Nothing Headphones (1) vs Audeze Maxwell

The Audeze Maxwell is the better headphone for sound quality and gaming. Its 90mm planar magnetic drivers deliver detail and imaging that the Nothing's 40mm dynamic drivers can't match, and its 2.4GHz dongle gives lower latency for PC and console play. The Nothing Headphone (1) is the better everyday commuter and travel pick: it has real active noise cancellation, an IP52 rating, a hard case and lighter-feeling comfort for long wear. Reviewers praise the Maxwell's sound but note its weight and clamp; owners of the Nothing like the controls and battery but call the design divisive.

• Choose the Nothing Headphone (1) if you want active noise cancellation, water resistance and a hard case for commuting and travel.
• Choose the Audeze Maxwell if sound quality and low-latency gaming on PC or console matter more than noise cancellation.