AKG K612 vs Audeze Maxwell 2: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Audeze Maxwell 2 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Audeze Maxwell 2 - Outstanding overall at around $329.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Audeze Maxwell 2 leads on 5 of 6 measures.

AKG K612
Audeze Maxwell 2

HearWiki score

Sound

7.8

9.5

Battery

9.5

Calls

9.0

Value

6.6

7.5

Price (USD)

$220

$330

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

Audeze Maxwell 2 (2026) against AKG K612 (2013). The Audeze Maxwell 2 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

K6122013
Maxwell 2202613 yr newer

What differsK612Maxwell 2

ANC type: None; Adaptive
USB-C: No; Yes

Specifications

K612Maxwell 2

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $220; $330
HearWiki score: 70; 88
Released: 2013; 2026
Availability: Still sold new; Sold new
Driver: 40 mm dynamic; 90 mm planar magnetic
Driver type: dynamic; planar
Driver size: 40 mm; 90 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 12 Hz - 39.5 kHz; 10 Hz - 50 kHz
Impedance: 120 Ω; -
Sensitivity: 92 dB/mW; -
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): 101; -
Bluetooth: -; 5.3
Codecs: -; SBC, AAC, LC3, LC3plus, LDAC
Multipoint pairing: -; Yes
Battery life: -; 80 h
Battery life (ANC on): -; 35 h
Full charge time: -; 120 min
Active noise cancelling: No; Yes
ANC type: -; adaptive
Transparency mode: -; Yes
Companion app: -; Yes
Custom EQ: -; Yes
Wear detection: -; No
Controls: buttons; buttons
Weight: 235 g; 560 g
Detachable cable: No; -
USB-C: No; Yes
Microphones: -; 2
Call noise reduction: -; Yes
Call NR technology: -; AI ENC

Specification comparison of AKG K612 vs Audeze Maxwell 2
Spec	AKG K612	Audeze Maxwell 2
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$220	$330
HearWiki score	70 / 100 Good	88 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2013	2026
Audio
Driver	40 mm dynamic	90 mm planar magnetic
Driver type	dynamic	planar
Driver size	40 mm	90 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	12 Hz - 39.5 kHz	10 Hz - 50 kHz
Impedance	120 Ω	-
Sensitivity	92 dB/mW	-
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	101	-
Wireless
Bluetooth	-	5.3
Codecs	-	SBC, AAC, LC3, LC3plus, LDAC
Multipoint pairing	-	Yes
Battery
Battery life	-	80 h
Battery life (ANC on)	-	35 h
Full charge time	-	120 min
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	Yes
ANC type	-	adaptive
Transparency mode	-	Yes
Companion app	-	Yes
Custom EQ	-	Yes
Wear detection	-	No
Controls	buttons	buttons
Design
Weight	235 g	560 g
Detachable cable	No	-
USB-C	No	Yes
Calls
Microphones	-	2
Call noise reduction	-	Yes
Call NR technology	-	AI ENC

What reviewers said

AKG K612

The AKG K612 is an affordable open-back headphone that delivers a natural, neutral sound with a hint of musicality, making it a strong value pick for critical listening. Its lightweight build and comfortable fit, combined with a wide soundstage and precise imaging, appeal to audiophiles seeking clarity without breaking the bank. However, it requires a capable amplifier due to its high impedance and lacks modern conveniences like a detachable cable or noise cancellation.

Pro:Excellent value for an open-back design
Pro:Natural and neutral sound with low distortion
Pro:Comfortable for long listening sessions

Con:High impedance requires a dedicated amplifier
Con:Non-detachable cable limits customization
Con:Build feels less premium than higher-end AKG models

Audeze Maxwell 2

No summary yet - we haven't aggregated enough reviews.

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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