Compare Nothing Headphone (1) vs Marshall Milton A.N.C.

Sound quality was the most divisive area: some loved the tuned or EQ-adjusted sound, while many criticized the default tuning as dark, flat, or compressed.

Most reviewers describe the sound as warm, energetic, clean, and enjoyable across genres. A minority dislike the bright, bass-heavy default and say it needs EQ.

Immersive audio was weak in TechRadar’s testing, where spatial effects added little and sometimes harmed movie or podcast playback.

Movies and TV benefit from clear, spacious, immersive sound, making the Milton more versatile than simpler on-ear models.

One review found ANC changed the sound signature negatively, narrowing and muting more complex tracks.

Switching ANC on does not audibly alter the core sound signature, an excellent result for tonal consistency.

One review said audio sounded best with ANC off because switching ANC on narrowed and muted the presentation.

ANC can improve listening by reducing surrounding noise and revealing musical details without forcing higher volume.

Passive isolation was a clear strength, with the ear pads and seal repeatedly helping noise reduction even before ANC.

Passive isolation is the predictable weak point of the on-ear design. The pads help, but the incomplete seal lets voices and sharper sounds pass through.

LE Audio readiness was marked down because TechRadar noted the lack of Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast.

Bluetooth 6.0 and LE Audio provide a strong foundation for future features, but parts of the ecosystem remain immature.

Bass impressions were split: some heard controlled punch and texture, while others described muddy bass or weak low-frequency precision before EQ.

Bass is a defining strength: deep, punchy, and visceral without usually burying vocals. Several reviewers still find the stock low end too heavy.

Soundstage was often criticized as narrow or compressed, though a few reviewers heard decent width after tuning or in positive listening sessions.

The native soundstage ranges from intimate to surprisingly spacious for on-ears. Marshall’s Soundstage mode can add width, though the result depends strongly on the setting and content.

Frequency-response evidence was mixed: some heard balanced tuning, while others found the default curve dark, uneven, or treble-recessed.

The tuning is broadly balanced and cohesive, but one reviewer found the dynamic range compressed. It favors an enjoyable presentation over strict analytical neutrality.

Microphone noise reduction was generally strong, with reviewers praising background suppression, though one noted echo/reverb issues.

Background suppression works well in some call tests, even against loud music. Other tests still picked up ambient noise, making performance inconsistent.

Wind handling was mixed: some mic suppression impressed reviewers, while ANC or voice noise gating struggled in wind.

Wind handling is mixed. Calls can suppress wind very well, but transparency and ANC microphones may feed wind noise back to the wearer.

Spatial audio was mixed: some found it useful for movies and broad device support, while others called it weak, limp, or harmful to music.

Soundstage mode can add convincing room-like depth and immersion, and several reviewers kept it enabled. Others find it subtle, bass-reducing, artificial, or inferior to true spatial audio.

Background-noise reduction was mixed: lab-style and street testing praised attenuation, while some reviewers noted weaker handling of voices or sudden sounds.

ANC reduces steady noise well, but the on-ear seal prevents a consistent sense of deep silence. A faint hiss and persistent voices are occasional concerns.

Wear detection performance was poor in one long-term Mac test, where it reportedly never worked.

Wear detection does not merely perform inconsistently; it is absent. Reviewers accustomed to automatic pausing found that omission frustrating.

ANC was generally viewed as strong for the price and effective in everyday noise, though several reviewers said Sony, Bose, or AirPods Max still outperform it.

ANC is widely considered excellent for on-ear headphones and works well on engines, traffic hum, offices, and flights. It still cannot consistently match the deep isolation of leading over-ear models.

Smart Pause performance was praised by TechRadar, which said wear detection and multipoint both worked perfectly once enabled.

Smart Pause is effectively unavailable because there is no wear detection. Playback must be paused manually when the headphones are removed.

Smart listening features were positively supported by Personal Sound, which was described as a useful way to personalize tuning.

Adaptive ANC, adaptive loudness, Soundstage, Find My, battery preservation, and programmable controls create an unusually complete smart-feature package.

Bluetooth reliability was supported by positive connectivity evidence, including Bluetooth 5.3 range and dual-device support.

Bluetooth setup is consistently fast and painless, helped by modern pairing features. Reviewers connected phones and computers without notable trouble.

Physical controls were a standout strength, widely praised for tactility and usability, although a few reviewers found the layout or paddle/roller behavior finicky.

Marshall’s brass joystick is one of the product’s most universally praised features. It is tactile, responsive, easy to find, and simpler than touch gestures.

Setup and software simplicity were praised through Google Fast Pair, an easy app, and automatic pairing behavior.

Initial setup and pairing are straightforward, with Fast Pair and a clean single-screen app interface reducing friction.

Voice prompts and feedback split reviewers sharply: one loved the mode sounds, while others found cues uncomfortable, awful, loud, or jarring.

The headphones lack a spoken battery-level announcement and do not clearly identify connected devices by voice, forcing users to check the app.

EQ customization was a standout feature, repeatedly described as powerful, granular, and sometimes essential for fixing the stock tuning.

The five-band EQ is effective at taming excess bass, recessed mids, or bright treble. Fine-tuning is useful, though the missing reset and zero markers make experimentation less convenient.

The app was one of the product’s strongest points, with reviewers praising its layout, speed, settings, and unusually deep EQ tools.

The Marshall Bluetooth app is widely praised for clear organization and genuinely useful controls. Minor drawbacks include loading hiccups, pairing reports, and cumbersome EQ comparisons.

Bluetooth 5.3 was described as up to date, giving the headphones a modern wireless baseline.

Bluetooth 6.0, LE Audio, and Auracast give the Milton unusually strong future readiness, though some capabilities are still developing.

Reviewers consistently praised the broad feature set, especially customization, spatial options, ANC controls, and app-driven extras.

The software suite is unusually deep for on-ear headphones, with ANC adjustment, Soundstage, adaptive loudness, battery preservation, timers, and customizable controls.

Call mic quality was mixed-to-positive: several reviewers heard clear calls, while others described the mic as merely fine, tinny, or robotic.

Call quality varies substantially: some tests found speech crystal clear, while others heard robotic, scratchy, or unnatural voices. Intelligibility is generally maintained.

Sustainability materials were a weakness because The Guardian said the headphones were not made with recycled materials.

A large share of recycled material gives the construction meaningful sustainability credentials rather than a token eco claim.

Long-term durability evidence was limited, but one reviewer worried about cosmetic dings from the rectangular cups.

The self-healing earcup finish resists minor scratches and scuffs, supporting better cosmetic durability over time.

Weight comfort was mixed: reviewers often found them wearable, but their 329g weight was repeatedly noticed against lighter Sony/Bose options.

At roughly 200 grams, the headphones feel exceptionally light and distribute their weight well. This is one of the most consistent comfort advantages.

Build quality was broadly praised as solid, premium, and better than expected, though one reviewer worried about long-term headband durability.

Build quality is consistently praised as sturdy, substantial, and well made. Metal mechanisms, a flexible headband, and durable textured surfaces inspire confidence.

Clamping force was generally secure and comfortable, but PCMag found it tighter than preferred.

Clamp is generally secure without excessive pressure, and several reviewers found it gentler than typical on-ears. Glasses and very long sessions can still produce pressure.

Design was one of the most discussed strengths, repeatedly praised as distinctive, premium, and eye-catching, though also polarizing.

The textured faux leather, brass accents, and exposed-wire details create an elegant, instantly recognizable Marshall look. One reviewer strongly criticized the square earcup design for poor ergonomics.

Comfort was usually positive over hours of use, but weight, heat, piercings, glasses, and headband pressure made it less universal.

Most reviewers find these among the most comfortable on-ear headphones, with low weight and soft pads enabling long sessions. Fit remains subjective: a few felt pressure after hours, and one reviewer found the small square cups unusable.

Replaceable earpad evidence was weak-to-negative, with uncertainty around replacements and a long-term reviewer noting Nothing still did not sell them.

The ear pads are easy to remove and replace, and cross-generation compatibility adds uncommon long-term convenience.

Repairability evidence was mixed-to-negative: The Guardian noted replacement cushions, but a long-term reviewer criticized the soldered battery.

Repairability is exceptional: the battery, ear pads, and several other parts can be replaced by the owner. This is one of the strongest long-term reasons to choose the Milton.

Sensor evidence was positive but limited, with one reviewer identifying proximity sensing as useful hardware.

The missing wear sensor is one of the product’s clearest feature gaps, leaving users without automatic pause when the headphones come off.

Wear/on-head detection was praised in early reviews as useful and working well, though related long-term Mac behavior was criticized elsewhere.

The headphones do not detect when they are removed, so music keeps playing until paused manually. Reviewers consider this a noticeable omission at the price.

Travel friendliness was mixed-to-negative because battery life is good but the case is bulky and the headphones do not fold up.

Compact folding, low weight, strong ANC, and marathon battery life make the Milton especially well suited to commuting and air travel.

Water/sweat resistance was praised as rare for premium over-ears, though PCMag cautioned that IP52 is still limited.

The lack of an official IP water or sweat rating is a repeated weakness. Light rain may be tolerated, but workouts, heavy sweat, and downpours are risky.

Volume output was criticized by reviewers who wanted more headroom or found the roller caused accidental loud jumps.

The Milton gets comfortably loud well below maximum output. Pushing to the limit is unnecessary and can introduce slight harshness.

Headband padding was mixed: SoundGuys liked weight distribution, while The Guardian found the padding too thin after hours.

The cushioned headband spreads pressure effectively and supports comfortable all-day wear.

Find My support was considered useful but basic, with reviewers noting it mainly plays a sound rather than offering smarter tracking.

Apple Find My and Google Find Hub support make misplaced headphones easier to locate across both major phone ecosystems.

Cable quality was criticized because the included 3.5mm cable was only three-pole and could not carry microphone audio.

The USB-C-to-3.5mm cable is rugged and well finished, and one reviewer called it exceptional. The short USB-C charging/audio cable drew strong criticism for being impractical.

Streaming-service integration was criticized in long-term use because Channel Hop/favorites behavior felt confusing.

Spotify Tap provides a convenient double-press shortcut when users want instant music without browsing.

Portability was mixed: the headphones lie flat and can pack neatly in some cases, but they do not fold up and remain large.

The foldable, lightweight form is highly portable and can fit in small bags or even large pockets. Two reviewers note that the cups do not fold flat, making slim-bag storage awkward.

Ecosystem perks were useful for Nothing Phone users, but some exclusive features limited broader appeal.

Native Apple Find My and Google Find Hub support integrates the headphones cleanly with both major mobile ecosystems.

Headband adjustability drew mixed but mostly positive feedback, with smooth adjustment praised and one top-mounted mechanism criticized.

The highly adjustable headband accommodates different head sizes and helps users position the cups more comfortably.

Firmware support looked promising because a later Nothing X update added Personal Sound support.

Auracast and LE Audio have room to expand through future updates, but current beta limitations mean buyers are partly relying on Marshall’s roadmap.

Treble clarity was a common weakness in negative sound reviews, with several reviewers hearing recessed, dull, or less crisp highs.

Treble is usually detailed and controlled, with several reviewers praising the lack of harshness. Two tests found the upper mids and highs overly bright or close to sibilant.

Instrument separation ranged from crowded and unclear in negative reviews to solid detail and separation in more positive listening impressions.

Instrument separation is consistently good, especially over wired playback. It is clear enough for complex music, though not at top audiophile level.

Midrange clarity was polarizing, with some praising vocals while others heard too much lower-mid darkness or underemphasized midrange.

Vocals and instruments are generally clear, but the default tuning can recess the mids. EQ helps restore presence for acoustic music and speech.

Multi-platform use was praised in long-term testing because the app works across iOS and Android with most features available on both.

Pairing and playback work smoothly across phones, tablets, laptops, iOS, and Android, making the Milton easy to move between daily devices.

Premium feel was widely praised, with reviewers saying the headphones feel expensive, solid, and better than expected at the price.

Brass accents, textured surfaces, and solid construction make the Milton look and feel more expensive than typical on-ears.

Fit stability was praised where reviewers described a secure fit without excessive tightness.

Despite a relaxed clamp, the headphones remain secure during normal use and distribute their low weight evenly.

Case feedback was mixed: some praised protection and compactness, while others found it too large, cheap-feeling, or annoying to zip.

The drawstring pouch is useful, compact, and sometimes described as premium. It protects against basic bumps but is not a rigid travel case.

Wear detection auto-pause was criticized in long-term Mac use, where the reviewer said over-ear detection was god-awful.

Wear detection is absent, so playback does not pause when the headphones are removed. This is the most repeated missing feature and feels outdated at the price.

Connectivity was a major strength, with reviewers praising the mix of USB-C, 3.5mm, multipoint, and app/device support.

Wired USB-C, USB-C-to-3.5mm, Bluetooth, LDAC, and multipoint provide excellent connection flexibility across travel and desk setups.

Overall recommendations were mixed-positive: many reviewers liked the value and debut effort, but sound tuning and comfort kept it from universal praise.

The overall recommendation is strongly positive for commuters, travelers, Marshall fans, and listeners who want premium on-ear features. Buyers sensitive to on-ear pressure or seeking over-ear isolation should be cautious.

Ear cup padding was mostly praised for soft memory foam and a good seal, though a few reviewers felt pressure or heat.

The larger memory-foam ear pads are usually praised as soft, plush, and much improved over the Major V. One reviewer’s ear shape and piercings made the small square cups extremely uncomfortable.

One reviewer specifically liked the slim profile because the headphones sit close to the head despite their bold styling.

The design is recognizable and lifestyle-oriented but still understated enough to avoid feeling gimmicky.

Launch features were viewed positively because the headphones offered several differentiating features beyond visual design.

The Milton launches with a notably complete feature set, adding adaptive ANC and advanced codecs to Marshall’s compact on-ear format.

USB-C was praised as a useful wired audio and charging option, especially for modern devices and lossless playback.

USB-C audio is a major strength, providing simple, low-latency wired playback and often clearer, punchier sound than Bluetooth. It can also charge during digital use.

Transparency mode was generally usable and often natural enough for conversations, but several reviewers found it less natural than Apple, Bose, or Sony.

Transparency mode is useful and mostly natural for conversations and awareness. Some reviewers hear a slightly occluded top end, extra wind, or less-than-crystal-clear passthrough.

Preset EQ feedback was mixed, with some finding treble/bass presets useful and others saying presets were not enough or should be skipped.

The included presets are serviceable rather than exceptional. Reviewers often preferred building a custom EQ to fix the stock tuning.

LDAC support was consistently treated as a positive, especially for Android/high-res wireless listening.

LDAC is a welcome first for Marshall and can reveal more detail with compatible Android devices. One technical test questioned whether the headphones deliver the full high-frequency extension associated with Hi-Res labeling.

Maximum-volume clarity was positive in CNET’s testing, with almost no distortion even at high volumes.

The Milton stays composed at high output, with balance and percussion generally intact. One reviewer heard a small amount of harshness only at absolute maximum volume.

Wired hi-res and USB-C digital playback were viewed as useful extras, with reviewers noting clearer or lossless wired listening.

USB digital audio is driver-free, near-zero latency, and slightly clearer and more resolved than Bluetooth, making it useful for computers and production work.

Reviewers liked that wired listening is covered with a 3.5mm jack, often alongside USB-C, making the headphones more flexible for planes and wired sources.

The included USB-C-to-3.5mm cable supports legacy wired sources and seatback systems. Analog mode still requires battery power, so it is not a true passive fallback.

The six-month review praised the app for working on both iOS and Android, supporting strong Android usability.

The Marshall app works on both Android and iOS, giving both platforms access to sound and ANC customization.

Auto power/sleep behavior drew criticism in long-term use, especially when connected to a Mac.

Configurable auto-off timers help prevent idle drain. One reviewer also observed brief adaptive-ANC dropouts, suggesting some power or mode behavior still needs refinement.

Multipoint reliability was treated positively, with reviewers highlighting quick switching and two-device connection.

Multipoint is a standout success, switching smoothly between two phones or across phone, tablet, and computer setups.

Codec support was treated positively, with SBC/AAC/LDAC and high-res support helping the value proposition.

Codec coverage is unusually broad, including AAC, SBC, LC3, and LDAC for flexible use across devices.

Auracast was a weakness only by absence, with TechRadar saying the lack of LE Audio and Auracast keeps them from feeling fully future-proof.

Auracast support is promising but remains beta and receiver-only, with device compatibility still limited.

Value was generally positive because the headphones undercut major rivals while offering strong build, controls, battery, ANC, and EQ, though weak default sound hurt value for some.

Most reviewers consider the price fair or excellent given the comfort, battery, ANC, and repairability. Some still see $230 as expensive for on-ears, especially when discounted over-ear alternatives are available.

Battery life was one of the clearest strengths, repeatedly praised for 35+ hours with ANC and exceptional longevity without ANC.

Battery life is the clearest consensus strength, repeatedly lasting around 50 hours with ANC and up to 80 hours without it. Multiple reviewers went a week or more without charging.

Charging was praised, especially the fast-charge claims and real-world usefulness before trips or commutes.

Quick charging is excellent: a 15-minute USB-C charge provides about 9.5 hours of playback, enough for a commute or workday.

There is no aptX support, which is a clear limitation for listeners whose devices or libraries depend on that codec.

The Milton received an Editors’ Choice award for its comfort, battery life, sound, ANC, and repairable design.

A report of occasional left-right imbalance adds a minor reliability concern, although cleaning or a forced reset may correct it.

The detachable USB-C-to-3.5mm cable makes it easy to switch between wireless and legacy wired sources without carrying a permanently attached lead.

The cups fold inward but do not rotate fully flat. That is compact enough for most bags but awkward in very slim storage.

Glasses compatibility is split: the pads can avoid pressing directly on frames, but firm clamp may cause pressure after about an hour.

The pouch and USB-C-to-3.5mm cable make the package practical for travel and wired sources. The overly short USB-C cable is the main accessory complaint.

The integrated microphones keep calls intelligible, but at least one test found voices scratchy and unnatural compared with stronger competitors.

Overall satisfaction is high, with several reviewers adopting the Milton as a daily favorite. The major dissent comes from one reviewer whose ears did not fit the small square cups.

Replaceable pads and other serviceable components reduce waste and make worn parts easier to renew instead of replacing the entire headset.

Smudge resistance was a weakness because the finish visibly picked up oil even if it wiped off easily.

Low-latency mode was treated positively as a useful gaming/video feature for reducing delay.

Sound leakage becomes noticeable at higher volumes, and the on-ear fit allows outside sound in as well. This is a format tradeoff rather than a minor edge case.

The absence of Dolby Atmos and head tracking disappoints reviewers who expect full spatial-audio support at this price.

The solid-metal folding mechanism feels more substantial and durable than the pronged hinge design used on the Major V.

Voice assistant integration was positively supported through the customizable button and Gemini/assistant access.