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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize convenience and portability, go for the Apple AirPods Pro; they are lightweight, offer good noise isolation, have a compact carrying case, and are great for exercise due to their sweatproof design. They work seamlessly with Apple devices and support wireless charging. However, if you're looking for the highest sound quality and don't mind a larger form factor, the Audeze Maxwell headphones may be the better choice, offering superior overall sound, a wider soundstage, and excellent performance for gaming and TV. They also support a lossless codec for high-fidelity audio and have a significantly longer battery life, but they are larger and less portable, making them less ideal for travel or exercise. 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 Pro
- Excellent for air travel
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
6.8
8.4
The Audeze Maxwell is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.1
9.0
The Audeze Maxwell is excellent for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4
8.7
The Audeze Maxwell is very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods Pro is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
9.4
The Audeze Maxwell is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Airpods Pro is very good.
TV and Video
5.7
8.9
The Audeze Maxwell is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
6.0
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Audeze Maxwell is only fair.
Battery
5.0 Hours
78.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Audeze Maxwell has 78 hours of battery life.
Cost
$260
$299
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Audeze Maxwell costs $299.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods Pro and Audeze Maxwell both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Audeze Maxwell compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | Audeze Maxwell |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$260 | $299 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Audeze | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 9.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 78 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 498.9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | January 2023
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
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 Pro 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.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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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.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
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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