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Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC vs Audio-Technica M70x: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC 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 ANC - Outstanding overall at around $429.

Score breakdown

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

Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC
  • Audio-Technica M70x
HearWiki score
88
56
Sound
9.3
6.8
Noise cancelling
8.5
-
Battery
8.0
-
Calls
9.0
-
Value
6.5
3.8
Price (USD)
$430
$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 ANC (2026) against Audio-Technica M70x (2014). The Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C, Transparency mode, Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • Maxwell 2 ANC202612 yr newer
  • M70x2014
What differsMaxwell 2 ANCM70x

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
No

Specifications

Maxwell 2 ANCM70x
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$430
$330
HearWiki score
88
56
Released
2026
2014
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
90 mm planar magnetic
45 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
90 mm
45 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
10 Hz - 50 kHz
5 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
-
35 Ω
Sensitivity
115 dB/mW
97 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
-
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LC3, LC3plus, LDAC
-
Multipoint pairing
Yes
-
Battery life
40 h
-
Battery life (ANC on)
35 h
-
Full charge time
120 min
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
adaptive
none
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
No
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
both
none
Weight
560 g
280 g
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
No
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Microphones
2
-
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
AI ENC
-

What reviewers said

Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC

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

Audio-Technica M70x

The Audio-Technica M70x are wired over-ear studio monitors designed for critical listening, with a clear and balanced sound that highlights instruments and vocals. They feature a lightweight, foldable build with detachable cables, making them a durable choice for professionals, though they lack noise cancellation and have limited bass impact. Best suited for controlled environments like studios, they prioritize accuracy over casual versatility.

  • Pro:Balanced, articulate sound with strong detail and separation
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
  • Pro:Foldable design with detachable, replaceable cables
  • Con:Light bass response may not suit bass-heavy genres
  • Con:No noise isolation, so external sounds leak in
  • Con:Not ideal for casual or on-the-go listening

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

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