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Audeze Maxwell 2 vs Sennheiser HD 560s: 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
  • Sennheiser HD 560s
HearWiki score
88
79
Sound
9.5
8.6
Battery
9.5
-
Calls
9.0
-
Value
7.5
9.0
Price (USD)
$330
$200

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 Sennheiser HD 560s (2020). The Audeze Maxwell 2 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • Maxwell 220266 yr newer
  • HD 560s2020
What differsMaxwell 2HD 560s

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

Maxwell 2HD 560s
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$330
$200
HearWiki score
88
79
Released
2026
2020
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
6 Hz - 38 kHz
Impedance
-
120 Ω
Sensitivity
-
99 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
-
110
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
280 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
No
Pad material
-
velour
Connector
-
6.35 mm
Model code
-
509144
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 560s

The Sennheiser HD 560S is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone designed for critical listening, offering a neutral and highly detailed sound with a wide soundstage. Its lightweight build and plush velour earcups ensure long-lasting comfort, while the 120-ohm impedance allows it to be driven easily by most devices. It prioritizes accuracy over excitement, making it a solid choice for purists, though it lacks noise cancellation and a microphone.

  • Pro:Wide, open soundstage
  • Pro:Neutral and analytical tuning
  • Pro:Very comfortable for long sessions
  • Con:Not an energetic or fun sound signature
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound
  • Con:No built-in microphone

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

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