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Sony WH-1000XM4 — Over-ear · 2020
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM4

Over-ear · 2020

90
/ 100
From $349
VS
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) wins by 2
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition
Audeze

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition

92
/ 100
From $299
Specdex verdict

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM4 lands at 90 and Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) at 92. That puts Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sony WH-1000XM4 if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)

Pick Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility
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Winner by scenario

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

Sound quality

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Tuning, detail, and staging

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) leads on sound (92 vs 90).

Noise cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM4

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sony WH-1000XM4 leads on anc (88 vs 70).

Comfort

Tie

Long-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).

Sony WH-1000XM4 90
vs
92 Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Score breakdown

Sony WH-1000XM4
90
anc 88
sound 90
comfort 89
battery 82
features 86
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)
92
anc 70
sound 92
comfort 90
battery 86
features 92

Specs side-by-side

Sony WH-1000XM4 versus Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — full spec comparison
Spec Sony WH-1000XM4 Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)
Type
Over-ear
Gaming headset
Release year
2020
2022
Variant
—
PS5 Edition

Sony WH-1000XM4

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

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

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

FAQ: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM4 or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sony WH-1000XM4 worth the price? +

At $349, Sony WH-1000XM4 delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.

Is Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) worth the price? +

At $299, Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.

Does Sony WH-1000XM4 or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) 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, Sony WH-1000XM4 or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — leads on sound (92 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Sony WH-1000XM4 or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Sony WH-1000XM4 — leads on anc (88 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.