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Audeze Maxwell 2 vs Sennheiser Massdrop HD 6XX: 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 Massdrop HD 6XX
HearWiki score
88
74
Sound
9.5
8.6
Battery
9.5
-
Calls
9.0
-
Value
7.5
-
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 Massdrop HD 6XX (2016). The Audeze Maxwell 2 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • Maxwell 2202610 yr newer
  • Massdrop HD 6XX2016
What differsMaxwell 2Massdrop HD 6XX

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

Maxwell 2Massdrop HD 6XX
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$330
$200
HearWiki score
88
74
Released
2026
2016
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
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
10 Hz - 41 kHz
Impedance
-
300 Ω
Sensitivity
-
103 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
-
Weight
560 g
260 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
No
Connector
-
3.5 mm
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 Massdrop HD 6XX

The Sennheiser Massdrop HD 6XX are open-back, wired over-ear headphones offering a neutral, mid-focused sound signature with excellent clarity and well-matched drivers for accurate imaging. They are lightweight and comfortable for long sessions, with a detachable cable and included adapter, but their 300-ohm impedance means they need a decent amplifier to perform at their best. As a budget-friendly take on the classic HD 650, they deliver strong audiophile value rather than bass-heavy impact or portability.

  • Pro:Accurate, neutral sound with strong midrange clarity
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening
  • Pro:Detachable cable and 3.5mm adapter included
  • Con:High 300-ohm impedance requires a capable amp
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
  • Con:Limited soundstage and not very impactful bass

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

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