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Audeze Maxwell 2 vs FiiO Ft3 32: 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
  • FiiO Ft3 32
HearWiki score
88
73
Sound
9.5
7.7
Battery
9.5
-
Calls
9.0
-
Value
7.5
7.3
Price (USD)
$330
$330

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 FiiO Ft3 32 (2024). The Audeze Maxwell 2 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • Maxwell 220262 yr newer
  • Ft3 322024
What differsMaxwell 2Ft3 32

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

Maxwell 2Ft3 32
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$330
$330
HearWiki score
88
73
Released
2026
2024
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
90 mm planar magnetic
60 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
90 mm
60 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
10 Hz - 50 kHz
7 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
-
350 Ω
Sensitivity
-
110 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
-
105
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
buttons
Weight
560 g
391 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
No
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Balanced connection
-
Yes
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.

FiiO Ft3 32

The FiiO FT3 32 is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone designed for easy driving thanks to its lower 32-ohm impedance, making it a practical choice for portable use without sacrificing the spacious, premium sound signature of the original FT3. It features a large 60mm dynamic driver with an aluminum-coated LCP diaphragm, a detachable cable system, and a comfortable build, offering strong overall value for its price. While its treble resolution is slightly limited and it lacks noise cancellation, it excels in accessible performance and included accessories.

  • Pro:Easy to drive with a wide range of sources
  • Pro:Spacious and engaging sound with a large 60mm driver
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions
  • Con:Slightly limited treble resolution
  • Con:Open-back design lets in ambient noise
  • Con:No built-in controls for volume or playback

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

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