Compare Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones vs Marshall Major V

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.

The 3.5mm input was repeatedly confirmed, including wired listening and audio sharing through AUX.

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

Reviewers consistently confirmed there is no active noise cancellation, making the Major V weaker for planes, trains, and noisy commutes.

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

Advanced software features include firmware updates, battery preservation, app controls, and M-button customization, but the feature set is not deep.

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

The aesthetic profile was distinctive rather than discreet, with repeated praise for vintage rock styling.

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

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

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

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

Android compatibility was supported through Google Fast Pair and Android codec discussion, though high-quality Android codec support was weaker.

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

The app added useful EQ, M-button, firmware, and battery tools, but some reviewers found it basic, laggy, or connection-prone.

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

aptX support was a clear weakness, with reviewers explicitly noting no aptX Adaptive or aptX.

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

Audio-video sync was viewed positively where discussed, especially with Bluetooth LE Audio and no noticeable delay in one test.

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

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

Auto power-off was available through app settings, with standby behavior mentioned in one review.

PCMag recognized the product as a stylish on-ear option.

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.

Bass drew split but mostly positive notes: reviewers heard punch, weight, and warmth, while a few wanted more low-end authority.

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

Battery life was the strongest consensus point, with reviewers repeatedly praising 100-hour-class endurance and multi-week use.

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

Bluetooth connectivity is a core feature and was cited with Bluetooth 5.3 support.

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

Bluetooth version support was strong, with Bluetooth 5.3 cited in multiple reviews.

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

Build quality was generally positive, with reviewers describing the headphones as hardy, rugged, and damage-resistant.

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

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

Physical button controls were a major strength, especially the joystick-style brass knob for playback, volume, calls, and power.

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

The included coiled cable reinforced the retro feel, though one review found it prone to tangling.

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

Carry case quality scored poorly because many reviews noted there is no pouch, tote, or carrying case included.

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

Charging was a strength thanks to USB-C, quick charging, and wireless charging, though placement on wireless pads could be fiddly.

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

Clamp comfort varied sharply, from gentle or moderate to too loose, too tight, or painful with glasses.

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

Codec support includes mainstream SBC, AAC, and LC3, but reviewers criticized missing higher-end options such as aptX or lossless support.

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

Comfort was mixed: many praised soft padding and long wear, while others reported soreness, sweating, or discomfort with glasses.

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.

Connectivity options were broad for the category, including Bluetooth, wired listening, wireless charging, multipoint, and audio sharing.

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

Design and aesthetics were widely praised for Marshall’s retro, rock-inspired identity and recognizable styling.

Wired use was a practical convenience, with passive and active wired listening mentioned.

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

Durability over time looked promising in one review that stressed ruggedness and the ability to take a beating.

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

Ear cup padding was repeatedly praised as thick, soft, plush, and helpful for on-ear comfort.

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

Ear cup rotation was specifically supported by a review noting 90-degree tilt.

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

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

EQ customization was a common positive, with five-band custom EQ and presets mentioned across reviews.

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

Feature coverage was mixed: battery, app, wireless charging, LE Audio, and controls helped, but ANC and richer smart features were missing.

Firmware roadmap evidence centered on promised future Auracast support through a firmware update.

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

Measured frequency response was criticized for deviating notably from the reviewer’s preference curve.

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

Headband adjustment was described as smooth, flexible, and suitable for different head sizes.

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

Headband padding was mixed, with one review praising soft wraparound padding and another calling the band thinly padded.

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

The folding hinge design was described as a metal hinge holding the cups apart from the headband.

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

Immersive audio was limited by the on-ear format, with one reviewer describing the presentation as compact rather than spacious.

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

Included accessories were basic: reviewers saw charging and audio cables, but no protective case.

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

Instrument separation was a strength in several reviews, especially for stereo placement, detail visibility, and picking out layers.

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

The integrated microphone was referenced through talk-time and call-related use, though detailed mic hardware discussion was limited.

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

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

LE Audio readiness was a notable forward-looking feature, with LC3 and Auracast support or readiness mentioned often.

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

Maximum-volume clarity was viewed positively, with reviewers noting hard-rocking output and low-end control without distortion.

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

Microphone noise reduction received positive remarks for reducing coworker, ambient, or background noise during calls.

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

Call quality was generally good to strong, with clear voice pickup in ideal and some noisy conditions.

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

Midrange comments were mixed, with some reviewers praising vocal clarity and fullness while others heard recessed or weaker mids.

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

Multi-platform use was supported by one reviewer using the headphones with an Android phone and MacBook Pro.

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

Multipoint was supported and usually described as useful, though one review noted playback needs to be paused on one device before switching.

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

Passive isolation was context-dependent: pads helped muffle office noise, but the on-ear design still let outside sound in.

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

Overall recommendation was mixed-positive: many liked them for design, battery, and controls, but caveated no ANC and uneven sound or comfort.

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

Portability was a clear strength because the headphones fold down very small and are easy to store or carry.

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

Premium feel was not universal; one reviewer felt the design looked less premium than Sony’s flagship headphones.

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

Preset EQ quality was mixed: some presets were useful and balanced, while PCMag found the layout and response less polished.

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

Replaceable earpads were a positive durability point, with reviews noting replaceable ear pads or orderable cups.

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

Replaceable pad support was directly noted via removable and replaceable ear pads.

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

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

Smart listening features center on customizable on-ear controls rather than richer adaptive listening tools.

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

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

Setup was described as simple, with one review saying little setup was required out of the box.

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

Sound leakage was mixed, with some reviewers hearing little bleed and others warning of more leakage at higher volumes.

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

Sound quality was broadly liked for punch and energy, but several reviewers found tuning uneven, treble-heavy, or merely average.

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

Soundstage impressions ranged from wide and spacious for an on-ear to compact, intimate, or distant depending on the reviewer.

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

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

Fit stability was mixed, with some reviews praising secure fit while others reported slipping or flying off with movement.

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

Spotify Tap and M-button shortcuts were common positives for streaming-service integration.

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

Repairability and battery-preservation features were meaningful positives, including repair-program battery replacement and app battery-saving options.

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

Sustainability materials were specifically supported by recycled plastics, recycled-paper packaging, and water-based artificial leather claims.

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

Transparency mode was effectively absent, with one review explicitly noting no transparency modes.

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

Travel friendliness was helped by compact folding and battery life, but hurt by no ANC and mixed suitability for flights.

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

Treble often came through clear and lively, but some reviewers flagged sharpness, sibilance, or treble-heavy stock tuning.

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

USB-C charging was supported and mentioned as part of the included cable or charging setup.

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

Value was mixed: some reviewers liked the price for style and battery, while others preferred cheaper ANC-equipped alternatives.

Voice assistant access was supported through the M button and worked well for Google Assistant and Siri in one review.

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

Voice feedback leaned on Marshall-style guitar riff prompts rather than spoken prompts.

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

One review found the headphones had plenty of remaining volume headroom beyond a comfortable listening level.

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

Water and sweat resistance was a repeated weakness, with reviews noting no IP rating or no dust/water resistance.

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

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

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

Low weight was a consistent advantage and helped make the on-ear design easier to wear and travel with.

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