Compare Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones vs SONY WH-1000XM6 Headphones

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.

Reviewers consistently call the XM6 noise canceling best-in-class, especially for voices and higher-frequency chatter, with many saying it slightly edges Bose and clearly improves over prior XM models. The XM6 offers plenty of ANC control through adaptive modes, multiple ambient levels, and quick gestures like covering the earcup, giving users more ways to tailor isolation than simple on/off.

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

Android users get strong support via Fast Pair and LDAC hi-res options, and several reviewers note Android is the better match if you care about Sony codecs and deeper app features.

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 companion app is powerful but divisive: some praise the refreshed layout and feature depth, while others still find it crowded or unintuitive for everyday settings changes.

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

Multiple reviews point out the lack of aptX support (including aptX HD), which limits non-Sony hi-res options on Android compared with some rivals.

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.

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 widely described as punchy and satisfying with better control than XM5, though a few listeners still find the low end a bit dominant unless you EQ it.

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 repeatedly reported around 30 hours with ANC on and up to 40 with it off, which beats AirPods Max but trails battery champs like Sennheiser Momentum 4 or JBL in some tests. At least one review criticizes the lack of a replaceable battery, which limits long-term serviceability compared with more repair-friendly designs.

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

Bluetooth performance is generally stable in daily use, with only occasional notes that the highest LDAC bitrate can be finicky on some Android devices.

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 gets mixed feedback: the headphones feel well-made and lighter than metal rivals, but the mostly plastic shell does not feel as premium as AirPods Max or some Bose and Bowers models.

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

Sony’s two-button layout is praised for being easy to distinguish by feel (especially the redesigned power button), though some users still wish for more physical controls overall.

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 draw some criticism for feeling basic at a premium price, with requests for higher-quality or more modern USB-C-to-USB-C accessories.

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 magnetic hard case is a standout: reviewers love the fast latch, compact footprint enabled by folding, and solid protection, with only minor complaints about fitting the headphones in quickly.

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 a consistent highlight (roughly 3 minutes for about 3 hours), and several reviews applaud that you can now charge while listening.

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

Clamping pressure is generally described as secure without being painful, helping the seal for ANC; a few note glasses pressure or a slightly tighter fit than prior models.

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 support is strong overall with SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3 commonly mentioned, plus LE Audio talk in some coverage; the main knock is what is missing rather than what is included.

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 usually rated excellent for long sessions thanks to low weight and soft pads, but there are repeated caveats about heat buildup, occasional sweaty ears, and fit hotspots for some ear shapes.

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.

Aesthetics are seen as clean and understated with multiple color options, but some reviewers call the look less premium than metal competitors and note the earcups can protrude more than rivals.

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

The vegan leather pads feel soft and seal well, but multiple long-wear notes mention warmth or sweat buildup, and a few users report fit hotspots from the internal cup shape.

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

The return of greater swivel and flat rotation helps comfort when resting around the neck and makes packing the headphones into the case more practical.

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 tools are a major strength, with a full 10-band EQ and guided tuning features that help users dial bass, mids and treble to taste.

Find My style tracking is mentioned mainly for Android Find My Device support, adding convenience for locating the headphones in the right ecosystem.

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

The wider headband and easy adjustability earn praise for spreading pressure better than before, though a few people still want more padding thickness at the top.

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

The hinge redesign is widely viewed as a meaningful durability upgrade over XM5, but a handful of reviewers remain cautious about long-term wear in the folding joint.

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.

Most reviews confirm you get a 3.5mm cable and a USB charging cable plus case storage, though several wish the bundle felt more premium given the price.

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

Instrument separation is generally described as clear and well-layered for a mainstream ANC headphone, though a few comparisons still give the edge to AirPods Max for openness.

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 a key advantage for Android listeners who want higher-quality Bluetooth audio, with some notes that dropping to a lower LDAC mode can help stability on certain phones.

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

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.

Call noise suppression is repeatedly praised, with reviewers citing strong wind reduction and AI-driven voice separation that keeps conversations clear in busy streets.

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.

Microphone performance is frequently labeled among the best in the category, delivering clear voice pickup for calls and meetings even in noisy environments.

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 and vocal clarity are a strong point in many tests, with several reviewers calling voices more natural, textured, or forward compared with XM5.

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 reported as reliable for two-device use, and reviewers like the flexibility of mixing Apple and non-Apple devices.

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

Even before ANC, the seal provides strong passive isolation; multiple reviews mention the natural seal doing a lot of the work for travel and office noise.

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

Folding is back and widely celebrated, making the XM6 much more travel-friendly than XM5, with a smaller packed footprint and easier around-the-neck resting.

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.

Guided or test-based EQ features are seen as helpful for non-audiophiles, letting you land on a preferred sound quickly without manual frequency tweaking.

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

Replaceable earpads are called out as a plus for longevity and hygiene, keeping the XM6 more maintainable than some sealed designs.

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, quick attention, speak-to-chat, and gesture options are frequently cited as practical quality-of-life features that make the XM6 feel smarter day to day.

The matte finish can show fingerprints and smudges, especially on darker colors, so buyers who care about appearance may prefer lighter finishes.

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.

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 broadly praised as an upgrade over XM5 with a richer, cleaner presentation; most reviews call it excellent out of the box and even better once you tailor EQ. Several reviews say wired listening via the 3.5mm cable can improve clarity, but you still do not get a digital USB-C audio path.

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 good but not class-leading; some reviews call it slightly constrained compared with AirPods Max or other audiophile-leaning over-ears.

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 support is mixed: upmix and head tracking can be fun for movies, but music support and service availability are inconsistent, and some reviewers find the setup confusing or the results underwhelming.

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

Touch gestures are usually accurate and responsive, but critics dislike accidental swipes, glove-unfriendliness, or the lack of sensitivity controls.

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 widely improved and often described as near top-tier, though some people still hear a slightly processed quality or amplified self-voice versus AirPods Max.

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

Treble is generally detailed and clear, with a few listeners noting a bit of sizzle or peaks that may benefit from minor EQ.

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 solid for charging and quick top-ups, but multiple reviews call out the absence of wired USB-C audio as a notable miss at this price.

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 features range from handy to hit-or-miss: integration for assistants and voice commands is present, but at least one long-term review reports inconsistent recognition.

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

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

No summary yet.

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

At roughly 254g, weight is a consistent advantage; multiple comparisons highlight it as far lighter than AirPods Max and easy to wear for travel days.