Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC vs Meze STRADA: 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.

Over-Ear

Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC

88Outstanding

$430

Full review data

Over-Ear

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
Meze STRADA

HearWiki score

Sound

9.3

7.9

Noise cancelling

8.5

Battery

8.0

Calls

9.0

Value

6.5

6.9

Price (USD)

$430

$800

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

Both shipped in 2026. The Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

Maxwell 2 ANC2026
STRADA2026

What differsMaxwell 2 ANCSTRADA

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

Specifications

Maxwell 2 ANCSTRADA

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $430; $800
HearWiki score: 88; 72
Released: 2026; 2026
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 90 mm planar magnetic; 50 mm dynamic
Driver type: planar; dynamic
Driver size: 90 mm; 50 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 10 Hz - 50 kHz; 5 Hz - 30 kHz
Impedance: -; 40 Ω
Sensitivity: 115 dB/mW; 111 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; -
Transparency mode: Yes; -
Companion app: Yes; -
Custom EQ: Yes; -
Wear detection: No; -
Controls: both; buttons
Weight: 560 g; 330 g
USB-C: Yes; No
Connector: -; 3.5 mm
Microphones: 2; -
Call noise reduction: Yes; -
Call NR technology: AI ENC; -

Specification comparison of Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC vs Meze STRADA
Spec	Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC	Meze STRADA
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$430	$800
HearWiki score	88 / 100 Outstanding	72 / 100 Great
Released	2026	2026
Audio
Driver	90 mm planar magnetic	50 mm dynamic
Driver type	planar	dynamic
Driver size	90 mm	50 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	10 Hz - 50 kHz	5 Hz - 30 kHz
Impedance	-	40 Ω
Sensitivity	115 dB/mW	111 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.3	-
Codecs	SBC, AAC, LC3, LC3plus, LDAC	-
Multipoint pairing	Yes	-
Battery
Battery life	40 h	-
Battery life (ANC on)	35 h	-
Full charge time	120 min	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	Yes	No
ANC type	adaptive	-
Transparency mode	Yes	-
Companion app	Yes	-
Custom EQ	Yes	-
Wear detection	No	-
Controls	both	buttons
Design
Weight	560 g	330 g
USB-C	Yes	No
Connector	-	3.5 mm
Calls
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.

Meze STRADA

The Meze STRADA is a wired, closed-back over-ear headphone built around a 50mm dynamic driver, offering a comfortable fit and solid craftsmanship at its price point. Its sound is generally detailed and lively with strong bass, though it can exhibit treble peaks and may benefit from quality amplification or slight EQ to smooth things out. Overall, it's a well-made, engaging option for listeners who prioritize build and comfort, but it isn't a class leader in pure sonic performance.

Pro:Excellent build quality and premium materials
Pro:Comfortable for extended listening sessions
Pro:Strong, clean bass response with good detail

Con:Treble can sound peaky or brittle at times
Con:May not fit smaller heads comfortably
Con:Cable can transmit handling noise

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

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