Marshall estimates that the buds can last roughly four-and-a-half hours (with ANC on) or six hours (with ANC off) per charge. It claims that the case holds between 20 and 26 hours of additional battery life (depending on your use of ANC). Of course, your results will vary based on your volume levels.

Marshall Amplification was was formed in 1962 and remained under family ownership for more than 60 years until March 2023, when they were sold to Swedish speaker manufacturer Zound Industries. Marshall still own a 24% stake in the company, making them the largest shareholders in the newly-titled Marshall Group. The takeover deal covers Marshall Amplification and its subsidiaries Marshall Records, Marshall Live Agency and Natal Drums The Motif ANC operate over Bluetooth 5.2 – the latest version – but codec support is limited to just SBC and AAC.The earbuds are rated IPX5, meaning that they are protected against jets of water from all directions, while the case is IPX4-rated so has a decent level of water resistance, too. Not all wireless earbuds’ cases possess an IP rating, so it’s refreshing to see one here, and the case itself is one of the most striking around. As mentioned, the app lets you customize what the touch-and-hold gesture controls. You must choose among Noise Control (default), EQ, Voice Assistant, and Nothing options. Each mode, except for the last one, lets you cycle through a few related options without diving into the app. For instance, in the EQ mode, you can choose from three sound presets. That's fine, but we really wish we could use faders to construct a custom EQ profile, or at least edit one of the few existing options. As of this writing, neither is a possibility. We pushed our selection of Marshall headphones through a range of music genres - from bass-heavy bruisers, riff-filled wonders and gentle acoustic pieces to get a proper feel for what they can deliver.

Marshall and Zound first collaborated in 2010 in a deal that resulted in Marshall’s range of headphones and Bluetooth speakers. We expected a bit more out of the Marshall Bluetooth app (available for Android and iOS), but it covers the basics reliably and should immediately recognize the earbuds once you pair them with your device. The app's main screen shows an image of the product, along with the remaining battery life of each earpiece and the case. Whatever song is currently playing appears across the bottom of the screen.

Similarly, not allowing the user to adjust the in-app equaliser feels like an oversight. I found the default Marshall tuning pretty much perfect, but those seeking more comprehensive control over the sound signature will find the Motif’s audio options wanting. Usability is good – one touch controls Play/Pause, two touches will skip you forward. The buds will Auto Pause when you take them from your ears. The mic array sounds fine. We didn't have any trouble understanding every word from a test recording on an iPhone. The mic signal benefits from a slight EQ change that helps improve clarity.

The last feature of note is an eco-charging setting that claims to increase the longevity of your earbuds by preventing them from charging past 80%. We haven't tested this model long enough to verify that claim, but capping their charge to 80% means you have to deal with shorter runtimes in the interim. Otherwise, the app lets you install firmware updates and access various links to the Marshall store. Marshall’s most obvious competitor in the headphone market is JBL, a brand which also comes with considerable live music credibility. JBL offers a comparable mix of headphone styles, but somehow the Marshall design just feels a little more granular – they get you closer to the stage. Who owns Marshall Amplification? While EQ personalisation would be welcome, the default Marshall tuning is nothing short of outstanding. The Motif’s dynamic drivers may only be 6mm in size, but these are earbuds that possess real oomph. I rarely felt the need to go any higher than 50% volume such was the power of the sound they delivered. The fourth-generation Major IV possess all of the style we’ve come to expect from Marshall, while more than doubling the battery life of their predecessor. They’ve also undergone a few smart design tweaks, making them an attractive option for those seeking eye-catching, on-ear cans.

READ NEXT: The best headphones for every budget Marshall Major IV review: What do you get for the money? Whilst we will do everything we can to meet the delivery times above, there may be factors outside of our control and we cannot guarantee delivery within this time frame. The soundstage is broad and no song on the aforementioned playlist illustrated this better than Malevolence’s “Remain Unbeaten”. The thrashing instrumental sections were pleasingly uncluttered, ensuring that every guitar strum and crashing drum was articulated cleanly. Comfort and battery life (where applicable) have also been taken into consideration. We like listening to expended periods of music and these two factors remain important to take on board. While some of the Marshall headphones in our list have an average battery life from a full charge, their out-of-doors battery usage can be enhanced with chargers.

Marshall Motif A.N.C. App Experience

A fair question, seeing as Marshall’s focus for decades was guitar amps. The answer is, at least for some models (the ones featured in this guide, basically), very. The brand channels a formidable live music legacy, and that plays a part in how they’re tuned and their distinctive style look. The same goes for Marshall speakers, too. The last couple of niggles aren’t as impactful but are still worth bearing in mind if you’re considering purchasing the Motif ANC. First, given how much the Motif cost, I’d like to see high-resolution codec support. Sound quality is great but would be even better were you able to make use of aptX Adaptive or LDAC. When it comes to testing the best Marshall headphones, we first and foremost took a dive into their audio delivery. As you'd expect with a product carrying the Marshall name, we have high expectations due to their legendary status in the music world and it was the obvious place to start. Victoria Marshall added: “With Marshall Group, the potential to further impact an ever-modernising music industry is a highly genuine one. Together, we will preserve the Marshall legacy and shape the future of ‘Live Loud’. Having worked alongside my father during his later years, I know he would be excited at this direction and the potential to reach a larger worldwide audience with innovation and passion which he always had in spades.” How we test