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