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AirPods Max · Midnight Black — Over-ear · 2020
Apple

AirPods Max · Midnight Black

Over-ear · 2020

88
/ 100
From $549
VS
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) wins by 4
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition
Audeze

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition

92
/ 100
From $299
Specdex verdict

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Max · Midnight Black lands at 88 and Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) at 92. That puts Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick AirPods Max · Midnight Black if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)

Pick Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Tuning, detail, and staging

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) leads on sound (92 vs 88).

Noise cancelling

AirPods Max · Midnight Black

ANC strength for commute and travel

AirPods Max · Midnight Black leads on anc (86 vs 70).

Comfort

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Long-session wearability

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) leads on comfort (90 vs 87).

Value for money

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) more score per dollar ($299 vs $549).

AirPods Max · Midnight Black 88
vs
92 Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Score breakdown

AirPods Max · Midnight Black
88
anc 86
sound 88
comfort 87
battery 82
features 84
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)
92
anc 70
sound 92
comfort 90
battery 86
features 92

Specs side-by-side

AirPods Max · Midnight Black versus Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — full spec comparison
Spec AirPods Max · Midnight Black Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)
Type
Over-ear
Gaming headset
Release year
2020
2022
Variant
—
PS5 Edition

AirPods Max · Midnight Black

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Pros
  • +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • +Detachable broadcast mic
  • +Console compatibility
Cons
  • −Bulkier than audiophile cans
  • −Game-tuned EQ
  • −Software required on PC

FAQ: AirPods Max · Midnight Black vs Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Which is better, AirPods Max · Midnight Black or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is AirPods Max · Midnight Black worth the price? +

At $549, AirPods Max · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sound.

Is Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) worth the price? +

At $299, Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.

Does AirPods Max · Midnight Black or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, AirPods Max · Midnight Black or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — leads on sound (92 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Max · Midnight Black or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

AirPods Max · Midnight Black — leads on anc (86 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.