For decades, the cursive Marshall logo has been synonymous with the raw power and energy of live rock and roll, plastered across amplifier stacks on the world’s biggest stages. Translating that legendary audio heritage into the refined, competitive world of premium noise-canceling headphones is a monumental task. With the Monitor III A.N.C., Marshall isn’t just selling a pair of headphones; it’s offering an experience—a blend of iconic style, modern technology, and a signature sound. Priced at ₹29,990 in the Indian market, it enters a fierce arena. Let’s plug in and see if it hits all the right notes.
Box Contents
- Monitor III A.N.C. Headphones
- Removable 3.5mm Coiled Cable
- USB-C Charging Cable
- Canvas Carrying Bag
- User Manual and Documentation
Design, Build, and Comfort
From the moment you unbox them, the Monitor III ANC screams Marshall. The design is unapologetically classic, featuring the iconic textured black vegan leather, robust metal swivel hinges, and brass accents that provide a touch of analog class in a digital world. The build quality feels top-notch and rugged; these are headphones that feel like they can withstand the rigors of the road, even if that road is just your daily commute. The entire package, right down to the aesthetics of the companion app, feels premium and part of a uniquely exclusive brand style.
Where the Monitor III ANC truly excels is in comfort. In our experience, they are exceptionally comfortable, even during long listening sessions in physically demanding, hot, and sweaty conditions. This is largely thanks to a cleverly engineered dual-part headband and a flexible, extendable mechanism for the super-soft earcups, which allows them to bend, twist, and adapt perfectly to various head shapes. Despite their robust build, they are thoughtfully designed to be foldable and portable, fitting snugly into the included canvas carrying bag.
A standout feature is the multi-functional brass control knob. In an industry dominated by touch controls, this physical knob is a neat, intuitive touch for managing playback, volume, and calls.
Sound Quality: The Marshall Sound, Refined
Powered by 40mm dynamic drivers, the sound signature here is distinct. The default EQ setting, accessible via the app, delivers a unique tuning that is best described as warm, spacious, and inclusive of a wide range of frequencies. There is clear separation between lows, mids, and highs, and the high dynamic range ensures that music doesn’t get distorted, even at volume.
The most unique aspect of the sound is its spatial quality. It creates an immersive listening stage that feels wider and more open than many competitors. While the bass isn’t an overwhelming “thud” in its default state, selecting the “bass boost” EQ setting provides a satisfying and sure “thump” without muddying the mix. Vocals and instruments in the mid-range are clear, while the treble provides detail without being harsh. For those who want to tinker, the Marshall Bluetooth app offers flexible EQ controls to tailor the sound to your exact preference. The overall experience is a notch better than its competition.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode
The noise cancellation on the Monitor III ANC is a powerful two-pronged attack. Firstly, the design of the earcups and the plushness of the cushions provide a high degree of passive noise isolation, blocking a significant amount of sound before the electronics even kick in.
When you activate the ANC, it works brilliantly, effectively cutting out repetitive low-frequency sounds like engine drones and air conditioners. In our testing, it performed exceptionally well in noisy outdoor environments. When the ANC is set to high, it can almost completely cut out the sound of people talking nearby, creating a true bubble of personal space.
When you need to tap back into reality, the Transparency Mode is impressively natural. It sounds accurate and realistic, avoiding the processed, “radio set” feel that plagues some other headphones. The volume is well-balanced—neither too loud nor too quiet—making it perfect for quick conversations or maintaining awareness of your surroundings.
Battery Life and Charging
Marshall claims an impressive 70 hours of playtime with both Bluetooth and ANC active, and in our experience, this claim holds true. The battery performance is outstanding, easily lasting through days of heavy use with ANC always on.
The headphones also feature quick charging, where a mere 15-minute charge provides up to 5 hours of listening time. A full charge from empty takes about 3 hours. For those looking to maximize the lifespan of their battery, the app includes a helpful battery preservation mode.
Microphone and Call Quality
The experience of making calls with the Monitor III ANC is good, with no major complaints. The powerful built-in noise cancellation does a solid job of handling background noise, ensuring your voice is the primary focus. When enquired, parties on the other end of the line confirmed that the voice quality sounded normal and clear.
Conclusion
The Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. successfully carves out its own identity in the crowded premium headphone market. It does so not by trying to beat everyone on specs alone, but by offering a complete, cohesive package that feels special. The blend of iconic, rugged design, exceptional long-wear comfort, and a uniquely warm and spacious sound signature makes it a compelling choice. This is more than just a device for listening to music; it’s a style statement backed by solid performance.
Pros:
- Iconic, premium, and rugged design.
- Superb long-term comfort, adaptable to different head shapes.
- Warm, spacious, and immersive sound quality.
- Effective ANC, especially when combined with strong passive isolation.
- Excellent, class-leading battery life.
- Intuitive physical control knob.
Cons:
- Priced at a premium level.
- Call quality is good, but not a standout feature.
- The default sound may be too warm for those who prefer a purely neutral profile.
Pricing and Availability
The Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. is priced at ₹29,990 and is available from major electronics retailers and online stores in India.