Audeze Maxwell 2 vs Beyerdynamic DT 100: 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

Audeze Maxwell 2

88Outstanding

$330

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 leads on 5 of 6 measures.

Audeze Maxwell 2
Beyerdynamic DT 100

HearWiki score

Sound

9.5

4.3

Battery

9.5

Calls

9.0

Value

7.5

2.5

Price (USD)

$330

$250

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 Beyerdynamic DT 100 (2019). The Audeze Maxwell 2 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None.

Maxwell 220267 yr newer
DT 1002019

What differsMaxwell 2DT 100

ANC type: Adaptive; None

Specifications

Maxwell 2DT 100

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $330; $250
HearWiki score: 88; 38
Released: 2026; 2019
Availability: Sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 90 mm planar magnetic; dynamic
Driver type: planar; dynamic
Driver size: 90 mm; -
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 10 Hz - 50 kHz; -
Impedance: -; 16 Ω
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: Yes; No
ANC type: adaptive; -
Transparency mode: Yes; -
Companion app: Yes; -
Custom EQ: Yes; -
Wear detection: No; -
Controls: buttons; -
Weight: 560 g; 350 g
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: Yes; -
Connector: -; 6.35 mm
Microphones: 2; -
Call noise reduction: Yes; -
Call NR technology: AI ENC; -

Specification comparison of Audeze Maxwell 2 vs Beyerdynamic DT 100
Spec	Audeze Maxwell 2	Beyerdynamic DT 100
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$330	$250
HearWiki score	88 / 100 Outstanding	38 / 100 Weak
Released	2026	2019
Audio
Driver	90 mm planar magnetic	dynamic
Driver type	planar	dynamic
Driver size	90 mm	-
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	10 Hz - 50 kHz	-
Impedance	-	16 Ω
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	Yes	No
ANC type	adaptive	-
Transparency mode	Yes	-
Companion app	Yes	-
Custom EQ	Yes	-
Wear detection	No	-
Controls	buttons	-
Design
Weight	560 g	350 g
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	Yes	-
Connector	-	6.35 mm
Calls
Microphones	2	-
Call noise reduction	Yes	-
Call NR technology	AI ENC	-

What reviewers said

Audeze Maxwell 2

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

Beyerdynamic DT 100

The Beyerdynamic DT 100 is a wired, closed-back studio headphone built for reliable monitoring in tracking and broadcast environments. Its rugged, workmanlike design and strong passive isolation make it a long-standing industry staple, though its 16-ohm version still benefits from a decent amp to sound its best. Overall, it delivers a practical, clear sound profile that prioritizes function over flair.

Pro:Extremely durable, tank-like build quality
Pro:Excellent passive sound isolation for studio use
Pro:Clear, honest monitoring sound for vocals and instruments

Con:Requires a decent amplifier despite low impedance
Con:Sound signature is dry and utilitarian, not for casual listening
Con:Outdated comfort and fit compared to modern designs

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

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