UMVA has learned that Marshall's Monitor III ANC headphones have finally hit a sweet spot in terms of pricing, with a current price tag of $229.99, a significant drop from their original $379.99.
These sleek over-ear Bluetooth headphones boast active noise cancellation and a design that's hard to ignore, with textured earcups and a gold logo that screams amp-inspired style. The build feels sturdy, and attention to detail is evident in features like replaceable ear cushions and a swappable silicone headband strap, suggesting they're built to last.
The Monitor III headphones are clearly aimed at those who shop around for top brands like Bose and Sony, but Marshall is selling more than just sound quality - they're peddling a vibe. With a compact hard case included, they fold down neatly for travel, but beware: they're not water-resistant, making them better suited for home listening or travel rather than intense workouts.
Day-to-day use is mostly seamless, thanks to a small gold joystick that handles volume and track controls with ease, as well as a separate button for toggling noise cancellation and transparency. A customizable shortcut button can be set up through the Marshall app, which offers a simple five-band EQ and a few presets, although it's not ideal for those who like to fine-tune every frequency.
Where the Monitor III headphones truly shine is battery life: up to 70 hours with ANC on and a whopping 100 hours with it off is more than enough for even the longest trips. Sound quality is also on point, delivering strong bass and crisp highs that make hip-hop and electronic tracks feel lively.
Noise cancellation does a great job reducing plane engine rumble and city noise, although it doesn't quite match the best in the business when it comes to blocking midrange chatter. Still, with stable Bluetooth 5.3 connections and decent sound quality, these headphones are a compelling choice for those in the market for a stylish, long-lasting listening experience.