Compare Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones vs Beats Studio Pro Headphones

Reviewers generally liked the sound, describing it as pleasing, energetic, balanced, or excellent, with the strongest praise for rock and instrument-driven listening.

Reviewers generally found the Studio Pro sound better and more balanced than older Beats, though some said class leaders are more refined.

Audio-video sync was a concern for gaming because one reviewer tied the lack of low-latency codecs to more noticeable latency.

Wired USB-C use was praised for eliminating lag in a gaming/editing-style use case.

Wear detection performance was a weakness in one longer test because the sensor randomly triggered.

Wear detection performance was scored poorly because reviewers identified it as a missing high-end feature.

ANC slightly affects audio performance, with one review noting higher sound-quality scores when ANC is disabled.

ANC sometimes added hiss or white-noise artifacts, creating a mild audio-side drawback.

ANC background noise performance was decent: one review measured strong overall noise reduction, and another said white noise was not bad.

ANC background artifacts were a recurring caveat, including adaptive shifts, audible hiss, and leakage of chatter.

Passive isolation was praised for the soft cushions and seal, which helped block noise even before ANC was considered.

Passive isolation depended heavily on fit and seal, helping some listeners while causing performance drops for others.

Microphone noise reduction was praised for handling simulated or real wind well, despite some vocal-clarity caveats elsewhere.

Microphone noise reduction was praised in several call tests, but other reviewers found background rejection inconsistent or damaging to voice clarity.

Wind handling was mixed: one reviewer found wind susceptibility in ANC/transparency, while another found moderate wind manageable.

Wind handling was mixed: some mics reduced wind well, while others struggled or could not fully block wind noise.

Spatial audio was divisive: some liked the extra space, but others found it unnatural, underwhelming, or below true Atmos-style experiences.

Spatial audio worked well for Apple movies and supported immersion, but at least one reviewer still found it gimmicky or unappealing.

Soundstage width drew mixed reactions, from solid or opened-up presentation to narrow, cluttered, or not true-spatial enough.

Soundstage impressions were split: some heard a compact or closed stage, while others found the image reasonably spacious for closed headphones.

The default frequency response was judged broadly listener-friendly, especially for casual listeners.

Measured and subjective comments generally viewed the frequency response as close to target and more balanced than older Beats tuning.

Bass was usually described as punchy or well-balanced, though several reviewers said it could use more impact, cleaner control, or stronger low-end weight.

Bass was widely described as strong, controlled, and enjoyable, with a few reviewers wishing for tuning flexibility.

ANC was usually judged good, solid, or decent for daily use, but several reviewers said it still trails Bose, Sony, or the top tier.

ANC was usually considered good to very good, but not consistently at the very top of the premium class.

Earpad/body-borne noise was a notable negative for one reviewer, who heard footsteps and heartbeat-like sounds.

Mechanical or earpad-adjacent noise was a minor annoyance, including loud clicks or popping during use/folding.

Headband comfort was praised for reducing top-of-head pressure through light weight and support-strap design.

Headband padding was criticized by reviewers who found it scant or insufficient for long comfort.

Replaceable earpads were praised as easy to remove or replace and useful for longevity.

Replaceable earpad support was criticized where reviewers noted Beats did not offer easy official replacements.

Replaceable pads and headband parts were a repairability plus where described.

Replaceable pads or headband support was weak in reviews that noted limited official replacement options.

Cable quality received praise in one review for the black cable with brass tips and premium-feeling presentation.

Cable quality drew a practical complaint from one reviewer who wanted a longer USB-C cable.

Sustainability and repairability were praised for replaceable parts and repair-minded design, with a caveat that batteries are not user-replaceable.

Repairability was a concern because reviewers noted no direct Apple repair path or limited replacement support.

Premium feel was praised through richer materials, superior build impressions, and a luxurious presentation.

Premium feel was a recurring weakness because the plastic finish did not always match the premium price.

The lack of a built-in 3.5mm analog jack was a repeated drawback, even though USB-C-to-3.5mm wired listening is possible.

The 3.5mm input was appreciated as a practical wired listening option.

Hi-res playback support was a weakness because reviewers repeatedly noted no hi-res Bluetooth audio support.

The built-in DAC and USB-C hi-res playback were praised for cleaner or more present wired sound, with some execution caveats.

Auto-play and wear detection worked but was slow to react in one test.

Auto-play and wear detection were repeated omissions, and reviewers considered the missing auto-pause feature a major miss.

Wear detection auto-pause was only moderately successful, working but reacting slowly.

Wear detection auto-pause was repeatedly criticized as absent, especially at the price.

Features at launch were adequate but not standout, with one reviewer saying the standard feature set lacked a truly distinctive tool.

Launch feature completeness was criticized because head detection and other basics were missing.

One reviewer found the headphones plenty loud, with comfortable listening volume well below maximum.

Volume output divided reviewers, with one noting loud playback and another wanting more headroom for blasting music.

Ear cup padding was widely praised as extremely soft, plush, pillow-like, and important to comfort and sealing.

Ear pad changes helped comfort and seal for some reviewers, but stiffness and shallow cups remained concerns.

Sensor performance was a concern because one reviewer reported random wear-sensor triggers.

Sensor support was weak because ear-detection sensors were missing.

USB-C was useful for charging and wired listening, but reviewers criticized the one-port limitation and need for power in wired use.

USB-C was a standout upgrade for charging, wired audio, and lossless listening, despite some mode limitations.

The carry case was usually praised as sturdy, compact, premium, or travel-friendly, though a few reviewers found it bulky or unnecessary.

Carry case reactions were mixed: reviewers liked the compact soft case, but several felt it was less protective or awkward.

The preset EQ experience was praised in one review, especially the bass boost setting for adding dynamic sound without excess bass.

USB-C preset EQ modes were useful and generally worked as intended, but reviewers still wanted fuller EQ control.

Streaming service integration was praised strongly for Spotify Tap, especially for starting playback without pulling out a phone.

Hi-res streaming service support was a plus through USB-C playback with compatible services.

Connectivity options were mixed: wired and wireless playback were useful, but the lack of a built-in 3.5mm jack and coiled cable hurt convenience.

Connectivity options were a strength, with Bluetooth, 3.5mm, and USB-C audio repeatedly appreciated.

Integrated microphone feedback was mixed, with clear/crisp quiet-room results but criticism of vocal clarity or noisy-environment performance.

The integrated microphone hardware worked well in some tests but could sound muffled in others.

Maximum-volume clarity was strong in the reviews that addressed it, with no audible or max-volume distortion reported.

At higher volumes, reviewers reported that clarity largely held up and distortion stayed controlled.

Overall recommendations were positive but caveated: reviewers liked the package, especially for travel and rock-focused listening, while noting ANC, codecs, and wired tradeoffs.

Overall recommendations were mixed: reviewers liked sound and features more at sale prices, but many flagged comfort, ANC, or value caveats.

Android compatibility was positive in one review that found the headphones sounded good on Android.

Android compatibility was a major strength, with reviewers praising cross-platform support and Android-specific pairing features.

Travel friendliness was a major strength due to battery life, compact folding, wired flexibility, and protective case design.

Travel friendliness was a clear strength due to compact folding, a small case, battery life, and wired options.

aptX support was criticized as absent, especially for Android or lossless-codec users.

aptX was treated as a missing Android-friendly codec, limiting high-quality Bluetooth options for Android users.

Included accessories received praise for the attractive red-velvet case and included cables.

Included accessories were viewed positively where reviewers noted the full cable-and-case package.

LDAC was only discussed as an absent higher-quality codec, making it a codec-support weakness.

LDAC was also cited as absent, especially compared with Sony alternatives that support it.

Water and sweat resistance was a weakness because reviewers noted the headphones are not waterproof and should avoid rain or gym use.

Water and dust resistance was criticized as absent for a Bluetooth headphone at this level.

Multi-platform compatibility was positive where tested on both iOS and Android.

Multi-platform compatibility was one of the strongest differentiators, especially for users moving between Apple and Android.

Portability and foldability were major strengths thanks to the compact folding design and small travel footprint.

Portability was a major strength thanks to folding and a very compact footprint.

Headband adjustability earned a small positive note for visible adjustment numbering.

Headband adjustability was praised for allowing precise fit changes.

Instrument separation was a consistent strength when mentioned, with reviewers noting solid layering, instrument placement, and separation across bass, mids, and highs.

Instrument separation drew praise in several reviews, especially on complex tracks and spatially busy mixes.

Treble feedback was split between clear, impressive highs and complaints about sibilance, fatigue, or sharpness on some tracks.

Treble was often praised for clarity and sparkle, but several reviewers found it sharp, intense, or overemphasized at times.

Connection stability was praised as stable and high-performance in one review.

Stability was positive where tested, with reviewers finding the fit secure during movement.

Transparency mode was considered usable and sometimes natural, but reviewers also noted hiss, limited realism, or weaker performance than the best rivals.

Transparency mode received some of the strongest praise, often sounding natural, though a few reviewers heard hollowness or digital coloration.

Aesthetics were distinctive and often praised, but some reviewers noted the retro Marshall look will not suit everyone.

The low-key styling and reduced branding were praised by reviewers who liked a cleaner, more discreet Beats look.

Midrange impressions were mixed: some praised vocals and instruments, while others heard under-emphasized mids, prominent high mids, or occasional clutter.

Midrange and vocals were usually clear and present, though one reviewer found a bit too much midrange boost.

Multipoint reliability was strong where tested, with seamless switching or extremely reliable two-device use.

Multipoint was a repeated weakness because support was limited, missing, or less flexible than expected across platforms.

Value was generally fair to good, especially on sale, but reviewers noted strong cheaper or better-performing rivals.

Value depended heavily on sale pricing: many reviewers disliked the launch price but became more positive at discounts.

Codec support was a clear weakness because reviewers noted no hi-res, lossless, or low-latency codec support.

Codec support was judged limited because Bluetooth playback is restricted to AAC and SBC, without higher-quality options.

Voice prompts and feedback added personality through Marshall-style guitar sounds during power and pairing.

Voice prompts and feedback were weak because reviewers noted missing audio prompts for modes.

EQ customization was broadly useful and responsive, though one reviewer wanted more precision than the five-band setup provides.

EQ customization was one of the strongest complaints because wireless listening lacks adjustable EQ.

Smart listening features were mixed: adaptive volume, Spotify Tap, and battery preservation drew praise, while missing convenience features held the score down.

Smart listening features felt underdeveloped because the headphones lack several premium convenience features.

Advanced software features were considered solid and modern, but reviewers did not see them as uniquely class-leading.

Advanced features were mixed, with useful cross-platform extras offset by missing iOS-native and premium functions.

Call microphone quality received strong praise from one reviewer, especially for windy phone calls.

Call quality ranged from excellent to disappointing, with strong results in some tests and muted voice pickup in others.

The app was viewed positively for customization, controls, battery options, and a generally intuitive experience.

The app and platform controls were useful, especially on Android or iOS, but not a deep customization hub.

Setup simplicity received praise from one reviewer who called pairing/setup easy.

Setup was usually simple, especially with fast pairing, though customization depth was limited.

Button controls were a standout strength, with reviewers preferring the tactile joystick and physical buttons over touch controls.

Physical buttons were often praised for simplicity and reliability, though some reviewers disliked the loud or clunky actuation.

Bluetooth performance was praised in one review as stable and high-performance.

Bluetooth reliability was generally positive, with reviewers citing stable connections and strong range.

Clamping comfort was rated very highly, with reviewers reporting little to virtually zero pressure.

Clamping force was a common caveat, with several reviewers finding the fit tight or pressure-heavy.

Build quality was generally strong and rugged, with praise for durability and materials, offset by one report of creaking.

Build quality split reviewers sharply, from durable and robust to plasticky or cheap for the price.

Comfort was one of the strongest consensus wins, with reviewers repeatedly praising all-day wear, soft fit, and low fatigue.

Comfort was the most divisive area: some reviewers wore them for hours, while others found the fit tight, shallow, or uncomfortable.

Durability over time was viewed positively because reviewers described more durable, repairable construction and long-term toughness.

Durability over time was viewed positively in CNET's hands-on assessment, particularly compared with older Studio hinge concerns.

Weight comfort was a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly calling the headphones light for the class and easy to wear.

Weight was a mild positive where mentioned, with the headphones considered relatively light.

Design and aesthetics were mostly praised for the distinctive Marshall look, premium detailing, and rugged styling, though taste varied.

Design was generally viewed as stylish, mature, and recognizable, though some reviewers found it too familiar or plain.

Sustainability materials received a modest positive note for recycled plastic use.

Recycled materials were noted positively, though sustainability reporting and repair options were more limited.

Battery life had the strongest agreement: reviewers repeatedly described it as class-leading, incredible, extraordinary, or far ahead of competitors.

Battery life was usually considered solid, with some tests exceeding claims, though a few rivals last much longer.

Charging was praised for fast top-ups, with reviewers citing up to 12 hours of playback from a short charge.

Fast charging was consistently received positively, with short charges giving several hours of playback.

ANC-off listening measured slightly better in one review, suggesting ANC can subtly affect the sound signature.

Immersive audio quality was mixed, with some reviewers enjoying the added atmosphere and others finding the effect limited or not truly immersive.

LE Audio readiness was treated as a positive future-proofing feature by multiple reviewers.

Sound leakage was viewed positively in one review because the plush ear cups helped minimize leak.

Apple H2 chip support was a consistent miss for reviewers expecting deeper Apple feature upgrades.

Bluetooth version support was tied to a stable, high-performance wireless connection in one review.

Smart Pause performance was criticized for random triggering in one longer test.

Voice assistant support worked well for Apple users, especially hands-free Siri.

Auracast support was treated as a positive future-facing feature, especially for Android and LE Audio readiness.

Auto-off was a small positive where mentioned, with the headphones shutting down after inactivity.

Dolby Atmos with head tracking was praised as enjoyable or useful on Apple devices.

Ear cup rotation and swivel helped portability, though one reviewer found the twisting mechanism odd on the head.

Ecosystem integration was strong across Apple and Android, but some compromises remained compared with platform-specific rivals.

Find My support was useful, but reviewers noted limitations versus more advanced precision finding.

Firmware outlook was uncertain where reviewers hoped for fixes but had no clear update timing.

The gaming/movie preset was considered useful where reviewers evaluated the USB-C EQ modes.

Smudge resistance was weak on darker colors, which reviewers said showed fingerprints easily.

Hinge durability was praised for being able to twist without showing signs of breaking.