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Audeze Maxwell 2 vs DUNU Mortise: 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
  • DUNU Mortise
HearWiki score
88
81
Sound
9.5
8.6
Battery
9.5
-
Calls
9.0
-
Value
7.5
8.0
Price (USD)
$330
$410

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 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None.

  • Maxwell 22026
  • Mortise2026
What differsMaxwell 2Mortise

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Specifications

Maxwell 2Mortise
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$330
$410
HearWiki score
88
81
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 - 40 kHz
Impedance
-
38 Ω
Sensitivity
-
98 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
-
113
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
none
Weight
560 g
325 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
-
Connector
-
3.5 mm
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.

DUNU Mortise

The DUNU Mortise is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone with a 50mm dynamic driver and a lightweight carbon fiber diaphragm, housed in North American black walnut for a natural, resonant sound. It offers a high-impedance design with a detachable high-purity copper cable and interchangeable plugs, making it a versatile option for audiophiles seeking detailed, spacious audio without active noise cancellation.

  • Pro:Open-back design for a wide, airy soundstage
  • Pro:High-flux magnetic circuit and carbon fiber diaphragm for precise transient response
  • Pro:Detachable cable with interchangeable plug system for flexibility
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, suitable only for quiet environments
  • Con:Requires a dedicated amplifier due to high impedance and moderate sensitivity
  • Con:Limited controls and no built-in features, focusing purely on sound quality

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

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