The Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC is a closed gaming headset with active noise cancellation (ANC), released in the second half of 2026. Designed for users who want immersive sound and noise reduction, it is a modified version of Audeze's high-fidelity headsets that use planar driver technology, a special type of audio component that delivers clear and detailed sound. The headset is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Mac, PlayStation 4 and 5, Switch, smartphones, tablets, and Windows computers. It offers multiple connectivity options, including wireless 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connections via mini-jack and USB-C. Additional features include ANC, environmental listening (which lets users hear ambient sounds), virtual surround sound, and a detachable microphone. It weighs 560 grams and has a removable battery. The PS5/PC version costs 499 €, while the Xbox version is priced at 519 €. A non-ANC version, the Maxwell 2, is available for 399 € for PS5/PC and 419 € for Xbox. Under the hood, the Maxwell 2 ANC features a 90 mm planar driver with a Uniforce ultra-flat coil and a proprietary Fluxor motor using N50 neodymium magnets. These components help produce high-quality audio with precise detail and separation of sounds. The headset also includes a 3D spatialization algorithm that tracks head movement to enhance the sense of direction in sound. It supports four connectivity methods, including low-latency USB-C, Bluetooth 5.3, and analog inputs. The battery is described as robust, with a 35-hour runtime when ANC is on and 40 hours when it's off. However, the headset is criticized for being heavier than its predecessor by 70 grams and for lacking foldability and flat ear cup closure, which can make it less convenient for travel. The headband is wider and more breathable than the previous model but still has limited adjustability. The Maxwell 2 ANC provides passive noise isolation starting at 200 Hz and up to 30 dB at 1 kHz, while ANC starts at 80 Hz and effectively reduces low-frequency sounds. However, the transparency mode, which allows users to hear ambient noise, has some inconsistencies, particularly in how it handles low and high frequencies. The control system includes multiple buttons and dials for adjusting volume, equalizer settings, ANC modes, and microphone settings. Despite this, the headset cannot play multiple audio streams at the same time, and the USB-C transmitter has a limited range. The Audeze software for PC and Mac offers settings for ANC, sidetone, voice processing, a 10-band equalizer, and system adjustments. The Android and iOS apps provide similar features and settings. The Maxwell 2 ANC is praised for its sound quality, which is described as precise, detailed, and well-separated, with a slight boost in bass and a noticeable increase in the 2 to 6 kHz range. Users can adjust the sound using equalization to achieve a more balanced experience. The detachable microphone is flexible and offers rich, detailed audio capture, but it is sensitive to proximity effect and AI filtering that can sometimes reduce voice quality. Despite these features, the headset is criticized for its weight and comfort, which may make it less suitable for long sessions. It is often compared to other high-end gaming headsets such as the HyperX Cloud III S Wireless and the Focal Azurys, which may offer better comfort and audio tuning, even if they lack some of the advanced features found in the Maxwell 2 ANC.