Marshall launches affordable on-ear headphones with active noise cancellation

Marshall has introduced a new pair of on-ear headphones that combine the company’s signature amplifier-inspired design with active noise cancellation technology. The new Milton A.N.C. headphones are positioned as the brand’s most affordable noise-cancelling model to date, priced at US$229.

The launch marks a notable step for Marshall, as active noise cancellation is still relatively uncommon in on-ear headphones compared with over-ear models. The company aims to appeal to listeners who want a more compact design without sacrificing features usually found in larger premium headphones.

The Milton A.N.C. headphones are available to buy immediately through Marshall’s sales channels and selected retailers.

Marshall focuses on compact design and long battery life

The Milton A.N.C. headphones continue Marshall’s established visual style, featuring a textured finish and details inspired by classic guitar amplifiers. The company has used similar design cues in previous audio products, helping its headphones stand out in a crowded consumer market.

While the appearance draws heavily on Marshall’s musical heritage, the company has also focused on portability. The on-ear format offers a smaller, lighter alternative to traditional over-ear headphones, which may appeal to commuters and travellers seeking a more compact option.

One of the key selling points of the Milton A.N.C. headphones is battery performance. Marshall claims the headphones can deliver up to 50 hours of playback with active noise cancellation enabled. With the feature switched off, battery life reportedly extends to 60 hours on a single charge.

The company has also included a user-replaceable battery, a feature that remains relatively rare in wireless headphones. The approach could help extend the product’s lifespan and reduce electronic waste, at a time when manufacturers are under growing pressure to improve repairability and sustainability.

Marshall has not positioned the headphones as a budget product in the wider consumer electronics market. However, within the premium noise-cancelling category, the US$229 price tag places the Milton A.N.C. model below several competing flagship headphones from larger audio brands.

New features include Find My support and spatial audio

Marshall has equipped the Milton A.N.C. headphones with a range of modern audio and connectivity features. Alongside active noise cancellation, the headphones include a transparency mode that lets outside sounds in without removing the device.

The model also supports spatial audio, a feature that creates a more immersive listening experience by simulating multidirectional sound. Spatial audio has become increasingly common across premium headphones and streaming platforms in recent years as manufacturers compete to improve media playback experiences.

Inside the headphones are 32mm dynamic drivers, which deliver audio across music, video, and voice content. Marshall said the headphones are also compatible with LDAC, a high-resolution audio technology that allows supported devices to stream audio at higher quality over Bluetooth connections.

Another notable addition is compatibility with Find My services on both iOS and Android devices. According to Marshall, this is the first time the company has included built-in tracking support across its headphone range.

The feature could help users locate misplaced headphones via smartphone tracking systems, a feature increasingly common in wireless consumer devices. The addition reflects growing demand for integrated location tracking as portable electronics shrink and become easier to lose.

Marshall expands its position in the premium audio market

The release of the Milton A.N.C. headphones comes as competition in the wireless audio sector intensifies. Major technology and audio companies have increasingly focused on premium features such as active noise cancellation, spatial audio and high-resolution wireless streaming to attract consumers.

On-ear headphones represent a smaller segment of the market than over-ear headphones and true wireless earbuds. However, the category still attracts users seeking a balance between portability and sound performance. By introducing active noise cancellation in an on-ear design, Marshall is targeting a relatively underserved part of the market.

The company appears to be balancing premium features with a lower entry price than rivals. Although US$229 remains a significant purchase for many consumers, the price puts the headphones in a more accessible position than some flagship alternatives that cost considerably more.

Marshall has built a strong identity around its music heritage and amplifier-inspired styling, and the Milton A.N.C. headphones continue that approach. The launch also highlights how audio manufacturers are increasingly combining retro-inspired designs with modern software and wireless technologies.

With features including long battery life, replaceable components and built-in tracking support, the Milton A.N.C. headphones are designed to compete in a market where consumers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, durability and everyday usability.