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Audeze Maxwell (Black) — Gaming · 2022 · Black
Audeze

Audeze Maxwell (Black)

Gaming · 2022 · Black

92
/ 100
From $299
VS
Sennheiser HD 800 S wins by 3
Sennheiser HD 800 S — Open-back
Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Open-back

95
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict

Sennheiser HD 800 S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze Maxwell (Black) lands at 92 and Sennheiser HD 800 S at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800 S ahead by 3 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 Sennheiser HD 800 S if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sennheiser HD 800 S leads on sound (95 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 $1,699).

Audeze Maxwell (Black) 92
vs
95 Sennheiser HD 800 S

Score breakdown

Audeze Maxwell (Black)
92
anc 70
sound 92
comfort 90
battery 86
features 92
Sennheiser HD 800 S
95
anc 0
sound 95
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Audeze Maxwell (Black) versus Sennheiser HD 800 S — full spec comparison
Spec Audeze Maxwell (Black) Sennheiser HD 800 S
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

Sennheiser HD 800 S

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 Sennheiser HD 800 S

Which is better, Audeze Maxwell (Black) or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +

Sennheiser HD 800 S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. 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 Sennheiser HD 800 S worth the price? +

At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800 S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in battery.

Does Audeze Maxwell (Black) or Sennheiser HD 800 S 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 Sennheiser HD 800 S? +

Sennheiser HD 800 S — leads on sound (95 vs 92). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Audeze Maxwell (Black) or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +

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