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PlayStation Pulse Elite vs Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset

The Maxwell 2 is the better headset for sound quality and battery life, and it is the one to buy if you play across PC, PlayStation and mobile. Its 90 mm planar drivers, Dolby Atmos or Tempest 3D support, 80+ hour battery and wired 3.5 mm option give it a clear edge on audio and flexibility. The Pulse Elite is lighter, simpler to set up on PS5 and has a retractable mic with AI noise rejection, but its 30 hour battery and PlayStation Link focus make it the narrower pick. Owners rate the Maxwell 2 higher, though some find its 490 g weight heavy for long sessions.

  • Choose the Pulse Elite if you mostly play on a PS5 or PlayStation Portal and want a lighter headset with a retractable mic and a charging hanger.
  • Choose the Maxwell 2 if sound quality, battery life and multi-device use matter most and you don't mind the extra weight.

Prices

  • PlayStation Pulse Elite: $149.00 at PlayStation (checked today)
  • Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset: $329.00 at Audeze (checked today)
  • Difference: the PlayStation Pulse Elite is $180.00 cheaper than the Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset today
PlayStation
PlayStation Pulse Elite

PlayStation Pulse Elite

4.3(185 ratings)
$149.00at PlayStationChecked 50 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit PlayStation
Pros
  • Light and comfortable for long play sessions
  • Retractable mic with AI noise rejection
  • Simple PlayStation Link pairing on PS5 and Portal
  • Charging hanger keeps it powered between sessions
Cons
  • 30 hour battery is far behind the Maxwell 2
  • No 3.5 mm wired option
  • Best features are tied to PlayStation hardware
Audeze
Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset

Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset

4.6(67 ratings)
$329.00at AudezeChecked 50 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Audeze
Pros
  • Excellent detail and bass from 90 mm planar drivers
  • 80+ hour battery with fast charging
  • Bluetooth with LDAC, multipoint and a 3.5 mm jack
  • Steel and aluminium build feels premium
Cons
  • 490 g is heavy for long sessions
  • Setup and device switching take more effort
  • Higher owner rating comes from a smaller sample

What separates them

PlayStation Pulse EliteAudeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset
DriverPlanar magnetic drivers tuned for PS5 3D Audio90 mm planar magnetic drivers with Fluxor magnets and Fazor phase management
Battery lifeUp to 30 hours80+ hours, with 25% in about 20 minutes
WeightLighter build, more comfortable for long sessions490 g, heavy for some owners
ConnectivityPlayStation Link dongle plus Bluetooth for calls and musicUSB-C low-latency dongle, Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC and multipoint, plus 3.5 mm jack
MicrophoneRetractable mic with AI-enhanced noise rejectionDetachable hypercardioid boom mic with FILTER noise reduction
Spatial audio3D Audio on supported PS5 gamesDolby Atmos on Xbox version, Tempest 3D on PlayStation version
Build materialsPlastic frame with a charging hangerSteel and aluminium frame
SetupPlug-and-play on PS5 and PortalMore settings and device switching to manage

Price history

$329.00$149.00
Nov 10Nov 11
  • PlayStation Pulse Elite: lowest $149.00 on Nov 10 at Walmart; $149.00 on Nov 11.
  • Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset: lowest $329.00 on Nov 10 at Mimic-Audio.

Prices at every store

PlayStation Pulse Elite

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $149.00Free shippingChecked 50 min ago
    Visit Walmart
  • PlayStationNew

    In stock

    $149.00Free shippingChecked 50 min ago
    Visit PlayStation
  • PlaystationNew

    In stock

    $149.00Free shippingChecked 50 min ago
    Visit Playstation
  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $149.00Free shippingChecked 50 min ago
    Visit Newegg

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 19 stores and price history →

Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset

  • AudezeNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $329.00Checked 50 min ago
    Visit Audeze
  • Mimic-AudioNew

    In stock

    $329.00Free shippingChecked 22 h ago
    Visit Mimic-Audio
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $329.00Free shippingChecked 22 h ago
    Visit Amazon
All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecPlayStation Pulse EliteAudeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset
StyleOn-earHeadset, Gaming, Headband
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth, LE Audio, Bluetooth, LC3plus, LDAC
Max Battery Life30 hours80hr+
Noise CancelingYes—
ConnectivityWireless—
With MicrophoneYes—
ColorBlack, White, Midnight Black—
Over-EarYes—
Height6.1″ tall—
Width8.5″ wide—
Depth4.3″ deep—
Headphone Cup Type—Over-Ear
Show all 29 specsShow fewer specs
SpecPlayStation Pulse EliteAudeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset
Recharge Time—All day play in 20 min
Driver Size—90 mm
Audio Highlights—Embedded Dolby Atmos License
Connectivity Technology—Wireless
Bluetooth Version—5.3
Compatible Devices—iOS, Android, Mac, PC, Playstation
Ports And Interfaces—USB-C, 3.5mm Jack
Transmission Range—3X range of traditional 2.4Ghz (Ultra-Low Laten…
Microphone Highlights—Noise reduction technology for clear communicat…

What reviewers say

PlayStation Pulse Elite

  • 4.3 / 5185 ratings

Owners rate it highly for sound quality and the low-latency link, and most call it a clear step up from the Pulse 3D. Complaints center on comfort: the clamp is tight and the headband presses after a couple of hours. The mic and noise canceling get mixed notes.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedOwners say the planar drivers deliver clear detail and deep bass that makes 3D Audio cues easy to place.
  • ComfortCriticisedMany report a tight clamp and a stiff headband that becomes uncomfortable after an hour or two.
  • ConnectivityPraisedPlayStation Link pairs quickly and stays stable, and Bluetooth mixing lets calls come through mid-game.
  • BatteryPraisedUsers report getting close to the claimed 30 hours and like the fast charge and charging hanger.

Audeze Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset

  • 4.6 / 567 ratings

Early hands-on coverage, including TechteamGB, praises the sound character, fit and finish and real-world listening. Buyers treat it as a gaming headset that doubles as a serious wireless headphone.

What people mention
  • SoundPraisedListeners single out the sonic character as the standout, with planar speed and SLAM bass noted in hands-on coverage.
  • BuildPraisedFit and finish get credit for a sturdy steel and aluminum frame and a cleaner suspension strap.
  • WeightMixedAt 490 g it is heavier than most gaming headsets, which matters over long sessions.
  • BatteryPraised
Reviews
  • Best Gaming Headset 2026: Stereo sound with powerful microphones
  • The best gaming headsets of 2026: Top picks for every platform - Browse earbuds
  • The best gaming headsets of 2026: Top picks for every platform - Browse earbuds

Questions and answers

Which is better for PS5 gaming?
Both work on PS5. The Pulse Elite is simpler to set up and lighter, while the Maxwell 2 sounds better and lasts far longer on a charge.
Which has better sound quality?
The Maxwell 2. Its larger planar drivers and Dolby Atmos or Tempest 3D support give it more detail and stronger bass than the Pulse Elite.
Which is more comfortable for long sessions?
The Pulse Elite, because it is noticeably lighter. The Maxwell 2's 490 g weight bothers some owners after a few hours.
Does the Maxwell 2 work with a phone and a console at the same time?
Yes. Its Bluetooth multipoint lets you stay connected to a phone while the USB-C dongle handles console or PC audio.
Is the Pulse Elite worth stepping up to over the Maxwell 2?
Only if you want the lightest PS5-focused option with a retractable mic. On audio, battery and connectivity the Maxwell 2 offers more.
Can I use either headset wired?
The Maxwell 2 has a 3.5 mm jack and a USB-C cable. The Pulse Elite is wireless only through PlayStation Link or Bluetooth.

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More comparisons

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best gifts for gamers
Noise Cancelling Microphone—Yes (FILTER noise reduction technology)
Microphone Mount Type—Detachable hypercardioid boom microphone
Microphone Sound Input—Hypercardioid
Driver Technology—Planar magnetic
Weight—490g
Material—Steel, Aluminium
Monaural—No
Recommended Use—Gaming
80+ hours per charge and a 20-minute top-up are treated as class-leading.