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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
When deciding between the Audeze Maxwell and the Focal Elex, consider that the Maxwell offers active noise cancellation and wireless features, which the Elex lacks, making the Maxwell more versatile for traveling and use in noisy environments. However, the Elex's open-back design provides a more expansive soundstage which is preferred by audiophiles for critical listening in quiet settings. The Maxwells are also equipped with a boom microphone, favorable for gaming or calls, while the Elex does not include a mic. If wireless convenience and noise cancellation are priorities, and cost is a concern, choose the Maxwell; if sound quality in a quiet environment is paramount, the Elex may justify its higher 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 Audeze Maxwell
- Very good for music
- Very good for phone calls
- Excellent for gaming
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Focal Elex
- The Focal Elex has no clear advantages over the Audeze Maxwell.
Key differences
Music
8.4
7.7
The Audeze Maxwell is very good for music, while the Focal Elex is good.
Gaming
9.0
6.9
The Audeze Maxwell is excellent for gaming, while the Focal Elex is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.7
4.3
The Audeze Maxwell is very good for phone calls, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.4
7.1
The Audeze Maxwell is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Elex is good.
TV and Video
8.9
8.3
The Audeze Maxwell and Focal Elex are both very good for TV and video, though the Audeze Maxwell is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The Audeze Maxwell is only fair for noise reduction, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Battery
78.0 Hours
N/A
The Audeze Maxwell has 78 hours of battery life. The Focal Elex does not have a battery.
Cost
$299
$749
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audeze Maxwell has a price of $299 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Audeze Maxwell and Focal Elex both have excellent build quality.
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How the Audeze Maxwell and the Focal Elex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audeze Maxwell | Focal Elex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$299 | $749 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audeze | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | December 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.7/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9.1/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.9/10 | 8.4/10 | |
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 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
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 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 498.9 Grams | 450 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."
Focal Elex
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Golden Sound
Golden Sound | October 2021
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."
Get a great deal on the Audeze Maxwell or the Focal Elex
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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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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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