Audeze Maxwell 2 vs Sennheiser HD 599 SE: 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
Sennheiser HD 599 SE

HearWiki score

Sound

9.5

7.6

Battery

9.5

Calls

9.0

Value

7.5

4.9

Price (USD)

$330

$240

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
HD 599 SE2026

What differsMaxwell 2HD 599 SE

ANC type: Adaptive; None

Specifications

Maxwell 2HD 599 SE

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $330; $240
HearWiki score: 88; 71
Released: 2026; 2026
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 90 mm planar magnetic; 38 mm dynamic
Driver type: planar; dynamic
Driver size: 90 mm; 38 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 10 Hz - 50 kHz; 12 Hz - 38.5 kHz
Impedance: -; 50 Ω
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms): -; 106
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; 250 g
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: Yes; -
Connector: -; 3.5 mm
Model code: -; 508697
Microphones: 2; -
Call noise reduction: Yes; -
Call NR technology: AI ENC; -

Specification comparison of Audeze Maxwell 2 vs Sennheiser HD 599 SE
Spec	Audeze Maxwell 2	Sennheiser HD 599 SE
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$330	$240
HearWiki score	88 / 100 Outstanding	71 / 100 Good
Released	2026	2026
Audio
Driver	90 mm planar magnetic	38 mm dynamic
Driver type	planar	dynamic
Driver size	90 mm	38 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	10 Hz - 50 kHz	12 Hz - 38.5 kHz
Impedance	-	50 Ω
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)	-	106
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	250 g
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	Yes	-
Connector	-	3.5 mm
Model code	-	508697
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.

Sennheiser HD 599 SE

The Sennheiser HD 599 SE is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone offering a warm, mostly neutral sound with clear vocals and present lead instruments. Its 50-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive from most devices without a dedicated amplifier, and the detachable cable adds convenience. While not suited for travel due to its open design, it delivers strong value for at-home listening.

Pro:Warm, mostly neutral sound signature
Pro:Easy to drive with 50-ohm impedance
Pro:Detachable cable for flexibility

Con:Reduced low bass response
Con:Not suitable for commuting or travel
Con:No controls or noise cancellation

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

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