Introduction
When it comes to high-end headphones, picking the right pair can be a challenge, especially when comparing two industry giants like the Marshall Monitor ANC 3 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
Both models boast impressive features and are aimed at different types of listeners, making it essential to dive deep into the details to see which one suits your style and needs.
Specification
| Feature | Marshall Monitor ANC 3 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Bold, retro rock-inspired, gold Marshall logo | Sleek, minimalist, premium materials |
| Comfort | Leatherette headband, dual-layer ear cushions | Plush ear cups, lightweight design |
| Sound Quality | Bass-heavy, broad soundstage | Balanced, rich, and detailed |
| Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Good ANC but not class-leading | Industry-leading ANC, customizable modes |
| Spatial Audio | Adds depth but can thin out bass | Immersive audio with head tracking |
| Battery Life | Up to 70 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off) | 24 hours (ANC on), 18 hours (Immersive on) |
| Controls | Bronze joystick, customizable M button | Hybrid touch and physical controls |
| Weight | Heavier, solid build | Lightweight and portable |
| Connectivity | Multi-point Bluetooth, joystick controls | Multi-point Bluetooth, future Bluetooth LE |
| Price Range | Mid to high | High-end |
Design and Comfort
The design of a headphone set speaks volumes about the brand’s philosophy and audience. The Marshall Monitor anc 3 sticks closely to the brand’s rock-and-roll roots, boasting a bold retro design.
Its tactile rubberized finish and the iconic gold Marshall logo are instantly recognizable, making it a standout accessory for those who appreciate vintage aesthetics. However, while visually striking, its folding mechanism has a slight downside it can feel awkward when worn and may creak under pressure.
Despite this, the leatherette headband and dual-layer ear cushions provide surprising comfort, ensuring a pleasant experience even during extended listening sessions.
The mix of soft and firm foam in the cushions offers excellent noise isolation without causing ear fatigue, a perfect blend for the rock lover who enjoys long sessions.
On the other hand, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra takes a minimalist approach, exuding premium quality with its sleek design. Made from soft-touch plastic, protein leather, and aluminum hinges, Bose focuses on understated elegance.
It doesn’t scream for attention, yet it speaks volumes about quality. What truly sets the Bose apart is its unmatched comfort. These lightweight headphones are perfect for long flights or binge-watching your favorite shows without feeling any discomfort.
The plush ear cups and ergonomic design make them a great choice for extended listening, ensuring you stay immersed in your audio world for hours.
When it comes to design and comfort, it ultimately boils down to your personal preference. Are you someone who values a bold, retro look, or do you prefer understated elegance with a focus on comfort?
Sound Quality
Sound quality is the heart of any headphone purchase, and this is where Marshall and Bose each bring their unique flavors to the table. Marshall has built a reputation for delivering a bass-heavy, rock-inspired sound, and the Monitor ANC 3 is no exception.
Known for its powerful bass, these headphones are ideal for genres like metal, EDM, and hip-hop. But it’s not just about the bass the mids are clear, and the soundstage is surprisingly broad.
This means it handles other genres, like classical or acoustic music, with equal ease. Marshall’s spatial audio feature, or “soundstage,” adds depth to the listening experience, although it can sometimes thin out the bass, giving music a slightly synthetic feel.
While fun for casual listeners, it’s not exactly a game changer for audiophiles who crave purity in sound.
Bose offers a more balanced and refined audio experience, where the bass is present but doesn’t overshadow the mids and highs. This makes the Bose QuietComfort Ultra an excellent choice for listeners who enjoy a variety of music genres.
From pop to classical to podcasts, Bose delivers a rich, detailed sound that engages the listener. The immersive audio feature is another standout, especially with head tracking, making it ideal for watching movies and getting that surround-sound experience.
While this feature adds depth to films, it can occasionally create a slightly artificial reverb in music, though it’s a minor concern.
In the sound quality department, the choice is simple: If you’re all about deep bass and rock-inspired performance, go with Marshall. But if you crave a balanced, refined listening experience across multiple genres, Bose is your best bet.
Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a crucial factor for many headphone buyers, especially those who frequently travel or work in noisy environments. In this regard, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is the clear winner.
Bose has long been known for its best-in-class noise cancellation technology, and the QuietComfort Ultra continues that legacy. It effectively blocks out a wide range of noises, from the low rumble of an airplane engine to the chatter of a busy café.
With modes like “Quiet,” “Aware,” and “Immersion,” you can customize your noise cancellation experience based on your environment.
Whether you need complete isolation or just want to tone down the background noise, Bose has you covered.
Marshall’s Monitor 3 has made improvements in the ANC department compared to previous models, but it still doesn’t reach the level of Bose. The Monitor 3C does a good job of blocking out low-frequency noises, such as engine hum, but higher-frequency sounds can sneak through.
For everyday use, Marshall’s ANC will get the job done, but it lacks the total isolation that Bose offers. Additionally, Marshall’s transparency mode feels more like an afterthought and doesn’t provide as much external sound awareness as Bose’s adjustable modes.
In summary, if noise cancellation is a top priority for you, Bose is the clear choice. Its class-leading ANC technology is unmatched, making it perfect for frequent travelers, commuters, or anyone who needs a quiet listening experience in noisy environments.
Battery Life
Battery life is another important consideration, especially for those who don’t want to be tethered to a charger constantly. Marshall’s Monitor 3C excels in this area, offering an astounding 70 hours of playback with ANC on.
If you turn off ANC, that jumps to a jaw-dropping 100 hours. For frequent travelers or anyone who doesn’t want the hassle of frequent recharging, this is a massive selling point.
You could go days, or even weeks, without needing to plug in, making it an ideal choice for long trips or people on the go.
Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra, while still impressive, doesn’t quite measure up in the battery department. With ANC on, you can expect around 24 hours of battery life, and with the immersive audio feature active, it drops to around 18 hours.
While this will still get you through most long-haul flights or a couple of days of regular use, it’s a significant step down from Marshall’s offering.
However, for most users, Bose’s battery life will still be more than adequate for everyday use, especially considering the superior noise cancellation and comfort.
If battery life is a top concern, Marshall’s Monitor 3 is the clear winner. But if you’re willing to sacrifice some battery life for superior ANC and comfort, Bose is still a solid choice.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, choosing between the Marshall Monitor 3 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you’re all about style, deep bass, and unbeatable battery life, the Marshall Monitor 3 is your go-to choice.
It’s designed for those who want a bold, rock-inspired look with powerful sound to match.
However, if noise cancellation, comfort, and a balanced audio experience are your top priorities, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is the clear winner. It’s the ultimate in comfort and delivers a refined, sophisticated sound across all genres.
No matter which one you choose, both headphones bring premium features to the table. So, which one fits your style and needs? Let us know in the comments.
FAQ
Which headphones have better noise cancellation?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra has superior noise cancellation compared to the Marshall Monitor 3C, which offers decent but lesser ANC.
Which headphones offer better battery life?
Marshall Monitor 3C wins with up to 70 hours of ANC playback, while Bose QuietComfort Ultra provides around 24 hours.
Are Marshall Monitor ANC 3 headphones good for casual listeners?
Yes, they are great for casual listeners, especially for bass-heavy music genres like rock and EDM.
Which headphones are better for long listening sessions?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra is lighter and more comfortable for extended use, making it ideal for long sessions.
Do both headphones support spatial audio?
Yes, both offer spatial audio, but Bose provides a more refined and immersive experience, particularly for movies.
