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HiFiMAN Jade II vs Marshall Monitor III: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Jade II comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: HiFiMAN Jade II - Outstanding overall at around $690.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

HiFiMAN Jade II
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Marshall Monitor III
Sound7.5
Noise cancelling6.0
Battery9.5
Calls6.0
Value7.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN Jade II vs Marshall Monitor III
SpecHiFiMAN Jade IIMarshall Monitor III
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$690$380
HearWiki score85 / 100 · Outstanding72 / 100 · Good
Released20192024
Audio
DriverElectrostaticdynamic
Driver size-32 mm
Drivers per side12
Frequency response7Hz-90kHz20-20000 Hz
Sound signatureBass-rolled neutral-
Impedance-35 Ω
Sensitivity-117 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth-5.3
Bluetooth version-5.3
Codecs-SBC, AAC, LC3
Multipoint pairing-Yes
Wireless range-10 m
Battery
Battery life-100 h
Battery life (ANC on)-70 h
Full charge time-150 min
Quick charge-15 min = 12 h
Wireless charging-No
Features
ANC type-adaptive
Transparency mode-Yes
Companion app-Yes
Custom EQ-Yes
Wear detection-No
Controls-both
Voice assistant-voice command
Design
Weight365 g250 g
Water resistance-none
USB-C-Yes
Calls
Microphones-1

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN Jade II

The HiFiMAN Jade II is an over-ear electrostatic headphone that delivers a precise, airy sound with a lean bass response and excellent technical performance. Its ultra-wide frequency range and lightweight build make it a compelling option for listeners who prioritize clarity and detail over bass weight, though it requires a dedicated amplifier setup.

  • Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
  • Pro:Very lightweight for an electrostatic model
  • Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with fast transients
  • Con:Bass is noticeably rolled off, lacking impact
  • Con:Requires a specialized electrostatic amp, adding cost
  • Con:Fit and comfort may vary due to thin earpads

Marshall Monitor III

The Marshall Monitor III are over-ear wireless headphones that blend a classic rock aesthetic with modern features like active noise cancellation and Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint. Their standout trait is an exceptionally long battery life, reaching up to 100 hours without ANC, though the noise cancellation itself is average rather than class-leading. They offer a warm, signature Marshall sound, a sturdy build, and handy extras like wear detection and quick charging.

  • Pro:Exceptional battery life, even with ANC on
  • Pro:Distinctive, durable design with physical controls
  • Pro:Supports LDAC and AAC codecs for versatile playback
  • Con:Noise cancellation is not the strongest in its class
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Only one microphone for calls, which may limit clarity

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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