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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for a more affordable option that’s convenient for use with Apple devices, go with the Apple Airpods (3rd generation); they have good overall sound quality, are lightweight, and are well-suited for exercise and daily commutes. However, if you prioritize exceptional sound quality, comfort for long listening sessions, and features like active noise cancellation, consider investing in the Audeze Maxwell, despite the higher cost. The Maxwell headphones also offer superior performance for gaming and video, have a longer battery life, and support a lossless codec which is ideal for high-fidelity audio enthusiasts. Keep in mind, the Maxwells are bulkier and less portable compared to the compact Airpods. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for exercise
Advantages of the Audeze Maxwell
- Very good for music
- Very good for phone calls
- Excellent for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.1
8.4
The Audeze Maxwell is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Gaming
5.4
9.0
The Audeze Maxwell is excellent for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
8.7
The Audeze Maxwell is very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
9.4
The Audeze Maxwell is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good.
TV and Video
5.5
8.9
The Audeze Maxwell is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
6.0
The Audeze Maxwell is only fair for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
78.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Audeze Maxwell has 78 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$299
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Audeze Maxwell costs $299.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Audeze Maxwell both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Audeze Maxwell compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Audeze Maxwell |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $299 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Audeze | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 9.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 78 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 498.9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Audeze Maxwell
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Dig into reviews and images
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 (3rd 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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Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
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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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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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