Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC: flagship with noise canceling that doesn’t change the sound

Audeze, known for its audiophile-grade planar headphones, has unveiled a new flagship model, the Maxwell 2 ANC. This is the first device from the brand where active noise canceling doesn't alter the frequency response: with ANC on or off, the sound remains nearly identical. That result came from careful measurement and tuning, setting the new headset apart from most rivals.

Building noise canceling for full-range planar drivers required serious engineering work. ANC usually changes how headphones sound, especially planar models, which are larger and less efficient but deliver smoother bass and better overall audio in return. In the Maxwell 2 ANC, engineers minimized the difference between modes so much that users can keep noise canceling on at all times.

The new model has already earned positive impressions during testing. The headphones stay comfortable for long sessions thanks to a ventilated headband and plush earpads. Company lab measurements show the Maxwell 2 ANC outperforming models like the Razer BlackShark 5 and SteelSeries Elite in the low-mids, while staying competitive with audio-focused headsets such as the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra.

Audeze CEO Sankar Thiagasamudram said Maxwell 2 owners kept asking for complete isolation from the outside world without losing the signature planar sound. In his words, the new system maintains acoustic precision whether ANC is on or off, suiting both noisy esports stages and studio work with spatial audio.

The Maxwell 2 ANC continues a line that began in 2018 with the Mobius, which brought audiophile technology into gaming. The Maxwell, released in 2023, became the company's best-selling product, and its successor, the Maxwell 2, arrived in early 2026. Now the flagship ANC version cements Audeze's position among leaders in gaming audio.