Compare Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

Analog input is useful and dedicated, though one reviewer notes the headphone-side cable connection is less common.

The lack of a built-in 3.5mm analog jack was a repeated drawback, even though USB-C-to-3.5mm wired listening is possible.

Active noise cancellation is the product’s strongest consensus win, repeatedly described as elite, best-in-class, or among the best available.

ANC was usually judged good, solid, or decent for daily use, but several reviewers said it still trails Bose, Sony, or the top tier.

Advanced software features are mixed: CustomTune and acoustic compensation impress some reviewers, while others complain that Bose offers little new.

Advanced software features were considered solid and modern, but reviewers did not see them as uniquely class-leading.

The profile is seen as discreet and attractive, with reviewers saying the headphones look good without standing out too much.

Aesthetics were distinctive and often praised, but some reviewers noted the retro Marshall look will not suit everyone.

ANC background noise is generally improved or very low, with reviewers praising quiet operation and reduced hiss, though not every review is flawless.

ANC background noise performance was decent: one review measured strong overall noise reduction, and another said white noise was not bad.

ANC-off mode is a sonic caveat because one reviewer says tonality worsens with ANC disabled.

ANC-off listening measured slightly better in one review, suggesting ANC can subtly affect the sound signature.

ANC is praised for not changing the headphone’s sonic character in one review’s listening.

ANC slightly affects audio performance, with one review noting higher sound-quality scores when ANC is disabled.

Android compatibility is positive where reviewers mention Google Fast Pair and Snapdragon/aptX Adaptive support.

Android compatibility was positive in one review that found the headphones sounded good on Android.

The app is generally easy to use, but reviewers often describe it as limited, basic, or not as feature-rich as rivals.

The app was viewed positively for customization, controls, battery options, and a generally intuitive experience.

aptX support is treated as a meaningful upside for compatible newer Android devices, even though the transcript renders it as AEX.

aptX support was criticized as absent, especially for Android or lossless-codec users.

Wired USB-C listening is credited with reducing Bluetooth latency, giving it a practical audio-video sync benefit.

Audio-video sync was a concern for gaming because one reviewer tied the lack of low-latency codecs to more noticeable latency.

Auracast support was treated as a positive future-facing feature, especially for Android and LE Audio readiness.

Wear detection for wake/play behavior is praised for quickly waking and connecting when the headphones are put on.

Auto-play and wear detection worked but was slow to react in one test.

Auto on/off behavior is praised for quick wake, sleep, and battery-saving reliability.

Award recognition is strong in the RecordingNow review, which gives the headphones an Editor’s Choice-style recognition.

Bass is frequently praised as strong, deep, and enjoyable, though a few reviewers call the default balance bass-heavy or V-shaped.

Bass was usually described as punchy or well-balanced, though several reviewers said it could use more impact, cleaner control, or stronger low-end weight.

Battery life is improved and usually adequate, but reviewers commonly frame it as average, mid-pack, or not class-leading.

Battery life had the strongest agreement: reviewers repeatedly described it as class-leading, incredible, extraordinary, or far ahead of competitors.

Bluetooth pairing is described as straightforward, supporting an easy day-to-day connection experience.

Bluetooth performance was praised in one review as stable and high-performance.

Bluetooth 5.4 is viewed mildly positively as a useful modern update rather than a major advantage.

Bluetooth version support was tied to a stable, high-performance wireless connection in one review.

Build quality is acceptable to good, but reviewers split between reassuring solidity and complaints about plasticky or less premium feel.

Build quality was generally strong and rugged, with praise for durability and materials, offset by one report of creaking.

The built-in DAC/USB-C hi-res path is repeatedly praised for clearer, more detailed, or higher-quality wired playback.

Hi-res playback support was a weakness because reviewers repeatedly noted no hi-res Bluetooth audio support.

Button usability is mixed, with some reviewers liking the balance of buttons and touch and others criticizing overloaded controls.

Button controls were a standout strength, with reviewers preferring the tactile joystick and physical buttons over touch controls.

Cable quality received praise in one review for the black cable with brass tips and premium-feeling presentation.

The carry case is usually praised as compact, protective, or sturdy, though a few reviewers find the fit awkward or the zip case less convenient.

The carry case was usually praised as sturdy, compact, premium, or travel-friendly, though a few reviewers found it bulky or unnecessary.

Charging gets positive evidence from the quick-charge result and ability to recover several hours quickly.

Charging was praised for fast top-ups, with reviewers citing up to 12 hours of playback from a short charge.

Clamping force is usually praised as gentle or well judged, though one reviewer found the fit snug.

Clamping comfort was rated very highly, with reviewers reporting little to virtually zero pressure.

Codec support is viewed positively where aptX Adaptive/Snapdragon Sound support is relevant, especially for compatible Android devices.

Codec support was a clear weakness because reviewers noted no hi-res, lossless, or low-latency codec support.

Comfort during long use is one of the most consistent strengths, with reviewers repeatedly saying the headphones can be worn for hours.

Comfort was one of the strongest consensus wins, with reviewers repeatedly praising all-day wear, soft fit, and low fatigue.

Connectivity options are a strength because reviewers say USB-C, analog, and Bluetooth make it hard to be stuck without a usable connection.

Connectivity options were mixed: wired and wireless playback were useful, but the lack of a built-in 3.5mm jack and coiled cable hurt convenience.

Design feedback is generally positive, with reviewers liking the modern look, finish options, and refined styling.

Design and aesthetics were mostly praised for the distinctive Marshall look, premium detailing, and rugged styling, though taste varied.

The lack of a low-latency dongle is a drawback when compared with more flexible rivals.

Durability evidence is positive but limited, mostly based on case wear and confidence in long-term construction.

Durability over time was viewed positively because reviewers described more durable, repairable construction and long-term toughness.

Earcup padding is strongly praised as plush, cushy, soft, and supportive.

Ear cup padding was widely praised as extremely soft, plush, pillow-like, and important to comfort and sealing.

Ear cup rotation and swivel helped portability, though one reviewer found the twisting mechanism odd on the head.

Earpad/body-borne noise was a notable negative for one reviewer, who heard footsteps and heartbeat-like sounds.

EQ customization is one of the most repeated complaints because Bose still relies on a simple three-band EQ.

EQ customization was broadly useful and responsive, though one reviewer wanted more precision than the five-band setup provides.

Features at launch were adequate but not standout, with one reviewer saying the standard feature set lacked a truly distinctive tool.

Frequency balance is debated: some reviewers hear an impressively balanced profile after EQ, while others find the default tuning bassy, safe, or not neutral.

The default frequency response was judged broadly listener-friendly, especially for casual listeners.

Headband adjustability earned a small positive note for visible adjustment numbering.

Headband padding is praised as soft and supportive, helping the headphones stay comfortable for long sessions.

Headband comfort was praised for reducing top-of-head pressure through light weight and support-strap design.

The hinge and moving hardware are described positively because the moving parts use high-quality metal.

Hinge durability was praised for being able to twist without showing signs of breaking.

Immersive audio quality is highly split, with some reviewers loving cinema/spatial effects and others preferring normal stereo.

Immersive audio quality was mixed, with some reviewers enjoying the added atmosphere and others finding the effect limited or not truly immersive.

Included accessories are appreciated, especially the case plus charging and audio cables.

Included accessories received praise for the attractive red-velvet case and included cables.

Instrument separation is usually seen as good to excellent, though one reviewer notes it can struggle when mixes get busy.

Instrument separation was a consistent strength when mentioned, with reviewers noting solid layering, instrument placement, and separation across bass, mids, and highs.

The integrated microphone is serviceable to good, with clear call presence, though not always exceptional.

Integrated microphone feedback was mixed, with clear/crisp quiet-room results but criticism of vocal clarity or noisy-environment performance.

LDAC was only discussed as an absent higher-quality codec, making it a codec-support weakness.

LE Audio readiness is weak because one reviewer specifically complains that low-energy goodies are still missing.

LE Audio readiness was treated as a positive future-proofing feature by multiple reviewers.

Reviewers note that fine detail and micro-detail are not class-leading, even when the overall sound is enjoyable.

Maximum-volume clarity was strong in the reviews that addressed it, with no audible or max-volume distortion reported.

Microphone noise handling is generally positive, with reviewers saying voices stay clear and background noise is reduced well in common noisy settings.

Microphone noise reduction was praised for handling simulated or real wind well, despite some vocal-clarity caveats elsewhere.

Call microphone quality is usually good enough to excellent, but not every reviewer finds it full-bodied or exceptional.

Call microphone quality received strong praise from one reviewer, especially for windy phone calls.

Midrange feedback is mixed: several reviewers like vocal clarity and texture, while others hear recessed or dull low mids.

Midrange impressions were mixed: some praised vocals and instruments, while others heard under-emphasized mids, prominent high mids, or occasional clutter.

Multi-platform compatibility is a strength, especially for users switching across phones, laptops, Android, iOS, and other operating systems.

Multi-platform compatibility was positive where tested on both iOS and Android.

Multipoint is a clear strength in the reviews, with seamless switching and reliable two-device behavior praised repeatedly.

Multipoint reliability was strong where tested, with seamless switching or extremely reliable two-device use.

Passive isolation is considered useful and fairly good, but one reviewer notes the foam is not the thickest.

Passive isolation was praised for the soft cushions and seal, which helped block noise even before ANC was considered.

Overall recommendations are positive for new buyers and travel users, but several reviewers temper that with Gen 1 upgrade and price caveats.

Overall recommendations were positive but caveated: reviewers liked the package, especially for travel and rock-focused listening, while noting ANC, codecs, and wired tradeoffs.

Portability is a strength because reviewers like the foldable frame and compact travel form.

Portability and foldability were major strengths thanks to the compact folding design and small travel footprint.

Premium feel is mixed: the Gen 2 can feel nicer than before, but multiple reviewers still call out plastic, rattling, or non-premium materials.

Premium feel was praised through richer materials, superior build impressions, and a luxurious presentation.

Preset EQ quality is weak in the evidence, with reviewers calling presets ineffective or lackluster.

The preset EQ experience was praised in one review, especially the bass boost setting for adding dynamic sound without excess bass.

Replaceable earpads are a practical upside for cleaning, wear, and possible third-party pad swaps.

Replaceable earpads were praised as easy to remove or replace and useful for longevity.

Replaceable pads and headband parts were a repairability plus where described.

Sensor performance was a concern because one reviewer reported random wear-sensor triggers.

Smart listening features such as ActiveSense and immersive audio are appreciated when they solve practical problems, but the enthusiasm is not universal.

Smart listening features were mixed: adaptive volume, Spotify Tap, and battery preservation drew praise, while missing convenience features held the score down.

Smart Pause works but has a caveat: folding the headphones can defeat the lay-flat pause behavior and waste battery.

Smart Pause performance was criticized for random triggering in one longer test.

Smudge resistance is a downside because glossy accents pick up fingerprints and dust.

Setup and navigation are generally easy, with reviewers praising stability, intuitive menus, and simple access to features.

Setup simplicity received praise from one reviewer who called pairing/setup easy.

Sound leakage was viewed positively in one review because the plush ear cups helped minimize leak.

Reviews are broadly positive on sound quality, especially after EQ or over USB-C, but several reviewers still found the tuning less refined than top sonic rivals.

Reviewers generally liked the sound, describing it as pleasing, energetic, balanced, or excellent, with the strongest praise for rock and instrument-driven listening.

Reviewers often describe the soundstage as wide, spacious, or open, especially for closed-back ANC headphones.

Soundstage width drew mixed reactions, from solid or opened-up presentation to narrow, cluttered, or not true-spatial enough.

Spatial and cinema modes are divisive: movie use receives praise, while music-focused immersive modes are less consistently liked.

Spatial audio was divisive: some liked the extra space, but others found it unnatural, underwhelming, or below true Atmos-style experiences.

Stability is adequate for light movement, but not ideal for dynamic workouts or smaller heads.

Connection stability was praised as stable and high-performance in one review.

Streaming integration is a limitation because the app lacks built-in music service or internet radio integration.

Streaming service integration was praised strongly for Spotify Tap, especially for starting playback without pulling out a phone.

Sustainability and repairability were praised for replaceable parts and repair-minded design, with a caveat that batteries are not user-replaceable.

Sustainability materials received a modest positive note for recycled plastic use.

Touch control feedback is mixed: some reviewers find the slider responsive, while others call it imprecise or annoying.

Transparency mode is generally praised as natural and useful, though several reviewers note hiss, reduced level, or weaker performance than AirPods Max or Sony.

Transparency mode was considered usable and sometimes natural, but reviewers also noted hiss, limited realism, or weaker performance than the best rivals.

Travel friendliness is a major strength because reviewers highlight comfort, ANC, foldability, and long-flight usefulness.

Travel friendliness was a major strength due to battery life, compact folding, wired flexibility, and protective case design.

Treble is generally smooth or crisp enough, but reviewers do not treat it as the strongest part of the tuning.

Treble feedback was split between clear, impressive highs and complaints about sibilance, fatigue, or sharpness on some tracks.

USB-C audio is one of the clearest feature upgrades, praised for lossless listening and practical wired use.

USB-C was useful for charging and wired listening, but reviewers criticized the one-port limitation and need for power in wired use.

Value is mixed: reviewers like the feature set and experience, but price and weak upgrade logic for Gen 1 owners are repeated caveats.

Value was generally fair to good, especially on sale, but reviewers noted strong cheaper or better-performing rivals.

Voice prompts and feedback added personality through Marshall-style guitar sounds during power and pairing.

USB-C playback is praised for giving more output headroom for listeners who want louder playback.

One reviewer found the headphones plenty loud, with comfortable listening volume well below maximum.

Water and sweat resistance is a weakness because reviewers call out the lack of an ingress protection rating.

Water and sweat resistance was a weakness because reviewers noted the headphones are not waterproof and should avoid rain or gym use.

Auto-pause is generally positive, with reviewers noting automatic pause and power-up behavior when the headphones are removed or worn.

Wear detection auto-pause was only moderately successful, working but reacting slowly.

Wear detection performance is praised as excellent in daily use.

Wear detection performance was a weakness in one longer test because the sensor randomly triggered.

Reviewers repeatedly connect the low weight to comfort, calling the headphones light and easy to wear.

Weight comfort was a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly calling the headphones light for the class and easy to wear.

Wind handling was mixed: one reviewer found wind susceptibility in ANC/transparency, while another found moderate wind manageable.