Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Marshall’s Major III headphones crank up audio quality, keep classic design

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Marshall’s first take on its Major headphones weren’t as impressive as we expected, but the company remedied that with the Major II. Not only did the second generation deliver on the promise of the original headphones, but they also introduced a wireless model. Now Marshall is delivering its latest iteration of the line with the Major III headphones, which is available in both wired and wireless models.

At first glance, you’d be forgiven for assuming that not much has changed in the Marshall Major III headphones, but the company just didn’t want to mess with the classic look it had established with the earlier iterations. The updated Major III headphones pack in new 40mm drivers that the company says have been carefully tuned for improved audio performance over the Major II, with a clear, more defined sound that doesn’t sacrifice when it comes to low-end thump.

Recommended Videos

If you’re the type that has headphones on for most of the day, you’ll be glad to hear that the new Major III includes updated ear cushions for a fit that is more comfortable and stays that way for longer listening sessions. The headphones have also been re-engineered with a straight fit headband and slimmer hinges for a less bulky look. The outer part of the headphones has been given real vinyl details, making the headphones look and even feel more similar to the classic amps and speaker cabinets that the Marshall name has been known for since the 1960s.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

The wireless version of the Major III headphones features Bluetooth with aptX, as did the last wireless model, and that’s not the only thing you’ll be glad hasn’t changed. One of the strongest aspects of the Major II Wireless was the 30-hour battery life, and that remains intact on the Major III headphones, meaning you’ll be able to listen for a long time without searching for a charging cable.

The Marshall Major III headphones are available now at retailers and via the company’s website, with the wired model selling for $80 and the wireless model going for $150. If these headphones aren’t exactly your cup of tea, be sure to take a look at our list of the best headphones that are currently available.

Kris Wouk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
Marshall Major IV headphones boast an absurd 80 hours of battery
marshall major iv release headphones 1

The best pairs of headphones make you never want to take them off. With the kind of battery Marshall’s new set is packing, you may never have to.

Marshall has announced the Major IV, a $150 pair of wireless headphones that claim to deliver 80-plus hours of playback. The new cans will be immediately available for pre-order, with an official release date of October 14.

Read more
Sonos headphones coming soon? Patent reveals possible designs and features
Sonos Wireless Headphones Patent Illustration

We've been eagerly awaiting more details on Sonos' wireless headphone plans ever since Bloomberg let it be known in January 2019 that the multiroom audio company was actively developing them. Now, almost two years later, we have our first look at the designs thanks to a recently awarded patent from the United States Patent Office (USPO).

Buried within the 45-page patent document are drawings that illustrate two possible headphone designs -- one that uses a single-sided earcup fork, similar to a Bowers and Wilkins PX7 or Microsoft Surface Headphones 2, and another that uses what appears to be a forkless approach that reminds us a lot of the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.

Read more
Beats Studio Pro hit a low price ever during Cyber Week
Beats Studio Pro, folded, in front of case.

The Beats Studio Pro are a great set of noise-canceling headphones. I liked them enough that even at their regular price of $350, I gave them a 3.5/5 in my full review. But with a wild Cyber Monday deal that seems to be sticking around for Cyber Week, that drops their price by 42% to just $200, I'm sorely tempted to give them a much higher score.

If you're already a Beats fan, you don't need me to tell you that the Studio Pro look great. The sleek, fully integrated headband gives these cans one of the lowest profiles in the headphone world. It's not just for show -- the Studio Pro offer an excellent balance of comfort and stability. I'm not a big fan of using full-size, over-ear headphones at the gym or while running, but if that's your bag, the Studio Pro are probably the right way to go.

Read more