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Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC vs Sennheiser HD 660s2: 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
  • Sennheiser HD 660s2
HearWiki score
88
78
Sound
9.3
8.4
Noise cancelling
8.5
-
Battery
8.0
-
Calls
9.0
-
Value
6.5
6.8
Price (USD)
$430
$480

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 Sennheiser HD 660s2 (2023). The Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • Maxwell 2 ANC20263 yr newer
  • HD 660s22023
What differsMaxwell 2 ANCHD 660s2

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

Maxwell 2 ANCHD 660s2
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$430
$480
HearWiki score
88
78
Released
2026
2023
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
90 mm planar magnetic
38 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
90 mm
38 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
10 Hz - 50 kHz
8 Hz - 41.5 kHz
Impedance
-
300 Ω
Sensitivity
115 dB/mW
100 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
-
104
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
-
Weight
560 g
260 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
No
Connector
-
4.4 mm balanced
Balanced connection
-
Yes
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.

Sennheiser HD 660s2

The Sennheiser HD 660S2 is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone designed for critical listening at home, offering a warm and smooth sound signature with improved sub-bass over its predecessor. It requires a capable amplifier due to its high 300-ohm impedance, and its open design means it leaks sound, making it unsuitable for portable or noisy environments. While technically refined and comfortable, it delivers a relaxed rather than punchy presentation, appealing to purists who value neutrality over bass impact.

  • Pro:Comfortable fit suitable for long sessions
  • Pro:Warm, smooth tuning with good sub-bass extension
  • Pro:Detachable 4.4mm balanced cable for flexibility
  • Con:Requires a powerful amplifier to perform well
  • Con:Significant sound leakage limits private listening
  • Con:Soft bass and limited dynamic punch may disappoint bass lovers

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

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