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The popularity of the best true wireless earbuds has forced manufacturers of classic models to adapt to market realities. The Marshall brand is no exception, but they have managed to maintain their individuality in pursuit of trends. A notable example of this is the Minor III Bluetooth wireless earbuds. But is there anything else in the wireless earphones besides style? Let’s find out in this Marshall Minor III review below:
Design
Marshall designers did not puzzle the design: we have classic wireless earbuds with a branded body kit. The plastic cases are painted in jet black, against which snow-white logos shine. On the legs, they made a texture that refers to analog volume controls in amplifiers, and there are decorative gold-colored overlays on the bottom.
The build quality is excellent: the Bluetooth wireless earbuds look and feel like a solid accessory. The shape of the earpiece is comfortable, it fits comfortably in small ears. Declared moisture protection according to the IPX4 standard – accidental splashes will not harm the device.
On the outside, there are touch panels for control. A single press is responsible for the start/pause, double and triple tap switch tracks forward and backward. Minor III also understands when they are taken out of the ears, and automatically stop playback.
The charging case is dressed in plastic, stylized as the vinyl finish of the amplifiers. There are pairing buttons and a USB-C connector on the bottom, and on the front is the charge and connection LED indicator.
Connectivity
Minor III supports the Bluetooth 5.2 standard, which significantly reduces power consumption and reduces delays in audio transmission. True, to appreciate such advantages, you need a compatible audio source. Flagships running Android will do, but iPhones still work on the outdated Bluetooth 5.0 standard.
Another plus point for the owners of these wireless Bluetooth earbuds is the Google Fast Pair function. It is enough to open the case and press the pairing button, and a window with information about the device and a connection button will pop up on the smartphone screen.
Since both earbuds work in parallel and independently of each other, there are no problems with the synchronization of the left and right channels. Signal delays also do not interfere, so you can safely run competitive hits like Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG.
Bluetooth earbuds wireless model keeps in touch with the source at a distance of up to 10 meters. Indoors, the connection is stable, even if you leave the phone in the next room. On the street and in transport, the accessory also functions flawlessly.
There are two microphones on each side. The device perfectly copes with the role of a headset, transmitting high-quality voice during calls. But the lack of ANC is frustrating. Given the zero passive isolation, noise reduction would not be superfluous.
There is the Marshall Bluetooth App for the easy setup of Bluetooth wireless earbuds. You can disable touch control and set the necessary equalizer parameters in this app.
Sound
Marshall Minor III received drivers with a diameter of 12 mm with a composite diaphragm. The aptX codec support has been implemented, so the wireless earphones reproduce tracks with CD quality (16/44) without loss. That is another reason why the model is better suited for the Android audience. Marshall Minor III work through the AAC audio codec when paired with an iPhone. The difference in quality with aptX is immediately audible: the sound becomes rougher, especially high frequencies suffer.
When connecting Marshall earbuds with Android devices, only one nuance upsets: the low frequencies here are not the deepest. Like it or not, the form factor of the Marshall headphones does not allow playing powerful sub-bass, which may disappoint electronics lovers.
But with other genres, there are no difficulties. Guitars play warm and lively – Marshall engineers are true to themselves and do not forget where the brand began. Vocals are also pleasingly distinct, although they are slightly forward. You can even imagine the stage and the approximate location of the musicians.
With aptX, high frequencies are perceived as airy and clean, however, on old and not the highest quality recordings, they are harsh. That is easy to fix with an equalizer – just lower the 7 kHz range by a couple of decibels.
Battery life
Marshall Minor III can withstand up to 5 hours of music playback when using AAC. With aptX, the operating time is reduced by a quarter, but the increase in sound quality is worth it. During our Marshall Minor III review, the device lasted five days – and this is with regular listening to music, watching YouTube, and talking on the headset.
The case is enough for four recharges. USB charging takes 3 hours, Qi wireless standard is also supported. If your smartphone support reverse charging, then this will simplify life.
Marshall Minor III specifications
- Driver Type: Dynamic, 12 mm, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
- Codes: SBC, AAC, aptX
- Ports: USB Type-C
- Earbud Weight: 4 g
- Case Weight: 40 g
- Water Protection: IPX4
- ANC: No
- Transparency Mode: No
Final line
Marshall Minor III would be an excellent choice for users who do not prefer in-ear headphones and are looking for not only sound but a great look as well. The design of the Minor III is filled with references to cult musical instruments, and the audio quality will delight music lovers.
We wanted to see active noise cancellation in it, but even without it, it’s noticeable. We had recently reviewed Marshall Mode II Bluetooth wireless earbuds as well, in that too, we missed the ANC, but the Transparency mode made up for it.
Price and availability
Marshall Minor III True Wireless Earbuds cost $129.99 on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk websites.
