Compare Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones vs Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 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.

ANC is repeatedly described as a meaningful improvement for B&W and effective for commuting and travel, but many reviews still place it behind Sony and Bose at the top end. Wind and higher-frequency voices can be weak spots in some scenarios. ANC mode control is straightforward (on, off, pass-through) and can be mapped to a quick-action button in some setups. Reviewers note fewer adjustment options than Sony-style multi-mode systems.

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 compatibility is strong, especially thanks to codec breadth and aptX options. Several reviews contrast this with iOS being limited to AAC.

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 generally considered clean and functional, offering key controls and some ecosystem integration. Multiple reviewers still call it simpler than Sony-style apps and note missing power-user features.

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

aptX support is repeatedly highlighted, including higher-end variants such as Adaptive and Lossless, making it particularly attractive for compatible Android and Snapdragon Sound devices.

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.

Reviewers generally report good sync for video use, with latency described as not an issue for typical phone or laptop watching.

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 consistently described as impactful and controlled rather than boomy, with strong definition. Some listeners find it bass-forward at higher volumes, while others want a bit more sub-bass weight.

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 consistently cited around 30 hours with ANC on, which is solid but not a class leader versus marathon models. Real-world tests generally align with the rating. Multiple reviews note the battery is not user-replaceable, which limits long-term serviceability compared to fully 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 described as stable and reliable in most reviews, including in congested environments. A small number of users report occasional skipping or hiccups, suggesting rare environment or device-specific issues.

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 consistently described as top-tier for the price, with premium materials, refined finish, and sturdy mechanisms.

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

Physical buttons are a plus for many, with tactile, clicky controls that work with gloves. A few reviews call the buttons small or the control layout limited compared to feature-heavy rivals.

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 (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm) are generally seen as premium and practical. A couple of reviewers suggest buying longer cables for desk or airplane use.

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 hard case is repeatedly called excellent, with premium materials, good protection, and a useful magnetic compartment for cables.

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 standout, with many references to short top-ups delivering multiple hours of playback.

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

Clamp is commonly described as moderate-to-firm, helping stability when walking. For some heads it can create pressure points, while others find it secure and comfortable after break-in.

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 a major strength, with broad compatibility (including aptX variants) plus wired USB-C audio options. Several reviews also mention upcoming firmware features like LE Audio, Auracast, and spatial audio depending on region and timing.

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 a consistent highlight, with many reviewers wearing them for hours without fatigue. However, some report firm clamp, earcup heat, or fit variability, especially for glasses wearers or outdoor use.

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 frequently praised as sleek, understated, and premium, with a slimmer profile than prior generations and strong pride-of-ownership appeal.

Detachable cables and USB-C audio add flexibility for laptops and in-flight systems, even without a native 3.5mm jack on the earcup. Most reviews note the headphones typically need to be powered on for wired listening.

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

Earpads are usually described as plush and premium with good sealing. A few reviews suggest padding feels slightly less supportive than prior models and can get warm over time.

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

Swivel and rotation range are frequently noted as generous, helping the cups seal and sit flatter against the head for comfort and stability.

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

The 5-band EQ is widely welcomed as a major improvement over earlier B&W EQ options and is enough to correct stock tuning. Several reviews still consider it limited versus more granular 10-band systems.

Tonal balance is described as neutral-with-warmth by several outlets, while others report noticeable swings and a more consumer-friendly curve. Overall, it is closer to balanced than purely V-shaped, but not a strict reference-flat tuning.

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 is smooth and easy to dial in, and padding is generally praised. Some users note mild top-of-head pressure depending on head shape and fit.

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

Arms and hinge mechanisms are described as sturdy, with premium-feeling movement and good resistance. Long-term durability is generally expected to be strong based on materials.

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.

Included accessories are viewed as generous for the segment, typically including a premium case and multiple cables for charging and wired playback.

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

Instrument separation and layering are a standout, with reviewers repeatedly noting strong clarity in busy mixes and easy-to-track placement of vocals and instruments.

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

Multiple reviews point out LDAC is not supported, so LDAC-first Android users may need to choose a different model or use wired playback.

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

Even at higher volumes, the presentation stays largely clean and controlled, with low distortion noted in multiple reviews. The main caveat is that bass and treble emphasis can become more prominent if you listen loud.

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.

Noise reduction on calls is effective at suppressing background noise, especially wind and street ambience in some demos. The tradeoff is occasional aggressive gating that can alter vocal tone.

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 generally solid, with clear voice pickup and good intelligibility. In very noisy or windy conditions, some tests report the voice can sound a bit muffled or less natural than top performers like Sony or AirPods Max.

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 is generally clean and detailed, but multiple reviewers describe it as slightly recessed in the stock tuning; EQ can bring vocals forward. Others highlight the mids as a core strength for clarity and realism.

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 frequently praised as quick and seamless, with fast take-over when switching between phone and computer playback.

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 benefits from an easy-to-achieve seal and helps overall noise reduction. A few notes suggest fit, glasses, or positioning can change results noticeably.

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

Portability is mixed: the headphones lie flat and the case is slimmer than before, but they do not fully fold and can take more bag space than foldable rivals.

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.

True Sound and other presets are appreciated for a quick, consistent baseline, but reviewers note the preset lineup is not extensive and serious tuning relies on the manual EQ.

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

Replaceable earpads are a notable plus for longevity, though some reviewers note replacement may require service or specific procedures.

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-detect and related sensors are commonly mentioned, with adjustability in the app and improved reliability versus older generations in some reports.

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 generally easy, with quick pairing and a straightforward app experience. Firmware updates and feature rollouts are occasionally cited as timing-dependent.

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.

Across reviews, the PX7 S3 is praised as one of the best-sounding wireless ANC over-ears in its price range, with an engaging, high-end presentation. A minority note the tuning can feel unconventional until you EQ it. Wired listening via USB-C is supported and often described as clearer or more detailed than Bluetooth, though some reviewers hear only modest gains. A few notes mention wired operation may require power and can be finicky depending on source and cable.

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 described as spacious and well-layered for a closed-back ANC headphone, though not the widest in class. Several reviews frame it as more focused or intimate than some rivals, with strong depth and imaging.

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 mentioned as a planned or coming-soon feature in several reviews, but availability at launch is inconsistent. In current form, it is not a primary reason to buy.

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

Materials and serviceable parts (like pads and headband components) are positioned as more sustainable than fully disposable designs. Some reviews also emphasize vegan or leatherette options and longer-term repairability.

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 often called natural and usable for announcements and quick conversations. Several comparisons say it is not the most open or bright in class, with some upper-frequency muffling.

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

Treble is widely called airy and detailed with good sparkle. At louder listening levels, a few reviews mention sibilance or sharpness, so treble-sensitive listeners may prefer a mild EQ cut.

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 implementation is strong, covering charging and audio, and enabling high-resolution wired playback with compatible sources.

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

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

Volume output is strong, with several comparisons calling it louder than key competitors at the same device volume settings.

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

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

At roughly 300g, weight is acceptable for the materials and feels lighter than some heavy flagships, but heavier than the lightest Sony/Bose options. A few reviewers notice shifting while moving.