Compare Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones vs Skullcandy Crusher 1080 ANC

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 adds useful fallback listening and continues to work when the battery is dead. Sensory bass and other powered processing are unavailable in passive mode.

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

ANC drew strong praise from several reviewers and clearly surpasses older Skullcandy efforts, especially against steady background noise. One hands-on tester found it less effective than Sonos Ace and some earbuds, so performance may vary by fit and environment.

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

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

Branding is restrained and the black version looks discreet on the head. The low-key profile appealed to reviewers, although one thought the shape felt unintentionally dated.

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

Several testers found ANC made steady fans, engines, and background hum dramatically quieter. One reviewer heard a smaller reduction than with certain competing headphones, suggesting fit and expectations matter.

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 pairing is straightforward through Google Fast Pair. The app and multipoint features also worked smoothly in direct Android testing.

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

The Skullcandy app was repeatedly described as clean, smooth, and comprehensive. It centralizes bass level, ANC, spatial audio, EQ, sidetone, personalization, and control remapping.

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

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

Video synchronization was excellent in testing, with no visible lip-sync delay even before low-latency mode was enabled. Gaming mode adds further reassurance for interactive use.

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

Auracast adds a forward-looking sharing feature that few buyers may need immediately but improves long-term wireless readiness. Reviewers grouped it with LE Audio as part of a future-proof connectivity package.

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

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.

The adjustable haptic bass is the defining strength: it can feel like a subwoofer or live venue without necessarily burying the rest of the mix. Most testers loved it, though several stressed that moderation gives the best balance.

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

Battery life is one of the strongest practical advantages, with up to 50 hours using ANC and 60 without it. Reviewers called the endurance exceptional and had difficulty draining it during testing.

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

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

Bluetooth 5.3 keeps the wireless platform current and supports modern features such as LE Audio and Auracast. Pairing and multipoint performance were strong in hands-on testing.

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

The frame generally feels solid and well assembled despite its plastic construction and hefty size. One sample developed a noticeable creak in the left earcup, which tempers confidence in consistency.

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 buttons and the joystick are easy to locate and satisfying to use. The main drawback is that the ANC switch sits close enough to the bass dial to cause occasional accidental presses.

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

The included cables are functional but feel thin and inexpensive. The short USB-C lead was singled out as less practical than the otherwise premium package.

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

The soft-lined rolltop bag is roomy, padded, and easy to clip onto another bag. It protects against scratches, though travelers wanting crush protection may prefer a hard case.

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

Rapid charging is genuinely useful, adding several hours from a brief top-up. Hands-on reviewers found charging faster than expected in everyday use.

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

Clamping pressure is gentle enough to avoid soreness, but one reviewer found the fit slightly too loose. The relaxed clamp favors comfort over a locked-in feel.

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

The wireless stack includes SBC, AAC, LE Audio, and Auracast, but premium codecs such as LDAC and aptX are not confirmed. That makes the feature set modern but not especially strong for codec-focused buyers.

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

Most reviewers found the plush earcups and padded headband comfortable for long sessions. The weight can become noticeable, but it did not cause discomfort for every tester.

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 is flexible, covering Bluetooth multipoint, USB audio, and 3.5mm analog playback. The analog mode even works with the headphones powered off, though powered features are then unavailable.

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

The industrial Skullcandy styling earned generally positive reactions, especially in the subtler black finish. Critics noted that the silhouette looks bulkier and less polished than current Sony or Bose designs.

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

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

The memory-foam earcups received near-universal praise for their soft, plush feel. They fully surround the ears and rebound well after use.

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

The earcups rotate smoothly and the frame folds properly for storage. Reviewers appreciated that the mechanism produces a genuinely compact folded shape rather than only laying flat.

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.

A customizable five-band EQ gives more control than many competing apps. Reviewers liked being able to combine custom tuning with Crusher bass, personal sound, and spatial modes.

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

The launch feature set is unusually complete, combining Bose ANC and spatial processing with long battery life, multipoint, wear detection, Auracast, and a deep app. Several sources called it competitive or premium for the price.

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

The tuning is more balanced than past Crushers but still not reference-flat. Listeners seeking studio neutrality may find the elevated bass and upper-mid energy too colored.

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

Length adjustment is available, but there is little ability to tighten the inward fit. One tester with a larger head still found the headset looser than desired.

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

Headband padding is soft and comfortable, but thinner than the plush ear cushions. Heavier users may wish it had slightly more foam for better pressure distribution.

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

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

The combination of haptic bass, wide staging, and head tracking creates a highly immersive presentation. Testers described music as surrounding or following them and compared the sensation to a club or concert.

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

The package includes a padded travel bag plus 3.5mm and USB-C cables. The bag is a welcome addition, but the cable quality feels below the rest of the product.

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

Improved separation makes smaller instrumental details easier to pick out. Reviewers heard a cleaner, less congested presentation than on earlier Skullcandy headphones.

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

LE Audio support helps future-proof the wireless platform. Reviewers viewed it as a meaningful modern addition alongside Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast.

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

Clarity remains impressive even at high volume and with heavy bass engaged. Multiple listeners reported that the mix stayed crisp rather than turning muddy or distorted.

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

The microphone system handled real-world background noise well, including wind and roadside traffic. Callers reported clear speech with little obvious wind interference.

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

Call quality is a clear strength, with voices described as crisp, natural, and easy to understand. Outdoor and roadside calls remained intelligible in hands-on testing.

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

Mids come through with more energy and presence than on older Crushers. Reviewers especially liked that vocals, percussion, and other midrange details remain audible even when the sensory bass is active.

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

The headphones work across Android and iPhone and can keep both connected simultaneously. This makes switching between mobile ecosystems or a phone and computer painless.

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

Multipoint switching worked flawlessly in direct testing between an Android phone and an iPhone. Playback handed off cleanly without needing to reconnect devices.

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

The large, well-sealed earcups provide strong passive isolation before ANC is even switched on. One reviewer said the outside world already became noticeably quieter from the fit alone.

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

Most hands-on reviewers strongly recommend the headphones to bass lovers and call them Skullcandy’s most complete model yet. More cautious sources advise waiting for independent testing if ANC neutrality or reference tuning matters most.

Hands-on reviewers were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the sound, bass, comfort, and feature mix. Satisfaction is highest among listeners who want excitement and physical impact rather than strict neutrality.

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

The headset folds and collapses more effectively than many premium rivals, but it remains physically large. Some reviewers found it easy to pack, while another still considered it less portable than smaller alternatives.

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

Metal accents, plush padding, and the substantial build create a convincingly premium impression. The materials do not always match flagship rivals, but the overall feel exceeds Skullcandy’s budget reputation.

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

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.

Sidetone can be adjusted enough to make the wearer’s own voice much easier to hear on calls. Increasing the setting noticeably improved a reviewer’s transparency experience.

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

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

The finish resisted fingerprints, dust, and visible grime during early use. The black model stayed cleaner-looking than its large matte surfaces might suggest.

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

Pairing and app setup are simple, with quick device discovery and clear controls. Firmware and feature settings are easy to access once connected.

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

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

Reviewers consistently describe a major step up in sound, with clearer, more balanced tuning that no longer relies on bass alone. Hands-on listeners call the overall presentation crisp, powerful, and genuinely premium.

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

The Bose-influenced tuning creates a noticeably wider and more open soundstage than previous Crusher models. TrueSpatial can expand it further, especially for movies and stationary listening.

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

TrueSpatial is more than a novelty: reviewers heard a wider, speaker-like presentation and convincing head tracking. It works especially well for movies, stationary listening, and immersive music playback.

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

The relaxed fit is comfortable for sitting and walking but can shift during jogging or vigorous movement. Active users may find the headset less secure than tighter-clamping alternatives.

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.

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

Stay-Aware mode generally sounds natural and makes quick conversations or outdoor use practical. Most reviewers liked it, though one found it a step behind the best transparency systems until sidetone was adjusted.

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

Long battery life, effective ANC, folding earcups, and a clip-on bag make the headphones well suited to commuting and flights. Their weight and bulk keep them from being the easiest travel set to carry.

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

High-frequency detail stays cleaner than expected for a bass-focused headphone. Hands-on testing found that the highs remain present instead of disappearing beneath the Crusher effect.

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

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

Value is generally favorable because the headphones deliver Bose-derived features, exceptional battery life, and unique haptic bass below many current flagships. The price becomes less compelling beside discounted older Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, or Soundcore models.

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

The spoken status prompts are clear and memorable, including the playful “see you” shutdown message. Reviewers found the feedback useful and more personable than generic tones.

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

Volume output is very strong, with enough headroom for older or quieter masters. At maximum settings, the headphones can become extremely loud.

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

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.

Weight impressions were mixed: some testers called the headphones light in use, while others noticed the bulky 374-gram build during longer sessions. Comfort depends heavily on fit and activity.

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

Wind handling is mixed. Call microphones suppressed wind well for one outdoor test, but another reviewer heard air moving around the large earcups during a gust.