ConsFirst / Gaming headsets / Compare
Razer BlackShark V3 Pro vs Audeze Maxwell 2
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Razer BlackShark V3 Pro ranks higher (#2 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on microphone, comfort. Audeze Maxwell 2 wins on sound, battery / connection.
The biggest complaint about the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro is mixed owner reports on sound and reliability; 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 V3 Pro | Audeze Maxwell 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in gaming headsets | #2 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Wireless | Wireless |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 19% | 23% |
| Overall score | 4.0 | 3.9 |
| Sound | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Microphone | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Comfort | 4.0 | 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 V3 Pro
- Mixed owner reports on sound and reliability
Amazon's summary says owners are split on sound, ANC, mic, connectivity, adjustability and fit, and some report it stopped working after three days.
- High price and extra weight
PCGamesN lists the very high price, the weight and a slightly loose fit as cons. TechRadar says ANC costs about $50 more than the V2 Pro.
Source: PCGamesN review, TechRadar review - Only decent ANC and an awkward dongle
RTINGS says the ANC doesn't compete with Bose, Sony or Apple, and that Bluetooth connects to only one device. TechRadar says the fabric pads limit the ANC and the HyperSpeed dongle needs a USB cable.
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 V3 Pro if
Competitive players who want low latency and a great mic
Gaming in noisy rooms (ANC)
Listening to a phone over Bluetooth while gaming
Skip it if: You don't need ANC (the V2 Pro is cheaper); You want the lightest headset; You want a small plug-in dongle
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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