Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Audeze Maxwell (Black) — Gaming · 2022 · Black
Audeze

Audeze Maxwell (Black)

Gaming · 2022 · Black

92
/ 100
From $299
VS
Audeze LCD-5 wins by 4
Audeze LCD-5 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze LCD-5

Planar magnetic

96
/ 100
From $4,500
Specdex verdict

Audeze LCD-5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze Maxwell (Black) lands at 92 and Audeze LCD-5 at 96. That puts Audeze LCD-5 ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Audeze Maxwell (Black) if…

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

Pick Audeze LCD-5 if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Audeze LCD-5

Tuning, detail, and staging

Audeze LCD-5 leads on sound (96 vs 92).

Noise cancelling

Audeze Maxwell (Black)

ANC strength for commute and travel

Audeze Maxwell (Black) leads on anc (70 vs 0).

Comfort

Audeze Maxwell (Black)

Long-session wearability

Audeze Maxwell (Black) leads on comfort (90 vs 88).

Value for money

Audeze Maxwell (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Audeze Maxwell (Black) more score per dollar ($299 vs $4,500).

Audeze Maxwell (Black) 92
vs
96 Audeze LCD-5

Score breakdown

Audeze Maxwell (Black)
92
anc 70
sound 92
comfort 90
battery 86
features 92
Audeze LCD-5
96
anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Audeze Maxwell (Black) versus Audeze LCD-5 — full spec comparison
Spec Audeze Maxwell (Black) Audeze LCD-5
Type
Gaming headset
Planar magnetic
Variant
Black
—
Release year
2022
—

Audeze Maxwell (Black)

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

Audeze LCD-5

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: Audeze Maxwell (Black) vs Audeze LCD-5

Which is better, Audeze Maxwell (Black) or Audeze LCD-5? +

Audeze LCD-5 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Audeze Maxwell (Black) worth the price? +

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

Is Audeze LCD-5 worth the price? +

At $4,500, Audeze LCD-5 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.

Does Audeze Maxwell (Black) or Audeze LCD-5 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, Audeze Maxwell (Black) or Audeze LCD-5? +

Audeze LCD-5 — leads on sound (96 vs 92). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Audeze Maxwell (Black) or Audeze LCD-5? +

Audeze Maxwell (Black) — leads on anc (70 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.