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Marshall Monitor III vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sony WH-1000XM6 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 89. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sony WH-1000XM6 - Outstanding overall at around $398.

Score breakdown

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

Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on 4 of 7 measures.

  • Marshall Monitor III
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
82
89
Sound
8.5
9.0
Noise cancelling
8.1
9.6
Battery
10.0
8.1
Calls
8.5
9.6
Value
8.8
8.2
Price (USD)
$380
$400

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025) against Marshall Monitor III (2024). These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Sony WH-1000XM6 adds Wear detection.

  • Monitor III2024
  • WH-1000XM620251 yr newer
What differsMonitor IIIWH-1000XM6

Everyday features

Wear detection
No
Yes

Level on: Bluetooth, Top codec, LE Audio (LC3), ANC type, Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

Monitor IIIWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$380
$400
HearWiki score
82
89
Released
2024
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
32 mm dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
32 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
35 Ω
48 Ω
Sensitivity
117 dB/mW
103 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC, LC3
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
10 m
10 m
Battery life
100 h
40 h
Battery life (ANC on)
70 h
30 h
Full charge time
150 min
210 min
Quick charge
15 min → 12 h
3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
Yes
Controls
both
buttons
Voice assistant
Yes
Yes
Weight
250 g
254 g
Water resistance
none
none
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
USB-C
3.5 mm
Microphones
1
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Marshall Monitor III

The Marshall Monitor III are over-ear wireless headphones that deliver a distinctive Marshall-tuned sound and an exceptional battery life of up to 100 hours. They include adaptive active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, and a durable build, although their ANC performance isn't class-leading.

  • Pro:Exceptional battery life up to 100 hours
  • Pro:Distinctive Marshall audio signature
  • Pro:Adaptive ANC with transparency mode
  • Con:Noise cancellation not top-tier
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Only one microphone for calls

Sony WH-1000XM6

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is a premium over-ear wireless headphone that combines adaptive active noise cancellation with a long-lasting battery and support for high-quality audio codecs. It features multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and a transparent mode, making it a versatile choice for both focused listening and everyday commutes. With a lightweight build and tactile controls, it balances comfort and functionality for extended use.

  • Pro:Adaptive active noise cancellation for personalized silencing
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless device switching
  • Pro:Transparency mode for ambient awareness when needed
  • Con:No water resistance rating for wet conditions
  • Con:No wireless charging option
  • Con:Relies on physical buttons rather than touch controls

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonMarshall Monitor IIISony WH-1000XM6