The Marshall Motif II ANC presents a distinct aesthetic akin to the moodier counterpart of Apple’s AirPods Pro. While its Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) may not match the robustness of the AirPods Pro, it compensates with crisp, powerful audio and an array of additional features.
Pros:
- Exceptional audio quality.
- Convenient wireless charging case.
- Iconic and stylish design.
Cons:
- ANC performance falls slightly short.
- Occasional buggy performance.
In essence, the Marshall Motif II ANC stands out for its superb audio, wireless charging convenience, and iconic appearance. However, users should be aware of its comparatively weaker ANC capabilities and occasional performance issues.
Marshall Motif II Review: A Brief Overview
The Marshall Motif II, exuding the expected coolness, builds on its predecessor’s success. With a design that surpasses typical earbuds, these promise refinement and extended battery life.
The Motif II maintains its compelling design, a notch above ordinary earbuds. Enjoy up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC and an impressive 43 hours without. Though ANC falls short, it’s forgivable for those not demanding perfection.
Priced at £179.99 / $199.99, slightly below AirPods Pro 2, they compete favorably. Offering a unique experience with less bass but detailed mids and trebles, they cater to those seeking something distinct.
While lacking the punchy bass, the Motif II ANC provides a customizable audio experience through extensive app support. Priced lower than competitors, they appeal to those seeking both uniqueness and quality.
Despite minor flaws like occasional dropouts and middling ANC, the Motif II ANC stands out for its simplicity and appeal. For those desiring a different yet satisfying earbud experience, Marshall Motif II ANC is a worthy choice.
Marshall Motif II: Pricing, Release Date, and Specs Overview
Price and Release Date:
Released in September 2023, the Marshall Motif II ANC is priced at £179.99 / $199.99, mirroring the original Motif ANC’s 2021 launch price.
Available exclusively in black, these earbuds embody the classic Marshall aesthetic, limiting color choices.
Market Comparison:
In a competitive field, the Motif II ANC competes with the Apple AirPods Pro 2, priced higher at £250 / $250 outside of sales. Close contenders include the Sony LinkBuds S and the Beats Studio Buds.
Specs:
- Type: Wireless over-ear
- Weight: 4.31g each
- Drivers: 6mm
- Battery life: Up to 30 hours with ANC, 43 hours without
- Bluetooth: 5.3 LE
- Waterproofing: IPX5
Marshall Motif II: Comprehensive Review on Features and Design
Features:
The Marshall Motif II offers:
- Wireless charging
- Wear detection
- A user-friendly app
These earbuds are effortlessly intuitive, with essential features and a slightly dated yet well-organized Marshall app. Adjusting ANC transparency and noise control is a breeze, and the app provides options for touch controls and battery preservation. Customizable EQ settings and reliable wear detection enhance the user experience. However, occasional connection disruptions and app glitches are minor inconveniences.
Feature score: 4 / 5
Design:
The Marshall Motif II ANC showcases:
- Iconic Marshall amp-inspired case
- Snug-fit earbuds
- Responsive touch controls
The case, resembling a Marshall amp, exudes charm and durability. The earbuds, with the Marshall logo, offer a secure fit and IPX5 water resistance. The USB-C port on the case is complemented by convenient wireless charging. Responsive touch controls, coupled with a comfortable weight, enhance on-the-go usability.
Design score: 4 / 5
Marshall Motif II: In-Depth Analysis of Sound Quality
The Marshall Motif II ANC:
- Shows middling ANC
- Delivers a balanced sound
- Offers an adjustable EQ
While ANC falls short compared to rivals like Apple AirPods Pro 2, it handles environmental noise moderately. Music and podcasts shine, with crisp podcasts and lively music. The balanced profile suits orchestral pieces, enhancing classics like The Beach Boys’ God Only Knows.
Initially, the out-of-the-box experience feels off, with perceived lower volume. Over time, the unique sound profile becomes comfortable. For those seeking a different sound, the Marshall Motif II ANC offers a distinctive experience. Adjusting the EQ, particularly with Bass Boost, enhances the overall experience.
Sound quality score: 4 / 5
Marshall Motif II Battery Life Evaluation
The Marshall Motif II ANC offers impressive battery life:
- Up to 30 hours (ANC on) or 43 hours (ANC off) via the charging case.
- A 15-minute charge restores one hour of playback.
Surpassing its predecessor, the Motif II ANC provides around 30 hours with ANC on and up to 43 hours without. In practical use, it averages out, offering a respectable duration of up to nine hours on the earbuds alone.
While not breaking records, these figures are more than satisfactory, alleviating concerns about frequent recharging. The wireless or USB-C charging options for the case add to the convenience.
Battery life score: Impressive
Marshall Motif II: Value and Buying Guide
Value:
The Marshall Motif II ANC, despite a premium build, competes favorably with the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM5. Priced competitively, it sacrifices some ANC strength for better battery life.
Value score: 4 / 5
Should I Buy the Marshall Motif II?
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Essential wireless charging, wear detection, and a user-friendly app. | 4/5 |
| Design | Iconic appearance coupled with comfort. | 4/5 |
| Sound Quality | Unique sound profile with balanced performance and convincing ANC. | 4/5 |
Buy it if:
- You seek something unique in appearance.
- Decent audio quality is essential.
- A well-rounded companion app is crucial.
Don’t buy if:
- Exceptional ANC is a top priority.
- 100% responsiveness is non-negotiable.
- You prefer earbuds with softer plastic.
Also Consider:
| Marshall Motif II | Sony Linkbuds S | Apple AirPods Pro 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 6mm | 5mm | 11mm |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 hours (ANC on) or 43 hours without | Up to 20 hours | Up to 30 hours via charging case |
| Weight | 4.31g each | 4.8g each | 5.3g each |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
Comparing these options can help you make an informed decision based on your preferences and priorities.