The Marshall Monitor IIIs are my favorite headphones — and they're currently $30 off
As a reviews writer at Tom's Guide, I test some of the best over-ear headphones and other audio gear — and nothing makes me happier than a set of cans that not only sounds great but is extremely comfortable too. The Marshall Monitor IIIs are one such set. They look fantastic, they sound even better, and they're currently $30 off at Amazon U.S.
I use the Monitor IIIs every day and everywhere — on the bus to and from work, while chilling on the couch, on busy trains, you name it. I don't think I've tried a comfier set of cans. I'd highly recommend them at their full retail price, so the $30 discount is too good to pass up.
A great internal upgrade to Marshall's already impressive noise canceling, bringing a slate of new features to the table. They're comfortable, sound great, and fold up smaller than any other pair of noise-canceling headphones that money can buy.
Ever since I ditched my earbuds for them a few months ago, my ears have been beaming with joy, for a few reasons. First of all, their plush leather earcups sit snugly around my ears, and having worn them for eight straight hours at a point, I can confidently say they never hurt my ears — or make them too hot. The leatherette headband with the silicon band also helps relieve pressure on my head.
The main event, of course, is the sound quality, because what good is a pair of headphones if it doesn't sound astonishingly fantastic? Fret not because the Monitor IIIs don't let you down in the audio department, and listening to them once lets you know loud and clear why Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong is their ambassador.
Basslines (even distorted ones) sound thumping and powerful in songs like 'Come Around' by 070 Shake and 'Money' by Pink Floyd, while backing vocals are balanced well alongside the fronts in 'The Contract' by Twenty One Pilots and 'Let You Fade' by Linkin Park. And of course, the Monitor IIIs' 100-hour battery life (ANC off) will have you jamming to your favorite tunes for hours and hours.
Like I mentioned up top, I'd pay full price for the Monitor IIIs any day. The ANC is highly effective, the battery life is ridiculously epic, music sounds stupidly good, and they're extremely comfortable.
And you too can experience all of these features at a lower price as the headphones are currently $30 off at Amazon U.S. — but I can't imagine this deal will last for long so best to snap it up as soon as possible!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tom's Guide
18 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth it? Tom's Guide's readers have spoken
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been out for two weeks and has already sold an astonishing 3.5 million units worldwide. That's no small feat considering its lofty $449 asking price and the difficulty of finding Nintendo Switch 2 restocks. Right now, Nintendo's latest handheld/console hybrid is a hit, but does it live up to the hype? I recently wrote an article discussing how I've grown bored with the Nintendo Switch 2, one week after its launch. Though the system addresses almost every technical issue I had with the original Nintendo Switch, I'm disappointed by the lack of Switch 2 exclusives and the abundance of third-party games that are years old. Yes, I'm stoked for Donkey Kong Bananza, but for the moment, there's not a lot for me to play on Switch 2. That article received a lot of comments, so we decided to gather our readers' opinions on the Switch 2 for this article. On our Facebook and Instagram accounts, we asked folks what they thought of Nintendo's console two weeks later. We also selected a handful of comments from some of our other Switch 2 articles to get a fuller sense of how people felt. Not surprisingly, opinions are mixed. Here's what Tom's Guide's readers have to say about the Nintendo Switch 2. Walmart's Switch 2 product page is live, and the mega retailer has been one of the most frequent sources of Switch 2 restock since the console's launch in early June. On June 25th, Walmart will have restocks starting at 9 pm ET for Walmart+ members and 10 pm ET for everyone else. Mario Kart Bundle: $499 @ Walmart While the Switch 2 doesn't yet have a robust selection of brand-new games and is more expensive than its predecessor, many of our readers are pleased with the new system. Between Mario Kart World and revisiting Switch 1 games with smoother framerates and faster loading times, the Switch 2 is keeping me pretty busy. - Daniel (post commenter) 'I'm happy with it,' says one Facebook user. 'Maybe I could have waited until there were more exclusives, but for me, it was even important to play improved Switch 1 titles. And there are so many titles running much better on Switch 2. Mario Kart World is also great, even if you see that it's an unfinished game where more is to come over the months and years.' This reader also said they are looking forward to playing Donkey Kong Bananza and a potential new Zelda title. Similarly, a commenter in our forum said they think of the Switch 2 as an investment for the future.' Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Another comment said they didn't regret their purchase because of their experience with most Nintendo consoles since the GameCube. 'I knew exactly what I was signing up for and adjusted my expectations accordingly,' they said. 'One or two early killer apps surrounded by ports of third-party games of yesteryear, plus the occasional JRPG sleeper hit or two.' So, which games are Switch 2 users playing right now? Based on feedback, folks are playing a mix of Switch 2 and Switch 1 titles. One commenter said they 'bought the Switch 2 specifically for local multiplayer games with friends, and it has been very fun. 4-player Switch Sports bowling/golf, Mario Kart, Mario Party Jamboree, and Mario Brothers Wonder have been some early favorites.' 'Between Mario Kart World and revisiting Switch 1 games with smoother framerates and faster loading times, the Switch 2 is keeping me pretty busy.' Most of the comments we've seen are generally positive, but some folks regret buying the Switch 2. 'I was bored of it after a few hours,' said one user. 'I haven't touched the thing in days. Maybe if it were my only access to gaming, I'd be more inclined to use it. But my PC and Steam Deck offer a vastly superior gaming experience in nearly every way.' 'Yep, I feel exactly the same,' said another user. 'I almost regret buying one at this point. Looking forward to a year or two down the road, but it's mostly going to go unused until then. Very underwhelming.' 'Putting out new hardware to tap pent-up demand for an upgrade without a decent software library to support it seems like a cynical cash grab,' said another commenter. An Instagram follower shared their thoughts on Switch 2 as a piece of hardware, saying it's a 'great piece of kit with many improvements, but the battery and the finishing aren't great at all.' They also said the 'Joy-Cons wobble and creak.' We haven't seen comments discussing that last part, so it might be unique to that reader. As I said, I received a lot of comments from my post, with most disagreeing with my opinion. That said, even the folks who disagreed were generally respectful and articulated their thoughts well. Here is one of the best takes from someone with a different view from mine: 'I don't want to say this perspective is worthless,' said the reader. 'But it was facilitated by a dismissal of what the S2 currently has to offer (I mostly bought at launch for better performance on S1 titles, upgrade packs, and GameCube), a misunderstanding of MKW's main appeal (which, despite the open world, is still pretty obviously racing), and a disinterest in engaging with anything besides exclusives (which is fair, but the lack there of will be moot by year's end — which is probably when your demographic should've considered buying the thing).' The demographic that this reader brings up is folks like me who own a current-gen gaming console like a PS5 and/or a gaming PC. Some of the other folks who agree with me are also in the same boat. To that end, the reader above is correct when saying that if you already own another gaming system, the Switch 2 might not be that appealing for the moment. One of the points I brought up in my article is that the Switch 2 currently doesn't have many first-party titles and that most games are third-party, which have been available on other platforms for years. 'Just a bunch of games that I can already play somewhere else. What was the point of the Switch 2 again?" - Muhahahahaz (post commenter) We saw commenters who shared this opinion in a piece written by my colleague Rory Mellon titled I've played 8 Nintendo Switch 2 launch games — here's the 3 I'd buy first (Mario Kart World isn't one of them). 'Those aren't launch games,' said one commenter. 'I can play Cyberpunk 2077 on my PS5 for cheaper with better graphics. I already have BoTW and ToTK on my Switch 1 OLED. Switch 2 ports aren't launch games.' Another person shared a similar sentiment, saying, 'just a bunch of games that I can already play somewhere else. What was the point of the Switch 2 again?' '$450 on hardware and $80 a game for titles I already own and have played at higher resolution on better platforms? Yeah, no, thank you,' said another commenter. 'I'm not interested in an $80 1080p version of Cyberpunk, Hogwarts, or any of the others. A $10 mini game collection is a must-have on a new $450 console? LOL. You have to be pulling my leg!' Hardware-wise, the Nintendo Switch 2 offers many meaningful updates over its predecessor. Its larger size and heavier weight make it feel more premium, and its 7.9-inch 1080p 120Hz display allows games to look and run like a dream. Games also appear fantastic on 4K TVs when the system is docked. While technologically impressive, the Switch 2 is lacking when it comes to exclusives. That's going to change over time, but right now, you won't miss much if you decide to purchase the system at a later time. This is as true for Switch 2 as it is with all launch systems. That said, many folks are enjoying their Switch 2 for what it currently provides. Mario Kart World can be a huge (and fun) time sink, and it can be worth firing up old Switch games to see how they run on the system. And if the original Switch was your primary gaming console, you now have a chance to check out some awesome third-party games you might have missed out on. Whether you own a Switch 2 or aren't interested, let us know in the comments below! We'd love to hear what you have to say.
Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
If I had to start my camera setup from scratch, I'd pick these 5 cameras and drones — here's why
I'm a reviews writer here at Tom's Guide, which means I get to test the latest and greatest in tech — and that includes the best mirrorless cameras and the best drones. While it fills me with joy to test these über-cool gadgets, I'm always sad when the loan units get sent back. So this morning I woke up and asked myself, "If money weren't an object, which three cameras and drones would be part of my setup?" It didn't take a lot of time for five names to pop up in my head. It all came down to which cameras I was saddest to see being picked up by the courier — almost like the 'ex-rule' for cleaning, in a way. The five cameras I thought of — the Sony A1 II, the Fujifilm X-T50, the DJI Neo, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, and the Fujifilm Instax mini 12 — would fulfil all of my shooting needs for different genres. So, without further ado, look into my mind for a second and see my vision. It's so funny that I'm including the Fujifilm X-T50 on this list because I literally bought it for myself last week — yes, around the same time the X-E5 was announced and I do not regret it. The X-T50 is a stunning camera, and even if I started my kit setup from scratch, I'd keep it in my arsenal. Its autofocus system is mighty fast, its 5-axis IBIS (up to 7 stops) works extremely well, and it takes stunning photos with its 40.2MP sensor. The Fujifilm X-T50 succeeds and improves on the X-T30 II, and it packs a punch with a huge 40.2MP sensor, excellent in-body image stabilization and reliable autofocus. Its biggest selling point is the new film simulation dial for maximum creativity. One of the things I love most about my latest possession is its film simulation dial, which lets you quickly swap between tailored color profiles for any and all shooting situations. The X-T50 packs other goodies too. It's got a 1.84M-dot touchscreen, which is very bright and detailed, there's a built-in flash for low-light, and it can shoot RAW photos. For portraits, landscapes, casual wildlife, street, travel, what-have-you, the X-T50 would be (and is) my go-to. The DJI Neo is one of my favorite drones — it's the first drone I reviewed from Tom's Guide, so I have a soft spot for it. I would, of course, keep the DJI Mavic 4 Pro in my backpack, and I'll talk about that in a second, but I'd also like a no-frills drone that I can just whip out to take some quick, short-form videos. A lightweight, compact, and minimalist drone, the DJI Neo is a fantastic option that can shoot 4K footage at 30fps, capture detailed stills, and remain stable in challenging conditions. Easy to control with the new RC-N3 controller or the DJI Fly app on a smartphone, the Neo makes drone photography more accessible thanks to its low price point. That's because the Neo doesn't really require a controller for flying. You can toggle QuickShot intelligent flight modes via the button on its body, and the drone will record short videos and return to its takeoff position. It can follow, circle, spotlight, and lots more. The Neo also captures 4K/30fps footage and 12MP photos, which is great for a drone this small (and cheap). While I'd use the Mavic 4 Pro for serious shooting, I'd use the Neo for fun when I'm out and about with my friends and family. It weighs next to nothing, too, at 4.76 ounces, so it's not like it would ever weigh me down. If money were no object (I wish), I'd break out the big guns. The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is the "big guns" in question here. I haven't stopped thinking of this mighty powerful drone ever since I tested it. It's the only drone (and one of four products) I've given a full 5-star rating to so far, as it's the most powerful consumer drone yet. The DJI Mavic 4 Pro improves on its predecessor by introducing 6K/60fps video, 100MP stills powered by a Hasselblad camera, and a brand new RC Pro 2 controller that makes flying a breeze. With a long flight time and 5-star performance across the board, it's the ideal drone for commercial and personal use, as long as you don't mind the weight restrictions. The Mavic 4 Pro doesn't give you much to complain about. With 6K/60fps video capabilities and a 100MP Hasselblad camera that takes extremely detailed photos, it's the only drone you need for capturing ridiculously stunning footage. I don't mind its heavy weight either, I'll go to the gym five days a week just so I can carry this drone and all the other cameras in my backpack. The RC Pro 2 controller, which is super bright and detailed with a 2000-nits touchscreen, also makes the Mavic 4 Pro a breeze to fly. Unfortunately, the Mavic 4 Pro isn't currently available in the U.S., but if you're in the U.K. and are a drone pilot, I'd highly recommend investing in one. If you know me or have kept up with my camera coverage at Tom's Guide, you'll know I love animals, and I often photograph birds of all kinds when I'm testing a camera. I consider myself a fairly decent wildlife photographer, which is why I'd pick the Sony A1 II with its stupidly intelligent autofocus system and sharp image quality. The A1 II has a very intelligent auto focusing system with new Auto subject-detection, and 8.5 stops of IBIS. It takes stunning 50.1MP photos, clear 4K and 8K videos, and boasts a long battery life. It's built really well and feels great to handle with a detailed viewfinder that ensures you don't miss any action-packed moment in sports or wildlife photography. When it comes to tracking fast-moving subjects, the A1 II never lets you down. That's thanks to its rapid autofocus system, which uses Real-time Recognition AF and Real-time Tracking to reliably follow humans. There's also a new Auto subject-detection mode at play here, which removes the need to switch between AF detection modes. The A1 II's massive 50.1MP sensor captures plenty of detail for extreme cropping, and when combined with the 30fps burst shooting (for up to 153 raw images and with pre-capture), the camera becomes an absolute beast. I love this camera, and if the opportunity arises, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. Here's another fun one I would have in my kitbag: the Fujifilm Instax mini 12. I love testing the best instant cameras and eagerly waiting for the photos to develop. The Instax mini 12 is one of the best cameras I've tested, as it's extremely easy to use and takes great photos with plenty of detail. The Fujifilm Instax mini 12 is an extremely easy-to-use instant camera that takes bright and detailed photos, even in low light. It comes with a handy app to scan and share your prints, a selfie mirror and a close-up mode for more versatile shots. There's a lot to love about this camera, aside from the print quality. The battery life is great, the aesthetic is cute and fun, and there's a useful app for scanning prints too. There's also a selfie mirror and a dedicated close-up mode that lets you, say, focus on a flower. In my imaginary kitbag, I'd love to have the Instax mini 12 as it's a fun camera that, like the DJI Neo, I can just take out of my backpack, take a photo and put it back in — no complicated processes here. And there you have it! If money were no object, the five aforementioned cameras and drones are what I would include in my kitbag. What camera gear, big or small, would you have in yours? Let me know in the comments!
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I tried Amazon's best-selling headphone sleep mask — and it's my new favorite travel companion
I've been a diehard eye mask user for over a decade now and I credit masks with transforming my sleep. I can drop off pretty much anywhere thanks to the super-cheap eye mask I take on every single trip. The humble eye mask needs no improvement in my opinion but as a sleep writer I'm always trying things to help my rest, whether that's the joy of testing the best mattress for my sleep style or the misery of taping my mouth shut. And I was intrigued by the concept of headphone sleep masks, which use Bluetooth speakers to combine light blocking with immersive sound. After several nights of testing the sleep mask I've been pleasantly surprised and I might have found a new must-have for my carry-on. Headphone sleep masks are pretty self-explanatory — this is an eye mask with integrated headphones. There are numerous options available on Amazon but MUSICOZY is by far the most popular (the eye mask I opted for has upwards of 18,000 reviews, largely positive.) From the front, the MUSICOZY looks like almost any other blackout eye mask, apart from the control panel in the middle. Tucked inside the mask are two thin speakers, designed to sit over the ear. Using a Bluetooth connection, you can pair your mask to your phone, pumping music into your ear while you sleep without disrupting your comfort. MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones Bluetooth Headband: from $29.99 Amazon US / £25.99 Amazon UKEstablished in 2012, MUSICOZY sells Bluetooth sleep masks to customers in both the US and UK. Available in a range of colors (as well as a few different styles, for different face shapes) the MUSICOZY mask uses breathable materials to prevent overheating while the adjustable strap allows you to tighten the mask to a perfect fit. My first thought after putting the MUSICOZY sleep mask was "wow, this is dark." That's a good thing. The primary goal of any eye mask is, in my opinion, to block out light. If it can't, it's not a good eye mask regardless of whatever else it has to offer. Next came the set-up. Okay, I took the MUSICOZY off my head for this but honestly? I could have done most of it in the dark. Only three buttons are needed to activate the MUSICOZY and they're intuitive to use. I paired the mask quickly to my phone and after minimal fussing, music was pumping through the speakers. Admittedly the sound quality isn't fantastic. We review the best headphones at Tom's Guide and I doubt the MUSICOZY would crack the top 100. But that's less of an issue that you might expect. For white noise, soothing sleep sounds and calming background music, the MUSICOZY's sound quality is good enough. Then it was time to go to sleep. MUSICOZY promises the headphone eye mask is designed for side sleepers. After a bit of wiggling I managed to get ear, mask and speaker into a semi-comfortable position. However, with my left ear pressed against the speaker, the music was significantly louder on one side and after a full night lying on the MUSICOZY, my left ear was sore in the morning. Which is why I probably won't be using the MUSICOZY every night. But I will be using it next time I travel — it's ideal for helping you sleep on the go. I have a multi-hour road trip coming up (as a passenger) and I can't wait to strap the MUSICOZY to my face and completely disengage from everyone else in the car. Here's why... I tried the MUSICOZY eye mask in bright sunshine and dark night and the effect was the same: pitch black. The interior of the headband features padded molding around the eye with a soft nose barrier that can be prodded into place for total blackout. At the back, a Velcro band allows you to secure the eye mask tightly around your face, for no slipping no matter how much you toss and turn. On public transport, the MUSICOZY can effectively block out other passengers (even if they are your own family). High tech sleep aids can often be needlessly complicated but the MUSICOZY is small, sleek and easy to fit in your hand luggage (it even comes with its own pouch). It also looks like any other sleep mask, meaning you won't feel self-conscious about strapping it to your face. And it charges via USB-C (cable included), which means you can power up just about anywhere. With the mask blocking out light and music playing right into your ears, the MUSICOZY is suitably enveloping. In my bedroom, it was like being tucked up in a cozy cocoon. The effect is likely to be diminished in a public place but it should still help you block out the often unwelcome presence of total strangers when traveling. And once you've reached your destination, the MUSICOZY can help a hotel feel like home. If you're someone who struggles to fall asleep in new places, the combination of blackout and surround sound will help you feel like you're tucked up in your usual bed. The biggest point in favor of the MUSICOZY is that it succeeds as an eye mask, blocking out light and staying secure on your face as you sleep. As a headphone set, the MUSICOZY isn't great. But at under $30 that's not a surprise and the sound quality is best described as fine. Admittedly I'm not much of an audio snob, but I could listen to my favorite songs happily. And as someone who used to burn through cheap earbuds, I've experienced worse. Side sleepers and back sleepers should feel comfortable in the MUSICOZY, although it's best suited for back sleepers. This is standard for almost any high-tech eye mask, however, so it's not a point against the MUSICOZY. But in my opinion, the MUSICOZY excels as a travel companion. Light, comfy and immersive, it helps you block out all the other people on your long-haul flight. It's also affordable and while some users have found the battery ages poorly, it should still get you through several holiday weekends with the family...
