The Audeze Maxwell headphone has become a popular choice amongst gamers and audiophiles looking for a premium wireless headset. With stunning sound quality and low latency wireless performance, it’s easy to see why. However, at $399 it is also an expensive headset that may be out of reach for many buyers.
Fortunately, there are a number of alternatives that provide great sound and wireless connectivity at more affordable prices. Here are 10 of the best Audeze Maxwell alternative headphones you can buy on Amazon in 2023.
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Audeze Maxwell Headphone Overview
Before diving into the alternatives, let’s recap what makes the Audeze Maxwell such an impressive headset:
- Over-ear open-back design for wide soundstage
- 100mm planar magnetic drivers for detailed, hi-fi sound
- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
- Dual microphone beamforming array for crystal clear chat
- Low latency wireless for gaming & videos
- 30 hour battery life per charge
- Compatible with PlayStation, Switch, PC, Mac and mobile
With premium build and sound quality, the Maxwell delivers an exceptional listening experience geared towards gaming and critical listening. The open-back design gives it a wide, immersive soundstage that makes it easy to pinpoint sounds and directional audio cues in games.
The planar magnetic drivers produce remarkably clear audio with tight bass and sparkling highs. Combined with Audeze’s reputation for class-leading sound engineering, the Maxwell stands apart sonically.
Factors to Consider in an Audeze Maxwell Alternative
When evaluating alternatives to the Audeze Maxwell, there are a few key factors to consider:
Sound Quality
As a hi-fi gaming headset, sound quality should still be a top priority. Headsets with large drivers and premium materials can produce clearer, more detailed sound.
Comfort
For long gaming or listening sessions, comfort is also crucial. Features like well-padded ear cups, adjustable headbands and lightweight builds make prolonged wear easier.
Wireless Performance
Bluetooth connectivity has become a common feature in 2023 headsets. Minimizing latency for smooth gaming and video is important, as is range, battery life and ease of connectivity.
Compatibility
The Maxwell works with a wide range of gaming platforms and devices. Finding flexible headsets that also support consoles, PC, Mac, mobiles and the Nintendo Switch expands your usage scenarios.
Price
While this Audeze model sits at the high end of the price spectrum, more affordable alternatives can deliver great specs and performance at lower costs.
Keeping these factors in mind, let’s look at 10 great alternatives that compare well to the Audeze Maxwell while saving you money. Availability on Amazon USA, Canada and Australia has been verified for each pick.
1. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
The flagship SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is our top Audeze Maxwell alternative, offering premium sound and features for less. This versatile headset launched in early 2023 as an upgrade over the popular Arctis Pro Wireless.
Sound Quality
With high-end speaker drivers and audiophile-grade components, the Nova Pro Wireless produces stunningly clear, nuanced sound backed by rich bass. It rivals more expensive headsets sonically.
Comfort and Design
The lightweight steel and aluminum build enhances durability while remaining comfortable to wear. Retractable boom mic and swappable batteries round out the refined design.
Wireless Connectivity
By pairing wirelessly to the included multi-platform transmitter, the headset offers low latency lossless 2.4Ghz performance and Bluetooth mobile/Switch support simultaneously.
Platform Compatibility
officially supports PS5 with 3D spatial audio, PC, Mac, Switch and mobile devices.
Price
With better sound and versatility than the previous Arctis Pro Wireless, the Nova Pro Wireless costs less at $349.99 USD. Given its premium specs and broad usage scenarios, it represents excellent value. Available on Amazon USA, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia.
2. EPOS H3PRO Hybrid
As a high-performance wireless gaming headset packed with connectivity options, the EPOS H3PRO Hybrid makes for a strong Maxwell alternative at under $300.
Sound Quality
It delivers crisp, balanced audio with clean mids/highs and thumping bass ideal for gaming and music listening courtesy of its well-tuned 40mm drivers.
Comfort
The memory foam ear pads and lightweight build make this over-ear headset comfortable for most users, though clamping force may feel slightly tight initially.
Wireless Connectivity
Connect via low latency 2.4Ghz wireless USB dongle or Bluetooth 5.2 for mobile use. Concurrent wireless connections are supported.
Platform Compatibility
Works seamlessly with PS5/PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC and Mac. Comes with USB-C adapter for mobile.
Price
Costing $279 / £259 / AU$419, the H3PRO Hybrid provides wireless versatility at a mid-range price point much lower than the Maxwell’s $399 cost. It’s a great option for multi-platform gamers and represents good value. Find it on Amazon USA, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia.
3. Logitech G435 LIGHTSPEED
Logitech put a focus on lightweight comfort and sustainability with its fun G435 gaming headset. While less premium than the Audeze, its lively sound and long wireless battery life make it a handy Maxwell alternative.
Sound Quality
Despite its small drivers, the G435 produces pleasingly balanced and detailed audio ideal for gaming. The soundstage feels spacious for an immersive in-game experience.
Comfort
Weighing only 5.8oz, the thin, reversible headband and breathable memory foam ears cups keep the G435 comfy over extended periods.
Wireless Connectivity
Logitech’s smooth, low latency LIGHTSPEED wireless technology offers reliable connectivity up to 30ft away when paired with the USB-A adapter.
Platform Compatibility
Works seamlessly with PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac and mobile devices via Bluetooth.
Price
Environmentally-conscious construction and reasonable $79.99 USD asking price make this one of the most affordable quality wireless headset options currently available from a top brand like Logitech. It punches above its class sonically despite limitations in bass. Purchase it from Amazon USA, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia.
4. Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX stands out as an exceptional wireless headset for Xbox Series X/S and PS5 gamers wanting a high-quality Maxwell alternative under $200.
Sound Quality
Large and well-tuned 50mm Nanoclear drivers deliver warm, detailed sound with thundering bass – great for pulsating action games and blockbuster movies.
Comfort
The thick memory foam ear cushions provide quality noise isolation for fully immersive gaming. The glasses-friendly design remains comfy for hours of wear.
Wireless Connectivity
Uses direct wireless connections to Xbox and PlayStation consoles for lag-free game audio and chat. Also pairs to Switch/mobile via Bluetooth.
Platform Compatibility
Xbox Wireless: Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One PlayStation Wireless: PS5 and PS4 Bluetooth: Nintendo Switch, mobile
Price
$199.99 USD gets you premium wireless sound and connectivity explicitly designed for latest-gen Xbox and PlayStation consoles. The capable audio performance and platform-tailored wireless integration create an immense amount of value at this modest cost. Pick one up from Amazon USA, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia.
5. HyperX Cloud II Wireless
Long-running headset maker HyperX impresses with its Cloud II Wireless model – an affordable over-ear option ideal for budget-conscious gamers seeking Dolby Atmos compatible sound.
Sound Quality
Thanks to its newly added Dolby Atmos support and large 53mm drivers, the Cloud II Wireless headset immerses you in three-dimensional game audio at a reasonable price.
Comfort
Signature HyperX comfort remains with plush leatherette and memory foam providing quality cushioning around the head and ears.
Wireless Connectivity
Connects wirelessly to base station up to 20 meters away for lag-free gaming audio. Supports wired use with detachable mic/headphone cables too.
Platform Compatibility
Compatible with PS5, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch and Xbox Wireless systems like Series X/S when wired directly to the Xbox controller.
Price
Costing just $149.99 USD, this Wireless Cloud II version adds convenience and Dolby Atmos support at an affordable sub-$150 price tag. It’s a great wireless headset if you play mainly on PS5 or Switch. Available now from Amazon USA, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia.
6.SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless
The excellently well-rounded Arctis 9 Wireless gaming headset may be a generation old, but it remains a great option in 2023 for Xbox & PlayStation gamers wanting Lag-Free wireless audio at a reasonable cost.
Sound Quality
With premium hi-res speakers and DTS Headphone:X v2.0 surround sound, this 2019 headset still impresses sonically today with crisp highs and deep lows.
Comfort
The lightweight steel & aluminum design combined with the signature ski-goggle headband and Airweave fabric ear cushions keep the Arctis 9 comfy.
Wireless Connectivity
Proprietary 2.4Ghz wireless connects lag-free to PS5 & PS4 consoles. Bluetooth adds support for Switch and mobile devices.
Platform Compatibility
PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, and Android/iOS mobile devices.
Price
$169.99 gets you rock solid wireless connectivity explicitly optimized for PlayStation consoles backed by great Arctis sound and comfort. Over four years since launch, the Arctis 9 Wireless remains easy to recommend as a sub-$200 Audeze Maxwell alternative thanks to its well-balanced quality. Shop for one on Amazon USA, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia.
7. Audio-Technica ATH-G1WL
For gamers wanting a premium wireless headset alternative with detailed, open-backed soundstage, the critically-acclaimed Audio-Technica ATH-G1WL nicely fits the bill.
Sound Quality
Featuring specially-tuned 45mm drivers, this open-air design produces natural, immersive audio imaging ideal for competitive gaming. The bass-boost mic further enhances voice chat.
Comfort
The lightweight build featuring memory foam earpads remains comfortable over multi-hour gaming marathons. Controls sit well-positioned on earcups.
Wireless Connectivity
Low latency 2.4Ghz wireless USB adapter offers stable connectivity up to 12m away. Also supports wired use.
Platform Compatibility
Works great with PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC and Mac. Native wireless support for PS5 3D audio and Xbox Wireless protocols.
Price
At around $199 depending on region, the ATH-G1WL costs significantly less than the Maxwell while still delivering great open-backed sound. Reasonably-priced given its natural, detailed audio ideal for first-person shooters. Find it on Amazon USA, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia.
8. Drop + Sennheiser PC38X Gaming Headset
Drop’s popular collaboration with Sennheiser brings truly high-fidelity sound to gamers for only around $150 in an open-backed wired design. It works great as an alternative for those OK with a wired microphone setup.
Sound Quality
Featuring the German audio legend’s renowned engineering, the PC38X impresses with stunning audio quality producing natural sound imaging with sparkling treble and tight bass.
Comfort
The soft velour padding on headband & earpads combine with the lightweight build for comfortable long-term gaming sessions.
Connectivity
This is a purely wired headset but includes two detachable cables – one for headphone connectivity, the other for the noise-cancelling mic.
Platform Compatibility
Works flawlessly with PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC and Mac thanks to the universally-compatible 3.5mm connectors.
Price
At about $159 depending on region, the PC38X puts audiophile-grade gaming sound into gamers’ ears at an impressively accessible sub-$200 cost. It’s unmatched sonically in its price class. Buy from Amazon USA, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia.
9. EPOS H6PRO Open Acoustic Gaming Headset
Another quality pick from EPOS, the H6PRO Open delivers premium audiophile-tuned sound in an open-back design perfect for competitive gaming and immersive single-player adventures.
Sound Quality
Natural, detailed audio comes courtesy of the 53mm silk dome drivers. With its open-back design, the H6PRO Open provides stunning imaging to precisely pinpoint enemy locations.
Comfort
Lightweight construction using soft memory foam in the ear pads and headband make it comfy for extended gaming sessions.
Connectivity
This is a purely wired headset using two detachable cables – one for the headphone connection, the other for the microphone.
Platform Compatibility
Works universally across PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC and Mac. Comes with 3.5mm and USB-C connectors.
Price
$179 USD gets you clear, expansive sound tailored to the needs of competitive gamers for locating enemies based on subtle audio cues. Great high-fidelity audio at a reasonable cost considering the bespoke gaming tuning. Available now from Amazon USA, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia.
10. Razer BlackShark V2 Pro
Popular gaming brand Razer rounds out our list with its premium-priced BlackShark V2 Pro model – an attractive Maxwell alternative featuring THX Spatial Audio and multi-platform wireless support.
Sound Quality
Advanced 50mm drivers are tailored to produce clear sound with powerful bass – ideal for bombastic action titles and thrilling multiplayer shooters courtesy of THX’s sound tuning.
Comfort
Thick, padded leatherette and memory foam provide quality noise isolation during intense gaming sessions. The headset stays comfy for hours at a time.
Wireless Connectivity
Wireless connectivity happens via a lag-free 2.4Ghz USB transmitter or Bluetooth 5.0. Simultaneous connections are supported to two devices.
Platform Compatibility
Compatible with PS5, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch and Xbox Wireless on Windows 10 PCs and Android/iOS mobiles via Bluetooth.
Price
$249.99 USD gives this premium wireless headset THX certification, 50mm drivers, long 24 hour battery life and multi-device wireless support. A versatile high-end model for core gamers. Purchase it from Amazon USA, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia.
Final Thoughts on Audeze Maxwell Alternatives
Hopefully this breakdown gives buyers considering the Audeze Maxwell quality headphone other headset options that provide great sound and connectivity at more affordable prices.
We aimed to showcase Maxwell alternatives across a range of budgets suitable for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC gamers wanting lag-free wireless connectivity and excellent audio.
Models like the flagship SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless come remarkably close to the premium quality of Audeze’s offering but at lower costs. And audiophile-favorite headphones from respected audio brands like Drop, Audio-Technica, Sennheiser and others also make for compelling hi-fi sounding alternatives.
To quickly compare our picks at a glance, this table summarizes the key specs and pricing:
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