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Audeze Maxwell 2 vs Shure Srh840a: 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
  • Shure Srh840a
HearWiki score
88
77
Sound
9.5
8.0
Battery
9.5
-
Calls
9.0
-
Value
7.5
8.0
Price (USD)
$330
$170

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 Shure Srh840a (2022). The Audeze Maxwell 2 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds USB-C.

  • Maxwell 220264 yr newer
  • Srh840a2022
What differsMaxwell 2Srh840a

Platform

ANC type
Adaptive
None

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

Maxwell 2Srh840a
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$330
$170
HearWiki score
88
77
Released
2026
2022
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
5 Hz - 25 kHz
Impedance
-
40 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
273 g
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
No
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.

Shure Srh840a

The Shure SRH840A is a wired, closed-back over-ear headphone built for studio monitoring and everyday listening. It pairs a 40mm dynamic driver with a detachable cable and foldable design, delivering a balanced sound signature with a slight bass emphasis and a subtle upper-mid dip. Its lower impedance makes it easier to drive with a wide range of devices, while the robust build suits professional and casual use alike.

  • Pro:Clear, detailed sound with a flat midrange
  • Pro:Detachable cable adds convenience and repairability
  • Pro:Foldable design for easy transport and storage
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Bass emphasis may not suit purists seeking neutrality
  • Con:Upper-mid dip can affect vocal presence

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

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