Audeze
Audeze Maxwell (Black)
Gaming · 2022 · Black
92
/ 100
From $299
VS
Sennheiser HD 800S wins by 3
Sennheiser
Sennheiser HD 800S
Over-ear · 2016
95
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict
Sennheiser HD 800S takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze Maxwell (Black) lands at 92 and Sennheiser HD 800S at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800S 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 800S if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Audeze Maxwell (Black) 92
vs 95 Sennheiser HD 800S
Score breakdown
Audeze Maxwell (Black)
92 anc 70
sound 92
comfort 90
battery 86
features 92
Sennheiser HD 800S
95 anc 93
sound 95
comfort 94
battery 82
features 91
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Audeze Maxwell (Black) | Sennheiser HD 800S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | Over-ear |
| Variant | Black | — |
| Release year | 2022 | 2016 |
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 800S
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
FAQ: Audeze Maxwell (Black) vs Sennheiser HD 800S
Which is better, Audeze Maxwell (Black) or Sennheiser HD 800S? +
Sennheiser HD 800S 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 800S worth the price? +
At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sound.
Does Audeze Maxwell (Black) or Sennheiser HD 800S 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.