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Audeze Maxwell 2 vs Sennheiser HD 600: 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 5 of 6 measures.

  • Audeze Maxwell 2
  • Sennheiser HD 600
HearWiki score
88
79
Sound
9.5
8.9
Battery
9.5
-
Calls
9.0
-
Value
7.5
8.5
Price (USD)
$330
$350

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 600 (1997). The Audeze Maxwell 2 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • Maxwell 2202629 yr newer
  • HD 6001997
What differsMaxwell 2HD 600

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

Maxwell 2HD 600
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$330
$350
HearWiki score
88
79
Released
2026
1997
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
90 mm planar magnetic
42 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
90 mm
42 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
10 Hz - 50 kHz
12 Hz - 40.5 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral
Impedance
-
300 Ω
Sensitivity
-
97 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
buttons
Weight
560 g
260 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
No
Connector
-
3.5 mm
Balanced connection
-
Yes
Model code
-
4465
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 600

The Sennheiser HD 600 is a long-standing open-back over-ear headphone famed for its neutral, accurate sound signature and natural midrange. Built for serious home listening, it delivers a balanced presentation but forgoes bass emphasis, isolation, and portability in favor of transparency and comfort, with replaceable parts and a detachable cable adding to its longevity.

  • Pro:Neutral, accurate sound with excellent midrange clarity
  • Pro:Very comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Pro:Detachable cable and replaceable parts for durability
  • Con:Limited sub-bass extension and rolloff
  • Con:No noise isolation—leaks sound in and out
  • Con:Large, bulky build not suited for travel or portable use

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

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