ConsFirst / Gaming headsets / Compare
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2024) for Xbox vs Audeze Maxwell 2
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2024) for Xbox ranks higher (#3 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on comfort. Audeze Maxwell 2 wins on sound, microphone, battery / connection.
The biggest complaint about the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2024) for Xbox is no wired connection; for the Audeze Maxwell 2 it's heavy, warm and hard to adjust. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2024) for Xbox | Audeze Maxwell 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in gaming headsets | #3 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Type | Wireless | Wireless |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 19% | 23% |
| Overall score | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Sound | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Microphone | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Comfort | 4.5 | 2.5 |
| Battery / connection | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Durability | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–200 · $$$ over $200. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2024) for Xbox
- No wired connection
Wirecutter and BGR both note there's no wired option, not even over USB-C, so you have no audio once the battery dies.
- Mic and connection problems for some owners
Amazon's summary says owners are split on mic quality, connectivity and durability. It cites reports of the mic not working while gaming, Bluetooth problems, and build quality that doesn't hold up long-term. Wirecutter says voices sound slightly muffled and compressed.
- Weak noise isolation and basic software
BGR says it isn't good at blocking outside sound and has no ANC. Wirecutter calls the Razer Audio Setup app basic next to Razer's Synapse software.
Audeze Maxwell 2
- Heavy, warm and hard to adjust
SoundGuys lists 'heavy and uncomfortable over long hours': its reviewer managed 4 hours, the pleather got warm, and the headband is 'an absolute pain to adjust'. TechRadar flags the weight, and Tom's Guide calls the adjustment annoying. Wirecutter says it fell off the back of its tester's head. Amazon owners are mixed on comfort.
- No simultaneous dongle and Bluetooth
Tom's Guide, TechRadar and SoundGuys all list the lack of simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio. Amazon's summary says some owners' USB dongles keep disconnecting.
- Pricey, with a mic some find only okay
TechRadar calls the mic 'merely okay': its AI noise reduction didn't work well until tuned. Tom's Guide lists the price as a con, and Amazon owners split on value, with some calling it overpriced.
Who should pick which
Pick the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2024) for Xbox if
One wireless headset for both Xbox and PlayStation
Long sessions with glasses
Players who rarely want to charge
Skip it if: You want a wired backup; You game somewhere noisy (weak isolation, no ANC); You want deep software customization
Pick the Audeze Maxwell 2 if
The best sound for both games and music
Very long battery
Players who want a premium mic
Skip it if: Weight or heat bothers you; You want Bluetooth and dongle audio at the same time; You own the original Maxwell (a small upgrade)
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