Compare SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite vs Audeze Maxwell 2

Reviewers repeatedly describe the sound as elite, hi-fi, detailed, or best-in-class, with only one notably price-sensitive review saying the audio still does not justify $600.

The Maxwell 2’s planar drivers deliver exceptional clarity, detail, and resolution across games and music, making sound quality its most consistent strength. A few listeners prefer a more visceral or less analytical presentation, but fidelity is overwhelmingly praised.

ANC is one of the most consistently praised features, with reviewers calling it class-leading for gaming headsets, though a few compare it less favorably to consumer ANC flagships.

The standard launch model does not include ANC, and several buyers see that as a notable omission at this price. Some specifically suggest waiting for the announced ANC version if active isolation matters.

Bass is generally praised for precision, texture, and depth, though a few reviewers note the stock tuning can be bass-heavy or excessive in some contexts.

Bass is clean, tight, and well controlled, yet opinions split on how much physical sub-bass slam it delivers. EQ and firmware updates can add weight without much distortion, but some listeners still find deep rumble too restrained.

Microphone noise reduction is praised for suppressing hiss, vacuums, washing machines, and background noise, with only minor processing caveats.

FILTER noise reduction can suppress keyboards and loud background sounds effectively, especially on lower settings. Stronger processing can raise volume, clip, compress, or robotize the voice, so the best setting depends on the environment.

Soundstage is considered wide or exceptional by several reviewers, though one review notes stock single-player presentation can feel somewhat tight.

The closed-back design still produces an unusually spacious stereo field with convincing width and depth. Games and layered music benefit from the open-feeling presentation and easy placement of sounds.

Frequency-response impressions are mixed: one review praises balanced warmth, depth, and clarity, while another notes ANC and tuning changes affect consistency.

The tuning is widely described as balanced, natural, and reference-like rather than heavily colored. That accuracy suits detail-focused listening, though bass- or excitement-seeking users may want EQ.

Footstep-focused EQ evidence is positive, with the Valorant preset said to make footsteps more detailed and enemy positions easier to localize.

Competitive cues such as footsteps remain clear even when explosions and other low-frequency effects pile up. That cue separation gives the headset a strong advantage in shooters.

Spatial audio is generally praised for immersion, depth, and open-world presentation, though the tuning is more cinematic than strictly esports-focused.

Native stereo imaging is already so precise that spatial processing can be impressive without being essential. Dolby Atmos or platform 3D modes can add immersion, though at least one listener preferred the natural stereo presentation.

Passive isolation is widely strong, credited to sealed pads and dense cushions, though one review only calls it moderate.

The plush closed-back pads form a strong passive seal that blocks keyboards, chatter, and other everyday noise well. That isolation is useful at a desk, though people who prefer hearing their surroundings may find it too closed off.

Positional audio is generally strong, with praise for footsteps, directional cues, and spatial detail; one review finds it merely good enough.

Directional imaging is exceptional and one of the Maxwell 2’s defining strengths. Footsteps, reloads, vertical movement, and distant effects are easy to locate even in crowded competitive mixes.

Multipoint and simultaneous-source behavior is praised as seamless or unusually capable, especially when combining Bluetooth, USB, and aux sources.

This is one of the clearest drawbacks: the Maxwell 2 cannot mix Bluetooth and 2.4GHz dongle audio at the same time. Bluetooth can coexist with wired USB or analog audio, but fully wireless two-source use remains awkward.

Fit and seal reliability is positive in one review, where freer ear cup movement is said to maintain a better seal.

The larger pads usually create a secure over-ear seal that supports bass and passive isolation, but the headset’s mass can make it shift or slide during head movement. Fit therefore depends heavily on head shape and strap position.

Earpad replacement ease is positive in one review that says the design should be easy enough to repair.

Magnetic earpads pop on and off with very little effort, making replacement and aftermarket swaps unusually convenient. This is widely treated as a meaningful quality-of-life improvement.

Codec support is viewed as robust thanks to LC3/LC3+ and hi-res wireless, though one reviewer wanted additional support such as aptX-like options.

Bluetooth codec support is unusually broad and is praised for covering modern high-quality options such as LDAC, LE Audio, and Auracast. The main omission is aptX.

Value for money is the most divided attribute: reviewers praise the elite feature set but repeatedly warn that $600 is only sensible for a narrow audience.

The premium price is easier to justify for buyers prioritizing top-tier sound, battery life, and build quality. Value drops sharply for original-Maxwell owners, since many reviews see the second generation as a modest sidegrade rather than a must-have upgrade.

USB-C is a limitation in one review because the headset charges over USB-C but does not support direct USB audio.

USB-C is especially valuable for wired listening because it carries a clean digital signal into the headset and supports high-resolution playback. It is also the preferred wired option over the analog jack for maximum fidelity.

Ear cup rotation is praised in one review for freer movement that improves seal behavior compared with previous models.

The reduced swivel is a step backward for storage and around-the-neck use. The cups no longer rotate fully flat, making the headset bulkier to pack than the original Maxwell.

Headband adjustability is positively described as adjustable, smoother, and more rugged, though coverage is limited.

The fixed-hole suspension strap holds its setting securely but is cumbersome to adjust and offers limited fine tuning. Users between sizes or sharing the headset may find the three-position approach especially frustrating.

Volume output is supported by one review describing full, rich playback without detail loss.

Volume behavior is less consistent than the headset’s overall fidelity. Some users find mobile or wireless output quieter than expected, while others report enough level for normal listening.

Console limitations are a recurring caveat because the highest hi-res benefits are PC-only and some chat behavior is not fully compatible.

Console support depends on buying the correct version, and some controls do not work identically everywhere. PlayStation game/chat mixing and cross-console wireless restrictions are the most notable limitations.

Maximum-volume clarity is supported by one review that found loud game effects remained clear.

The planar drivers generally stay composed and detailed when pushed louder, with little muddiness or distortion. A few users still encounter harshness or source-dependent limitations at higher levels.

Portability is a weakness in the one scored review, which calls the headset bulky compared with high-end headphones.

Portability is poor for such a large, heavy headset. The cups do not fold or lie fully flat, so travel and compact storage are noticeably less convenient.

Instrument separation is mostly praised for detail retrieval and the ability to pick out subtle sounds, but one review specifically says separation is lacking.

Separation is a standout strength: individual effects, voices, and musical layers remain distinct even when the mix gets chaotic. That clarity is especially useful for competitive shooters and dense music.

Integrated microphones are convenient and surprisingly good for calls or discreet use, though they are still secondary to the boom mic.

The built-in microphones are convenient when the boom is removed, but their sound quality is clearly weaker. They are adequate for casual calls or quick communication, while serious voice chat benefits from the boom mic.

Multi-platform compatibility is very strong, with reviewers calling it an all-systems or premium multi-platform solution.

PC, PlayStation, Switch, Mac, and mobile coverage is broad, with the correct console model extending support to Xbox or PlayStation. Moving between devices is generally easy once the connection method is configured.

Microphone performance is broadly strong, often described as excellent or improved, though one reviewer still finds it compressed and unspectacular.

The detachable boom mic ranges from very clear and near broadcast-like to compressed, distorted, or disappointing depending on software and firmware. In-game chat often fares better than Discord, making mic quality one of the more mixed areas.

Replaceable earpads are positive overall, extending service life, though one review flags pleather wear as a long-term concern.

Replaceable magnetic earpads make long-term maintenance and comfort customization simple. Being able to swap worn or alternative pads extends the headset’s practical life.

Sidetone is useful and clear, but reviewers also describe it as overpowering or only comfortable at moderate levels.

Sidetone is adjustable from the headset or app and can be useful for monitoring your voice, with improved behavior over the original in some tests. Opinions vary on its sound and usefulness, so many users leave it low or off.

Earpad padding is broadly praised for plushness and softness, but several reviewers warn faux leather can get sweaty or may wear over time.

The large, plush earpads are generally soft, roomy, and supportive, with enough space for full over-ear fit. Heat buildup varies by user, but padding quality itself is usually praised.

The retractable mic mechanism is convenient in the scored review, where it is easy to pull out and position.

The removable boom mic is handy for solo play, videos, travel, or public use because it reduces clutter when voice chat is unnecessary. It also makes the headset look less overtly gaming-focused.

Packaging quality is supported by one review that found the unboxing experience premium.

Presentation feels appropriately premium, with the headset and accessories arriving in a polished, high-end package. The unboxing experience reinforces the solid build and premium positioning.

Stability is mixed: the headset is secure enough in normal use but can slip with sudden movement or have wireless breakup at longer range.

The wireless connection is usually stable at a desk, but physical stability is more mixed because the heavy cups can shift with movement. Some users report no dropouts while others encounter disconnects or sliding fit.

Connectivity versatility is the clearest consensus strength: reviewers repeatedly praise multi-device support, four-source mixing, and broad setup flexibility.

The Maxwell 2 covers USB-C dongle, Bluetooth, USB wired, and 3.5mm analog use across many device types. That flexibility is excellent, although the rules for combining sources are more restrictive than the connection list suggests.

Wireless latency is consistently excellent in the scored reviews, with reviewers reporting no notable lag or no skips.

Wireless response is consistently quick, with little or no noticeable delay over the 2.4GHz dongle and surprisingly good Bluetooth latency in some tests. It suits fast-paced games well.

Treble receives mixed reactions: several reviewers hear smoother or clearer highs, but others find peaks, sharpness, or fatigue that benefit from EQ correction.

The top end is detailed and airy for many listeners, adding definition without masking the mids. Others hear the stock tuning as sharp, sibilant, or metallic enough to become fatiguing over time.

Hi-res playback and the GameHub/DAC are major strengths, though some reviewers question whether the hi-res benefit matters outside PC and music use.

Digital USB playback is a major strength, supporting clean 24-bit/96kHz audio through the headset’s internal processing. It helps the Maxwell 2 function as a serious music-listening headset as well as gaming gear.

Included accessories are generally considered generous, though another review frames them as goodies rather than luxury-level extras.

The box provides the main cables, USB adapter, wireless dongle, and detachable boom mic needed for the supported connection modes. The bundle is practical and makes switching between devices easier.

Game/chat balance works well on PC and via the base station, but PlayStation chat compatibility is a limitation.

The physical game/chat wheel is convenient on supported platforms and gives quick control without opening software. Its usefulness is reduced on PlayStation, where the mix may need to be handled through console settings.

Replaceable ear plates are positively mentioned as a fan-favorite design element.

Removable magnetic outer plates add easy cosmetic customization and can shave a little weight when left off. The feature is fun and practical, though the redesigned controls needed to accommodate it are not universally liked.

Midrange clarity is viewed positively, with reviewers noting cleaner mids and detailed reproduction; one technical review still flags tuning choices that affect perceived clarity.

Voices, dialogue, instruments, and game effects come through with excellent definition and natural body. The clear, articulate mids also help dense mixes stay intelligible during busy gameplay.

Preset EQ profiles are praised for quantity and game-specific usefulness, though their value depends on users being willing to switch or tune profiles.

The included presets offer useful starting points for immersive listening, bass boost, and competitive play. Their usefulness varies by game, and some users prefer custom EQ because certain presets do not change key cues enough.

Physical controls are usually praised for tactile wheels, intuitive placement, and good feedback, though one reviewer says smaller buttons feel less premium.

The recessed dials and physical controls are generally functional, but the tiny recessed mic-mute switch receives repeated criticism for being hard to find and operate quickly. Multi-function wheels also take some learning.

Setup and software simplicity is mixed: the GameHub and menus can be easy, but OLED choice, Windows volume behavior, and app friction draw criticism.

Basic pairing and setup can be straightforward, but firmware, dongle modes, and app recognition introduce friction for some owners. The experience ranges from plug-and-play to surprisingly convoluted when troubleshooting is needed.

Bluetooth is generally useful and flexible, especially for simultaneous phone/app use, though codec and platform limitations still appear in nearby reviewer comments.

Bluetooth is convenient and broadly useful for phones and secondary devices, with generally good sound and easy pairing. Its automatic priority over the dongle can interrupt gaming audio, which makes source behavior frustrating for some setups.

The app ecosystem is mixed: reviewers like mobile/console control and deep options, but some find the desktop software intrusive or frustrating.

The redesigned Audeze app is cleaner, faster, and easier to navigate than the old software, with straightforward access to EQ, sidetone, mic filtering, and updates. A few users still encounter connection or recognition quirks.

EQ customization is a major strength, with repeated praise for parametric EQ, per-source profiles, and on-the-fly tuning across app, hub, and PC software.

The 10-band EQ is flexible and the planar drivers respond very well to aggressive tuning without falling apart. Multiple custom profiles make it easy to add bass or tailor the sound, though some users want deeper parametric control.

Call and chat mic quality is strong overall, with reviewers reporting clear voice quality and a mic competitive with top wireless headset microphones.

Call quality can be clear and easy to understand when the microphone behaves normally. It is suitable for everyday voice use, but the headset’s mic performance is more variable than its playback quality.

Design and aesthetics are widely praised for the sage/gold look, mature styling, and premium visual finish.

The look is understated, mature, and more audiophile than typical RGB-heavy gaming gear. Some love the premium metal styling and removable plates, while others find the bulky shape plain or generic.

Weight comfort is mixed: some reviewers say the headset does not feel cumbersome, while others call it heavy or not among the lightest.

At roughly 560g, the Maxwell 2 is exceptionally heavy and the weight is its most repeated physical drawback. The wider suspension strap distributes the load better, but many users still notice neck, jaw, or head fatigue during long sessions.

Comfort is highly polarized: many reviewers call it plush and long-session friendly, while others report tightness, sweating, pressure, or fatigue.

Comfort is highly fit-dependent. The wider strap and plush pads let some people wear the headset for four to six hours comfortably, while others need breaks after one or two hours because of weight, warmth, or pressure.

Clamping force is a repeated comfort caveat, with multiple reviewers calling it tight or stronger than expected even when the headset remains wearable.

Clamp is usually described as moderate or light enough to avoid excessive ear pressure, and several glasses wearers appreciate the fit. A few users experience more squeeze or instability depending on head shape.

Build quality is consistently praised as premium, sturdy, metal-rich, and solid, with only isolated complaints about small squeaks or finish details.

Construction is consistently praised as sturdy, premium, and tank-like, with metal components and little creaking or flex. The substantial materials inspire confidence, even though they contribute to the headset’s heavy weight.

Charging is viewed positively thanks to fast charging, the hub battery slot, and quick swaps that reduce the need to tether the headset.

USB-C charging is simple, and fast charging adds many hours of playback from a short top-up. Combined with the large battery, charging rarely interrupts normal gaming routines.

Battery performance is strongly praised because the two-battery system largely removes runtime anxiety, despite one reviewer disputing true hot-swap behavior.

Battery life is exceptional, commonly lasting around 80 hours or more and often stretching through a week or two of regular use. It is one of the headset’s strongest practical advantages.

Reliability is the biggest customer-side concern, with reports of white noise, buzzing, disconnects, freezes, mic glitches, and firmware-related behavior. Some problems improve after updates or replacements, but the frequency of failure reports makes consistency a real caveat.

Auracast is part of a strong modern Bluetooth feature set and adds to the headset’s wireless flexibility on compatible devices. It is praised alongside LDAC and LE Audio rather than treated as a headline reason to buy.

Firmware has already improved bass and microphone behavior, showing that Audeze can correct issues after launch. The update process and occasional regressions still create frustration for some owners.

Android works across the headset’s supported wireless options, but dongle volume can be much lower than expected on phones and may need to be pushed to maximum. The platform is supported, though the experience is not flawless.

The lack of aptX is a small codec gap rather than a deal-breaker. The rest of the wireless codec selection is strong enough that it matters mainly to buyers specifically invested in aptX.

The carry case is repeatedly criticized as too soft or insufficiently protective for the price, despite a few reviewers calling the pouch nice.

The analog cable option is useful in at least one real use case, where the reviewer said it worked well when directly powered.

The USB-C dongle delivers responsive low-latency wireless audio, but source priority, mode switching, and occasional connection quirks can make it less seamless than expected. Some users also find its range only average.

The roomy pads and moderate clamp work especially well with glasses, with multiple users reporting little extra pressure or sealing trouble. The fit is notably accommodating around eyewear.

LDAC is a welcome option for higher-quality Bluetooth listening on compatible devices. It strengthens the Maxwell 2’s appeal as a music headset as well as a gaming headset.

Overall sentiment is positive because the sound, imaging, battery life, and build are genuinely high-end. Satisfaction falls for buyers who cannot tolerate the weight, need better dual-wireless behavior, encounter reliability problems, or already own the original Maxwell.

Smudge resistance is weak in one review, where the metallic finish is described as a fingerprint magnet.

Touch control responsiveness is lightly positive, with the touch-sensitive GameHub button described as easy enough for menu navigation.

Range is adequate for normal desk and room use but inconsistent beyond that. Some units hold through nearby rooms, while others drop after roughly 10–12 feet or when moving between floors.

Xbox compatibility is positive where discussed, with reviewers noting Xbox support through the hub and no need for a separate Xbox variant.

Hinge durability is supported by one review that praises the full metal yoke construction as more durable.

The recessed boom-mic socket guides the connector into a snug, secure fit with little ambiguity. It is a small but well-executed physical detail.

Sound leakage is excellent in the one scored review, which reports zero spillage even at loud volume.