The Marshall Monitor 3 ANC headphones deliver a premium listening experience bolstered by exceptional battery life and a comfortable, stylish design. This in-depth review dives into every aspect of these over-ear headphones, from their luxurious build quality and intuitive controls to their impressive sound profile and effective noise cancellation. We'll explore the comfort and portability features, examining how well they perform during extended use and travel. We also delve into the accompanying app and its customization options.This review will analyze the Marshall Monitor 3 ANC's strengths and weaknesses, providing a comprehensive assessment of their performance. We'll discuss the impressive battery longevity, the effectiveness of the active noise cancellation, and the overall sound quality, including a critical look at bass response. Ultimately, this review aims to help you decide if the Marshall Monitor 3 ANC headphones are the right investment for your needs, weighing their premium price against their exceptional features.
Pros And Cons
- 70 hours of battery life with active noise cancelling
- 12 hours of battery life after 15 minutes of quick charging
- Small and compact travel case
- Intuitive multi-function button
- Sound Stage function for wider sound perception
- Adaptive loudness adjustment
- Active noise cancelling and transparency mode
- Multi-point connectivity between two devices
- Comfortable earcups and headband
- Good transparency mode
- Noise cancelling performance not as good as expected for the price
- Bass sound quality lacking, even with bass boost
- Earcups may be too soft and plushy for long-term use
- Headband lacks padding; may be uncomfortable for some without hair
- Auto-play/pause function unreliable
Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Marshall Monitor 3 ANC headphones arrived in a compact, well-designed package. Inside, I found the headphones themselves, a USB-C charging cable, a USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable, and a small, stylish travel case with a red interior. The build quality felt premium right from the start; the faux leather material is both luxurious and durable.
Initial impressions were positive. The headphones fit comfortably, and the controls are intuitive. The overall design is sleek and stylish, making these headphones a pleasure to both see and wear. The attention to detail is evident, from the materials used to the thoughtful placement of the buttons.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the most striking features of the Marshall Monitor 3 ANC is its battery life. Marshall claims 70 hours with active noise cancellation enabled, and my experience confirms this. I used these headphones heavily for a month, and charging was only necessary every couple of weeks. The quick charge functionality is also excellent, providing 12 hours of playback after just 15 minutes of charging.
This impressive battery life is a huge advantage, especially for frequent travelers or those who use headphones for extended periods. It eliminates the constant worry of running out of power, a common frustration with many wireless headphones.
Sound Quality and Features
The sound quality of the Marshall Monitor 3 ANC is impressive, with a crisp, clean profile. The highs and mids are exceptionally clear, providing detail and accuracy in the music. However, bass response is somewhat lacking, even with the bass boost enabled. While not weak, it could be more powerful for bass-heavy genres.
The active noise cancellation (ANC) is effective, although not the most impressive I've experienced. It does a good job of muffling background noise, making them suitable for use in various environments. The transparency mode works well, allowing you to hear your surroundings clearly when needed.
Comfort and Portability
The Marshall Monitor 3 ANC headphones are remarkably comfortable for extended listening sessions. The earcups are plush and soft, although some may find them a bit too soft. The headband is also comfortable, with a dual-band design that prevents pressure points, even for those without hair.
Portability is another strong point. The headphones fold compactly, fitting neatly into the included travel case. This makes them easy to transport, ideal for commutes or travel. The compact design ensures they won't take up excessive space in your bag.
App and Controls
The Marshall Monitor 3 ANC app offers a simple and intuitive interface. It allows for customization of the equalizer, ANC settings, and button functions. The app also displays battery life, firmware updates, and other essential information.
While basic, the app provides all the necessary tools to tailor the headphones to your preferences. The multi-function button, in particular, stands out for its versatility and ease of use. It provides a streamlined control experience that greatly enhances the user-friendly nature of these headphones.
Overall Conclusion
The Marshall Monitor 3 ANC headphones offer a compelling combination of premium design, exceptional battery life, and comfortable ergonomics. While the bass response could be improved, the crisp sound quality and effective noise cancellation make these headphones a great choice for many users.
However, the price point might be a barrier for some. Those seeking the absolute best noise cancellation or powerful bass may want to explore other options. Nevertheless, the impressive battery life and comfortable fit make the Marshall Monitor 3 ANC a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing these features.