Marshall Monitor III ANC vs Apple AirPods Max USB-C

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Marshall Monitor III ANC is the better pick — it scores 84/100 to the Apple AirPods Max USB-C's 63, leading on Wireless and Battery. Choose the Apple AirPods Max USB-C instead if you want to spend less.

Sound quality isn't scored yet (we have no measured audio data), so the score covers features, battery, noise cancelling and build.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Marshall Monitor III ANC leads overall

Marshall Monitor III ANC

Apple AirPods Max USB-C

Why it stands out

Battery Life (ANC On): 70 h (250% more)
Wireless Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3
Comfort & Build Weight: 250 g (35% less)

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Marshall Monitor III ANC

No notable compromises found.

Apple AirPods Max USB-C

No multipoint — can't stay paired to two devices at once.
No companion app — no custom EQ or firmware updates.

Winner by category for Marshall Monitor III ANC vs Apple AirPods Max USB-C
Category	Marshall Monitor III ANC	Apple AirPods Max USB-C	Winner
Noise Cancelling	85	85	Tie
Wireless	87	58	Marshall Monitor III ANC
Battery	91	48	Marshall Monitor III ANC
Comfort & Build	68	32	Marshall Monitor III ANC
Connectivity	85	85	Tie

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.

Marshall Monitor III ANC

The Marshall Monitor III ANC is a pair of premium over-ear wireless headphones designed for music enthusiasts who value classic styling alongside modern noise-canceling technology. It features active noise cancellation, a highly collapsible design for portability, and a signature rugged aesthetic. This model aims to compete with major flagship headphones by balancing tactile physical controls with extended battery performance.

Best for Travelers needing maximum battery longevity between chargesBest for Listeners who prefer physical, tactile controls over touch-sensitive panels

Pros

Exceptionally long battery life ideal for multi-day use
Highly collapsible design makes them easy to pack and transport
Tactile multi-directional control knob offers intuitive playback adjustments
Durable, classic design inspired by iconic amplifier styling

Cons

Active noise cancellation performance may not entirely match the industry-leading isolation of key competitors

Apple AirPods Max USB-C

The Apple AirPods Max USB-C is a premium wireless over-ear headphone updated with a USB-C port for charging and wired audio. Powered by 40mm custom dynamic drivers, it delivers active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and up to 20 hours of continuous playback with ANC active. It targets listeners who want high-end construction and strong noise suppression paired with modern USB-C connectivity.

Best for Commuters and travelers prioritizing high-performance noise suppressionBest for Apple ecosystem users transitioning entirely to USB-C charging setups

Pros

Effective Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes
Updated USB-C connection for simplified charging and wired audio
Reliable 20-hour battery life with ANC enabled plus quick charge support

Cons

Substantial weight at 385 grams can lead to long-session fatigue
Non-folding design makes the earcups bulkier for travel
Lacks Bluetooth multipoint support for simultaneous multi-device connections
Uses older Bluetooth 5.0 hardware rather than newer wireless standards

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Marshall Monitor III ANC

Check Price on Amazon

Apple AirPods Max USB-C

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Physical Comparison

Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D

Marshall Monitor III ANCApple AirPods Max USB-C

Apple AirPods Max USB-C is 135 g (54%) heavier than Marshall Monitor III ANC.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Noise Cancelling

Feature	Marshall Monitor III ANC	Apple AirPods Max USB-C
Active Noise Cancelling	Yes	Yes
Transparency Mode	Yes	Yes

Wireless

Feature	Marshall Monitor III ANC	Apple AirPods Max USB-C
Wireless	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth Version
Supported Codecs	SBC, MPEG-2 AAC	N/A
Multipoint Connection	Yes	No

Battery

Feature	Marshall Monitor III ANC	Apple AirPods Max USB-C
Battery Life (ANC On)	70 h250% more	20 h
Quick Charge	Yes	Yes

Comfort & Build

Feature	Marshall Monitor III ANC	Apple AirPods Max USB-C
Weight	250 g35% less	385 g
Folding Design	Yes	No
Water Resistance	N/A	N/A
Dimensions	15.5 × 22 × 7 cm	16.86 × 18.73 × 8.34 cm

Connectivity

Feature	Marshall Monitor III ANC	Apple AirPods Max USB-C
Wired Connection	USB-C to 3.5mm	USB-C
Detachable Cable	No	Yes
Built-in Microphone	Yes	Yes

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Marshall Monitor III ANC vs Apple AirPods Max USB-C comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Marshall Monitor III ANC rates higher at 84/100 versus 69/100 for Apple AirPods Max USB-C — a 15-point lead. Marshall Monitor III ANC is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

Marshall Monitor III ANC and Apple AirPods Max USB-C are compared side by side above across every spec in the headphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 84/100 for Marshall Monitor III ANC and 69/100 for Apple AirPods Max USB-C.

At launch, Marshall Monitor III ANC was the more affordable option ($350) versus Apple AirPods Max USB-C ($549). Weigh that against the overall scores (84/100 vs 69/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.

If you want the higher-rated headphones option overall, Marshall Monitor III ANC (84/100) edges out Apple AirPods Max USB-C (69/100). But if Apple AirPods Max USB-C is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.