Compare Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 Headphones vs Marshall Milton A.N.C.

Reviewers broadly praised the P100’s sound as detailed, clean, spacious and high-value, though What Hi-Fi and PCMag wanted more energy or EQ help.

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.

Sound leakage was praised by one reviewer, who found the closed-back design useful for recording because it did not leak externally.

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.

Passive isolation was viewed positively, with reviewers saying the fit and earcups blocked or reduced outside sound effectively 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.

Spatial audio was a clear limitation, with reviewers noting no spatial audio and steering head-tracking seekers toward other brands.

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.

ANC’s audio impact was mixed: some heard no tonal shift or a useful bass boost, while others heard crackle or distracting movement artifacts.

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

Wear detection performance was mixed-to-weak, with reviewers noting delays, context issues or oversensitivity before firmware updates.

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

ANC’s effect on the sound signature was mostly positive, with no tonal shift in one review and a bass boost in another.

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

Soundstage evidence was positive overall, with reviewers describing wide, expansive, spacious or plausible imaging for a closed-back ANC headphone.

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.

Wind and movement noise handling was a recurring concern, with several reviewers hearing wind, popping, footstep or left/right ANC artifacts.

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

Microphone noise handling was split: some reviewers heard reduced echo and clear calls, while PCMag found background noise still came through.

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

Frequency balance was generally praised as natural, flat or properly balanced, though PCMag and What Hi-Fi wanted more default liveliness.

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

ANC was seen as good to very good for the price, especially for low-frequency noise, but reviewers repeatedly said Bose, Sony or AirPods Max still do better.

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.

Bass was usually described as punchy, controlled and substantial without overwhelming other frequencies, with only one What Hi-Fi comparison finding it short on kick.

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

Immersive audio quality was praised through spatiality, cohesive presentation and a sense of being pulled into the music.

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

ANC background noise was a concern in quieter use, with static or clicking mentioned by multiple reviewers.

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.

aptX support was repeatedly treated as a premium strength, especially aptX Lossless and Adaptive for higher-quality Bluetooth playback.

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

Sensors were praised in one review as a cool wear-detection feature, though other wear-detection attributes show reliability caveats.

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

The integrated microphones were praised by Tom’s Guide for superb speech recognition and accurate vocal capture.

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

Stability was weak for active use: reviewers reported looseness, popping with movement, slipping, or suitability mainly for stationary listening.

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

Portability was a limitation, with reviewers noting the P100 does not fold small and is not among the sleekest or most compact over-ears.

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.

LDAC was a weakness in the one review that discussed it, because the reviewer preferred LDAC over aptX Lossless for Android hi-res 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.

Firmware support was viewed positively where discussed, with the app framed as a path to future features and tweaks.

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

Headband padding was mixed: one review wanted it softer, while others praised the soft lining or found pressure points after long wear.

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

Ear cup swivel and rotation were generally useful, though PCMag felt the rotation would matter more if the case supported flat storage.

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

Launch features were viewed as adequate to good, but reviewers wanted more modern extras such as spatial audio or more polished software features.

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

Multi-platform support was generally positive across Android, iOS, macOS and Windows, though Apple wired behavior was less smooth in one review.

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

Auto-play/wear detection was mixed in PCMag because it resumed playback even when the user had paused manually.

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.

Ecosystem integration evidence was limited but positive, with Google Fast Pair enabling one-tap pairing.

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

Cable quality was praised in Tom’s Guide, which described the bundled audio cables as durable woven fabric.

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.

Treble was generally praised for bite, sparkle and articulation without harshness, while PCMag noted some upper-register energy was missing by default.

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.

Headband adjustment was positively described as stable, seamless or cleanly integrated into the design.

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

Wear detection auto-pause was criticized by Tom’s Guide for not always initiating and sometimes delaying.

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.

Travel friendliness was strong because of battery life and isolation, but softened by the relatively bulky case and non-folding design.

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

Preset EQ reactions were mixed: some liked Flat or broader presets, while PCMag said presets did not restore enough energy.

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

Replaceable pads and battery support were a strong repairability advantage and helped reviewers view the headphones as longer-lasting.

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

Connectivity options were a strength, with reviewers valuing Bluetooth, USB-C digital audio, 3.5mm support and included cables.

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

Hi-res wired and DAC-related playback were viewed positively, especially USB-C lossless playback and direct wired listening quality.

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.

Most reviewers found vocals and mids clear, expressive and well placed, although What Hi-Fi and one YouTube reviewer heard a thinner or less forward midrange.

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

Premium feel was generally strong, with praise for materials, style and finish, though What Hi-Fi noted cheap-feeling earcups.

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

Water resistance was a weakness in the one review that discussed it, noting there was no water-resistant rating.

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.

USB-C was a strength, especially for charging and wired digital playback, with reviewers praising hi-res wired output and easy computer connection.

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.

Replaceable earpads were a recurring repairability strength, with reviewers praising easy replacement and longer-term ownership.

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

Repairability and sustainability were major strengths, especially user-replaceable batteries and earpads plus longevity-focused design.

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.

Discreet aesthetics were mostly positive, with praise for subtle branding and finishes, though one reviewer disliked the headband silhouette.

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

Included accessories were well received, especially the case, storage pouch and USB-C or 3.5mm cabling.

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.

Overall recommendations were strongly positive, with most reviewers calling the P100 high-value, competitive or easy to recommend, despite some caveats.

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.

One reviewer praised high-volume clarity by noting zero distortion while highs remained retained clearly.

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.

Transparency mode drew mixed-to-positive reactions: several found it useful or natural, while others said clarity and ambient audibility needed work.

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.

Ear cup padding was widely praised as soft, plush, well-cushioned or snug without suffocating the ears.

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.

Volume and dynamic output were rated highly, with reviewers describing strong headroom, loud maximum levels and excellent dynamic range.

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

Instrument separation was a recurring strength, with reviewers noting clear detail retrieval, distinct vocals and instruments, and strong layering.

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

The case was usually praised for protection, storage and fit, but several reviewers still noted its larger or chunkier footprint.

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

3.5mm analog support was positive overall because reviewers valued wired flexibility, though one reviewer noted the port requires the supplied USB-C adapter.

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.

Android compatibility was positive, with Android USB recognition and Google Fast Pair both described favorably.

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

Award recognition was strong because PCMag awarded the P100 an Editors’ Choice.

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

Voice prompts were a standout novelty, especially the Matt Berry/Southwark option that reviewers found unusually enjoyable.

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

Smart Pause performance was weak to mixed, with reviewers reporting delayed, context-insensitive or inconsistent auto-pause behavior.

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

Advanced software features were adequate rather than class-leading, with useful app functions but fewer modern extras than some rivals.

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

Setup and software simplicity were generally strong, with reviewers calling setup child’s play, the interface simple, and controls straightforward.

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

Bluetooth performance was generally reliable, with reviewers citing stable pairing, good range, basement roaming and compatibility across devices.

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

Physical button controls were mostly praised as simple, tactile and preferable to touch, despite Tom’s Guide finding the control layout imperfect.

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.

Call quality was mixed but mostly favorable, with strong speech intelligibility in some reviews and weaker, distant mic capture in PCMag.

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

EQ customization was one of the clearest software strengths, with reviewers praising the seven-band EQ and how well the sound responds to 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.

Bluetooth 5.3 was treated positively where evaluated, especially as newer, stronger and more reliable.

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

Smart listening features were praised in one review as part of a broad feature set intended to elevate the listening experience.

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

The app was generally viewed as useful, simple or feature-rich, though some reviewers saw it mainly as a firmware and EQ utility.

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.

Weight comfort was mixed: some reviewers felt the weight was distributed well, while others called the headphones heavy, bulky or heavier than rivals.

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

Clamping force was divisive, with some calling it well judged or Goldilocks-approved and others finding the fit tight or pressure-inducing.

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.

What Hi-Fi praised the smoothly rotating hinges as part of the headphones’ assured style and construction.

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

Sustainable materials were praised, especially recycled content, plastic-free packaging and an eco-conscious design approach.

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

Long-use comfort was mixed: many found the P100 comfortable for hours, but Tom’s Guide and PCMag reported discomfort, weight or pressure points.

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.

Design was generally praised as attractive, stylish and well put together, though a few reviewers found the headband shape or bulk less flattering.

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.

Durability evidence was very positive, with reviewers noting no creaks, groans or visible wear after handling and travel.

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

Build quality was consistently strong, with reviewers calling the headphones premium, robust, top-notch or substantial.

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

Auto power-off was praised as useful for forgetful users and battery conservation.

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 was a consistent strength, with reviewers reporting smooth dual-device pairing, hitch-free operation or fast switching.

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

Value for money was one of the strongest themes, with reviewers repeatedly saying the P100 competes above its price.

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.

Codec support was praised as broad and high-end, centered on aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive, though PCMag still preferred LDAC availability.

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

Head-tracked 3D audio was a weak area because Stereo Guide recommended Sony, Apple or Bose for that feature set.

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

Fast charging was praised across reviews, with five-minute top-ups repeatedly described as useful, powerful or impressive.

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

Battery life was the strongest consensus feature, repeatedly described as epic, class-leading, insane, benchmark-setting or outstanding.

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.

Audio-video sync was generally strong thanks to gaming or low-latency modes, though PCMag said latency was reduced rather than eliminated.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Sidetone was praised by one reviewer who liked hearing some of their own voice during calls.

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

Touch controls were not implemented, and Tom’s Guide treated that absence as a missed opportunity for the earcup design.

Voice assistant integration was rated adequate, with Tom’s Guide calling hands-free commands fine and speech capture accurate.