Marshall expands noise-cancelling portfolio with Milton A.N.C. on-ear headphones
The Milton A.N.C. features Bluetooth 6.0, adaptive loudness, and up to 80 hours of battery life, marking a strategic shift for the audio manufacturer into the on-ear segment with premium noise isolation.
Marshall has officially launched the Milton A.N.C., its first on-ear wireless headphones to feature active noise cancellation (ANC). Priced at $229.99, the device is available directly through Marshall’s online store, with wider retail distribution across select outlets commencing on 27 May. This release marks a significant expansion for the brand, which previously restricted its noise-cancelling technology to over-ear models such as the Monitor III A.N.C. and the earlier Marshall Mid A.N.C. launched in 2018.
The Milton A.N.C. introduces a redesigned physical structure aimed at improving both comfort and acoustic isolation. The headphones utilise larger earpads constructed from softer memory foam, which Marshall states enhances the seal against external noise. To support this isolation, the device employs six microphones to facilitate both the active noise cancellation and a transparency mode that amplifies ambient sounds. While on-ear designs typically offer less effective noise blocking than over-ear counterparts, the manufacturer claims the updated form factor mitigates this limitation.
In terms of performance, the headphones are rated for up to 80 hours of battery life with noise cancellation disabled. When ANC is activated, the battery life reduces to over 50 hours. The device also incorporates adaptive loudness functionality, which automatically adjusts audio playback tonality to ensure quieter details remain audible in noisy environments without requiring manual volume increases.
Connectivity is handled via Bluetooth 6.0, supporting LE Audio and a range of codecs including SBC, AAC, LC3, and LDAC. Additional features include spatial audio compatibility, an entirely new driver system tuned for improved bass and treble extension, and a replaceable battery designed to extend the product's lifespan. The headphones also integrate with Apple’s and Google’s item tracking networks for location finding.
The Milton A.N.C. is positioned at a premium compared to Marshall’s existing on-ear options. At $229.99, it costs $70 more than the Marshall Major V, which offers a similar compact design and over 100 hours of wireless playtime but lacks active noise cancellation. The launch signals Marshall’s intent to capture value in the smaller headphone segment by combining traditional compact form factors with advanced noise management technology.
