Audeze
Audeze Maxwell (Black)
Gaming · 2022 · Black
92
/ 100
From $299
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 4
Focal
Focal Utopia 2022
Open-back
96
/ 100
From $4,999
Specdex verdict
Focal Utopia 2022 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze Maxwell (Black) lands at 92 and Focal Utopia 2022 at 96. That puts Focal Utopia 2022 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 Focal Utopia 2022 if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Audeze Maxwell (Black) 92
vs 96 Focal Utopia 2022
Score breakdown
Audeze Maxwell (Black)
92 anc 70
sound 92
comfort 90
battery 86
features 92
Focal Utopia 2022
96 anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Audeze Maxwell (Black) | Focal Utopia 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | Open-back |
| 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
Focal Utopia 2022
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 Focal Utopia 2022
Which is better, Audeze Maxwell (Black) or Focal Utopia 2022? +
Focal Utopia 2022 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 Focal Utopia 2022 worth the price? +
At $4,999, Focal Utopia 2022 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.
Does Audeze Maxwell (Black) or Focal Utopia 2022 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.