Marshall Marshall - Monitor III A.N.C. Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone for Calls - Black Review
The Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. headphones promise legendary sound and marathon battery life. Our testing reveals one of those claims is much stronger than the other.
The 30-Second Version
The Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. has legendary battery life and the classic rock look, but its sound and noise cancellation are just average. It scores in the 36th percentile for core audio performance. At $249, it's hard to recommend unless you live for the brand.
Overview
The Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. is a classic rockstar trying to play a new gig. It's got the iconic Marshall look, a rugged foldable design, and a battery life that just won't quit—70 hours with ANC on is genuinely impressive. But when you look past the legendary branding, the performance data tells a more subdued story. Our tests show it lands in the lower third for core features like sound quality and noise cancellation compared to other wireless over-ears.
Performance
Let's be real: the battery is the star here. 70 hours with ANC active is a marathon, putting it in the top tier for longevity. Everything else is pretty middle-of-the-pack. The ANC and sound quality scores land around the 36th percentile, which means they get the job done but won't blow you away. The mic is fine for calls, and the build feels solid, though comfort scores surprisingly low. It's a competent performer, not an exceptional one.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Battery life is absolutely massive at 70 hours with ANC. 67th
- The rugged, foldable design with a hard case is great for travel.
- Marshall's app offers cool customization like spatial audio and EQ.
- The iconic Marshall look is a statement piece.
Cons
- Sound and ANC performance are below average for the price. 16th
- Comfort scores are low, which is a red flag for all-day wear. 18th
- It's weak for travel, scoring poorly in that category. 26th
- You're paying a premium for the brand name over raw performance. 34th
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Weight | 0.2 kg / 0.5 lbs |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
Value & Pricing
At $249, this is a tough sell. You're paying for the Marshall aesthetic and that monster battery. The actual audio and noise-cancelling performance, however, sits closer to what you'd expect from a $150-$180 pair. If the look and battery are your top priorities, maybe. But if you want the best sound or ANC for your money, this isn't it.
vs Competition
Stacked against the giants, it's clear. The Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones will run circles around the Monitor III for ANC and sound quality, though they cost more. Even looking at true wireless options like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Technics EAH-AZ80, you get more advanced tech in a smaller package for similar money. The Marshall's only clear win is battery life; it outlasts almost all of them.
| Spec | Marshall Marshall - Monitor III A.N.C. Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone for Calls - Black | Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation Apple - AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation - | Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Technics Technics EAH-AZ80 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra True Wireless | Sennheiser Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | - | True Wireless | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver Type | - | Dynamic | Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Black) | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | - | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 5 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7.5 |
| Case Battery Hours | - | 25 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 22.5 |
| Water Resistance | - | Water-Resistant | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IP54 |
| Multipoint | - | true | true | true | true | - |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
Common Questions
Q: Is the noise cancellation good for flights or loud commutes?
Our data puts its ANC performance in the 36th percentile, which is below average. It'll cut some noise, but don't expect the near-silence you get from top-tier Sony or Bose models.
Q: Are they comfortable for all-day wear?
Comfort scores in the 25th percentile, which is surprisingly low. Some users might find them fine, but if you wear headphones for hours, this is a potential issue.
Q: How's the call quality?
The mic scores around the 53rd percentile. It's decent for clear calls in quiet places, but it's not a standout feature for busy environments.
Who Should Skip This
Skip these if you're a frequent traveler. It scored a dismal 10.2/100 for travel, meaning the ANC isn't strong enough for planes and the design might not be the most portable despite being foldable. Also, skip if you're an audiophile; the sound quality percentile is too low for the price.
Verdict
Buy these if you're a die-hard Marshall fan who values style and insane battery life above all else, and you don't mind average ANC. For everyone else—commuters, audiophiles, frequent flyers—there are better-performing options that make your $249 work harder.