Marshall is known for its iconic speaker design, but its Monitor III noise-cancelling headphones represent a quiet success story. These headphones don’t dominate best-of lists like Sony, Bose, or Apple models, yet deliver a surprisingly strong experience for the price. Retailing at $379.99 (often discounted to $279.99), they occupy a mid-range space often overlooked by consumers and reviewers. Their strength isn’t about being the best in any single category, but about offering a well-rounded package that excels where premium brands sometimes falter.
The Gold Standard for On-Ear Controls
The standout feature of the Monitor III headphones is their physical control scheme. Unlike finicky touch controls or overcomplicated button layouts, Marshall delivers simplicity. A multidirectional control knob handles power, volume, and track navigation with satisfying tactile feedback. Dedicated buttons for ANC and customizable functions (via the Marshall app) are placed intuitively. This design isn’t just functional; it’s a masterclass in usability, eliminating the frustration found in many competing headphones. The simplicity of the controls is a deliberate choice that prioritizes user experience.
Unmatched Customization: From ANC to Spatial Audio
Beyond the physical controls, the Marshall app provides extensive customization options. Users can fine-tune noise cancellation, adjust standby timeout settings (from zero to seven hours), and even manipulate spatial audio settings with granular control over “room” size and soundstage intensity (10-100%). This level of detail is rare, allowing users to tailor the audio experience to their exact preferences. The app itself is well-designed and intuitive, with clear visual feedback for every adjustment.
Balanced Sound That Prioritizes Clarity
Many headphones prioritize bass over all else; the Monitor III headphones take a different approach. While the equalizer allows for custom sound profiles, the default Marshall setting delivers a balanced sound that doesn’t overemphasize low frequencies. This makes them ideal for genres like rock, pop, and acoustic music, where clarity and instrument separation are crucial. The headphones excel with complex tracks, where vocals, guitars, and other instruments stand out without being muddied by excessive bass. They aren’t the best for bass-heavy genres like EDM, but for general listening, they offer a refreshing alternative to the overly bass-boosted sound of many competitors.
Stylish Design with Comfortable Wear
The Monitor III headphones boast a distinctive aesthetic, featuring textured earcups, gold accents, and exposed wiring. While not to everyone’s taste, the design stands out from the sea of minimalist headphones. More importantly, the headphones are comfortable for extended wear. The headband and earcups provide sufficient padding, making them suitable for long listening sessions. With a battery life of 70 hours with ANC enabled, they easily outperform many rivals, including the Sennheiser Momentum 4.
The Verdict: The Marshall Monitor III headphones aren’t perfect, but they’re a compelling option for those seeking a well-rounded, customizable, and stylish listening experience. They excel in areas where premium headphones often overlook, offering a balanced sound, intuitive controls, and exceptional customization options at a competitive price. If you value usability and long-term comfort over sheer sonic power, the Monitor III headphones deserve your attention.
