When it comes to premium headphones, Marshall has become a name synonymous with quality and performance. With the release of the third generation of their active noise-canceling lineup, the Marshall Monitor III ANC, the company aims to strengthen its foothold in the competitive world of over-ear headphones. But does this pair justify its Rs 29,999 price tag? Here’s everything you need to know about its design, features, and performance.
Luxurious Design Meets Comfort
One glance at the Monitor III ANC, and you’ll spot the trademark Marshall aesthetics, inspired by their iconic stage amps. A leather-like finish, a tactile rubberized coating, and the signature gold Marshall logo make these headphones stand out. However, the beauty isn’t only skin deep—Marshall has prioritized comfort with this model.
Weighing just 250 grams, the Monitor III ANC feels incredibly lightweight on the head. The redesigned headband, with soft leatherette and a silicon layer underneath, is engineered to reduce pressure. Combine this with plush foam ear cushions, and you get a fit that lets you wear the headphones for hours without discomfort. The dual-layer foam ensures a snug seal, while also preventing the internal components from pressing uncomfortably against your ears.
The foldable design is another practical touch. Pack it into the compact travel case, and the Monitor III ANC becomes easy to carry, whether on a daily commute or a long-haul flight.
Key Downsides in Design
While there’s plenty to admire in the styling and comfort, there are a few drawbacks. The headphones lack an IP rating, meaning they aren’t protected against dust or water. For the price, this omission feels like a missed opportunity, especially given that competitors often include such certifications. Additionally, audiophiles might be disappointed by the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack, which could have offered high-res listening without Bluetooth constraints.
Features That Elevate Everyday Listening
The Marshall Bluetooth app ensures a smooth and customizable user experience. Available for both Android and iOS, the app provides features like ANC level adjustment, transparency mode toggling, and a five-band equalizer for tailoring the sound profile to your liking. Additionally, users can repurpose the M-button on the right earcup to manage commands such as launching Spotify, changing EQ presets, or activating a voice assistant.
For those who like their tech tidy, the app also lets you handle small but helpful settings—like auto-play/pause and firmware updates.
Impressive Tech Specs
Inside the Monitor III ANC, you’ll find 32mm dynamic drivers, offering a robust audio experience, which we’ll discuss further in the performance section below. The headphones also pack Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring reliable connectivity with compatible devices, and support SBC and AAC codecs for high-quality wireless playback.
However, like its predecessors, the Monitor III ANC doesn’t support adaptive noise cancellation—a feature that many rivals are now offering at similar or even lower price points.
Performance That Hits the Right Notes
Marshall delivers top-notch noise cancelation with the Monitor III ANC. Whether you’re walking down a bustling city street or sitting in a busy café, the headphones successfully eliminate ambient noise, offering impressive isolation. While the ANC isn’t adaptive, the toggleable transparency mode is handy for quick moments of interaction without removing the headphones.
Audio Quality
What truly distinguishes the Monitor III ANC is its sound profile—one tuned especially for lovers of rock, metal, and pop genres. The trademark Marshall signature shines through with balanced mids and highs and a powerful bass that doesn’t overwhelm.
For fans of competition between vocals and instruments, classics like “Hotel California” by The Eagles prove a delight. Every element—from drumbeats to guitar solos—comes alive with incredible clarity. Meanwhile, even bass-heavy tracks like Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” maintain integrity across frequencies, without muffling highs or mids.
The addition of Marshall’s Soundstage feature, similar to spatial audio, enhances the listening experience by offering a sense of “roominess.” While the Soundstage might not rival some advanced spatial audio from competitors, it’s a welcome addition for an immersive experience.
Exceptional Battery Life
Marshall deserves applause for the battery life on the Monitor III ANC. Advertised as lasting up to 70 hours with ANC on (and 100 hours with ANC off), the headphones live up to these claims. During real-world testing, the Monitor III ANC easily lasted over a week on a single charge. This makes them ideal for frequent travelers or anyone who prefers minimal charging interruptions.
Charging is quick and convenient with the USB-C port, with just a 12-minute charge providing hours of playback—perfect for those last-minute moments.
Where It Falls Short
Every product has its imperfections, and the Marshall Monitor III ANC is no exception. While the sound quality and ANC are great, some missing features such as adaptive ANC and auto-pause functionality hold it back from being a complete package. These omissions stand out when you consider the price segment it competes in, alongside brands like Sony and Bose.
Should You Buy the Marshall Monitor III ANC?
With its timeless design, consistent audio performance, and industry-leading battery life, the Marshall Monitor III ANC headphone is a strong contender in the premium over-ear segment. It’s perfect for listeners who value comfort, style, and rich sounds tailored for rock, metal, and pop tracks.
That said, if you’re looking for cutting-edge noise-canceling features, dust/water resistance, or a wired audio port, you might want to explore other options before committing to this pair.
For those who strive to blend iconic visuals with quality in sound, however, the Marshall Monitor III ANC won’t disappoint.