Compare Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones vs Nothing Headphone (1)

ANC is consistently described as solid to above average and improved versus the prior model, but most sources still place it behind top-tier Bose or Sony performance. You can adjust ANC strength in the app and set how the ANC button cycles modes; the common complaint is the lack of true adaptive ANC that auto-adjusts for you.

ANC is broadly considered strong for the price and effective for travel/commuting, but it is usually ranked a step behind the best from Sony/Bose/Apple, especially for voices or tougher scenarios. Noise control modes and adjustability are a highlight: reviews repeatedly mention multiple ANC levels/adaptive behavior and the ability to map controls to switch modes.

Android support is good for basics (pairing features, LE Audio readiness), but Android users who want aptX or LDAC will find those codecs missing.

The Marshall app is generally well-liked for being clean and functional, giving access to firmware, EQ, ANC levels, control customization, and battery-care features.

The Nothing X app is repeatedly described as one of the best parts of the experience, with feature access, customization, and settings that help compensate for default tuning.

Reviews that address aptX note it is not supported, which can be a downside for some Android users.

Some reviewers flag potential latency for gaming because low-latency Bluetooth codecs are missing; wired USB-C listening is the safer option when sync matters.

Several reviews mention low-latency or gaming modes and head-tracking features; real-world A/V performance is generally positioned as competent, not a class-leading differentiator.

Bass hits with satisfying punch and extension for most listeners, but it is not a true bass-cannon and some reviewers want a stronger bass-boost or tighter control.

Bass is usually described as controlled and textured rather than skull-rattling, with bass-enhancer tools available; some reviewers still want tighter tuning out of the box.

Battery life is the headline feature: 70 hours with ANC on and up to 100 hours with ANC off is repeatedly highlighted and often backed up by real-world use. The battery is not generally described as user-replaceable; Marshall instead focuses on battery preservation settings to help extend lifespan.

Battery life is a consistent highlight, with many reviews citing long runtime (often around 35 hours with ANC and far more without) and strong real-world endurance. Replaceable battery support is generally weak, with at least one review calling out a non-user-friendly internal battery design.

Bluetooth stability is generally reliable in daily use, with Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio readiness mentioned and few drop-out complaints.

Bluetooth stability is generally good with modern pairing features, though a few reviews mention occasional dropouts depending on environment or device.

Build quality is generally rugged and travel-ready with an emphasis on durability and repairability, though a few sources mention minor creaks or quirks.

Build quality is generally seen as solid and premium-feeling for $299, though some reviews note more plastic than expected or worry about long-term cosmetic wear.

The multi-directional control knob and dedicated buttons are widely praised as intuitive, tactile, and easier to use than touch controls.

Physical controls (roller + paddle + buttons + power switch) are a major highlight for tactility, but a few reviews mention learning curve, finicky behavior, or coarse volume steps.

Cable quality and design are serviceable, with included cables for charging and wired use, but some miss the older coiled cable style or find adapters less convenient.

Included cables are generally viewed as fine, though at least one review notes limitations (such as a 3-pole 3.5mm cable that does not carry mic).

The included hard case gets high marks for protection and premium feel (velvet interior, compact footprint), though a few find it thick or bulgy.

The case is usually described as sturdy and protective with space for cables, but multiple reviewers call it large or mention zipper/material quirks.

Charging is fast and convenient via USB-C, with common claims of about 12 hours of playback from a short charge and full recharge around a couple of hours.

Fast charging is frequently praised, with multiple reviews citing a short top-up delivering hours of playback; full-charge times are generally described as typical.

Clamping force is generally light, with multiple reviewers reporting minimal pressure and little to no head squeeze.

Clamping force is commonly described as secure without being overly tight, though individual fit can vary and some users still feel pressure over time.

Codec support is basic for the price: SBC and AAC are the norm, with some mentions of LE Audio/LC3, but there is no mainstream hi-res Bluetooth path.

Codec and connection support is repeatedly highlighted as a strength, with common mentions of SBC/AAC/LDAC and both USB-C and 3.5mm wired options.

Long-session comfort is a standout: low weight, plush pads, and pressure-distributing headband design earn frequent praise, with only occasional complaints about heat buildup.

Comfort is often rated good-to-very-good for long sessions, but the weight and occasional headband/pad pressure points mean not everyone finds it as effortless as the lightest competitors.

Design is classic Marshall amp-inspired with textured finishes and brass/gold accents; it feels premium to fans but can be polarizing for those who prefer modern styling.

Design is consistently described as distinctive and polarizing, with many praising the transparent, cassette-like aesthetic and premium look for the price.

Having both USB-C audio and a 3.5mm option is repeatedly praised for flexibility, especially for laptops, planes, and modern phones.

Earcup padding is repeatedly described as very plush and supportive, improving seal and comfort, though it can feel warm over extended wear.

Ear pad comfort and seal are regularly praised, though some reviews mention thinner cushioning than expected, heat buildup, or pressure on certain ear shapes/accessories.

Multiple reviews mention wide swivel/rotation and folding behavior that helps the headphones sit flat, pack smaller, and fit securely into the compact case.

Cups generally rotate to lie flat, which helps neck-wear and packing, but the design can cause the squared corners to bump or rattle against each other.

The 5-band EQ is responsive and helpful for tailoring the signature sound, though it is not as granular as more advanced EQ systems.

EQ customization is a defining strength: multiple reviews highlight an advanced, multi-band/parametric-style EQ (often with Q control) plus shareable presets/QR codes.

Find My-style features are generally limited to making the headphones play a sound, which helps for nearby locating but is not a full tracker replacement.

Measured and subjective impressions frequently point to a non-neutral stock response (often described as dark), with EQ being the practical path to a more accurate balance.

Adjustment and fit mechanisms are practical, with discrete steps and a comfort strap/headband design that helps distribute pressure and maintain a stable seal.

Headband adjustment works smoothly for most, but at least one review dislikes the adjustment ergonomics and others wish for more headband padding.

Hinges and structure are often described as bendy and durable, but at least one review notes odd twisting behavior when you turn your head.

Included accessories are typically strong for the category: a hard case plus cables for charging and USB-C-to-3.5mm wired listening are commonly noted.

Instrument separation is typically above average with clear placement, but layering can compress or get congested as mixes get busier.

Instrument separation is often praised as solid or good once the tonal balance is corrected, though some reviewers still find complex mixes can feel crowded compared to top rivals.

Reviews that address LDAC note it is not supported, reinforcing that these prioritize battery life and simplicity over hi-res wireless codecs.

LDAC support is consistently called out across reviews and is a core part of the product’s high-res pitch for compatible Android devices.

At higher volumes, many report clean playback with little obvious distortion, though a few note dynamic compression or a ceiling that flattens crescendos.

At higher volumes, several reviewers report low distortion and clear playback, though ultimate refinement and dynamics are not always on par with premium flagships.

Noise handling on calls is a relative strength, with several tests showing good wind and background-noise suppression, though a few note it can still struggle in very noisy offices.

Mic noise reduction is usually strong for steady noise and wind, but some reviews report aggressive noise gating or weaker handling of echo/reverberant rooms.

Call quality ranges from clear in quiet environments to merely decent in louder settings; it is generally usable for everyday calls but not always meeting-grade.

Call quality is often described as clear and workable, with some reviews praising voice pickup in noisy streets; others call it merely average or slightly robotic compared with top rivals.

Midrange is generally strong for guitars and vocals, though some note either a slight mid dip (snare/vocals) or occasional mid-forward congestion on busy tracks.

Midrange performance varies by tuning: vocals can sound clear and forward after tweaks, but several reviews note too much lower-mid presence or a dull/veiled midrange on default settings.

Multipoint is widely reported to work well for two devices, though some wish for a device-management list and note occasional confusion when mixing wired and Bluetooth sources.

Multipoint is commonly cited as supported and functional, enabling quick switching between two devices; reliability feedback is mostly positive.

Passive isolation is strong thanks to a very good seal from the pads, helping block higher-frequency noise even before ANC is enabled.

Passive isolation is consistently strong thanks to a good seal and memory-foam style pads, meaning ANC has a solid foundation in many real-world environments.

Portability is excellent: the cups swivel/fold and the headphones collapse into a very compact shape that fits a small travel case.

Portability is a weak spot versus foldable rivals: cups rotate flat but the headphones do not fold up, making the carry footprint and case bulkier.

Preset EQ profiles are useful and easy to swap, with bass-boost and other tonal shifts helping different genres, though a few reviewers find boosts could go further.

Preset profiles and simpler EQ tools are generally helpful, but several reviewers still prefer custom EQ to get the best tonal balance.

Replaceable earpads are a strong point, with twist-off pads that are easy to remove and swap, supporting long-term maintenance.

Replaceable earpad support is mixed: some sources mention pads can be removed or obtained via customer service, while others say replacement availability is unclear.

Wear detection is available for auto play/pause, but experiences vary from fine to slightly slow or occasionally over-sensitive; it can usually be disabled.

Wear-detection and other sensors work well for many users, but some reports mention inconsistent behavior on specific devices (for example, desktop pairing scenarios).

Surface oils and cosmetic marks can show up on the materials, with some reviewers noting it wipes off easily but is not especially resistant to smudging.

Setup is straightforward and the app layout is easy to navigate, but some reviewers note missing premium conveniences like adaptive ANC behavior or deeper device management.

Setup is usually straightforward thanks to modern pairing features, though a few reviews note hidden settings or small/hard-to-find pairing controls.

Across reviews, sound is lively and engaging with a clear lean toward rock-focused tuning, but it stays enjoyable for many genres once EQ is applied. Wired listening works via USB-C using the included cable and is often described as clean and low-latency, but convenience varies because there is no built-in 3.5mm jack and some report you may need power for wired use.

Sound quality is widely seen as good hardware with polarizing default tuning: some hear clean, balanced clarity, while many describe the stock sound as dark/flat or a bit compressed until EQ is applied. Wired listening over USB-C and/or 3.5mm is frequently mentioned; some reviewers note slightly improved clarity when wired, but not a dramatic transformation.

Soundstage is decent for a closed-back ANC headphone but not the widest; some tracks can feel narrow or cluttered unless you use the Soundstage processing.

Soundstage is generally not class-leading; multiple reviews call it narrower or less expansive than Sony/Apple competitors, even if separation can be decent after tuning.

Soundstage/spatial processing is a fun extra with adjustable room feel, but most agree it is not true immersive spatial audio and can sound synthetic on some tracks.

Spatial audio is included and often paired with head tracking, but opinions on its usefulness vary widely; several reviews call it mediocre or not worth using for music.

Several reviews highlight recycled or sustainability-minded materials, positioning these as more eco-considerate than many direct rivals.

Sustainability signals are limited in reviews: some note repairability steps (like pad access) but also a lack of recycled materials or overt eco focus.

Transparency mode is usable and adjustable, but opinions vary: some find it natural and clear, while others notice hiss and weaker reproduction of deeper voices.

Transparency mode is generally usable and fairly natural, but a recurring complaint is that the wearer’s own voice can sound boomy and/or the passthrough can be less airy than the best implementations.

Treble is crisp and energetic, yet several reviews mention brightness, sibilance, or fatigue on higher notes unless you tame it with EQ.

Treble is a common critique in default mode, with multiple reviewers calling it muted or lacking sparkle; EQ can restore more air and bite for cymbals and vocals.

USB-C is the single physical port for charging and wired audio, which keeps things simple but also means no dedicated 3.5mm jack.

USB-C is a frequently praised feature because it supports charging and USB-C audio, adding modern wired flexibility.

Voice assistant access is supported through the customizable button and app settings, making it easy to trigger assistants or shortcuts without touching your phone.

Voice assistant hooks and programmable button behavior are widely mentioned, with extra integrations for Nothing phones and more basic assistant triggering on other devices.

The headphones get loud without needing extreme volume, with multiple reviewers noting comfortable listening well below 100% volume.

Volume output is generally adequate, but at least one review notes limited headroom and less precise volume stepping than some competitors.

There is no stated water or sweat resistance rating in the reviews, so these are best kept away from rain and workouts.

IP52 is a standout feature in this category and is repeatedly praised as practical for sweat and light splashes, even if it is not a high waterproof rating.

Weight is consistently called light for the class (around the mid-200g range), contributing strongly to comfort and portability.

At ~329g, weight is noticeable: reviewers often say it’s lighter than AirPods Max but heavier than Sony/Bose alternatives, which can affect long-wear comfort.