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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Considering the Audeze Maxwell and Beats EP, think about these points: The Maxwell provides superior overall sound quality and battery life, which is crucial if you prioritize audio fidelity and less frequent charging. They are also well-suited for calls, meetings, TV, video, and have useful features like active noise cancelling and an app with customizable sound settings. The Maxwell is heavier, though, and might not be as comfortable during exercise or for extended wear. Meanwhile, the Beats EP is lighter and more portable but lacks wireless connectivity, active noise cancelling, and has lower sound quality. It's ideal if you're on a budget and mainly need headphones for casual music listening or commuting, but it's not the best choice for professional use or for those who value high-quality audio experiences. 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 Audeze Maxwell
- Very good for phone calls
- Excellent for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Beats EP
- The Beats EP has no clear advantages over the Audeze Maxwell.
Key differences
Gaming
9.0
6.3
The Audeze Maxwell is excellent for gaming, while the Beats EP is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.7
4.2
The Audeze Maxwell is very good for phone calls, while the Beats EP is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.4
6.8
The Audeze Maxwell is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats EP is only fair.
TV and Video
8.9
7.6
The Audeze Maxwell is very good for TV and video, while the Beats EP is good.
Noise Reduction
6.0
5.3
The Audeze Maxwell is only fair for noise reduction, while the Beats EP is poor.
Battery
78.0 Hours
N/A
The Audeze Maxwell has 78 hours of battery life. The Beats EP does not have a battery.
Cost
$299
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audeze Maxwell has a price of $299 and the Beats EP costs $100.
Build Quality
9.0
8.0
The Audeze Maxwell has excellent build quality, while the Beats EP has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.4
8.1
The Audeze Maxwell and Beats EP are both very good for music.
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How the Audeze Maxwell and the Beats EP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audeze Maxwell | Beats EP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$299 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audeze | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | November 1, 2018 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.7/10 | 4.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9.1/10 | 6.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 78 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 498.9 Grams | 226.7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | N/A | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
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."
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
Get a great deal on the Audeze Maxwell or the Beats EP
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.
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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.
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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