If you’re looking for quality Bluetooth headphones, Marshall seems to be the ideal brand. You can find out what’s behind it and what the devices offer here.
Even the name of the company sounds like you are dealing with real premium products: Marshall is an English audio company that also has a number of Bluetooth headphones in its large range. If you have a slightly larger budget, you will have stumbled across this name and may be wondering what is really behind the company and the devices.
The Marshall company has been selling various audio devices such as amplifiers, loudspeaker boxes, effect devices and (Bluetooth) headphones since 1962. Today we’re taking a look at the company’s wireless headphones and clarifying the differences between each model on offer.
What Marshall is best known for is the premium look of the headphones. Leather and leather optics play an important role in the design of almost all devices; even the wireless in-ear headphones use corresponding patterns. Combined with the company’s fancy logo, this has a high recognition value.
The price range for Marshall headphones ranges from 129 euros for the cheapest in-ear model to the 299 euros that are due for the premium over-ear headphones. Differences between the models are less in design and more in functionality, construction, features and battery life.
Marshall Motif ANC
Marshall Motif ANC
- Weight: 4.25g (per earbud)
- ANC?: ✔ Yes
- Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.2
- Multipoint?: ✘ No
- Construction: TWS in-ear
to offer
Of the two TWS headphones the company has on offer, the Marshall Motif ANC are the ones that support active noise canceling. The Marshall design language comes through magnificently on this device: the headphones are completely black, the stems are made of stainless steel with a grippy texture; the housing is made of robust plastic, their shape is remotely reminiscent of the AirPods Pro.
The hardware of the Marshall Motif ANC is impressive – according to various test reports, an excellent sound, Bluetooth 5.2, unfortunately without a multipoint function, but with a total battery life of an acceptable 26 hours. The earbuds are unusually light at 4.25 grams each, which should make them very comfortable to wear. The manufacturer charges 149 euros for the headphones, and you can’t get them cheaper from third-party suppliers.
Marshall Minor III
Marshall Minor III
- Weight: 4.0g
- ANC?: ✘ No
- Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.2
- Multipoint?: ✘ No
- Construction: TWS in-ear without silicone attachments
to offer
The Marshall Minor III look like Apple’s first AirPods version, which heard rock music for the first time in its life. The shape with the “plugless” design does not allow for excessive noise cancellation or a rich bass, but it is comfortable to wear and balanced sound, especially in the mids and highs.
Like the Motif ANC, the headphones come in a black, white or burgundy-colored case with a leather look, are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 (but again not with multipoint) and offer a battery life of around 25 hours with the case. They are splash-proof according to IPX5 and cost 129 euros directly from Marshall. In free trade, however, they are already available from 99 euros.
Marshal Major IV
The word Major in the Marshall Major IV’s name indicates its construction. You’ve probably seen these on-ear headphones somewhere on the street, on the train or in the office. The design is iconic and an embodiment of the Marshall brand – now in its fourth generation. The sound is powerful and bassy, but noise canceling is not available here.
An outstanding feature of the Marshall Major IV is the battery life, which is immense with around 80 hours of continuous use on just one charge. In addition, buyers benefit from wireless charging, a practical multi-directional control button and an improved, more ergonomic design. The headphones support Bluetooth 5.0 and cost 149 euros from the manufacturer, on Amazon and Co. only around 100 euros.
Marshall Monitor II ANC
The Monitor II are about twice as expensive as the Marshall Major IV. The over-ear headphones inspire with a look that is probably unique for over-ear headphones under 500 euros. The bronze accent of the control knob blends beautifully with the black leather look of the plastic case. This is rounded off by a dark colored canvas tote bag which is included.
Various test reports praise the Marshall Monitor II in particular for the extremely balanced, almost reference-worthy sound of the headphones. The ANC is also perceived as strong. The headphones support Bluetooth 5.0, unfortunately still without multipoint. The battery life is around 45 hours, which is quite good. The headphones, which cost around 300 euros and are available in retail outlets for around 230 euros, are not IP-certified.
Don’t miss anything with the NETWORK-Newsletter
Every Friday: The most informative and entertaining summary from the world of technology!