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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are a more budget-friendly option and are highly portable, making them suitable for everyday use and exercise. They work well with Apple devices and support wireless charging. However, the AirPods offer less immersive audio quality and noise isolation compared to the Audeze Maxwell. The Audeze Maxwell headphones are more expensive but provide a higher sound quality, better noise isolation, and are comfortable for long listening sessions. They also have a detachable cable, support a lossless codec, and have superior battery life. Consider the Maxwell if sound quality and comfort are a priority and you are willing to invest more. Choose the AirPods for portability, convenience, and a lower price. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has no clear advantages over the Audeze Maxwell.
Advantages of the Audeze Maxwell
- Very good for music
- Very good for phone calls
- Excellent for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
5.8
8.4
The Audeze Maxwell is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
9.0
The Audeze Maxwell is excellent for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
8.7
The Audeze Maxwell is very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
9.4
The Audeze Maxwell is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good.
TV and Video
5.4
8.9
The Audeze Maxwell is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The Audeze Maxwell is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
78.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Audeze Maxwell has 78 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$299
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Audeze Maxwell costs $299.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Audeze Maxwell has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Audeze Maxwell compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Audeze Maxwell |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $299 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Audeze | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 9.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 78 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 498.9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Audeze Maxwell
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Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | August 2023
"Despite a few caveats, the Audeze Maxwell is one of the best-performing gaming headsets on the market and should top the ranks for a few buyers — provided the budget (and neck strength) is there. Gaming headsets have their work cut out for them, and their audience is historically unkind to performance flaws. If you’re an older gamer with some cash to blow, you should be pleased with the Audeze Maxwell."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Audeze Maxwell
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Audeze
Audeze is an, award-winning, American premium headphone manufacturer based in California. Founded in 2008, their products are developed around aerospace materials technology first used by NASA and are widely used by enthusiasts and professionals alike, not only in the fields of music and sound engineering but also in e-sports and the health industry.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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