Audeze has unveiled the Maxwell 2 ANC —according to the manufacturer, the world’s first full-range planar headset with active noise cancellation. This finally gives the popular gaming headset the feature many have been hoping for: the ability to completely block out the outside world without losing the characteristic planar sound. It’s available now; the PlayStation version costs $429, and the Xbox version costs $449.
Key Points at a Glance
- The world’s first full-range planar gaming headset with active noise cancellation (ANC).
- Adaptive hybrid ANC (feedforward + feedback) with transparency mode; according to Audeze, it provides up to 35 dB of noise reduction.
- Frequency response remains consistent whether ANC is on or off—no sound compromise due to noise cancellation.
- 90-mm planar drivers with SLAM™, plus FILTER™ AI noise cancellation for the microphone and head tracking.
- Price: $429 (PlayStation) or $449 (Xbox); an official price in euros has not yet been announced.
- Downside: At 560 grams, the headset is still heavy.
What’s new about the Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC?
The key difference from the standard Audeze Maxwell 2 is right in the name: ANC. Audeze uses an adaptive hybrid system combining feedforward and feedback microphones that automatically adjusts to the environment. According to the manufacturer—based on its own lab tests against competing headsets in June 2026—the Maxwell 2 ANC reduces ambient noise by up to 35 dB. As always, how much of that translates to real-world performance depends on the fit, firmware, and noise source; independent tests are still pending.
More exciting than the raw dB figure is Audeze’s approach to sound. With many ANC headphones, the frequency response changes noticeably as soon as noise cancellation kicks in. The Maxwell 2 ANC, on the other hand, is designed to sound virtually identical with ANC on and off—an important detail for competitive gamers who rely on precise sound localization. The package is rounded out by an improved transparency mode and voice control.
Planar Sound Meets ANC: The Technology
When it comes to the drivers, Audeze sticks to its proven formula: 90-mm planar drivers with a Fluxor magnet array, Fazor phase management, and a Uniforce diaphragm. Added to this is the company’s proprietary SLAM™ technology, which is designed to deliver deeper, more powerful bass without muddiness. The drivers are powered by two dedicated 1.4-watt amplifiers in balanced mode. The frequency response ranges from 10 Hz to 50 kHz, and the maximum sound pressure level exceeds 115 dB.
Anyone familiar with an audiophile-oriented headset like the ASUS ROG Kithara knows where planar drivers are headed: greater detail and cleaner sound localization than with classic dynamic drivers. The Maxwell 2 ANC aims to combine exactly that with ANC—a contradiction that no other planar headset has yet resolved.
Microphone, Head Tracking, and Connectivity
For voice communication, there’s a detachable hypercardioid boom microphone with FILTER™ AI noise cancellation, which filters out distracting background noise at the push of a button. For spatial audio, there’s integrated, self-calibrating head tracking that works with Embody Immerse and the Dolby Atmos Renderer.
The headset offers flexible connectivity options: a USB-C dongle with ultra-low latency (up to 24-bit/96 kHz), a USB-C cable, a 3.5-mm analog jack, and Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC, LE Audio, Auracast, and Multipoint. Handy for everyday use: you can use wired and Bluetooth audio simultaneously—so you can stay on a Discord call while the game audio continues uninterrupted. Audeze lists the battery life at 40 hours (ANC off) or 35 hours (ANC on); with fast charging, you’ll get 25 percent back after 20 minutes.
Visually, the headset can be customized using the magnetic ReSkin™ side panels—just like with the Maxwell 2. The Maxwell 2 ANC is compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and the Nintendo Switch 2.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC |
|---|---|
| Design | Over-ear, closed-back |
| Driver | 90 mm planar magnetostat (Fluxor, Fazor, Uniforce, SLAM™) |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 50 kHz |
| Amplification | Dual 1.4 W, balanced |
| Noise Cancellation | Adaptive hybrid, up to 35 dB, with transparency mode |
| Microphone | Detachable, hypercardioid, FILTER™ AI noise cancellation |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 (LDAC, LE Audio, Auracast, LC3, AAC, Multipoint) |
| Wireless/Wired | USB-C dongle (24-bit/96 kHz), USB-C, 3.5 mm TRRS |
| Battery life | 40 h (ANC off) / 35 h (ANC on) |
| Weight | 560 g |
| Price | $429 (PlayStation) / $449 (Xbox) |
Price and Availability
The Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC is now available via audeze.com and select retail partners. The PlayStation version costs $429, while the Xbox version costs $449. This means Audeze is charging about $100 more than for the standard Maxwell 2, which launched in early 2026 at $329 and $349, respectively. Audeze has not yet announced an official price for Germany—we’ll update this article as soon as euro pricing is available.
Analysis: Is the extra cost worth it?
On paper, the Maxwell 2 ANC is quite a feat: no one has yet combined planar sound with effective ANC. For streamers and esports players in noisy environments, that could be exactly what makes the difference. However, there are two things to keep in mind. First, the weight: At 560 grams, the headset remains one of the heavier models—so the often-criticized top-heaviness of the Maxwell series remains an issue. Second, the price, which clearly places it in the premium segment.
The market has also become significantly more competitive than it was just a few years ago. Alternatives with ANC, such as the Alienware Pro Wireless, or Bluetooth headphones with a new gaming mode, like the Sony WH-1000XM6, target similar buyers—and are, in some cases, lighter and more affordable. Only independent tests will reveal whether the premium for ANC is worth it. The context is also interesting: Audeze is now part of Sony Interactive Entertainment, so the planar technology is likely to find its way into Sony’s consumer headsets in the future.
Conclusion
With the Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC, the Maxwell series finally gets the long-awaited noise cancellation—making it the first full-range planar headset ever to offer it. Technically, it sounds solid: consistent frequency response with and without ANC, strong connectivity, and the proven planar sound. The high price and 560-gram weight remain open questions. Anyone who enjoys audiophile-grade gaming audio with peace and quiet should keep an eye on the Maxwell 2 ANC—ideally as soon as the first in-depth reviews are available.
Sources: Audeze, Headphones.com.
