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Sony WH-1000XM3 — Over-ear · 2018
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM3

Over-ear · 2018

86
/ 100
From $349
VS
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) wins by 6
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition
Audeze

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition

92
/ 100
From $299
Specdex verdict

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sony WH-1000XM3 lands at 86 and Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) at 92. That puts Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sony WH-1000XM3 if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)

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

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Tuning, detail, and staging

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) leads on sound (92 vs 86).

Noise cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM3

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sony WH-1000XM3 leads on anc (84 vs 70).

Comfort

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Long-session wearability

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) leads on comfort (90 vs 85).

Value for money

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) more score per dollar ($299 vs $349).

Sony WH-1000XM3 86
vs
92 Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Score breakdown

Sony WH-1000XM3
86
anc 84
sound 86
comfort 85
battery 82
features 82
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)
92
anc 70
sound 92
comfort 90
battery 86
features 92

Specs side-by-side

Sony WH-1000XM3 versus Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — full spec comparison
Spec Sony WH-1000XM3 Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)
Type
Over-ear
Gaming headset
Release year
2018
2022
Variant
—
PS5 Edition

Sony WH-1000XM3

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

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: Sony WH-1000XM3 vs Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM3 or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sony WH-1000XM3 worth the price? +

At $349, Sony WH-1000XM3 delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in sound.

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

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

Does Sony WH-1000XM3 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, Sony WH-1000XM3 or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — leads on sound (92 vs 86). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Sony WH-1000XM3 or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Sony WH-1000XM3 — leads on anc (84 vs 70). ANC strength for commute and travel.