I've had the pleasure of extensively testing two of the most talked-about gaming headsets on the market: the Beyerdynamic MMX300 Pro and the Audeze Maxwell. In this comprehensive comparison review, I'll break down the key aspects of both headsets, sharing my personal experiences and insights to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your gaming needs.

What's In the Box

Build Quality and Looks

The Beyerdynamic MMX300 Pro and the Audeze Maxwell are both well built, but they take different approaches to design.

The MMX300 Pro follows Beyerdynamic's classic aesthetic, with a sleek, professional look that wouldn't be out of place in a recording studio. In my testing, I found the build quality to be exceptional, with a robust metal headband and high-quality plastic ear cups. The overall feel is one of durability and reliability.

On the other hand, the Audeze Maxwell sports a more modern, gaming-oriented design. It features a suspended headband design and larger, more angular ear cups. During my time with the Maxwell, I was impressed by its solid construction and premium materials. The use of carbon fiber in certain parts of the headset adds to its premium feel.

Both headsets feel built to last, but I found the MMX300 Pro to have a slight edge in terms of perceived durability. However, the Maxwell's design might be more appealing to those looking for a more "gamer" aesthetic.

Comfort and Fit

The MMX300 Pro, with its lighter weight and softer ear pads, provided excellent comfort in my testing. The clamping force is a little tight, ensuring a secure fit. I was able to wear these for hours without any notable fatigue and the comfort is above average.

The Audeze Maxwell, despite being heavier due to its planar magnetic drivers, surprised me with its comfort level. The weight distribution is excellent, thanks to the suspended headband design. The ear cups are larger and deeper than those of the MMX300 Pro, which I found beneficial for longer sessions.

In terms of comfort, I'd go with the Maxwell. The MMX300 Pro competes because of its lighter weight, while the Maxwell edges ahead with its more spacious ear cups. Your personal preference and head shape will likely be the deciding factor here.

Sound Impressions

The Beyerdynamic MMX300 Pro, true to Beyerdynamic's house sound, offers a bright and detailed audio profile. In my testing, I found the high frequencies to be crisp and well-extended, which is great for picking up subtle audio cues in games. The midrange is clear and forward, making dialogue in games and voice chat easily discernible. Personally, I found the treble a bit too sharp, especially during longer sessions.

The bass on the MMX300 Pro is tight and controlled, providing good impact for explosions and other low-frequency effects in games. However, it's not as deep or resonant as some gamers might prefer.

The Audeze Maxwell, with its planar magnetic drivers, offers a different sound signature. In my testing, I was immediately struck by the Maxwell's wider soundstage and more immersive audio presentation. The bass is deeper and more impactful than the MMX300 Pro, which adds a layer of immersion to game environments.

The midrange on the Maxwell is rich and detailed, though slightly less forward than the MMX300 Pro. The high frequencies are well-extended but smoother than the Beyerdynamic, which I found less fatiguing during long gaming sessions.

For competitive gaming where picking up precise audio cues is crucial, I found the MMX300 Pro to have a slight edge due to its more analytical sound. However, for immersive single-player experiences, the Maxwell's wider soundstage and richer bass made it my preferred choice.

Gaming Performance

Both the MMX300 Pro and the Maxwell excel in gaming scenarios, but they have their strengths in different areas.

The MMX300 Pro, with its precise imaging and forward midrange, excels in competitive gaming scenarios. In first-person shooters like "Counter-Strike: GO" and "Valorant," I found it easier to pinpoint enemy positions and footsteps with the MMX300 Pro. The crisp highs also made it easier to hear subtle audio cues like weapon reloads or distant gunfire.

However, the Maxwell's wider soundstage and more impactful bass created a more immersive experience in games with rich, atmospheric soundtracks. Playing "Red Dead Redemption 2" with the Maxwell was a treat, as the expansive sound field really brought the game world to life. The deeper bass also added weight to explosions and vehicle sounds in games like "Grand Theft Auto V."

Both headsets perform admirably across all game genres, but if I had to choose, I'd pick the MMX300 Pro for competitive gaming and the Maxwell for immersive single-player experiences.

Microphone Quality

A good microphone is crucial for clear communication in multiplayer games, and both headsets deliver in this department.

The MMX300 Pro's microphone, in my testing, produced clear and detailed voice capture. My teammates reported that my voice came through crisp and natural, with good rejection of background noise. The microphone arm is flexible and easy to position.

The Maxwell's microphone also performed well, with clear voice reproduction and good noise cancellation. However, I found the MMX300 Pro's microphone to have a slight edge in terms of clarity and natural sound.

Only the Maxwell’s microphone is detachable, which is a nice feature for those who might want to use these headsets as regular headphones. For my use, I think this is a big deal and an important feature.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The MMX300 Pro is a wired headset, which ensures zero latency and broad compatibility across various devices. It connects via a 3.5mm jack, making it compatible with PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. The lack of wireless functionality might be a drawback for some, but it eliminates any concerns about battery life or wireless interference.

The Audeze Maxwell, on the other hand, offers both wireless and wired connectivity options. In my testing, I found the wireless performance to be excellent, with a stable connection and impressive range. The Maxwell is compatible with PCs, PlayStation 5, and mobile devices in wireless mode. For Xbox users, there's a specific Xbox version available.

The Maxwell's multi-device compatibility and wireless freedom give it an edge in this category, although the MMX300 Pro's simple plug-and-play nature has its own advantages.

Additional Features

The MMX300 Pro, being an analog headset, doesn't come with any proprietary software. This means you're relying on your system's audio settings or third-party software for any EQ adjustments.

The Audeze Maxwell, however, comes with Audeze HQ software for PCs. This software allows for extensive customization, including EQ settings, head tracking calibration, and microphone settings. In my testing, I found the software intuitive to use and appreciated the ability to create and save multiple audio profiles for different games or applications.

The Maxwell also features Bluetooth connectivity in addition to its low-latency wireless mode, allowing you to connect to your phone for music or calls while gaming. This feature came in handy more often than I expected during my testing.

Price and Value

The Beyerdynamic MMX300 Pro and the Audeze Maxwell are both premium gaming headsets, and their prices reflect this.

The MMX300 Pro, while expensive for a wired headset, justifies its price with its studio-quality sound and build. If you prioritize audio quality and don't mind the wired connection, it's a fantastic option for $299.

The Maxwell, being a wireless headset with planar magnetic drivers, commands a higher price. However, considering its versatility, sound quality, and additional features like Bluetooth connectivity and the Audeze HQ software, I found it to offer good value for $329.

Ultimately, both headsets offer strong value propositions for different types of users. The MMX300 Pro is ideal for the serious gamer who prioritizes audio quality and doesn't need wireless functionality, while the Maxwell is perfect for those who want a do-it-all gaming headset with top-tier audio.

Conclusion

After extensive testing of both the Beyerdynamic MMX300 Pro and the Audeze Maxwell, I can confidently say that they are both exceptional gaming headsets, each with its own strengths.

The MMX300 Pro shines with its precise, detailed audio that's perfect for competitive gaming. Its excellent microphone and comfortable design make it a solid choice for serious gamers who don't mind a wired connection.

The Audeze Maxwell impresses with its immersive soundstage, wireless convenience, and versatility. Its planar magnetic drivers deliver rich, detailed audio that enhances both gaming and music listening experiences. Both headsets represent the high-end of gaming audio, and choosing between them ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Whichever you choose, you'll be getting a premium gaming audio experience that's sure to enhance your sessions.

For my application, I think that the features and sound of the Maxwell would appeal more to my casual gaming setup. It’s balanced sound signature was more appealing for longer gaming sessions, and I didn’t find myself becoming fatigued by the highs.