Skip to content
HearWiki

Audeze Maxwell 2 vs Focal Listen 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 4 of 6 measures.

  • Audeze Maxwell 2
  • Focal Listen Pro
HearWiki score
88
73
Sound
9.5
8.1
Battery
9.5
-
Calls
9.0
-
Value
7.5
7.9
Price (USD)
$330
$300

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 Focal Listen Pro (2016). The Audeze Maxwell 2 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None.

  • Maxwell 2202610 yr newer
  • Listen Pro2016
What differsMaxwell 2Listen Pro

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Specifications

Maxwell 2Listen Pro
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$330
$300
HearWiki score
88
73
Released
2026
2016
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
90 mm planar magnetic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
90 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
10 Hz - 50 kHz
5 Hz - 23 kHz
Impedance
-
32 Ω
Sensitivity
-
122 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
-
122
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
280 g
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
-
Pad material
-
velour
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.

Focal Listen Pro

The Focal Listen Pro is a wired, closed-back over-ear headphone built for studio and everyday use, featuring a 40mm dynamic driver and a lightweight, foldable design with velour pads. It offers strong build quality and comfort for long sessions, but its sound signature leans toward a bass-emphasized, non-neutral tuning that may not suit critical mixing without EQ correction. With high sensitivity and low impedance, it performs well at low volumes and includes a practical accessory set.

  • Pro:Durable, sturdy construction
  • Pro:Comfortable velour pads for long wear
  • Pro:Foldable and portable design
  • Con:Sound tuning is not neutral, with bass emphasis and midrange coloration
  • Con:Not ideal for critical mixing or mastering without calibration
  • Con:Lacks active noise cancellation

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.