- MARSHALL SIGNATURE SOUND
Motif II A.N.C. means you can take Marshall signature sound with you, wherever you go. - CANCEL THE NOISE, AMPLIFY THE SOUND
Get locked into the sounds of your choice with improved active noise cancellation and use the app to amplify your playlist, so that you can savour the music that matters to you, uninterrupted. - RELIABLE PLAYTIME
Motif II A.N.C. delivers up to 30 hours of total playtime with active noise cancellation including the charge case, and 6 hours of playtime on their own. - ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY WITH LE AUDIO
Never let anything get in the way of your music with Motif II A.N.C. It’s BT LE Audioready to ensure the best possible connection, so you’ll never miss a beat. - ON THE GO CHARGING
These supercharged headphones deliver 6 hours of wireless playtime. Add the charging case to the mix and you get 30 hours of listening time on the move. Switch to quick charge when you’re in a hurry, for 1-hour extra playtime in 15 minutes.
-36%
Marshall – Motif II ANC – Black
$96.00 Save:$53.00(36%)
Available in stock
Description
Additional information
| True Wireless | Yes |
|---|---|
| Battery Life Provided by Charging Case | 30 hours |
| Sound Isolating | Yes |
| Fast Charging | True |
| Built-In Microphone | Yes |
| Battery Life | 6 hours |
| Water Resistant | Yes |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Connection Type | Wireless |
| Manufacturer's Warranty - Labor | 1 year |
| Bone Conducting Technology | No |
| Manufacturer's Warranty - Parts | 1 year |
| Rechargeable | Yes |
| Model Number | 1006450 |
| Battery Charge Time | 1.5 hours |
| Color Category | Black |
| Headphone Fit | In-Ear |
| Carrying Case | Yes |
| Charging Accessory Included | Cable |
| Microphone Features | Noise cancelling |
| Controls | Track selection |
| Product Name | Motif II ANC |
| Brand | Marshall |
| Color | Black |
| UPC | 7340055394840 |
Reviews (34)
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K0S0H –
This is my second Marshall Bluetooth equipment. This helped me as I am familiar with their app and set up process. Just like the first time, the Bluetooth on my phone did not find the earbuds. I closed the app and settings and reopened them and boom, they were visible. Pairing was straight forward and simple. The ear pieces on the buds fit perfectly and are quite comfortable. The case came fully charged and I have to say, the leather coating around the case is just like their speakers and is a very nice touch. However, the charging cable is a measly 4 inches long, but I suspect that Marshall expects you to utilize your phone cable or the wireless charging feature on these. Using the earphones is quite simple, select your music, select your favorite EQ setting in the app, and rock and roll! Literally! Using the mid reduction EQ setting, these sound very full and amazing. They get quite loud and the ANC works decently. I could still here my dog barking at me as I tinkered around the room Speaking of that, range is not that good. Maybe 20-25 ft and if you get a wall in between, then they drop out pretty quickly. So, using these on a plane or somewhere close to your listening device will be no problem. But walking around your house without your phone, expect it to drop out pretty quickly. Calls come through nice and clear and there were zero issues on either end! Very nice ear buds, they just became my go to set and I have a nice trip coming up that these will be handling the music/movie duties!
PapawJeff –
Marshall really hit another one out of the park when they made the Marshall Motief II A.N.C.in the ear headphones. I call them earbuds.
Straight out of the box, set up and listening to my music on my iPhone in under 5 minutes.
The Marshall Bluetooth app is the app you want to download to take full control of the degree on noise cancelation and degree of ambient sounds you let through.
You also can customize what touch and tap features work where on the earbuds with the app as well.
The “Front Row” sound quality that Marshall engineered into these earbuds produces a rich full spine tingling jam that will put your listening experience right there as if listening to the studio final edit before the album hits the streets.
The highs lows and midones are all equally produced with awesome quality and clarity.
The earbuds themself scream quality just from looking at them then touching and then using.
They are made of a mixture of aluminum and brass with some plastic components.
The part that hangs down from the ear seems to be knurled aluminum that helps you hold onto them when putting them in or removing them.
The case has a grippy exterior and holds some battery power to recharge the buds without an additional power source.
And that case can be charged on a wireless charger or with an outside power source and a USB C cable.
A cable is not provided but they are not very expensive if you dont happen to have one already.
Personally, I have several.
Quality appearance and sound quality made by Marshall are something you can be proud to own!
BigA –
I was very excited to see these with they arrived – I have a pair of Marshall over the ear headphones and they are great. So I expected some of that to carry over to the earbuds and quite simple that didn’t happen.
Let’s start with the thing that I like –
1. The comfort level – they fit in the ear and are very comfortable to wear for several hours at a time – you actually forget that you have then in
2. Battery life – the battery life seem to be as advertised which is pretty good – I did not drain them however based on % they should last to that
3. App control – the app control is very good and allows for some customization
Now the Bad
1. The sound quality – while the highs and mids are good and clean, the significant lack of bass, even in the bass boost mode it striking. I tried all of the preset eq modes and even custom adjustment all with the same result – there’s just little to no bass. i know that good bass in an earbud is somewhat of a unicorn but this is much less that some of the other in this price range or less
2. Noise reduction – The only thing I can say about the noise reduction is that it sounds better than the other modes from a tonal standpoint. As far as actual noise reduction it very poor, I had a opportunity to try this in an airport and in flight and compare it with a couple of the other the fruit products that I have with anc it is a marked difference from one to the other.
So to conclude – would I recommend these earbuds – I would have to say pass, if they were half the cost might be worth it but at this price point there are much better options available
NyVetteGuy –
I am somewhat of a wireless earbud nut and have multiple pairs from all of the major brands. As someone who frequently finds themselves in the hustle and bustle of airport terminals, planes, and various cities, I have a certain affinity for products that can seamlessly blend into my ever-moving life. When I received the Marshall Motif II A.N.C. earbuds, I was excited to see if they lived up to the promise of being the ideal travel companion.
Big Sound, Tiny Package:
The form factor of the charging case is just the right size and the material feel in the hand feels high quality. The earbuds themselves just look great with knurled stalks and matte black sheen.
From the get-go, the Motif II A.N.C. showcases its most defining feature – an incredibly immersive sound. It’s clear that Marshall has encapsulated its legacy of premium audio into these tiny earbuds. They don’t just offer a good sound; they offer the “Marshall” signature sound. The bass is deep and pronounced without overshadowing the mids or highs, creating a balanced and rich soundscape that stands up even in the busiest of environments. It’s a concert in your ears every time. There is also custom EQ capability if you want to tailor make the sound to your unique taste.
Battery Life Built for the Long-Haul-
With 6 hours of continuous play with active noise cancellation on and an impressive 30 hours with the charging case, I never had to worry about them dying mid-journey. The 1.5-hour recharge time for both the earbuds and the case is impressively quick, and the quick charge feature (an hour’s play from a mere 15-minute charge) has saved me during layovers and pre-meeting rushes.
Connectivity that Keeps Up-
For my work, I rely heavily on Microsoft Teams, conference calls, and standard phone calls. The Motif II’s Bluetooth 5.3 LE, combined with its “Dual Master” (or Multi-point connection), meant that switching between devices was a breeze. Video calls were in sync, and the enhanced range ensured that even if I walked away from my device, I wouldn’t lose connection. For travelers, this reliability is paramount.
Active Noise Cancellation & Wind Performance-
Traveling, especially by plane, means dealing with varying levels of noise. The active noise cancellation on these earbuds works well. Whether I was trying to focus on a call or simply lose myself in music during a flight, the Motif II A.N.C. effectively isolated me from my surroundings. And with the improved wind noise performance, I could take calls outside without the gusts distorting my voice.
Sustainability Matters-
In an age of environmental awareness, Marshall’s choice to craft the Motif II A.N.C. using 70% post-consumer recycled plastic is commendable. It gives the product a sustainable edge without compromising on quality or design.
Touch Controls & Customization-
The touch controls on the earbuds were responsive and intuitive. With a simple tap or swipe, I could adjust volume, switch tracks, activate transparency mode, or answer calls. The addition of Spotify TAP is a nice touch for music enthusiasts who use Spotify on a regular basis.
Technical Prowess-
The technical specifications of these earbuds truly shine through. The dynamic drivers, paired with a sensitivity of 108 dB and a frequency range of 20–20,000 Hz, bring out the details in any audio. The wireless charging feature is a necessary touch now a days that further emphasizes Marshals dedication to convenience.
Final Verdict:
For the traveler, the Marshall Motif II A.N.C. is an essential companion. Its superior audio quality, coupled with its active noise cancellation and enhanced connectivity, ensure that you’re always connected, always in the moment. The sustainability aspect is the cherry on top, showcasing Marshall’s commitment to a greener future.
Whether you’re hopping on a plane for business or leisure, you can trust the Motif II A.N.C. to provide a seamless audio experience, making every journey a bit more enjoyable. They’re more than just earbuds; they’re a statement of quality, innovation, and sustainability. Safe travels and happy listening!
Batlacit –
I think most people’s first impressions on seeing these earbuds will probably be “wow, these look GOOD.” Marshall has clearly rejected current design trends of smooth, minimalist plastic casings that blend into the background. Everything from the leathery finish on the case mimicking their iconic amps to the satisfyingly tactile metal knurling on the earbuds’ stems is designed to make a clear statement. What that statement is (other than a fondness for guitar amps) I’m not quite sure of though.
It probably won’t surprise you after that description to learn that these things have a little bit of heft to them. At first, my assumption was that this might be a problem and that they’d be prone to falling out. But much to my surprise, this hasn’t been an issue. The earbuds comfortably nestle into my ear canals, and remain fixed in place as I walk around with them. I’m still a little nervous to try prolonged jogging, truth be told, but a few small tests around my yard failed to shake them free. Assuming you take the time to install the correct tips for your ears, I’d say that these score high for comfort.
Sound quality, as one might expect from this brand, is equally good. The bass response is just a little weaker than some of the other earbuds I’ve tried, however both music and speech comes through clear and has a sound balance that overall I’d characterize as satisfying. Indeed there was really only one area that I found performance slightly lacking: the active noise cancellation. I don’t quite know what happened here. Earbud ANC has gotten very good in the last few years, to the point where it’s almost as good as what you could get on some of the older headsets. But the ANC here just felt underwhelming. AC and engine noise was significantly muffled, but remained clearly audible nonetheless. And most other ambient sound was very hit or miss in regards to what got blocked and what didn’t. That said, there is one advantage that might be worth considering: I felt very little of the inner ear pressure that typically comes with ANC earbuds and headphones, even after a full hour of use. So if you’re someone who’s particularly sensitive to such things, you may find it easier to handle these earbuds for prolonged periods.
Eric –
Marshall is a brand I’ve been familiar with since very young. Relatives of mine who as guitar enthusiasts had Marshall amps, would only use Marshall, and the rich, warm sound is something I will never forget. I was very interested in listening to these buds, as I’ve had a little experience with Marshall’s more recent bluetooth speakers and consider them solid contenders in that market for a complete sound signature and enjoyable dynamic. I wasn’t surprised then that I found the same balanced, “sound where you expect it” tonality and fullness in these buds. The lower frequencies, particularly the low and mid bass, are definitely present and controlled but also punchy enough that you don’t feel lack on electronic and hip hop tracks, and the treble highs are very present as well, so podcasts and spoken word also come through strong. I would say the mid range is probably lacking for me, subjectively speaking. The two ends just come through much stronger. That is however not a huge problem as the app for these buds do have a custom eq function and you can do some tweaking. Listening to Marshall’s signature tuning gives me what I described above, but when I customize to a V shape, it somehow actually enhanced the mid range for me to my liking. I know, weird. But the great thing is that if you are considering these buds, you have a considerable amount of flexibility here. The controls on the buds are pretty standard, and the app gives you a couple of options to adjust this. The standard gives you play/pause, skips, and a custom action that you can assign things like noise control and assistant. There is also a “mini” setting that takes out the skips, so you can have it pretty stripped down if you want. These buds also use the Spotify tap function if you are a Spotify user, and I’ve been seeing this more and more on buds, so that’s nice to have. I tried these on both iOS and Android devices and the buds do have the Google quick pairing feature, so it was seamless on both platforms. Form is pretty premium. The case has that signature texturized surface that Marshall is known for, it has a leather feel, although I’m not sure it’s real leather or not. The buds themselves are plastic housing, but the stems are metal and knurled, again something I associate with Marshall. I found these to feel a little weird on my ears, and I would say make them not as comfy as other buds for me. The noise control functions as you would expect, ANC and transparency are both there. The ANC is pretty weak for me. The medium tips came installed, I tried those, with disappointing isolation. So I upped it to the large tips and that improved it a bit, but playing music and TV noise in the background, I could easily make out what was playing. The transparency mode is decent, but it doesn’t stand up to the best transparency buds I’ve evaluated at this point. Just ok. Overall, the noise control and fit in my ears are why I give these 4 stars. I find the sound pleasing and easily customizable to my liking. The controls are intuitive although touch based rather than squeeze based which I find overall slightly better. For the price, I would say if you are an iOS user, these aren’t compelling enough than the native platform options because the sound is very comparable and you get extras features with those for around the same price, but for Android platforms these have a sound that rivals some of the best buds out there at this price and even higher.
Nice –
I wasn’t expecting the great presentation and packaging offered by the earbuds. Well done on the packaging. The earbud container has a nice sleek feeling design to it. They were very easy to connect to my device. They came charged also. The look of the earbuds is something I like. The gold and the design texture are also pleasing to the eye.
The audio was amazing. I did download the app which was very easy to use. It is very user-friendly. You can adjust Noise Control and adjust the equalizer. My personal choice was the Mid Reduction. You can select between the standard, custom, bass boost, mid boost, and treble boost. You also get control over button functions with the earbuds. You can also adjust these controls to your liking.
Rather you listening to a Podcast, Music, or other Entertainment. These earbuds will be a great addition. With the added Noise Cancelation feature it is decent and fine. These compete with some of the high-tier earbuds on the market.
Pros
Great Feel and Design
Clear Audio
Easy Set Up
Cons
Pricey
Short Charge Cord
veritech13 –
The earbuds are what i expect from marshall. I had the previous model which did not have the rubber tip earbuds or the noise cancellation.
The storage case/power bank looks the same as the previous version and has 30hrs of juice for multiple charging sessions. It has a dressy look to them and i appreciate the textured design to hide away scratches and blemishes. The earbuds themselves have the same black color scheme with gold accents. The rubber tip makes them more comfortable than their previous version. The textured earbud stem has a unique look and the M imprint adds a bit of style.
The connection is simple, the auto connect once paired to your device. The auto pause feature is very convenient as to avoid missing any any audio i the bud falls out or if you remove them for whatever reason…no more fumbling for your phone to pause the video/music. The Marshall App allows for sound customization and it is pretty straight forward. The sound is very full and robust, not quite headbanger bass but a very full rich sound. The noise cancellation does a good job of cancelling out loud exterior sound when combined with the right size earbuds to make a good seal with your ear canal. It also allows touch activation for allowing sound thru if needed, quick conversation and then back to the jams.
The sound, tech and design is all above average…I would very highly recommend them.
Curmudgeon1 –
Marshall Motif II A.N.C. – True Wireless, Active Noise Cancelling In-Ear Headphones are Fantastic!
For over one year, my favorite earbuds have been my Marshall Motif A.N.C. first generation. The new Motif II, second generation earbuds provide several improvements.
Selecting earbuds / in-ear monitors is a very personal matter.
There are several important criteria that I base my evaluation and selection of earbuds on.
• Fit and comfort. A good fit and wearing comfort over hours of continuous use is essential, and in my estimation one of the most important selection criteria.
• Technical Specifications. The specifications provide a basis for assessing the potential performance capabilities of the earbuds.
• Features and Functionality. Some features are relatively ubiquitous among many earbuds, but certain features or functions which may be very important to a particular user may not be available on all earbuds.
• Battery Performance. Battery life and fast recharging capability are extremely important factors for wireless headphones.
• Audio Reproduction Quality and Fidelity. Audio quality is the critical evaluation criterion so long as the earbuds have met the criterion of being comfortable to wear. The sound reproduction performance is the most critical factor for the best listening experience.
The Marshall Motif II earbuds are equipped with a compact and attractive storage and charging case weighing only about 56 grams with the earbuds or about 47 grams empty. The Marshall logo branded case is approximately 2 ½” x 1 ¾”, has rounded edges and a textured guitar amp covering resembling Tolex. A USB-C port on the bottom is used with the supplied 6” USB-C to USB-A charging cable. The case also supports wireless charging. A pairing mode button is located on the front of the case, above which is an LED charging indicator lamp which progresses from the red indication of discharge through yellow and finally green which indicates a completed charge. The LED pulses blue during Bluetooth pairing.
The earbuds are retained in the case magnetically, and molded contours ensure that the charging contacts properly align.
Upon the first opening of the case, the new earbuds enter Pairing Mode. Since I already use the Marshall Bluetooth app on my Android smartphone, the pairing operation was quickly completed. I did encounter some issues with the Marshall app properly loading and communicating with the new earbuds, which took some persistence to resolve. These problems occurred on one of my phones but not the other. I strongly suspect that the problem is associated with the particular build of Android 13 on that particular phone model.
One of the improvements for the Motif II earbuds is the ability to retain a maximum of 8 paired devices (increased from 3), and the extremely important capability of being actively connected to two source devices simultaneously. Through this change, Marshall addressed one of the few shortcomings of the prior generation. It is important to me to be able to simultaneously stream audio from my laptop, and also be able to answer or place phone calls. The automatic arbitration and switching between connected source devices works perfectly! This represents a great improvement over the original earbuds.
The Marshall app provides an efficient, user-friendly control interface for the new Motif II earbuds as well as the original Motif earbuds. All Marshall headphone models are supported using the Marshall app, and it is easy to switch between the paired headphones in the app.
The app displays the percentage of charge level of each earbud and the charging case.
There are six, 5-band, equalizer settings available for the Motif II. Marshall has added a “Custom” (user defined) 5-band equalizer selection for the Motif II, which is still not available for the first generation Motif.
The app stores only 2 EQ presets in the selection rotation for the Motif II, compared to 3 for the Gen 1 Motif. I genuinely miss the additional slot and believe that it should be added to the Motif II. Preset #1 is the “Marshall” setting and cannot be modified. Preset #2 allows assignment of any one of the 6 presets. The preset selections include, Marshall, Bass Boost, Mid Boost, Treble Boost, Mid Reduction and Custom for the Motif II, while the original Motif has presets named Marshall, Rock, Spoken, Pop, Hip-Hop and Electronic. I believe that it would be far better if the Motif Gen I EQ presets were also available to the Motif II.
Curiously, none of the Motif II presets share the same (or even similar) frequency contours as the Motif I presets. I actually prefer the Rock and Pop presets which are only available for the original Motif earbuds.
Although it is great to finally have a user defined, custom equalizer option, the equalizer frequency bands have no visual indicators of the number of dB of cut or boost. There are no scale lines on the bands, nor is there any digital indicator. It would obviously be beneficial if the EQ frequency bands for all of the EQ settings displayed a numeric scale representing dB levels of gain boost or attenuation. I would like to replicate the EQ settings of my favorite Gen I presets, but that is virtually impossible without any dB reference points.
The Marshall app permits assigning the function to be controlled by the capacitive touch buttons on each earbud. They can be the same or different.
Noise Control levels are adjustable, and ANC may also be deactivated. The Automatic Noise Control (ANC) works well, however it also materially alters the gain on certain frequencies. There is also a Transparency setting which provides the ability to hear some ambient sounds and conduct a conversation, without removing the earbuds.
Among the other app settings is Battery Preservation which can be set to limit the maximum charge level to 90%, charge only room temperature batteries or reduce the rate of charge (turn off rapid charging) thereby extending the longevity of the Li-ion battery cells.
The earbuds are compact and lightweight, at less than 4.5 grams, which are both important attributes. I like that the body of the earbud is largely confined to the ear, rather than having a large, bulbous housing protruding from each ear, which affects the stability and balance of the earbuds while being worn, and resultantly may adversely affect the air-seal between the eartips and the user’s ear. I also found that the shape and size of the Motif II earbuds generally conformed well to the anatomy of my ears. This contributed to both my wearing comfort as well as to the exceptional audio quality. The earbuds have a cylindrical battery and microphone projection on the housings. That cylinder is cut with fine texture diamond knurls.
The air-seal as well as the directional orientation of the transducer to the ear canal greatly affect the characteristics of the audio heard by the user. A good air-seal is essential to hearing high fidelity audio, and most notably low frequency bass. Making minor adjustments to the rotational orientation of the earbud can aim the driver optimally and significantly affect the audio quality.
The Marshall Motif II is supplied with 3 sets of soft, pliable silicone eartips. Sizes Small and Large are packed in the box, and the Medium eartips are preinstalled. I found the medium eartips to be best for both comfort and ensuring a solid air-seal in the ears.
The Automatic Noise Cancellation performance of the Motif II earbuds is excellent. Noise Cancellation is easily put to the test by wearing them proximate to a loud fan or air conditioner, or running water. The fan or A/C noise evaluation also incorporates the movement of large volumes of air in combination with the noise produced by the fan. While the Motif II will not completely eliminate all background noise in that extreme test, it very effectively mitigated the noise. The Transparency mode also works reasonably well. The Motif II uses a pair of integral microphones to monitor ambient sound and optimize ANC and Transparency modes.
The specifications for the Marshall Motif II earbuds are very good.
The 6mm, 16Ώ driver has a rated sensitivity of 108 dB, and a frequency range of 20-20,000 Hz, which is relatively common among headphones. The earbuds are IPX5 rated and the case is IPX4 rated demonstrating resistance to minor splashes and sprays of water. The Bluetooth 5.3 LE is rated for 30’, but I exceeded that distance before experiencing a drop-out.
Marshall claims battery performance of 6 hours with ANC and 9 hours without, and 30 total hours in-case with ANC and 43 hours without. A Quick Charge of 15 minutes yields 1 hour of use. Fully recharging the Motif II requires 1.5 hours for the earbuds and 1.5 hours for the case.
The new battery life and rapid charging specifications are a significant improvement on the original Motif earbuds. The Motif II earbuds provide 10 hours of additional play with ANC and 17 hours without ANC as compared to the original Motif earbuds. I really appreciate the extra usable time before needing to recharge the earbuds.
The Marshall Motif II earbuds are very comfortable, balanced, stable and secure in the ears, and an all-important air-seal is easily achieved and maintained, even while engaging in physical activity.
The audio quality of the Marshall Motif II earbuds is exceptional! Listening to a variety of high fidelity sources for lengthy, continuous periods while employing various EQ settings resulted in me being extremely favorably impressed! Telephone calls were likewise exceptional, with optimal clarity on both ends of the conversation. The ANC proved to be extremely competent in background noise reduction.
The Marshall Motif II A.N.C. earbuds are outstanding, and are my new favorite earbuds based on both wearing comfort and exceptional high fidelity audio reproduction.
Beuge –
Included in the box are the earbuds themselves, the charging case, a total of 3 sets of eartips (S, M, L), a 7.5” USB-A-to-USB-C cable, and some documentation.
First impressions, the earbuds as well as the charging case are exceedingly attractive. The case is wrapped in a convincing faux black letter that features the white Marshall script prominently on the front. The earbuds have a black texture with a white “M” script on the main body and a knurled metal stem with brass colored cap that houses a microphone.
Once the earbuds and case are charged, either wirelessly or via USB-C, pairing is quick and easy. Sound quality is excellent, with great bass, crisp treble, and plenty of volume. Calls have been comparable to being on the handheld for both parties. Battery life on the earbuds themselves has lasted approximately 6 hours with the active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled. The earbuds can be simultaneously connected to multiple devices. Additionally, the case connects to your device, providing the battery status.
The on-bud controls are touch-sensitive and react quickly. The default control configuration is easy to recall, but can be customized via the Marshall app if you so desire. The app also includes controls for ANC, the EQ, and other functionality like “Interaction Sounds”.
I was initially worried about the comfort of the knurled stem sitting against my ear, but for me so far, the earbuds have proven comfortable in my ear for long periods and have been very secure through activities such as exercising and yard work.
The earbuds are rated IPX5 and the case is IPX4. So, the earbuds are generally sweat-proof and rain-proof but not rated for submersion.
Overall, the Marshall Motiff II ANC Earbuds are a premium earbud that really performs wells and looks good doing it. You can’t go wrong with these.
JinOH –
While I did not try the first generation of the Marshall Motiff earbuds. I am happy I tried the Marshall Motif II earbuds. They can easily compete and excel against the plethora of other ANC earbuds. I mostly use earbuds with my phone while on the go or chores around my property. Style and comfort is near perfect. Battery life is on par with the competition. But to get right to the point I want to make. I noticed these sounded better on my computer feeding the same music my phone contains. So, your milage may vary from device and audio player apps and I think the Marshall app might be to blame. Or maybe its just me.
To save a few people who try one device and the app alone and give up or return the buds. Basically the Marshall app (Android) that sets up buds and contributes to the sound and noise cancellation might be hindering the quality of the music. Out of the box the EQ settings from “Marshall” are flat and lifeless. The “Bass Boost” EQ doesn’t work too well either. You can at least choose custom and this helps to liven up the audio with ok bass. And while the app is useful and can get decent sound. On PC there was a good amount more bass and overall nicer sound profile with just default media player running the same music my phone has (MP3 music from files, not streaming). Streaming and different apps or even devices seem to produce different sound quality. I would not rely on the Marshall app alone to see these buds shine.
Now that I aired my possible issue. These buds are amongst the better buds I have tried. And I have almost a couple dozen earbuds now. Only Apple products have been excluded from my search for audio perfection (Android, PC user). For style, Marshall wins hands down. Rock and roll looks and skinned the same as their speakers and amps. It looks the part that many of the other jelly bean plastic buds just don’t. And for my ears, they are very comfortable and stay put really good. A simple little tilt and it locks in to my ear. Unlike some other buds. There is no ear stretching or tight pressure to wear the Motiffs II. And with the knurled stems, super easy to grip and pull back out. The stems also help with popping them back into case.
As for sound quality. The audio is clean and in the same class as many other buds in this price range. The bass is not as much as I would want for certain songs, but with the right app, its good enough. ANC works at near the top of the heap. I used them while riding my zero turn mower which is a torture test for most earbuds. It blocks out the mower to very minimal hum and volume level to hear music at between 65-75% (not too loud). If people or airplanes are your noise issue to isolate from. The Motiff II’s will work perfectly. They also have transparency ANC if you do need to hear some ambient audio while music plays.
Overall, there is little to complain about. The earbuds are comfortable for hours of use. Sound is good – great overall, but with these looks, bass is not as strong as expected. And lets face it. The Motiff II’s are the best looking earbuds available. Short of other Marshall products. Easy USB-C or wireless charging. It is a great set of buds and might only be hindered a bit by the app to set them up.
acidxfrost –
I could almost write this review without even getting the product because the Marshall Motif II meet most of my expectations. I love the aesthetics with the leather texture. I appreciate Marshall amplifiers so I’m excited to buy their other products. Case and all is very light. The headphones slip into the case magnetically. Headphones and case have great battery life. The lid closes magnetically and feels secure.
The headphones are very comfortable. I’ve worn them for hours and haven’t gotten any fatigue in my ears. They were unperturbed by sweat when I worked out in them. They are light and tight. I love the amplifier knob aesthetic on the post. The touch sensitive buttons work well without getting accidentally activated. I’ve taken phone calls and I could hear fine and the caller couldn’t tell I was talking through headphones. As expected the sound is great and full bodied with excellent bottom. In the app you can fine tune how you’d like it. The range is amazing. I left my phone in the basement and went to the second floor and didn’t have any signal degradation.
When it comes to the A.N.C. it’s not perfect blocking out all sounds but it does dampen the external sounds significantly. I wore them past a construction site and a wood chipper turning them into a dull roar. I easily wore them mowing the lawn and had no issue hearing the music. In the app you can set the level of noise cancelling. My favorite feature that goes against the noise cancelling is transparency. This will allow you to listen to music and also better hear all your surroundings. A lot of times I don’t want to block the world out for situational awareness. Like in the gym if someone’s trying to asking me something I don’t want to unintentionally ignore them or get in the way.
I would recommend these headphones. I’m trying and I’m struggling to come up with anything negative about these headphones. They get the job done and look great while doing it.
RogueWave –
Marshall, synonymous with supreme sound quality and iconic design, has blessed the audio world with the Marshall Motif II True Wireless Earbuds. They flawlessly encapsulate all the characteristic features that distinguish Marshall products and bring along a plethora of smart, modern tech features, delivering an unparalleled auditory experience.
Design:
The Motif II embodies Marshall’s classic aesthetic with matte black knurled metal and coarse leather accents. The subtle nod to the guitar plug with the gold tip on the earbuds is a delightful touch for music aficionados. The build is primarily comprised of 70% recycled plastic, blending sustainability with iconic aesthetics.
Sound Quality:
The sound signature is rich and immersive, producing crystal clear audio, crispy highs, smooth mids, and deep lows. The customizable EQ settings available via the Marshall Bluetooth app are a treat for audiophiles, allowing a seamless switch between the signature Marshall sounds or tailor-made EQs. The Deep Bass and Marshall Signature Sound settings are particularly impressive, providing a robust and authentic listening experience and are currently my go-to sound settings.
User Experience:
The Marshall app’s integration makes a significant difference, enabling users to harness the full potential of these earbuds. The Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency mode are impeccable, offering serene isolation and, when needed, seamless blending with the surroundings. The user interface is user-friendly, allowing even the most non-tech-savvy users to navigate through various settings easily. The app lets you customize the touch buttons on the earbuds making the experience more personal and easier to navigate.
Battery Life:
With up to 30 hours of wireless playtime, the Motif II ensures the music keeps rolling without any interruptions. The wireless charging case is practical and sleek, making the charging process hassle-free. Works with Qi charging or USB-C.
What’s in the box:
The earbuds come with a thoughtful package containing a wireless charging case, the earbuds, a USB-C charging cable, and three sets of ear tips (s, m, l). The efficient and eco-conscious packaging adds another layer of appeal to this product.
Technical Specifications:
Transducer: 6.0mm, Dynamic
Frequency Response: 20 Hz-20 kHz
Bluetooth: 5.3
Earbuds Weight: 4.31 g
Case Weight: 47.1 g
Final Thoughts:
Marshall Motif II Earbuds are, without a doubt, a culmination of timeless design and cutting-edge technology. After testing multiple earbuds, the Motif II has emerged as my go-to audio companion due to its phenomenal sound quality and the classic Marshall amp feel. It’s a stellar blend of design, sustainability, and audio technology, bringing forth a premium auditory experience that stands out in the crowded market of wireless earbuds. Also, they just look badass! The fit, feel, and sound are simply amazing.
Whether you are an audiophile with a discerning ear or a casual listener who values aesthetics and quality, the Marshall Motif II will not disappoint. The commitment to eco-conscious materials and the incredible audio output make this a worthy investment for those seeking the epitome of sound excellence in a compact, wireless form.
JimC –
Two years ago Marshall introduced their great Motif Active Noise Cancelling earbuds which brought the classic Marshall sound to active outdoor enthusiasts. Now they have brought an improved version, the Motif II, to the stage and it is a rock star! Better battery life, better noise reduction, richer sound!
Founded in 1963, Marshall Amplification has become the best known designer and manufacturer of professional music amplifiers and stage speakers. Its classic “Marshall” script on the grill cloth is a guarantee that the equipment is top quality and will produce, as Pete Townshend noted, “sizzling sound with crunch!” Since 2010 Marshall has worked closely with Sweden’s top-rated Zound Industries to create consumer versions of its audio equipment. This review will focus on the latest of these collaborations, the Marshall Motif II ANC wireless Bluetooth earphones.
They are priced a bit lower than AirPods but I believe offer better features:
• Marshall Motif II ANC Bluetooth true wireless earbuds (Model 1006450)
• 6 mm dynamic drivers, 16 ohm impedance
• Frequency response range: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
• Excellent driver sensitivity: 108 (+/- 2) dB @ 1 mW, 1 KHz
• Bluetooth 5.3 LE connectivity, 30+ foot range, Codecs: SBC, AAC, LC3
• Active Noise Cancellation with Transparency mode
• Two integrated microphones in each earbud for phone calls and ANC cancellation
• IPX5 water resistance (safe against low pressure water stream), IPX4 in case
• Multi-function touch controls (play, pause, skip/back track, accept/end phone call, ANC setting, equalizer selection, Spotify TAP, volume) on each earbud
• Lithium polymer battery life: 6 hours playtime with ANC, 9 hours with ANC off, 30 hours total with in-case recharging (with ANC), 43 hours total with in-case recharging (ANC off)
• 1.5 hour recharge time from full discharge; 15 minute recharge provides 1 hour playtime
• Charging: Wireless (Qi pad required, not included) or with included USB-C cable
• Hard shell carrying case which recharges earbuds and initiates Bluetooth pairing
• 8” USB-C 5V-12V recharge cable included
• Three silicone ear tip sizes (small, medium, large) included
• Weight: 4.31 gram (earbuds), 55.7 gram (in charging case)
• One year warranty on parts and labor
Download the Marshall Bluetooth app to provide a full user guide, equalizer settings, ANC sensitivity, touch controls, charge status and other additional features.
Everything is extremely well made and the earbuds have a special coating to protect them from scratches and moisture. The thicker curled black knobs and Marshall “M” script really look good. The bottom of the earbud knob is now an attractive polished gold with a pattern like the knobs on those big Marshall stage amps – a very slick touch! The charging/carry case is covered in black alligator tolex (the same material used on their amps.)
First step is to charge the ear buds in the clam shell charging case. Just place the case on a Qi pad or attach the USB-C charging cable and LED lights will tell you when they are fully charged. The case itself serves as a supplemental battery, holding four full additional charges even when disconnected from power. Pop the earbuds back into the case for 15 minutes and you have another hour of charge. Leave them in for an hour and they are fully charged again. You can do that three or four times before the case itself needs recharging. I tested the claimed battery life – 6 hours when using ANC, 9 hours with ANC off and can confirm that it is accurate. Frankly, I rarely use the ANC feature on any headphone because it always seems to detract from full and accurate music reproduction, but it does work well on these earbuds when switched on.
The Marshall Motif II ANC earbuds are truly wireless and fit very securely in the ear, thanks to their somewhat boxy oblong shape which conforms well to the ear’s interior. Try the three supplied rubber ear tips to select the one which feels most comfortable for long sessions. For me the small tip gave the best fit and enabled me to get the best sound quality. The Bluetooth connection just requires pressing a button on the charging/carrying case for a few seconds. The new 5.3 LE Bluetooth specification provided a solid connection up to 50 feet from my phone and was very stable in all conditions.
Sound quality is superb, very clear, distortion-free with excellent midrange and highs. And the bass is very good – just what you would expect from Marshall. The Marshall Bluetooth app includes an equalizer with five pre-set sound profiles (Bass Boost, Mid Boost, Treble Boost, Mid Reduction and “Marshall”) and one sound profile that you can customize. I found that the various options matched well to the various music genres in my extensive library. Naturally, the Marshall setting was best for hard rock!
I am a fairly serious runner and biker and have always been annoyed by the wires connecting my earphones to my iPhone so having an earbud that would stay in my ear under all conditions is essential. I considered AirPods but some friends who used them said that they can fall out if you sweat a lot during your workout, and frankly, I think they look a little weird. Fortunately, the Marshall Motif II has both great aesthetics and superb ergonomics – a very nice solution to the problem.
You choose earbuds for outside activities – will they stay in? Yes!!! I took them for a long (three hour) run and never had a problem even as I worked up a good sweat in 80+ degree weather. But running is probably not the biggest test. Can you rely upon the fit while biking? The next day I went for an all-day ride over some rough roads and once again they performed perfectly. They never felt loose. I recharged them in the case after about 5 hours while I stopped for food but that was quick. The case is compact and unobtrusive in your pocket, but for most workouts you can rely upon the 6 hour playing time from each charge and leave the case at home.
Other features? The earbuds have excellent touch controls (play, pause, skip/back track, accept/end phone calls, ANC setting, equalizer selection, Spotify TAP, volume) which work well. The ANC function has a Transparency setting which amplifies ambient sounds when desired (e.g., conversations in noisy settings). The earbuds are sealed and have an IPX5 rating so even a stream of water on them will not cause damage, so have no fear about using them in the rain. (Airpods are rated only IPX4.) The very light weight (4.3 gram) of the earbuds really enhances their comfort when wearing them for long periods. Drawbacks? The included owner’s manual is thick, so you think – great, lots of instructions and tips – but then you find it has only one page of information repeated in 36 languages! Fortunately, the app has all the information you need, so no worries.
Bottom line? If you want to be transported back to the musical glories of the rock era but don’t want to give up any of the technologic comforts of today buy these outstanding earbuds. They have my highest and unqualified endorsement and you will crank up your personal cool quotient to 11.
RonH –
The Marshall Motif II A.N.C. earbuds are the comfiest earbuds I’ve tried. They come with medium ear tips, but they also include small and large tips in the box. The mediums fit me perfectly and created a secure seal that blocked out noise.
The charging case is about the same size as Apple AirPods and has a textured finish that keeps it from slipping out of my pocket. It has USB-C charging and wireless charging. I like that the indicator light stays green when it’s fully charged instead of just turning off. The Motif IIs claim six hours of battery life in the earbuds and an additional 24 hours in the case. I’ve been using them for almost a week on the initial charge.
Pairing the Motif IIs was a two-step process: first I paired them with my phone, then I downloaded the Marshall app and paired them with it. The app isn’t required for pairing, but it does give you some additional features. The earbuds remember the last eight devices they were paired with and can connect to two devices at once. However, unlike my other earbuds, they won’t automatically switch between the two devices. For example, I usually pair my headphones with both my phone and laptop, and I listen to streaming from my phone. When I get a call or notification on my laptop, the earbuds pause the stream on my phone and switch to my Teams call or play the notification. When the call is over, the stream from my phone resumes.
But how do they sound? I was surprised at how great the Motif IIs sound. Their default equalizer setting is Marshall Signature sound, which has no equalization, and it sounds great. The bass is punchy, the highs are crisp, and the mids are clear. Along with Marshall sound, there are four more equalizer presets and a custom option.
Phone calls sounded clear to the other person, but there’s no sidetone (the feedback you hear), which I personally find a bit disorienting.
Noise canceling worked well, blocking out most of the subway noise during my commute. Transparency mode was okay at volume levels below about 50%, but it’s not something you would want to try to have a conversation over. There are low/medium/high sliders for both ANC and Transparency modes so you can select the level that’s most comfortable for you.
The Marshall Motif II A.N.C. earbuds are my new go-to earbuds for everything outside my office. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for great-sounding earbuds.
MKLight –
I have used the Marshall – Motif II ANC – Black earbuds for just over a week. My level of expectation was very high. My first impressions were low. My disappointment quickly changed. The software on my iPhone was updated the same day, which changed some sound settings which I fixed, as well as I needed to download the Marshall App. Once done, the Motif II ANC FAR EXCEEDED my expectations. The music experience (yes…experience and emersion into the music are among the best I’ve ever had, especially in an earbud!), the call clarity and noise cancellation are great, as is the battery life (with wireless charging and USB-C connectivity).
TL;DR:
1. I used them over a week with an iPhone 13 Pro
2. SETUP was quick after downloading the Marshall App
3. CALLS and ANC are excellent
4. MUSIC sounds amazing (the Marshall history comes to life through your earbuds)
5. HARDWARE is very nice (the embossed vegan leather is topnotch)
6. TRANSPORT/CARRY is easy (nearly identical to AirPods Pro 1/2
The Marshall App (there are 3 Tabs):
Tab 1
It helps you pair, set up and customize your earbuds with your devices(s)
* Noise Control – works very well (and as
* Active Notice Control (ANC)
* Low, Medium and High
* Fully off
* Transparency Mode
* Low, Medium and High
* Equalizer
* The Original Marshall Sound
* Custom
* Bass Boost
* Mid Boost
* Treble Boost
* Mid Reduction (my overall favorite)
You can also customize touch controls on each earbud (although there isn’t a function for volume control, which will hopefully be in a future update).
If you use Spotify, Spotify Tap is available and a great feature. It would be nice to see that integrated into other music apps, too.
There is also a battery preservation mode, which will maintain the life of your earbuds and case.
Tab 2
Basically an inventory of the devices Marshall currently manufactures
Tab 3
Basically the “legal stuff”
GAHokie –
Overall, I’m happy with these. The sound is good, the noise cancelling feature seems on par with others I’m familiar with and the look is what I’d expect from Marshall. I typically travel with an over-the-ear headphone. I like it because of long-term wear comfort and the runtime on a single charge. The drawback though is, with the case, they take up quite a bit of space in your bag. The case is a nice size on these and easily fits in your pocket. No worse than your house keys and car key fob. I haven’t had a chance to test the full extent of run time, but for a trip to the airport for a 1.5 hour flight, battery life obviously wasn’t an issue. For coast to coast or international flights, I’d stick with my over ears as they have 24+ hours of battery life on a charge. Charging is easy, via the USB-C port or wireless. The fit on these is comfortable once you fit with inserts best suit you. As mentioned, I haven’t had to wear them for more than two hours, so I’m not sure how comfortable they are yet if you’re pushing 5-6 hours. They sound on par with my over-ear, but I do think the over-ears provide better noise isolation which I think is an extra bit of advantage/boost for cancelling nuisance noise. I found the ANC effective. Transparency mode is weird though. When on, these seem to act more like microphones to pick up all the ambient noise and my music got drowned away. If I need to listen/hear someone, I’d rather to pause the music, which is easily done with a finger tap. That or remove a bud, as the music stops automatically when you do. Other features are also easy to access too via finger tap sequences. This is nice compared to having to find some switch/button on a tiny bud. An experience I’m used to with some other earbuds of mine. The app is okay, but doesn’t really offer much aside from setting your customer finger tap gesture. You can set the equalizer, but that can be done on iMusic too, so not as though you need the app to fully utilize these. Appearance wise, I’ve always loved the look of a knurl and the gold color cap on the bottom provides a nice color pop. I would recommend these to a friend as they are reasonably priced with decent performance. I don’t know that I would try to do anything too active with them, i.e.-get sweaty, though.
BHTurnow –
I have always loved Marshall products, but for musical instruments. I was hesitant to think Marshall could make earbuds that rival some of the leaders in the industry. I was happy to find out they hit a home run. First off, the packaging is top notch and very impressive. Includes everything you need to get going. Ear tips are included in different sizes for a custom fit. I love that this is USB-C. A short cable is included for charging. The case is well made and designed. Very rugged and sturdy. It has a slight grip to it which I love so it won’t slip out of your hands. The ear buds themselves say quality. You can feel the attention to detail when you hold them. They feel great and look excellent. They charged quickly. After pairing them with my phone, I was directed to download the Marshall App. Within minutes I was listening to my favorite tunes and they sounded great. The Marshall App has many features but my favorite is the equalizer. You can choose one of their presets or customize your own. The sound is bold and clear. The ANC is superior. It is on par with other top tier brands. I felt the sound was excellent and precise. The ear buds are comfortable and I experienced zero discomfort after hours of listening to music and radio. Up to 30 hours of total time with the rechargeable case. Overall I am very impressed with these earbuds. Marshall really came through and designed an excellent set of earbuds. Highly recommended.
AllAboutTech –
Verdict. The Marshall Motif II earbuds are a good option for active noise cancellation (ANC) earbuds with overall decent sound. However, the earbuds don’t feel as comfortable in my ears, bass quality could be better, and hear-through mode doesn’t work as well as I expected.
Initial impressions. Included in the box is a charging case (wireless charging capable), earbuds, a USB-C charging cable, and some additional ear foam size to ensure proper fit. The case looks nice and it has a nice feel to it. The earbuds are sleek. I love the color scheme on the case and earbuds. Setup was very easy, just like any other Bluetooth. Upon installation, I received a pop to inform me a Marshall app was available; I like that a lot. You don’t have to install it if you don’t want to, but now you don’t have to wonder if there is an app out there for your earbuds.
App. The app is well designed and easy to use. It allows for customization of the equalizer, touch controls, sound confirmation when you press the earbuds, auto-play/pause, ANC level, and hear-through level. Touch control customization is unfortunately limited to the prep-programed tap patterns, and you can’t switch tap patterns to other functions. Actually, the only interesting customization opportunity is to choose between noise control or volume. Touch control customization has become an important feature for me because every earbud brand comes with different controls, so it is useful to be able to customize touch controls to something you like and are familiar with, but also to make sure the functions you really need (like hear-through) are quickly accessible.
Features. The touch controls work well, and I really like the tone confirmation. Passive noise cancellation is just ok, even with the bigger ear foam option. ANC is ok, but could be better; I still hear noise that I feel I don’t hear from other earbuds. ANC seems to just increase the lows, and turning it off yields a flat sound. Hear-through doesn’t really work well for me, even at maximum transparency level in the app. There is no noticeable difference at higher volume when hear-through is turned on, but that is precisely when you need hear-through to work. The sound doesn’t go down and can’t really tell if the mics are turned on. This could probably be fixed with a software update. Battery life is advertised at 6 hours for the earbuds alone, and extended to 30 hours when recharged with the case.
Sound. Overall, the sound is good. The highs and mids are actually wonderful. However, I really can’t get much bass from these earbuds. Bass boost does not noticeably increase base level.
Working out. I used these earbuds for a 20-minute brisk walk and 10 min abb work out. They stay in the ears really well actually, better than the vast majority of earbuds I have tried. The earbuds are also IPX5 rated. I recommend them for working out.
Things I love:
– Stylish with cool color scheme
– Touch controls work well
– Auto play/pause is very convenient
– Great mid and highs
– Very easy setup, and thanks for letting me know there is an app
– USB-C Charging
– Multiple sizes of ear-foam pieces
– IPX5 rating (protection from water spray)
– Great battery life, and the case can charge wirelessly
– Excellent Bluetooth range; I measured range at about 100 feet
Things I don’t love:
– These are not super comfortable for my ears after about 30 min
– ANC is not as good as I expected. I still hear a lot of noise bleed through
– Hear-through doesn’t produce the required transparency
– Touch control customization is extremely limited
– Bass level is lacking
Overall, the Marshall Motif II are a good pair of earbuds. However, there are a few things I expected would be better, specially from a brand like Marshall; I think some of these may be software related, and could be fixed through an update. While I think that most people who buy these earbuds will love them, I think there are better options at this price range.
mibeal –
Marshall brand earbuds come in hot to the competition. They come with the usual assortment of small, medium and large earbuds. Not overly comfy but they do the job.
ANC is top notch and the passthrough hearing mode is also very well done depending on what you want to concentrate on.
Battery life is great around 5-6 hours of playtime and quick charge gets you back up and running in the music listening game within about 15 minutes. Case does wirelessly charge nicely.
Pairing the device is easy enough with the included instructions and they do support Multi Point so you can connect to multiple devices.
Sound quality is up there bass is heavy if you want it that way and everything can be tweaked and configured through the Marshall app on Android/Apple App store.
Overall I’m quite happy with them but I don’t think they can quite compete with Sony or Bose still, they still have an edge on the competition. I think Marshall can take 3rd place spot comfortably though with this entry.
blahnika –
I tend to have problems with ear buds, as they all fall out of my ears. So to my surprise, when I first put these in they actually stayed in! They come with a few different size tips, which many others do too, but these actually stay in. Besides them staying in, they are also comfortable and a nice small size so they are comfortable to use. The case is also nice as its small and feels well built, so I won’t worry about dropping it and scratching it.
For me I’ve been using the apple air pods with an iPhone so a lot of my comparison goes to that. If you’re using android or other earphones you might like these even more. Overall though I think they are very comparable and a good alternative to the apple ones. I like that you can use a USB-c or a wireless charger to get the case charged and then the headphones charged, and when you put them into the case they turn off and charge. I did download the app and set them up, and its pretty easy to flip the ANC or pass through in the app, though if you are on iPhone using apple product they build it into the system so it might be a little easier there.
From the sound perspective, these sound great. I like the built in equalizer that you get in the app and is already setup for you although if you want you can do it yourself too. And I used them on a few calls and they have a decent mic. The ANC noise canceling was ok, but nothing super good. I had them on and turned on and could hear someone talking to me in the same room, but considering these are earbuds it wasn’t too bad.
Overall I would recommend these as they are small and fit in your pocket in the case, and actually stay in at least my ear.
z4teen –
As I’m sitting here listening to the Marshall Motiff IIs, I’m reminded just how far headphone and earbud technology has come in the past few years. Great sound, light weight, charging cases, truly wireless earbuds — how much has been added in the past few years is amazing.
The Motiff IIs come from a long-respected audio manufacturer and build upon the original Motiffs. Marshall is known for their signature sound, which is definitely present in the Motiff IIs, as well as their stylish look and quality build. This is my second pair of Marshall-branded wireless headphones, but my first taste of their wireless earbuds.
Unboxing the Motiff IIs was straightforward, with quality packaging befitting the purchase price, and a bare minimum of plastic, which is great to see. The ‘phones come in the typical charging case, with three sizes of ear tips and a short USB C to A charging cable.
What immediately sets the Motiff IIs apart are the look and feel: these are some nifty looking ear buds. The charging case and headphones are primarily matte black with a leather texture that feels great in the hand and gives you a nice grip, which is important for something small that you take in and out of your ears. The ‘phones themselves are compact and lightweight and feature a nicely-textured short stalk, some stylish accents and a touch-sensitive surface on both units.
The ear tips are the typical round style, designed to tightly seal off your ear canals. This gives the best sound and noise suppression, but I’ve never been a particular fan of this type of fit. The large tips fit me best, and do seal very tightly. To my surprise, after the first few listening sessions, the tight seal no longer bothered me. The tight seal is in no way a negative, as the Motiff IIs fit like this on purpose.
Once I was used to the fit I found the earphones very comfortable and pretty secure. I did find myself having to adjust the ‘phones a few times during workouts, particularly when the gym was very warm and I was sweating. I do prefer earphones with wingtips for exercising but the Marshalls are more than capable of keeping up, and their water resistance means no worrying about sweat shorting them out.
And the sound? Excellent, by my accounts. I have to say I wasn’t the most impressed with my older pair of Marshalls, and I wondered how their warmer sound would translate to tiny earbuds. I’m happy to say they did a great job. The sound is warm but balanced, with bass at any volume level, and next-to-no distortion. I am definitely impressed with the Motiff IIs in this regard and didn’t find myself wanting to adjust the EQ in any way.
The other headlining feature of these ‘phones is the Active Noise Canceling, which Marshall says is improved from the last version. Here, too, I have been very impressed. With the tight ear canal seal and the ANC at full blast I found myself in a cocoon of silence, with just my tunes to keep me company. By chance my first visit to the gym found the HVAC malfunctioning, with a giant fan roaring away. I put the Marshalls in and they almost completely blocked the noise, to the point that I did a little jump when I took one out of my ear and the HVAC noise come back.
The real ANC test for me was a halfway-across-the-country flight for work, with more than 4 hours in the air each way. Here again the Motiff IIs impress, with the usual roar of the plane almost completely eliminated. I didn’t find myself needing to adjust the ‘phones or remove them at any time for comfort, which is not something I can say for the other headphones and earphones I own. The ANC capabilities were on full display here and I’m happy to say they performed admirably. Moreover, the sound quality did not take an appreciable hit, even with the ANC working hard. This, too, is not always guaranteed, and it was great to stil enjoy that signature Marshall sound while up in the air.
While the fit, finish, sound quality and style are top notch, I have to say I was let down a bit by the headphone controls, both physical and digital. The touch-sensitive controls on each earphone are unfortunately rather touch-y, and the combination of tapping and holding to activate some controls does not work reliably. The entire flat surface of each earphone seems to respond to touch, meaning adjusting the ‘phones usually set off one or more commands unintentionally. I also struggled to execute some of the tap-hold gestures successfully, specifically the Spotify Tap function, which I was looking forward to. I still haven’t figured out how to make that work.
The other letdown for me is the Marshall smart phone app, which I had hoped would be improved from when I first used it a few years ago. The app is generally fast and reliable, which is a good basis. But the interface, controls and options are beyond basic. It feels a bit like an afterthought of an app, even compared to other manufacturer’s companion apps. You can make basic changes to the Motiff II’s settings, and the EQ changes are fairly extensive, but many controls are either on/off or simple high/medium/low, which at this price point leaves me wanting more. For me, I want more granular ANC control, as the app slider is only three positions, with a notably large gap between high and medium. Great ANC can often come with the uncomfortable “ear suck” feeling, which can be alleviated by turning the level down, but on the Motiff IIs the “medium” setting makes the noise canceling notably worse. I would much prefer a more granular control of 1-5 or 1-10 levels like other headphones, where you can trade just a bit of ANC for less “ear suck.”
All that said, I really enjoy the Motiff IIs, and they’ve become my new daily drivers. They’re high-quality, sound great, have impressive ANC and are one of the most stylish pairs on the market. I love the unique look and the grippy textures, as well as the short stalk that makes the earbuds easier to handle. The warm, friendly Marshall signature sound is showcased well here, and the noise suppression abilities are truly impressive. The difficult to use touch controls and overly-basic app, however, are a bit of a letdown, and I think keep these ‘phones from top-tier status. I do hope both could be improved with software updates, and they’re not a reason to overlook the Motiff IIs, but unfortunately they cannot be fully overlooked.
GVHen –
I am really struggling to provide a star rating with the Marshall Motif II ANC earbuds for reasons I will go into. But bottom line is the sound is excellent, the controls are ok, but the noise cancellation is just not that good. I have owned and tried close to a dozen of bluetooth buds/headsets, and I use them in all conditions so I have a pretty good feel on how to judge them.
The packaging was nice and I really love the Marshall case. It does have sort of a faux lether texture. And the Marshall logo evoking the famous Marshall logo on amps is cool. The app seems pretty standard. Yes, the app has instructions which were ok. But what I didn’t like is it took a while to find the PDF of the instruction manual so I could download it to a PC and my phone and read it off line for reference. It’s there, but you have to dig. Marshal should make this more obvious, and I think the PDF manual could also be more detailed.
What turned out to be a pleasant surprise is that I did not mind the stems on the buds. I am an Android user, and I never liked the look of the Airpods and they seemed a bit unwieldy. But once I put in the largest ear tip, they stayed in my ears pretty decently. I used them during workouts (I do sweat a lot) and no problems keeping them in place. They are not as good as others I have had – but they are sufficient. I have also used them doing a lot of yard work (see below) with no issues either. For a premium product, I would think maybe 4 different sizes would be better though – I may go into my inventory of tips to see if I can get a better seal. And perhaps more sizes of tips would go a long way towards passive noise isolation which would be very important for these (see noise cancelling below)
Now onto the sound – and this is clearly the best part – the music sounds great. Out of the box, the sound is crisp and detailed, and unlike others, I think the bass is good. The user can configure the graphic equalizer to a custom mode – five different points (160 Hz, 400 Hz, 1 kHz, 2.5 kKHz, 6.25 kHz) to suit the bass/mid/treble taste to his/her liking. You can use the app to toggle between a stock “Marshall” mode and a mode with Bass Boost, Mid Boost, Treble Boost, Mid Reduction, or Custom. I know my preferances so I customized my equalizer, but I did try all the pre-set ones. Some were fine, including the Marshall setting, but I stayed with my custom settings. Since I mainly listen to Rock and Blues and some Jazz, I left it there for most of my critical testing.
The controls are ok. I have used models which gave you more control though. You cannot reconfigure the taps and they are the same on both ears. You can customize the press/hold on each ear, but you have to choose between noise controller, equilizer (setting 1 or 2), volume, voice assistant or do nothing. For my use, I have to choose volume. But that means I cannot choose noise control and I think that is very suboptimal. Marshall needs to figure out a way, like other manufacturers have, to be able to control playback, volume and noise/transparancy control SIMULTANEOUSLY. This should not be hard. Having said that and to be fair, you cannot do this with units from some other OEMs besides Marshall either.
Making/receiving phone calls was all very fine. I used them a number of times and had no issues.
What is lacking is the ANC noise reduction. I tested this in various scenarious including hair dryers, vaccuums and also a lawn mower engine and leaf blower (I did not get to travel on an airplane before I wrote this review). In all cases the Marshalls did not do a good job in blocking out noise. This is especially disapointing since Marshall advertised that this second generation of earbuds have much improved noise reduction than their first generation (which I have not tried). Again, I have used a number of earbuds from other manufacturers and can easily compare the ANC performance and without a doubt the Marshalls were not nearly as good as most of the others I’ve had. This, combined with the fact I cannot control ANC along with playback and volume controls simultaneously leaves me a bit disatisifed here – especially for a product priced along side some premium choices.
So with the disapointment in ANC, why do I still give these 4 stars? Simple – the sound is excellent. And at the end of the day, the weighting factor on the sound quality is larger than the ANC. So if you value sound quality and coolness factore, these could be for you. But know that the ANC may leave you disatisified.
Androidaholic –
I love the sound that the Marshall Motif II ANC Bluetooth earbuds produce. I feel like they are the best-sounding wireless earbuds I have now outpacing my Galaxy Buds Pro earbuds by a very noticeable amount. Using the Marshall EQ in the app really works well and when you raise the sliders up it adds a noticeable amount of volume. They get as loud as I want them to and then some. I had to dial them down a bit. Which is more than I can say for most wireless earbuds that leave me wanting more. I am very pleased with the sound output and the sound quality. Even when you turn these earbuds up loud they do not distort which amazed me. This is my first Marshall product and I am impressed because they have far exceeded my expectations of them. I have a lot of different Bluetooth earbuds of different styles and brands so for these to sound the best out of all of them is saying something. I am not sure how they managed to code their app to increase the sound and shape it so well but they did. I am always looking for an amplifier or volume booster with other ones but not these. They are also very comfortable to wear and form to my ears very good. They seem to have put a lot of engineering into these earbuds to make them fit and sound great! Another thing I noticed about them is the touch features are second to none and are very easy to use. There is a nice large area where you touch them that make using the controls simple along with their responsiveness. They sound great with phone calls as well. They are crystal clear with absolutely no complaints from people on the other end of the connection. Ther are a couple of things that bother me with them though. First, they keep turning on YouTube music all of the time for some reason when I pick them up or take them out of the case. Not sure yet if I can somehow turn that off or not. The other thing is the battery life is not that great even when I am just wearing them during the day they only last half a day or a little more which should not be the case when they are not even being used for calls or media that much. They always die on me and I have to go get some different ones. It would be nice if they could get more standby time out of them somehow. Perhaps they can do a software update to remedy these issues somehow. The only other thing is even the largest earbuds in the set are not really big enough for my ears and they fall out fairly easy if I lean over. Other earbuds of this type do this as well but some tighter-fitting earbuds would help. Overall thes eare some great wireless earbuds. They just need a little refinement to improve upon the aforementioned issues. I would still recommend them though to a music enthusiast just not for someone looking for all-day earbuds.
OwNowBrownCow –
First of all, these are just cool. As a musician, I am familiar with the brand. I love the look of the case and the earbuds. They look extremely well made and like they will last for a long time. Typically I cannot wear earbuds like these because they fall out of my ears, but for some reason, these stay in and are actually comfortable. I enjoy the little guitar sounds it makes when the earbuds on turned on and off. They are also really sensitive to touch commands. The noise cancelling feature is great when I use these at work…almost too great. I get a little carried away with these and go off into my own little world. I kind of forget that my office door is open and people are trying to talk to me. Haha. Anyway these truly are a great buy. I use them for video calls with my coworkers and they said the call sounded crisp and clear. The only negative thing I can say about these was that I had trouble connecting them to my computer at first. Connecting to my phone was super easy, and actually, the Marshall app just popped right up as soon as I turned on bluetooth. Finding and connecting them to my computer, however, was not as easy but I figured it out.
bd43274 –
the good:
– sound quality – At this price point, these earbuds sound outstanding. Rich, detailed, and balanced, and plenty of volume.
– battery life – 6 hours initial plus additional 30 hours (up to 43 with noise cancelling turned off) with case
– comfort – I’ve used these as my daily driver for over a week now. No issues leaving them in for long listening sessions while working.
– design – Understated black rugged plastic, for those non-Apple fans who don’t care for the all white ecosystem.
the bad:
– call quality – Call quality was hit or miss in my experience. Some portions of my test calls sounded fine, others met with complaints of sounding like I was in a tunnel.
– single point connectivity – One major drawback for me is that I can’t move from device to device very quickly with these as they can only be connected to one device at a time. Not mission critical for some, a bit of a pain for others.
– no volume control – Again, not a huge issue, but not having volume control on the earbud means you have to go back to the source device to adjust volume.
– touch controls a little clumsy – The controls work well enough, but I found myself hitting them accidentally from time to time if I need to adjust anything.
misc:
– ANC – ANC wasn’t necessarily on par with other leading buds, but still pretty good.
– app – Basic customization for EQ and touch controls.
overall:
Overall, these feel like a solid 4.5 stars, but at this price point the sound quality really does outweigh any minor negatives in my opinion. They certainly not perfect, but since I can’t give half stars I’ll round up to 5.
bradrobster –
Marshall’s reputation is well known for high quality audio for years. These noise cancelling ear buds look amazing with their leather look case and sleek design.
Initial setup was a breeze. I must say that many ear buds that I have tried don’t always get discovered and paired easily but these are the exception. I am not an fruit guy, I have always had the Android leader as my phone. As soon as I popped open the case, my phone saw then and prompted for a quick and easy setup.
I found them very comfortable with the existing ear tips, but they do come with several sizes that you can easily change out.
Sound quality, this is where Marshall’s excel. I honestly think the purity of the sound of these exceeds many higher end over the ear headphones. That’s a big statement but the stereo separation on these is amazing, they truly give an expansive sound. J ust go listen to “Fly me to the Moon” from Frank Sinatra and WOW, you will see what I am saying. It’s like being there in person.
Now, to be honest, the ANC when first put on with no music is not the greatest. It’s just above average but once you start playing your music, any outside noise disappears completely. Bottom line, they do the job and do it well, especially when playing. Just listen to “Baby I love your Way” from Peter Frampton Live. Yeah, you will see. After that, slip into a bit of “Do you feel like we Do (Live)”. Turn them up on some of the solo guitar riffs and you will see what I mean. You will be sold on these!
I would highly recommend these as setup was probably the easiest of any recent earbuds that I have tried. I have yet to try these as phone ear buds but if the experience is as good or better than my music experience, then wow…Great investment.
Samson –
I have used Marshall earbuds over other brands for a few years now and have always been impressed and happy with their performance, and sound. Adding in active noise cancelling and a better fit, and I’m very happy! The problem with my old set of Marshall earbuds was the slipped out of my ears so often because they didn’t have the soft tip to really “stick” in my ear. So it would often fall out, even while working at a desk.
With these earbuds, the active noise cancellation has worked flawlessly. I’ve enjoyed wearing them while at the office, while cooking, and working out and don’t have any complaints! They come with a few sizes of tips to ensure a tight fit and I haven’t experienced them falling out yet. One of my favorite parts of these earbuds is that I can turn off the “touch” feature on the earbuds in the app. On my old Marshall earbuds, I couldn’t turn them off. So any time I would need to push them back in my ear to make sure they didn’t fall out, it would pause my audio, or even hang up if I was on a call. The app has more features to really customize these earbuds for the user. I’m an iPhone user and just got the new iPhone 15, but I use these earbuds over airpods everyday.
yogabear –
I have come to enjoy and trust Marshall consumer products. I grew up knowing that Marshall made great amps and speakers. I have two Bluetooth speakers from this company and absolutely love them. Out of the packaging, I noticed the same rubberized style covering as the latest speaker I have which is a nice touch for the brand. This does serve a purpose as it makes the charging case very secure in the hand for opening, closing, removing and replacing the buds. The case also supports wireless charging, for me a dream come true!! You can also pair two devices to them which is handy if you want to work and play with the same ear pieces
Pairing and setting up is quite straightforward. The accompanying app is actually quite useful to access all the features and to fine tune the various questers you will use to control the buds and your phone. There are some cool features such as Ear Detect. This is a sensor inside each earbud detecting when they are inside the ear. This means they will automatically pause and restart as you use them.
The equalizer feature allows you to customize the sound for any kind of music. I listen to a broad range of sound, from phone calls, video and music. It is nice to be able to make specific adjustments or choose one of the preset options.
The noise canceling is really good. In fact I need to use my over the ear headphones that cost over twice as much as these to get better noise canceling effect. The icing on the cake is that you can adjust the noise canceling to that you can be aware of your surroundings like when you are in the gym or biking etc…
Using them for calls is also very good. Crisp clean audio for both me and whoever I am speaking with.
Ultimately the sound is the most important thing here and these are truly amazing. Rich deep bass, clear mid and high range make the listening experience a joy!
knamed2016 –
I did like these ear buds. They sound good, they feel good, and last like you would expect. The only real complaint I had is something that most ear buds have issues with and that is the lows in the sound. The overall sound even with the eq software is to me a bit tinny. I honestly have read other reviews and just don’t know if maybe mine were not a good pair. I’m not sure, but otherwise they sound and look great. The case has a great feel and keeps the extra charges which is nice and installation was extremely easy. I was happy that they were USB C for charging and they did charge rather quickly overall. The feel and look is in line with the brand and would not disappoint a brand loyalist. The noise canceling is great and functions really well. I could not hear the ambient noises or outside noises. Noise cancelling was probably one of the best in a product of this size. I have a large head and ears, these were very comfortable for me to wear. The included charging cable was a little short for my liking but worked perfectly.
Ariana –
I had Bose before but i like this one much better the sound is immaculate.
Clee –
Marshall knows how to do audio. Sound is great, and the active noise canceling feature works great.
Superb –
I was thinking on buying apple earpods but when i bump into the marshalls i didn’t even bother on looking at that apple anymore. The marshalls are way more better than apple in sound and looks. Happy with the purchase.
Travis –
Great experience. These headphones are worth every dollar.