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Audeze Maxwell 2 vs Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro: 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.

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 880 Pro
HearWiki score
88
76
Sound
9.5
8.5
Battery
9.5
-
Calls
9.0
-
Value
7.5
7.0
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 880 Pro (2008). The Audeze Maxwell 2 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Transparency mode and Custom EQ.

  • Maxwell 2202618 yr newer
  • DT 880 Pro2008
What differsMaxwell 2DT 880 Pro

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

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

Specifications

Maxwell 2DT 880 Pro
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$330
$250
HearWiki score
88
76
Released
2026
2008
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 - 35 kHz
Impedance
-
250 Ω
Sensitivity
-
96 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
-
114
Bluetooth
5.3
-
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LC3, LC3plus, LDAC
-
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Battery life
80 h
-
Battery life (ANC on)
35 h
-
Full charge time
120 min
-
Wireless charging
-
No
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
buttons
none
Weight
560 g
295 g
Water resistance
-
none
USB-C
Yes
No
Model code
-
490970
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 880 Pro

The Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro is a semi-open, wired studio headphone built for critical listening and professional work. It delivers a balanced, detailed sound with a bright treble edge, but its design offers minimal isolation and requires a quiet environment plus a good amplifier for optimal performance. Its durable, repairable construction and comfortable fit make it a long-standing choice for mixing and mastering.

  • Pro:Balanced, detailed sound with wide frequency response
  • Pro:Durable, repairable build quality
  • Pro:Comfortable for long sessions
  • Con:Minimal noise isolation; leaks sound
  • Con:Bright treble may be fatiguing for some
  • Con:Requires a dedicated amplifier for best results

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

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