# **Marshall Motif II ANC Earbuds in 2025: Are They Still a Good Investment?**
Launched in August 2023, the **Marshall Motif II ANC** earbuds showcased a notable upgrade from previous models. With their **rock-inspired aesthetics, effective active noise cancellation (ANC), and impressive battery performance**, they swiftly garnered attention from audiophiles, particularly those who admire Marshall’s signature audio quality.
However, as we enter 2025, a pertinent question arises: **Do the Motif II ANC earbuds remain a worthwhile purchase, or have they been surpassed by newer alternatives?** Let’s delve into their design, audio performance, features, and how they stack up against the competition.
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## **Marshall’s Distinctive Design Continues to Impress**
One of the primary attractions of **Marshall audio products** is their **recognizable design**, reminiscent of the brand’s famous guitar amplifiers. The **Motif II ANC earbuds** are no different.
– **Sturdy, textured casing**: In contrast to the sleek and streamlined appearance of AirPods, the Motif II ANC case features a **leather-like texture** that imparts a high-end, rock-centric vibe.
– **Individual earbud stems**: The earbuds exhibit a **rough, tactile finish**, which may feel peculiar initially, but enhances their uniqueness.
– **Robustness**: With an **IPX5 rating** for the earbuds and **IPX4 for the case**, they are capable of withstanding sweat and light moisture, making them ideal for workouts and outdoor activities.
### **Battery Life Remains Strong**
The earbuds still excel in battery performance:
– **6 hours of use with ANC activated** (expandable to **30 hours with the charging case**).
– **USB-C and wireless charging compatibility**, providing added convenience.
Although newer models may boast marginally longer battery durations, the **Motif II ANC remains competitive in 2025**.
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## **Audio Performance: Excellent for Rock, but Bass Could Use Work**
Marshall engineered the **Motif II ANC** with **6mm dynamic drivers**, a **frequency span of 20Hz to 20KHz**, and an **impedance of 16 ohms**. While they deliver **clear mids and sharp highs**, they **fall short in the deep bass department** that some may desire.
### **Best Suited for Rock and Guitar-Dominated Music**
– **Electric guitars and vocals truly shine**: If you’re a fan of classic rock, blues, or alternative sounds, these earbuds will bring your favorite tracks to life.
– **Marshall’s distinctive EQ** amplifies rock music, though other genres might seem lacking.
### **Bass Response Could Improve**
– In comparison to **AirPods Pro 2** or **Sony WF-1000XM5**, the bass output is less pronounced.
– While the **Marshall app** allows for EQ adjustments, toggling modes for various genres can be a hassle.
If **robust bass is essential**, exploring other alternatives might be advisable.
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## **ANC and Transparency Mode: Adequate, But Not Top-Notch**
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a vital feature in contemporary earbuds, and while the **Motif II ANC performs reasonably well**, it **doesn’t reach the heights of leading competitors**.
– **ANC settings are adjustable** through the Marshall app, but even at the highest levels, it **doesn’t effectively eliminate noise** in comparison to the **AirPods Pro 2 or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II**.
– **Transparency mode functions adequately**, but lacks the natural sound quality found in Apple’s offering.
For casual users, the ANC is **satisfactory**, but those requiring **superior noise cancellation** might find better options elsewhere.
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## **Are the Marshall Motif II ANC Still a Good Investment in 2025?**
### **Advantages:**
✅ **Iconic Marshall design** – Stylish, resilient, and distinctive.
✅ **Excellent for rock music** – Clear mids and highs, ideal for guitar-centric tracks.
✅ **Solid battery performance** – 6 hours on a single charge, 30 hours with the case.
✅ **Wireless and USB-C charging** – Convenient charging solutions.
### **Drawbacks:**
❌ **Lacks substantial bass** – Not suitable for bass-heavy music like hip-hop or EDM.
❌ **ANC is merely adequate** – Doesn’t compete with the leading noise-canceling earbuds.
❌ **EQ adjustments required** – Needs app tweaks for different musical styles.
### **Final Conclusion:**
For **rock enthusiasts** who appreciate **Marshall’s distinctive flair**, the **Motif II ANC** earbuds remain a **strong option in 2025**. However, if you seek **greater bass response, improved ANC, or more advanced features**, you may want to consider alternatives such as the **AirPods Pro 2** or **Sony WF-1000XM5**.
