Marshall Monitor III review

Marshall, the iconic name that once ruled stages with roaring amps and rockstar swagger, has now entered its third act in the wireless headphone game. Its latest Monitor III A.N.C. headphones blend vintage-inspired style with surprisingly effective noise cancellation and everyday practicality.

Priced at Rs 29,999, this pair is aimed squarely at those who want premium wireless headphones, minus the overly sterile or techy look. Having spent some time using them, here’s our Marshall Monitor III review.

Marshall Monitor III build and design

Design-wise, Marshall doesn’t disappoint. The textured vinyl finish, brass accents, and scripted logo give the Monitor III a look that’s more Gibson guitar case than high-tech headset. And thankfully, it’s not just about appearances.

The headband is generously padded, and the memory foam ear cushions sit gently without pressure. At just 250 grams, they’re still light enough to wear during long editing sessions or back-to-back Zoom calls.

One thoughtful design tweak is the inclusion of folding earcups, making it easier to toss these in a backpack or even a glove box without needing the bulky hard case all the time. For frequent travelers, this makes a huge difference.

Marshall Monitor III features

There’s a single, intuitive joystick-style button on the left earcup that handles play/pause, volume, and track skipping, meaning you’re not stuck learning tap codes or swiping in Morse. The ANC and Transparency Mode toggles are easy to locate too.

The Marshall Bluetooth app adds a layer of customisation, allowing you to tweak the EQ and set your preferred ANC level. Audiophiles who love tinkering with settings, may find the EQ options limited, but for the average listener who just wants a bit more treble or a softer bass bump, it’s perfectly adequate.

The lack of aptX or LDAC support means you won’t get ultra high-res audio, which may be a turn-off for audio purists. That said, the AAC and SBC codec support still delivers a solid experience across Apple and Android devices.

Marshall Monitor III audio performance

This is by no means Marshall’s first attempt at active noise cancellation (ANC), but it certainly feels like its most refined yet. The brand has finally nailed what fans have long wanted – a comfortable, stylish pair of over-ear headphones that doesn’t just look the part but sounds good enough to challenge Bose and Sony.

The 40mm dynamic drivers produce a warm, punchy sound that’s unmistakably “Marshall”. Whether you’re vibing to Bohemian Rhapsody on a morning train ride or zoning into Lo-fi beats during a work-from-home grind, the Monitor III’s sound signature leans toward bassy yet balanced. No, it won’t dissect orchestral scores like a pair of Sennheisers, but it will absolutely make a Billie Eilish track sound moody and immersive.

And the ANC? Surprisingly good. Not Bose-level silence, but good enough to dull the low hum of a plane engine or the chatter in a crowded café. For city dwellers, this makes your commute feel less chaotic, letting you step into your own sonic cocoon.

Marshall Monitor III battery life

Marshall promises up to 70 hours of playback with ANC on, and a whopping 100 hours with it off. In daily use, these numbers hold up well. A quick 15-minute charge nets 12 hours of listening, which came in handy during a last-minute dash to the office.

Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint support means you can connect to both your laptop and phone simultaneously. Imagine a scenario where you’re mid-presentation on Zoom when a call comes in on your phone. You can quickly switch without fiddling in menus or missing a beat.

Unboxed Take: Who should buy the Marshall Monitor III?

This is a headphone for someone who values vibe as much as volume. You don’t need a spreadsheet comparing frequency response curves to know if this is right for you. You just need to ask yourself; do I want a pair of cans that sound good, feel premium, and look like they belong on a rock legend?

Whether you’re an urban commuter, remote worker, or just someone who loves the tactile charm of physical buttons and old-school aesthetics, the Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. hits the sweet spot. It’s not the most clinical or the most silent. But it might just be the coolest pair of ANC headphones you can buy right now.

For all the above reasons, we rate the Marshall Monitor III headphones a solid, 4.5/5. Stay tuned to Unboxed by Croma for more in-depth reviews just like this, and all things tech.