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The choice between a bose vs marshall noise cancelling headphone comes down to battery life and sound profile. Both models offer over-ear comfort and wireless Bluetooth connectivity. They share active noise cancellation to block distractions. The main difference lies in endurance. One provides 70 hours of playback, while the other offers 24 hours. You also get distinct audio tuning and physical dimensions to consider for your daily use.

Battery Life

Up to 24 hours

Up to 70 hours with ANC

Weight

8.4 ounces

14.2 ounces

Audio Features

Adjustable EQ

Dynamic Loudness, Spatial Audio

Noise Cancellation Levels

Quiet and Aware Modes

Three levels plus Transparency mode

Color Options

5 colors available

2 colors available

Choose the first if

  • You prefer a lighter pair of headphones for long-term wear
  • You want to adjust bass, mids, and treble manually
  • You value a wider selection of color finishes

Choose the second if

  • You need extended battery life for travel or work
  • You want spatial audio for a wider soundstage
  • You prefer dynamic loudness that adjusts at every volume

Verdict

Choose the Bose model if you prioritize comfort, lighter weight, and customizable equalizer settings. The Marshall option is better if you need longer battery life and immersive spatial audio features. Both deliver solid noise cancellation for their respective use cases.

Bose vs Marshall ANC Headphones

battery life

Edge: Marshall Monitor III ANC

Battery endurance is a major differentiator between these two models. The Marshall Monitor III ANC offers 70 hours of playback with active noise cancellation enabled. If you turn off the noise cancellation, that figure jumps to 100 hours. This is significantly longer than the Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones, which provide up to 24 hours of listening time on a single charge. The Bose model does include a quick charge feature, delivering 2.5 hours of playtime from a 15-minute charge. However, for users who travel frequently or listen for long periods without access to power, the Marshall provides a clear advantage in total wireless playtime.

weight

Edge: Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones

Comfort during extended wear often depends on how light a pair of headphones feels. The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones weigh 8.4 ounces. In comparison, the Marshall Monitor III ANC is considerably heavier at 14.2 ounces. This difference of nearly six ounces may be noticeable during long sessions. The Bose model also features plush earcup cushions and a padded band designed to hug your ears softly. While the Marshall also includes soft ear cushions for all-day comfort, its rugged build contributes to the extra mass. If you prioritize a lighter feel on your head and ears, the Bose model is the better choice.

noise control

Edge: Tie

Both headphones feature active noise cancellation, but their approaches differ. The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones offer Quiet and Aware Modes. These let you toggle between full noise cancellation and full awareness of your surroundings. The Marshall Monitor III ANC provides three levels of noise cancellation that you can adjust to your preference. It also includes a Transparency mode to let outside sounds in. The Marshall notes that its technology continuously measures ambient noise to block unwanted sounds. Both models allow you to manage how much of the world you hear, but the Bose offers a simpler two-mode toggle while the Marshall gives you granular control.

sound features

Edge: Marshall Monitor III ANC

Audio customization and spatial audio are key features for many listeners. The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones include an Adjustable EQ. This lets you control the bass, mid-range, and treble to shape your sound profile. The Marshall Monitor III ANC features Dynamic Loudness, which adjusts treble, mids, and bass optimally at every volume level. Additionally, the Marshall introduces Soundstage spatial audio. This feature moves music out of your head to create a wider, more immersive presence. The Bose does not list spatial audio capabilities in its specifications. If immersive spatial sound is important to you, the Marshall has the edge.

build design

Edge: Marshall Monitor III ANC

The physical design and portability of these headphones vary. The Marshall Monitor III ANC has a rugged, foldable design. This allows you to pack it away easily in its premium hard case. The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones are listed with dimensions of 7.68 inches in height and 6.18 inches in width. While they are designed for comfort, the data does not explicitly state that they fold flat like the Marshall. The Marshall’s foldable nature and inclusion of a hard case suggest better protection and portability for travel. The Bose model focuses on plush comfort and a secure fit rather than a compact, rugged foldable form factor.

Which Bose or Marshall ANC fits you

Travelers needing long battery life

Our pick: Marshall Monitor III ANC

The Marshall Monitor III ANC provides 70 hours of playback with active noise cancellation on. You can extend this to 100 hours if you disable the feature. This endurance is ideal for long trips where charging opportunities are limited. The rugged, foldable design also ensures the headphones survive daily wear and tear during transit.

Users prioritizing lightweight comfort

Our pick: Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort headphones weigh just 8.4 ounces. This is significantly lighter than the Marshall model at 14.2 ounces. The plush earcup cushions and padded band are designed for extended listening sessions. You get high-fidelity audio with adjustable EQ control, allowing you to tailor the bass, mid-range, and treble to your specific preference.

Listeners wanting immersive spatial audio

Our pick: Marshall Monitor III ANC

The Marshall Monitor III ANC includes a Soundstage spatial audio feature. This technology moves the music out of your head to create a wider presence. You feel more immersed in your tracks. The Marshall Signature Sound also uses Dynamic Loudness to optimize treble, mids, and bass at every volume level for a consistent listening experience.

1
Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones

Best for: Long battery life and strong noise cancellation

Noise Control
Noise Cancelling
Battery Life
Up to 24 hours
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Form Factor
Over Ear
Connection
Wireless
Features
Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancelling

The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones deliver active noise cancellation and awareness modes for focused listening. They offer up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, with a quick 15-minute charge providing 2.5 hours of playback. The over-ear fit includes plush cushions and a padded band for comfort. You can adjust bass, mid-range, and treble with the adjustable EQ. These wireless Bluetooth headphones weigh 8.4 ounces and measure 6.18 inches wide.

Pros
  • Active noise cancellation with Quiet and Aware modes
  • Up to 24 hours of battery life per charge
  • Adjustable EQ for bass, mid-range, and treble control
  • Plush earcup cushions and padded band for comfort
  • 15-minute charge provides 2.5 hours of playback
Cons
  • Heavier at 8.4 ounces compared to the Marshall Monitor III ANC
  • Standard regular size may not suit smaller head shapes
Good fit if
  • You want strong noise cancellation for travel or work
  • You prefer adjustable sound profiles via EQ
  • You need long battery life for all-day use
Skip if
  • You prioritize lightweight comfort under 8 ounces
  • You prefer a compact fit over an over-ear design
  • You want a distinct vintage aesthetic rather than modern minimalism

Verdict: Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear ANC headphones are best for listeners who need reliable noise cancellation and long battery life in a comfortable over-ear design.

2
Marshall Monitor III ANC

Marshall Monitor III ANC

Best for: long battery life with ANC

Noise Control
Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency
Battery Life
70 hours (ANC), 100 hours
Connectivity
Wireless
Form Factor
Over-Ear
Spatial Audio
Soundstage
Features
Active Noise Cancelling, Microphone, Active Noise Cancellation, Long Playtime

The Marshall Monitor III ANC are wireless over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation and transparency mode. They offer 70 hours of playtime with ANC enabled, or 100 hours without it. The design includes a foldable build and soft ear cushions. Sound features Dynamic Loudness and new Soundstage spatial audio. Weighing 14.2 ounces, they are built for everyday use and studio listening.

Pros
  • 70 hours of wireless playtime with active noise cancellation
  • Three levels of adjustable noise cancellation
  • Soundstage spatial audio for wider immersion
  • Foldable design with premium hard case
  • Dynamic Loudness adjusts treble, mids, and bass
Cons
  • Heavier build at 14.2 ounces
  • Standard size may not fit smaller heads
  • Weight exceeds lighter competitors
Good fit if
  • You need long battery life with ANC on
  • You prefer foldable headphones for travel
  • You want spatial audio immersion
Skip if
  • You prioritize ultra-lightweight comfort
  • You need a compact travel case only
  • You dislike over-ear fit

Verdict: Marshall Monitor III ANC Black headphones deliver strong battery life and immersive spatial audio. They suit listeners who value long playtime and a rugged, foldable design over minimal weight.

Specifications side by side

SpecBose QuietComfort Over-Ear HeadphonesMarshall Monitor III ANC
Noise ControlNoise CancellingActive Noise Cancelling, Transparency
Battery LifeUp to 24 hours70 hours (ANC), 100 hours
ConnectivityBluetoothWireless
Form FactorOver EarOver-Ear
Spatial Audio–Soundstage
ConnectionWirelessWireless
FitOver-EarOver-Ear
FeaturesBluetooth, Active Noise CancellingActive Noise Cancelling, Microphone, Active Noise Cancellation, Long Playtime
Use–Studio
ColorWhite SmokeBlack
Dimensions3.15 × 6.18 × 7.68 inches6.1 × 2.76 × 8.66 inches
Weight8.4 ounces14.2 ounces
SizeRegularStandard
Model884367-02001006861

Frequently asked questions

Which Bose or Marshall noise cancelling headphones are lighter?

The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones are significantly lighter. They weigh 8.4 ounces. The Marshall Monitor III ANC headphones weigh 14.2 ounces. You will notice the difference during long listening sessions. The Bose model is better if you prioritize minimal weight and portability.

Do both brands offer active noise cancellation?

Yes, both models feature active noise cancellation. The Bose QuietComfort headphones list this as a core feature. The Marshall Monitor III ANC also includes active noise cancellation. This technology helps block out ambient noise. You can use it in both headphones to focus on your audio.

What is the fit style for these headphones?

Both headphones use an over-ear fit. The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones wrap around your ears. The Marshall Monitor III ANC also covers your ears completely. This design provides passive isolation. It also helps enhance the effectiveness of the active noise cancellation feature.

Are these headphones wireless?

Yes, both models are wireless. The Bose QuietComfort headphones connect via Bluetooth. The Marshall Monitor III ANC also uses Bluetooth connectivity. You do not need cables for audio playback. This allows for greater freedom of movement while you listen to music or take calls.

Which model is better for studio use?

The Marshall Monitor III ANC is specified for studio use. Its attributes list studio application explicitly. The Bose QuietComfort headphones focus on general noise cancellation and battery life. If you need headphones for studio monitoring or similar tasks, the Marshall model is the designated choice.

How do the dimensions compare?

The Marshall Monitor III ANC is taller and narrower. It measures 8.66 inches in height and 2.76 inches in width. The Bose QuietComfort headphones are shorter and wider. They measure 7.68 inches in height and 6.18 inches in width. The Bose model has a larger footprint but is more compact in height.

Do these headphones include microphones?

The Marshall Monitor III ANC explicitly lists a microphone in its features. This supports clear voice capture for calls. The Bose QuietComfort headphones do not list a microphone in the provided data. You should check the specific Bose model details if microphone functionality is a strict requirement for your needs.

See also