Compare Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II vs Audeze Maxwell 2

The removable mic and restrained styling make the headset usable away from a desk. Nearly 400 grams, deep earcups, and an oversized case prevent it from being genuinely compact travel gear.

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.

The Android version of Swarm II mirrors the useful PC controls, letting players adjust headset settings from a phone while using another gaming source.

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.

Only the battery-side faceplate is removable, so the design does not meaningfully support interchangeable cosmetic plates or broad aftermarket customization.

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.

ANC is unusually effective for a gaming headset, cutting steady hums, appliances, and even nearby construction. A few users report cabin pressure, seal-related rumble, wind weakness, or occasional artifacts.

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.

The default signature is intentionally V-shaped rather than neutral, emphasizing bass and upper treble while keeping most mids audible. Listeners seeking studio accuracy will need EQ and may still notice uneven low-end character.

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.

The cups generally swivel and tilt far enough to sit flush or rest comfortably around the neck. One customer found the movement slow enough to make single-ear listening awkward.

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.

Superhuman Hearing can make footsteps and gunfire more obvious in tactical shooters. Its heavy rebalancing often hollows out music, dialogue, and other effects, so many prefer a custom EQ instead.

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.

The understated metal-and-fabric design looks far more luxurious and less overtly gamer-like than earlier Turtle Beach headsets. Its large earcups remain bulky, but most reviewers are comfortable wearing it in public.

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.

The included second transmitter is a major convenience for switching between separated systems without moving cables. Expansion units cost extra and have sometimes been unavailable, defective, or unrecognized by Swarm II.

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.

LDAC can provide higher-quality Bluetooth listening, but support is restricted to the PC/PlayStation version rather than the broadly compatible Xbox model.

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.

The Xbox model offers the broadest native compatibility, while the PC/PlayStation model cannot connect to Xbox. Game/chat mixing and certain codecs are also tied to the selected version, creating avoidable fine print.

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.

At roughly 382–396 grams, the headset is objectively heavy, though good cushions and distribution make it feel manageable for many. Others develop head or neck discomfort quickly because the narrow mesh carries too much load.

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.

The physical wheels and buttons are generally tactile, logically placed, and partly remappable. Some find the controls crowded, the volume steps too coarse, or individual functions hard to identify by touch.

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.

The dual-driver design produces powerful, physical bass that makes games feel cinematic without always sacrificing detail. The stock tuning can be overly boomy, and extreme boost or ANC behavior may introduce distortion.

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.

The detachable 9mm boom is one of the strongest headset microphones in this class, often described as clear, warm, and suitable for meetings or casual content creation. Some listeners hear thinness or sibilance, and a few launch units suffered severe bugs.

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.

Mic monitoring is useful for controlling speaking volume, but current implementation is inconsistent. It can be very quiet, fail to work as expected, or become unavailable when ANC is active.

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.

The angled memory-foam cushions are usually described as soft, breathable, plush, and glasses-friendly. A minority find the cloth scratchy or warm, and it isolates less completely than leatherette.

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.

USB-C supports charging and wired digital playback on compatible PC and PlayStation setups. Wired platform support and included cable types are limited enough that some users will need an adapter.

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.

The dedicated mix wheel is convenient where supported and can be reassigned. Its function depends on the headset version and platform, and mobile control behavior was inconsistent for at least one tester.

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.

The dual drivers usually keep layered effects, music, and ambience distinct, even in busy shooters. Separation can become less convincing in chaotic battle-royale mixes or beside strong open-back and planar competitors.

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.

The contoured pads and swiveling yokes usually form a secure ANC-friendly seal across varied head shapes. Small heads, unusually large heads, and seal-sensitive users report slipping, pressure, or vacuum sensations.

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.

Removing the boom mic quickly converts the headset into a cleaner-looking pair of everyday headphones, while flip-to-mute is usually convenient. A few users prefer retractable designs or trigger mute accidentally when moving the boom.

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.

Basic pairing and source switching are often instant and intuitive out of the box. Firmware updates, first-time CrossPlay configuration, and Swarm II detection caused serious friction for a notable minority.

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.

The Xbox version works across Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Switch, and mobile, making it the safest all-platform purchase. The PC/PlayStation version is similarly flexible except for its complete lack of Xbox support.

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.

Output ranges from extremely powerful on some PCs to unexpectedly quiet on PS5 or Bluetooth for several users. Coarse wheel increments and occasional control bugs make level adjustment less consistent than it should be.

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.

AI processing and noise-gate controls can reduce keyboards, chatter, and machinery without heavily damaging speech. It is not always aggressive enough, and some reviewers prefer it off because it flattens the voice.

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.

Simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio is excellent for calls, music, and gaming at once, with separate volume control. Pairing and call-volume bugs appear in some units, and this is not true multi-device Bluetooth multipoint.

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.

Certified 24-bit/96kHz playback gives the headset ample detail and headroom over compatible USB connections. Platform caps and subtle real-world differences mean the hi-res badge matters more to PC listeners than every console player.

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.

The built-in profiles provide quick tonal changes and several reviewers enjoy them. Bass-heavy or competitive modes can sound exaggerated or hollow, making custom EQ the more reliable option.

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.

The package is generous, with a hard case, two batteries, charging transmitter, second dongle, detachable mic, and cable. Some buyers still wanted another transmitter or charging cable included at this price.

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.

Support for modern Bluetooth codecs such as LC3+ and LDAC can deliver high-quality wireless streams on compatible devices, though availability varies by headset version.

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.

Swarm II exposes ANC, microphone controls, button mapping, EQ, and device settings on PC and mobile. Its breadth is a strength, but several launch-period users encountered crashes, stalled updates, or transmitter-detection failures.

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.

Dolby Atmos adds enjoyable height, distance, and environmental detail in supported games and movies. Competitive players may prefer native game audio because virtualization can add reverb or soften precise cues.

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.

The sculpted cushions create a useful passive seal that blocks a surprising amount of room noise before ANC is enabled. Cloth coverings and imperfect fit can still let voices and sound leakage through.

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.

The headset mixes one Bluetooth source with one 2.4GHz source, but it does not provide true Bluetooth multipoint. Some users report device-priority confusion or call-volume failures when multiple connections are involved.

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.

The 2.4GHz connection and low-latency Bluetooth options produce effectively immediate game audio, with multiple reviewers reporting no perceptible lag.

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.

The dominant view is that this is a flagship headset with exceptional audio, battery convenience, microphone quality, and platform flexibility. The premium price, polarized headband comfort, and early software bugs keep it from being universally safe.

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.

Soft sculpted cushions and good weight distribution let many reviewers wear the headset for full workdays or marathon gaming. Others develop top-of-head pain within an hour or two, making long-session comfort the product’s most divisive trait.

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.

The large cushions and ProSpecs relief channels are repeatedly praised for avoiding painful pressure on glasses arms. Even long-session glasses wearers generally report a comfortable fit.

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.

At about $350, the headset is undeniably expensive, but enthusiasts often see the money in its audio, ANC, mic, batteries, case, and connectivity. Casual players and comfort-sensitive buyers can obtain solid results for much less.

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.

Most reviewers locate footsteps, gunfire, distance, and movement with excellent precision, especially in tactical shooters. Dense action, low-volume complaints, and a few negative customer experiences show performance is not flawless for everyone.

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.

Teams, Discord, party chat, and work calls usually sound clear and full through the boom mic. The integrated microphones are less dependable, and one customer experienced unusably low voice volume.

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.

The built-in beamforming mics are convenient for calls when the boom is removed and provide more discreet public use. They pick up more room noise, sound less polished, and were buggy or inaccessible for some reviewers.

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.

CrossPlay switching, dual wireless audio, and optional transmitters make the headset exceptionally flexible across rooms and systems. Extra dongles cost more, only one 2.4GHz stream plays at a time, and some launch setups were unreliable.

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.

The metal sliders hold their position securely but can require excessive force and are awkward to change while worn. Several users also need frequent repositioning or cannot size the headset down enough.

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.

The closed-back headset creates a surprisingly broad, enveloping stage with strong depth and atmosphere. It still trails good open-back designs in openness, and one customer found it narrower than an older Turtle Beach model.

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.

The main 2.4GHz link is usually rock-solid, reconnects quickly, and reaches through walls farther than most rivals. Isolated low-battery hiccups, Bluetooth pairing problems, and defective dongles temper that strength.

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.

Most users describe a premium, sturdy mix of metal, soft-touch plastic, fabric, and tactile controls that withstands normal knocks well. Concerns center mainly on the thin suspension mesh and isolated durability complaints.

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.

Mids and vocals are generally detailed despite the strong bass, supporting both games and music well. The stock tuning can recess dialogue in dense scenes or become muddy before EQ correction.

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.

The cushions use simple twist locks, making them straightforward to remove and reinstall without tools.

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.

The headset can play very loudly while staying impressively clean in many tests. At the extremes, boosted bass or sharp treble can become distorted, fatiguing, or painful.

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.

Clamp is comfortable or moderate for many heads and helps maintain a reliable seal. Others experience initial tightness, vacuum-like pressure, or concentrated discomfort, so fit is highly head-shape dependent.

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.

The compact transmitter dock keeps the spare battery charged and ejects it cleanly for a seconds-long swap. This rotation gives desk users nearly uninterrupted wireless operation.

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.

Highs are crisp and reveal fine effects, but the stock tuning often pushes them too far. Sensitive listeners report sibilance or painful sharpness, which is usually reduced with EQ.

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.

The onboard-saving 10-band EQ can tame the strong bass and treble or create game-specific profiles. It is effective, though some reviewers want finer bands, more presets, or a truly neutral starting point.

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.

The broad consensus favors rich, punchy, highly immersive sound with strong detail for games, music, and movies. Its stock bass and treble are not neutral, and a minority finds the result muddy, sharp, or inferior to cheaper alternatives.

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.

Two roughly 40-hour removable batteries make battery anxiety almost disappear, with reported runtime ranging from about 30 to 50 hours per pack. The spare is normally charged and ready before the active one is depleted.

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.

The presentation feels premium and carefully organized, matching the headset’s flagship positioning.

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.

The stock pads can be removed with easy twist locks, simplifying replacement or reseating when the ANC seal is wrong.

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.

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.

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.

The rigid fitted case is widely praised for protecting the headset, batteries, dock, mic, and accessories. It feels suitably premium, although its large footprint makes it less travel-friendly than it first appears.

An incorrectly seated earpad can cause unwanted ANC noise or rumble. Reinstalling and fully twisting the pad into place resolved the issue in testing.

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.

The frame feels robust overall, but one owner added a headband accessory out of concern that the suspension structure might deteriorate over time.

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.

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.

Soft-touch surfaces and ridged metal plates readily show oils, dust, and trapped debris, although fingerprints generally wipe away without much effort.

The breathable cloth cushions do not contain sound as effectively as denser leatherette pads, so some audio can escape at higher levels.

Transparency mode is useful for hearing family, calls, or surroundings without removing the headset, and its level can be adjusted in the app. On-headset mode control is less flexible than some users expect.

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.

The Xbox version works natively with Microsoft consoles while retaining broad support for PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile. It is the preferred version for buyers who own multiple console families.