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

Audeze Maxwell (Black)

Gaming · 2022 · Black

92
/ 100
From $299
VS
Sony WH-1000XM5 wins by 1
Sony WH-1000XM5 — Over-ear · 2022
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM5

Over-ear · 2022

93
/ 100
From $399
Specdex verdict

Sony WH-1000XM5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze Maxwell (Black) lands at 92 and Sony WH-1000XM5 at 93. That puts Sony WH-1000XM5 ahead by 1 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 Sony WH-1000XM5 if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM5

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sony WH-1000XM5 leads on anc (91 vs 70).

Comfort

Sony WH-1000XM5

Long-session wearability

Sony WH-1000XM5 leads on comfort (92 vs 90).

Value for money

Audeze Maxwell (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Audeze Maxwell (Black) more score per dollar ($299 vs $399).

Audeze Maxwell (Black) 92
vs
93 Sony WH-1000XM5

Score breakdown

Audeze Maxwell (Black)
92
anc 70
sound 92
comfort 90
battery 86
features 92
Sony WH-1000XM5
93
anc 91
sound 93
comfort 92
battery 82
features 89

Specs side-by-side

Audeze Maxwell (Black) versus Sony WH-1000XM5 — full spec comparison
Spec Audeze Maxwell (Black) Sony WH-1000XM5
Type
Gaming headset
Over-ear
Variant
Black
—
Release year
2022
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

Sony WH-1000XM5

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 Sony WH-1000XM5

Which is better, Audeze Maxwell (Black) or Sony WH-1000XM5? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. 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 Sony WH-1000XM5 worth the price? +

At $399, Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in sound.

Does Audeze Maxwell (Black) or Sony WH-1000XM5 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 noise cancelling, Audeze Maxwell (Black) or Sony WH-1000XM5? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 — leads on anc (91 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.

Which is better for comfort, Audeze Maxwell (Black) or Sony WH-1000XM5? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 — leads on comfort (92 vs 90). Long-session wearability.