Disclosure: We may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post, but we only recommend brands that we truly love and trust.
Marshall Monitor II Review: Stylish Sound with Premium Active Noise Cancelling
The Marshall Monitor II headphones are the brand’s latest iteration of over-ear wireless headphones, and they come with several upgraded features that enhance the listening experience. Known for its rock ‘n’ roll legacy, Marshall has always been synonymous with powerful sound and high-quality build, and the Monitor II headphones carry on that tradition. With active noise cancellation (ANC), up to 45 hours of battery life, a collapsible design, and a multi-directional control knob, the Monitor II headphones are positioned as a premium audio solution for music lovers, travelers, and audiophiles alike. In this review, we will take a deep dive into the design, features, sound quality, and overall performance of the Marshall Monitor II to see if they live up to the hype.
Design and Comfort: Classic Marshall Aesthetics with Travel-Friendly Features
The Marshall Monitor II continues the brand’s iconic design, featuring the signature Marshall logo, black leather-like finish, and gold accents that make these headphones immediately recognizable. For anyone who appreciates Marshall’s rock-and-roll heritage, the aesthetics are a nod to the brand’s long history in the music industry. The sturdy build feels premium, with materials that provide durability without adding unnecessary weight. However, despite its solid construction, the headphones remain surprisingly lightweight and comfortable, making them suitable for long listening sessions.
The over-ear design provides excellent passive noise isolation, which helps the active noise cancellation (ANC) technology to work even more effectively. The ear cups are cushioned with soft memory foam that molds to the shape of your head, ensuring a snug but comfortable fit. This makes the Monitor II ideal for extended use, whether you’re listening to music at home, traveling, or just enjoying your favorite podcast on the go.
Additionally, the collapsible design makes the Monitor II highly portable. When you’re not using them, you can simply fold the ear cups inward, which helps minimize their size and makes them easy to stow away in the provided travel kit. The compactness and convenience of this design ensure that the Monitor II is a great travel companion, whether you’re hopping on a plane or carrying them in your backpack.
Sound Quality: Rich and Powerful with ANC
Marshall has always been known for delivering dynamic, full-bodied sound, and the Monitor II headphones are no exception. These headphones feature a frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which is typical for headphones in this class, allowing them to capture the full spectrum of sound. Whether you’re listening to deep bass-heavy tracks, vocals, or classical music, the Monitor II provides clarity across the board.
The standout feature of these headphones, however, is the inclusion of active noise cancellation (ANC). With this technology, the Monitor II can continuously monitor the ambient noise around you and effectively cancel out sounds you don’t want to hear. This allows you to focus on your music, podcasts, or calls without being disturbed by external sounds. The ANC works surprisingly well, even in environments with significant background noise, such as crowded coffee shops or noisy train stations. Marshall’s ANC technology also intelligently adjusts itself to block out different types of sounds, so you don’t have to worry about fiddling with settings during your listening sessions.
For those who prefer a more natural sound, you can always turn off the ANC feature. When you do so, the headphones still provide excellent passive noise isolation, and you can enjoy up to 45 hours of playback without worrying about battery life. This extended battery life makes the Monitor II a great option for long trips, whether you’re traveling or working long hours in the office.
Battery Life and Charging: Long-Lasting Power for Extended Playtime
One of the major selling points of the Marshall Monitor II headphones is their impressive battery life. When active noise cancellation is turned on, you can enjoy up to 30 hours of wireless playtime. This is more than enough for a full day of travel or work, and it’s especially convenient for long-haul flights or commutes. If you’re someone who doesn’t need ANC all the time, turning it off extends the battery life further to an impressive 45 hours of playback.
The headphones come equipped with a USB-C charging port, which means you get faster charging times compared to older micro-USB models. A quick 15-minute charge gives you an additional 5 hours of playback, which can come in handy when you’re in a rush or need to top up your battery between activities. The long battery life and rapid charging are standout features of the Monitor II, ensuring that you won’t be left with dead headphones in the middle of a session.
Connectivity: Wireless Freedom with Enhanced Control
The Marshall Monitor II features wireless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, which provides a reliable and stable connection to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures faster pairing, improved range, and better power efficiency, so you won’t have to worry about interruptions in your music or calls. You can also use these headphones for hands-free calling, thanks to the built-in microphone.
A key feature of the Monitor II is the multi-directional control knob on the ear cup. This small but functional control allows you to manage a variety of functions without reaching for your device. You can play, pause, skip tracks, and even adjust the volume by rotating or pressing the knob. It also lets you take calls and activate your phone’s voice assistant, making the headphones highly convenient for multitasking. The control knob is intuitive and easy to use, especially for those who prefer physical buttons over touch-sensitive controls.
Travel Kit and Portability
The Marshall Monitor II headphones come with a comprehensive travel kit that includes everything you need for hassle-free listening on the go. This includes a USB-C charging cable, a 3.5mm audio cord, and a carry bag to store the headphones and their accessories. The inclusion of a 3.5mm cord is especially useful for times when you need to plug in the headphones directly to a device that doesn’t support Bluetooth, such as an old-school audio player or an in-flight entertainment system. The travel bag is well-designed and protects the headphones from scratches and damage while you’re on the move.
Final Thoughts: A Premium Listening Experience with Excellent ANC
The Marshall Monitor II headphones are a perfect blend of style, sound, and functionality. They bring the legendary Marshall sound quality into a modern wireless design, incorporating active noise cancellation, long battery life, and premium comfort into one sleek package. Whether you’re an audiophile who demands the best sound or a frequent traveler who needs a reliable set of headphones, the Monitor II is up to the task.
The sound is rich and full-bodied, with a well-balanced frequency range that works well across all genres of music. The active noise cancellation is excellent at blocking out external noise, creating an immersive listening experience whether you’re in a noisy environment or simply want to focus on your music. The 30-45 hours of battery life are some of the best in this class, and the multi-directional control knob offers intuitive, hands-on control over your music and calls.
The only downside is the price, as the Marshall Monitor II is positioned as a premium option. However, the quality of the materials, sound, and ANC technology justifies the cost for anyone looking for a high-end listening experience. Whether you’re a fan of Marshall’s iconic design or simply want a set of wireless headphones that offer active noise cancellation, excellent battery life, and premium sound quality, the Marshall Monitor II headphones should be on your radar.
Pros:
- Rich and powerful sound with well-balanced bass and treble
- Effective active noise cancellation (ANC)
- Long battery life (up to 30 hours with ANC, 45 hours without)
- Multi-directional control knob for easy navigation
- Compact and collapsible design for easy portability
- Travel kit includes USB-C charging cable and 3.5mm cord
Cons:
- Premium price point
- Limited customization options for sound (no dedicated app for EQ adjustments)
Overall, the Marshall Monitor II is a top contender in the premium wireless headphones category, offering a well-rounded audio experience, high-quality build, and exceptional ANC technology.
