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Sennheiser HD 800 S — Open-back
Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Open-back

95
/ 100
From $1,699
VS
Sennheiser HD 800 S wins by 3
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition
Audeze

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition

92
/ 100
From $299
Specdex verdict

Sennheiser HD 800 S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sennheiser HD 800 S lands at 95 and Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) at 92. That puts Sennheiser HD 800 S ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sennheiser HD 800 S if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sennheiser HD 800 S leads on sound (95 vs 92).

Noise cancelling

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

ANC strength for commute and travel

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) leads on anc (70 vs 0).

Comfort

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Long-session wearability

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) leads on comfort (90 vs 88).

Value for money

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) more score per dollar ($299 vs $1,699).

Sennheiser HD 800 S 95
vs
92 Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Score breakdown

Sennheiser HD 800 S
95
anc 0
sound 95
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)
92
anc 70
sound 92
comfort 90
battery 86
features 92

Specs side-by-side

Sennheiser HD 800 S versus Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — full spec comparison
Spec Sennheiser HD 800 S Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)
Type
Open-back
Gaming headset
Variant
—
PS5 Edition
Release year
—
2022

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Pros
  • +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • +Detachable broadcast mic
  • +Console compatibility
Cons
  • −Bulkier than audiophile cans
  • −Game-tuned EQ
  • −Software required on PC

FAQ: Sennheiser HD 800 S vs Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Which is better, Sennheiser HD 800 S or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Sennheiser HD 800 S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sennheiser HD 800 S worth the price? +

At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800 S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in battery.

Is Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) worth the price? +

At $299, Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.

Does Sennheiser HD 800 S or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, Sennheiser HD 800 S or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Sennheiser HD 800 S — leads on sound (95 vs 92). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Sennheiser HD 800 S or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — leads on anc (70 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.