Audeze Maxwell 2 vs Grado Rs2x: 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
Grado Rs2x

HearWiki score

Sound

9.5

8.6

Battery

9.5

Calls

9.0

Value

7.5

7.8

Price (USD)

$330

$550

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 Grado Rs2x (2022). The Audeze Maxwell 2 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

Maxwell 220264 yr newer
Rs2x2022

What differsMaxwell 2Rs2x

ANC type: Adaptive; None
USB-C: Yes; No

Specifications

Maxwell 2Rs2x

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $330; $550
HearWiki score: 88; 78
Released: 2026; 2022
Availability: Sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 90 mm planar magnetic; 44 mm dynamic
Driver type: planar; dynamic
Driver size: 90 mm; 44 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 10 Hz - 50 kHz; 14 Hz - 28 kHz
Impedance: -; 38 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 99.8 dB/mW
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; 230 g
USB-C: Yes; No
Connector: -; 3.5 mm
Microphones: 2; -
Call noise reduction: Yes; -
Call NR technology: AI ENC; -

Specification comparison of Audeze Maxwell 2 vs Grado Rs2x
Spec	Audeze Maxwell 2	Grado Rs2x
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$330	$550
HearWiki score	88 / 100 Outstanding	78 / 100 Great
Released	2026	2022
Audio
Driver	90 mm planar magnetic	44 mm dynamic
Driver type	planar	dynamic
Driver size	90 mm	44 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	10 Hz - 50 kHz	14 Hz - 28 kHz
Impedance	-	38 Ω
Sensitivity	-	99.8 dB/mW
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	none
Design
Weight	560 g	230 g
USB-C	Yes	No
Connector	-	3.5 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.

Grado Rs2x

The Grado RS2x is a wired, open-back on-ear headphone that pairs handcrafted wooden housings with a 44mm dynamic driver for a spacious, precise presentation. It offers high sensitivity and moderate impedance, making it easy to drive from a variety of sources, while its lightweight build and detailed tuning cater to audiophiles who prioritize clarity over isolation. With no controls or noise cancellation, it's a purist listening tool focused squarely on sound quality.

Pro:Wide, precise stereo imaging
Pro:Easy to drive with portable gear
Pro:High-quality wood construction

Con:Minimal noise isolation
Con:No inline controls or mic
Con:Basic included accessories

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

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