Over-Ear
Audeze Maxwell 2
88Outstanding
$330
Full review dataAudeze Maxwell 2 vs HiFiMAN He-R10d: 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
HiFiMAN He-R10d
55Average
$220
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Audeze Maxwell 2 leads on 5 of 7 measures.
- Audeze Maxwell 2
- HiFiMAN He-R10d
HearWiki score
88
55
Sound
9.5
7.2
Noise cancelling
-
0.0
Battery
9.5
2.5
Calls
9.0
4.0
Value
7.5
2.3
Price (USD)
$330
$220
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?
New platform
Audeze Maxwell 2 (2026) against HiFiMAN He-R10d (2021). The Audeze Maxwell 2 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0, LE Audio (LC3) and ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing, Transparency mode, Custom EQ and Companion app.
- Maxwell 220265 yr newer
- He-R10d2021
What differsMaxwell 2He-R10d
- Bluetooth
- 5.3
- 5.0
- LE Audio (LC3)
- Yes
- No
- ANC type
- Adaptive
- None
- Multipoint pairing
- Yes
- No
- Transparency mode
- Yes
- No
- Custom EQ
- Yes
- No
- Companion app
- Yes
- No
Platform
Everyday features
Level on: Top codec, USB-C.
Specifications
Maxwell 2He-R10d
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $330
- $220
- HearWiki score
- 88
- 55
- Released
- 2026
- 2021
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still 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
- 15 Hz - 35 kHz
- Impedance
- -
- 60 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 103 dB/mW
- Bluetooth
- 5.3
- 5.0
- Codecs
- SBC, AAC, LC3, LC3plus, LDAC
- SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC
- Multipoint pairing
- Yes
- No
- Battery life
- 80 h
- 7 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
- buttons
- Voice assistant
- -
- No
- Weight
- 560 g
- 337 g
- Water resistance
- -
- none
- USB-C
- Yes
- Yes
- 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.
HiFiMAN He-R10d
The HiFiMAN HE-R10d is a closed-back dynamic headphone with a warm, musical tuning that excels in imaging, detail retrieval, and bass response for its class. It offers a Bluetooth 5.0 module with high-quality codec support including LDAC and aptX HD, making it a versatile choice for both wired and wireless listening, though its fit and finish may not match its price point. The sound signature leans lively and bass-forward, which suits pop and R&B but may not appeal to those seeking a neutral or balanced presentation.
- Pro:Excellent imaging and micro-detail for a closed-back design
- Pro:Rich, warm bass with good control and extension
- Pro:Supports high-resolution Bluetooth codecs including LDAC and aptX HD
- Con:Build quality feels subpar for the price
- Con:Comfort is lacking due to clamp and pad design
- Con:Midrange can sound slightly recessed or hollow
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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