Marshall headphones: the best models of 2023

The best Marshall Headphones on the market:

1. Marshall Monitor II B.N.C.
2. Marshall Mode II
3. Marshall Major IV
4. Marshall Motif ANC
5. Marshall Minor III
6. Marshall Mode EQ

Design and quality:

The Marshall Monitor II ANC headphones are designed, like many of the brand's products nowadays, following the aesthetic line of the classic Marshall amplifiers. Black leather and the unmistakable logo on the back of the earmuffs follow the classic design logic. They have a very similar appearance to the previous model, with oval ear-cups and a premium finish, but offer active noise cancellation.

They are designed for those who want to wear the Marshall brand with pride and look great. A gold-plated potentiometer on the right cup allows you to play, pause, adjust the volume, and turn off the Marshall headphones. This multifunction button can also be used to accept or end calls. The design is minimalist, but this touch of gold contrasts well with the black and gives it an elegant touch.

It also features the M button that allows you to choose between different Equalizer presets and activate the Google Assistant on your device. On the left cup, there is the ANC button with which you can choose between normal active noise cancellation mode, plug it off, or activate the monitoring mode.

The Monitor II ANC has a foldable structure with a very flexible and resistant band. This Marshall headset feels very comfy thanks to the soft padding of the cups and headband. They aren't heavy and don't generate any uncomfortable pressure, so they can be used in long sessions. The package comes with an excellent quality audio cable, an appealing case, and USB-C for charging.”

Sound:

Like the previous model, they integrate 40mm dynamic drivers that produce a pre-frequency response of 20-20kHz. The main difference concerning the previous model is the active noise cancellation technology. It is not the best on the market, but it is very good. It reduces ambient noise almost completely, although you can hear a little of nearby conversations. Using the Marshall application, you can adjust the level of noise cancellation and the level of transparency mode from 0 to 100%.

With the application, you can also equalize the sound to your taste. The normal sound profile is very well balanced in all frequencies, but the application offers settings that optimize the sound according to the music genre, including rock, metal, hip-hop, pop, electronic, jazz, or classical music. You can also create your settings.

In terms of sound quality, these are the best Marshall headphones we have tested. This new model offers excellently balanced audio with sublime detail at all frequencies. The vocals stand out, as do the percussions and instruments. The low frequencies are deep, but are perceived as controlled and do not overshadow the other tonalities. The sound spatiality is not the widest, but the performance is great.

Connectivity:

The Marshall Monitor II ANC works with Bluetooth 5.0 technology. Connectivity is impeccable and the wireless range is quite wide. Unfortunately, they do not support the aptX codec, something we expected in a headset of this price. On the other hand, these Marshall headphones integrate a 3.5 mm jack for listening to music using the included audio cable. A part to consider: if you want to stop wasting battery power using the cable, you will have to turn them off manually as this does not happen automatically.
To get the most out of them, you need to download the Marshall app, available for iOS and Android devices. With the app, you can adjust sound settings, and noise cancellation levels, and activate your cell phone's assistant.

Battery:

Our tests yielded a 30-hour capacity with noise cancellation enabled at medium volumes. If you turn off the ANC technology, the autonomy can even reach 45 hours. This is an undoubtedly interesting amount and exceeds the number of hours even more expensive models of the competition. In addition, it charges very fast. 15 minutes of charging is enough to use them for more than five hours.

Conclusion:

The Monitor II ANC is the best Marshall headphones we've tested. They maintain the classic and elegant style of the brand, the sound quality is superb, and they're very comfortable. Active noise cancellation is one of the best, and the equalization options make them a unique and beautiful model. Interested? Take a look at the best prices.

If you want to take a look at other quality ANC headsets we recommend the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2, and Shure AONIC 50. You can also check out the exquisite Bang Olufsen headphones.

Design and quality:

The Marshall Mode II is the company's introduction to True Wireless headphones. It has what you would expect from a headset bearing this name: style. The texture and quality of the materials are a true reflection of the amplifiers.

They are the smallest headphones we've tested and feature the Marshall M, while on the case we see the full logo. They also create a very secure seal in the ear canal. They come with four different sizes of ear cushions to achieve optimal stability for any user.

Clicking on the M in the left cup activates or turns off the transparency mode. Also, pressing it twice activates your phone's assistant. With the right cup, you can manage the playback, fast-forward, or delay songs. To answer or end calls, you can use any cup.

They are IPX5 certified against water, while the case/charging base has an IPX4 protection rating. The case can withstand splashes when closed and the cups resist a little more, but they are not fully waterproof, so you can't submerge them. Like the headphones, the case is pill-shaped and is one of the most compacts we've found. It integrates an LED indicator and the USB-C to USB-A cable is included in the package.

Sound:

The Marshall Mode IIs are a good pair of True Wireless headphones in terms of sound quality. They have nice deep and consistent bass, which favors music genres such as drum & bass, rap, dub/drum step, and the like. Bass is perceived as powerful and undistorted at any volume level. That said, the mids and highs maintain a good presence. The sound profile is well-balanced and all frequencies are perceived with good detail.

They integrate 6mm dynamic drivers and work with a frequency response of 20-20kHz. Altogether, they offer a rich and enjoyable sound to enjoy any genre of music. On the other hand, the built-in microphone of the Marshall Mode II headphones isn't very good. Captures voices. Regardless, the signal is weak.

Connectivity:

The Marshall Mode II headphones work with Bluetooth 5.1. They have a large wireless operating range, even when walls and further obstacles are in the way. In an open office, you can easily walk around different areas without losing connectivity. They support aptX and SBC codecs, but not AAC.

The Marshall Bluetooth app, available for iOS and Android devices, lets you equalize the sound of the Bluetooth headphones to your personal preference, as well as handle the transparency mode and microphones.

Battery:

The Marshall Mode II has reasonable battery life. It delivers around 5 hours of continuous playback, although capability varies according to volume. In addition, the case gives you four additional charges, for a total of 25 hours.

Conclusion:

The aesthetics of Marshall headphones is a recurring virtue and the hallmark of nearly all of their headphones and speakers. The Marshall Mode II is no exception, despite being the smallest True Wireless headset we've tested. In addition to looking wonderful, they create a good seal, are splash-resistant, and have a sound that is undoubtedly among the best in their class. Interested? Discover the best price on Amazon.

Design and quality:

The Marshall IV headphones don't look, at first glance, much different from their wireless predecessors, but they have an improved ergonomic design. They feature square ear cups similar to the early versions, with the iconic white Marshall logo that makes their headphones unmistakable. The cups can rotate for comfort, and the build quality is excellent.

The ear cushions feature a textured leatherette finish, as does the headband. They have a foldable structure and On-Ear design, so you can easily store them in your case.

On the left cup is a multi-function potentiometer that allows you to control playback, adjust volume, Bluetooth pairing, and power on. You can also use it to answer calls. It is a simple and excellent control.

Sound:

The Marshall Major IVs deliver a sound quite similar to the previous model, although these Marshall headphones offer richer mid-bass tones, resulting in a warmer sound. We did some tests with old rock and we could feel every drum beat, guitar string, and the different emotions of male and female singers. This works in both softer rock and near-metal styles, where the performance is still superlative, with a detailed sound without frequencies clashing with each other.

They can perform at a high level in most musical genres, obtaining very satisfactory results. The mid tones of the previous version were emphasized to make the guitars stand out in the mix, but Major IV's sound profile is better balanced. They integrate 40mm dynamic drivers designed to offer better spatiality, although they're not the most neutral headphones on the market. The bass stands out in the mix.

One aspect to criticize is passive sound isolation, which is one of the aspects that usually don't attract attention in closed-cup headphones. We put them to the test in an office environment and the truth is that it is possible to hear some of the conversations around you. This is an aspect to consider if you plan to make these headphones your companions in your office routine. The microphone gives you decent clarity. We tested it and were able to understand all the words without any problems.

Connectivity:

You'll be pleased to experience no interruptions in Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, which is prevalent in many Bluetooth headsets. The wireless range is very wide, so you can listen to your music for hours at a time while walking through different spaces without any problems. They also come with a high-quality, detachable cable for wired use.

Battery:

Marshall claims that the Major IV can be kept running at full power for more than 80 hours. This autonomy is unique in the market and is sufficient to take them for a walk without the need to carry them. It is necessary to emphasize this because the battery is without a doubt one of the best things the Major IV has to offer as a whole. The USB-C charging head is included in the package. In addition, you can charge them with a Qi wireless charger.

Conclusion:

Marshall has managed to take their Major to the next level in this new version. They have a construction that makes the headphones durable and lightweight at the same time, in addition to achieving a sound that doesn't only shine in rock but in any musical genre.

Their virtues are numerous, and in this model, they have been crowned with a battery that has a truly superlative duration. There are few On-Ear headphones as good on the market. Discover the best prices on Amazon.

Design and quality:

The Marshall Motif ANC is an attractive pair of True Wireless headphones. The headset logo and case feature the aesthetics of the company's iconic amplifiers. The design is well thought out and they fit very well. The case is IPX4 certified against water and is scratch resistant, while the earcups have IPX5 grade protection, better than that offered by the AirPods.

The cups fit perfectly and come with two extra sets of pads for the comfort of all users. Each cup weighs only 5 grams and you forget you're wearing them. We tested them for running and they stayed put, so you can use them for exercise without any problems.

Our only regret is that you can't control the sound with the glasses and need to go into the app to do so. On the other hand, with the touch controls on the cups, you can fast forward or rewind songs, play, pause, answer calls, and switch between active noise cancellation and transparency modes.

Sound:

We love the sound of these Marshall True Wireless headphones. They are very small but deliver deep, controlled bass. The treble sounds very clear, and the details of all frequencies surprised us.

You can use them to play any genre of music, although rock stands out for its richness and punch. Mid-tones are not as noticeable, but that's because the extremes sound remarkably good. On the other hand, audiophiles will love the Marshall app. With the app, you can equalize the sound profile to your taste.

Active noise cancellation is very robust. With these Marshall headphones, you can listen to your favorite music in any environment without being disturbed by external noise. Ambient mode is also a useful feature when you need it.

Connectivity:

They work with Bluetooth 5.2 technology. The wireless range is wide and stable. In addition, the synchronization process is very easy. You just need to press the button on the charging base to put the headphones in synchronization mode. Unfortunately, they can't connect to two devices simultaneously.

Battery:

According to the company, the autonomy of the Marshall headsets reaches 4.5 hours with the ANC on. In addition, the case provides you with additional charges for a total of 20 hours. This capacity is about the same as that of the AirPods Pro. It's not the best on the market, but it's pretty decent.

One negative is that the noise cancellation consumes quite a lot of battery power. You can use them for an extra hour if you turn off the ANC. The Marshall Motif ANC headphones charge via the case's USB-C port, although they also support Qi wireless chargers. The total charging process takes around three hours.

Conclusion:

The Marshall Motif ANC headphones offer a great sound that you can equalize to your taste and very solid active noise cancellation. They have the brand's iconic design, stay in place, and are very resistant. The battery isn't the best, but overall they are a good choice. Find the best price on this link.

Design and quality:

Marshall Minor III has a design very similar to Apple's AirPods. Like the ANC Motifs, they feature only the brand logo in the italic script as an ornament. However, these Marshall headphones do not feel as rugged as the Motif.

The cups are textured to facilitate grip at the bottom and are IPX4 certified. They are cozy, and weightless, and you can use them to go to the gym, although the fit is not as secure as the other models of the brand.

Marshall Minor incorporates touch controls on the exterior of both cups. Pressing them allows you to play or pause, rewind, and change songs. However, they are not as responsive as the Motif controls, and we had to use the app to make it easier to change songs.

Sound:

The best feature of the Marshall Minor III headphones is the sound quality. The audio is surprisingly clear and has good detail at all frequencies. The bass sounds strong but doesn't overshadow the other tonalities. Mids and treble are crisp and maintain a good presence.

You can use these Marshall headphones to enjoy any genre of music with a pleasant and rich profile thanks to the 12mm drivers integrated into each cup.

On the other hand, the clarity when making calls is remarkable. Each cup of the Marshall Minor III headphones incorporates a microphone that does a superb job of picking up vocals. We tested them by recording on an iPhone and all the words sounded loud and very clear.

Connectivity:

They work with Bluetooth 5.2 technology and support the SBC codec, but not AAC or aptX. In addition, the wireless range isn't as wide or stable as that of the Motif. You may encounter connection drops after five meters if you have doors or walls blocking connectivity.

Battery:

Battery life is also very decent. Each cup delivers up to five hours of continuous playback, and the case offers you an additional 25 hours, for a total of 30 hours. This capacity is great for a case as compact as the one that arrives with the Marshall Minor III.

In addition, they load very fast. Only 15 minutes of charging is enough to use them for more than 90 minutes.

Conclusion:

The Marshall Minor III Bluetooth headphones sound great and have the brand's signature style. The audio is surprisingly detailed, as is the clarity of the calls. Battery life is also very suitable. Regardless, we didn't like the controls and it also doesn't offer extra functions, such as ANC.

If you're looking for a simple, good-sounding True Wireless they are a good choice. Interested? Find the best price on this link.

Design and quality:

Marshall Mode EQ headphones have an EQ switch that allows you to choose between a neutral and a bass-heavy sound profile. In this sense, they are unique. In terms of design, they maintain the brand's iconic style. The first distinctive feature is the Marshall “M” on the matte black finish of the earcups.

It is a straightforward design, although it will not be to the taste of those who prefer to go a little more unnoticed. The white of the “M” stands out to the eye, although it isn't unduly prominent either and offers that Marshall emblem that we all associate with quality and style.

These Marshall headphones not only look good, they feel good. The Marshall Mode EQ comes with four different-sized ear pads, from small to extra large, letting it fit flawlessly in different ears. We did not detect in our tests that the material causes discomfort or overheating after prolonged use. They look ruggedly constructed, which is important though they don't arrive with a case to hold you from putting them in your pocket to carry them around.

Sound:

The emphasized bass EQ mode greatly enhances the strength of the low-mid tones. The bass is deep, although the profile also presents remarkable treble. The best thing: they don't distort at any volume level. The Marshall Mode EQ headphones have very little low-end and produce excellent audio quality for the price range in which they move.

There is a big boost in the bass that will allow you to appreciate sounds with a lot of richness and depth, without sacrificing the brightness of attending notes. We tested diverse musical styles, and the results always yielded sounds full of detail and depth, making the listening experience a blast.

Connectivity:

The 3.5mm cable has an in-line control and also integrates a microphone. You can control playback, change songs, and answer calls. Unfortunately, they don't have volume control.

Conclusion:

The Marshall Mode EQs have hit the nail on the head, finding a very interesting sound in a price range where we're not used to getting this quality. If you like the idea of having good audio with EQ function and don't mind paying that extra that Marshall always demands the prestige accrued, these headphones are definitely for you.

The Mode EQs did very well in each of our tests and are a pleasure to use. When we talk about sound isolation, we can say that they are average, delivering detailed audio from the sub-bass to the high frequencies with no fuzzy or crackling sounds. Interested? Find the best price on Amazon.

On the other hand, if you are not interested in the equalization function, you can opt for the Normal Mode.

Final conclusion:

Marshall headphones are true to the reputation of their amplifier grandfathers: they look good and sound good. When it comes to sound, they also follow tradition, and although they are compatible with any musical genre, they are at their best in rock or folk, where mid-frequencies prevail.

The battery of the wireless models is another highlight, being one of the best you can find on the market. Some manufacturing and usability details, in addition to the lack of applications and configuration options, are the most common details. But overall, Marshall headphones have earned a rightful place in excellence and have placed the brand among the best you can find in headphones on the market. Highly recommended.

We also recommend you check out our comparison of the new Marshall Willen speakers. If you are looking for other headphones, the best AKG and Bowers and Wilkins headphones.

Technical characteristics Marshall Headphones