Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)
Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black
Over-ear · 2020
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) lands at 92 and Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black at 90. That puts Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) if…
- ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- ✓Detachable broadcast mic
- ✓Console compatibility
Pick Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSound quality
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)Tuning, detail, and staging
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) leads on sound (92 vs 90).
Noise cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight BlackANC strength for commute and travel
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black leads on anc (88 vs 70).
Comfort
TieLong-session wearability
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) more score per dollar ($299 vs $349).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) | Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Gaming headset | Over-ear |
| Variant | PS5 Edition | — |
| Release year | 2022 | 2020 |
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)
- +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
- +Detachable broadcast mic
- +Console compatibility
- −Bulkier than audiophile cans
- −Game-tuned EQ
- −Software required on PC
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
FAQ: Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) vs Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black
Which is better, Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) or Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black? +
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) worth the price? +
At $299, Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.
Is Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $349, Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.
Does Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) or Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black 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 (PS5 Edition) or Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black? +
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — leads on sound (92 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.
Which is better for noise cancelling, Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) or Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black? +
Sony WH-1000XM4 · Midnight Black — leads on anc (88 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.