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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Jade II | Marshall Monitor III |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $690 | $380 |
| HearWiki score | 85 / 100 · Outstanding | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2019 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Electrostatic | dynamic |
| Driver size | - | 32 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 7Hz-90kHz | 20-20000 Hz |
| Sound signature | Bass-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 | ||
| Weight | 365 g | 250 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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