wireless plus USB, analog and Bluetooth options.
- Listeners who value planar-magnetic driver technology and app-based EQ profiles.
- Players who prioritize very long manufacturer-rated battery life and a strong boom microphone.
- Desk-based users comfortable with a heavy, substantial headset.
Look elsewhere if
- You need one wireless dongle to move freely between Xbox and PlayStation.
- You want active noise cancellation or strong protection from low-frequency travel noise.
- You require a lightweight headset for all-day wear or frequent movement.
- You will not verify a used or refurbished unit’s generation, edition, battery condition and included accessories.
Verdict
The first-generation Audeze Maxwell is compelling when its strengths match your priorities: planar magnetic sound, low-latency dongle wireless, broad connection choices, a well-regarded detachable microphone and more than 80 hours of stated battery life at 80 dB. Its compromises are equally concrete: 490 g of mass, bulky fit, possible long-session fatigue, weak low-frequency isolation and no active noise cancellation. Most importantly, Xbox and PlayStation editions are not interchangeable over wireless and USB. Buy the edition built for your console, confirm that the listing is the original Maxwell rather than Maxwell 2, and treat current stock and refurbished condition as facts to verify at checkout.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
