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Welcome to “Reviews inside tv,” where we get up close with the latest and greatest in tech to help you make smarter buying decisions. Today, we’re talking about the Marshall Motif II True Wireless Active Noise-Canceling Earbuds in black. These earbuds promise to deliver the signature Marshall sound that we’ve all come to love, with some impressive updates to help elevate your listening experience. But are they really worth the hype? Let’s find out.
The Motif II earbuds come with some pretty exciting specs. First up, you’ve got Marshall’s signature sound profile, designed to give you balanced and clear audio, even at higher volumes. For a brand known for its concert-level sound, this is something you’d expect. The big selling point here is the improved active noise cancellation (A.N.C.) feature, which promises to cancel out surrounding noise so you can enjoy your music without distractions. Whether you’re on a crowded train or at a busy café, these earbuds are designed to block out the world.
And then there’s transparency mode. For those moments when you need to hear what’s going on around you—say, when someone’s calling your name or you’re stepping out onto a busy street—the Motif II lets you switch seamlessly into transparency mode. This makes them versatile and safe for everyday use.
Battery life has also seen an improvement. With the Motif II, you get up to 6 hours of playtime on a single charge, and when paired with the charging case, you can get a total of up to 30 hours of playback. That’s a significant bump from the previous generation, which is a welcome change for anyone who doesn’t want to constantly worry about recharging.
The Motif II is also ready for LE Audio, a future-proof tech that ensures higher-quality audio and improved syncing, especially when watching videos. If you’ve ever experienced that slight delay between audio and video while watching content with wireless earbuds, this tech aims to solve that problem.
Let’s talk about the build. Marshall’s attention to design is apparent in the Motif II. These earbuds feel premium, with the signature black-and-gold finish that’s synonymous with Marshall’s iconic look. Plus, they’re made from 70% post-consumer recycled plastic, which is great for sustainability. Not only are you getting high-quality sound, but you’re also making a more eco-conscious purchase.
Now, how do they perform in real-world scenarios? I used these earbuds during a variety of situations: a morning commute, at the gym, and while lounging around the house. In all of these cases, the sound quality was impressive. The bass is rich without being overpowering, and the highs are crisp without feeling harsh. Whether you’re into rock, hip hop, or podcasts, the Motif II covers a wide range of audio styles with ease.
The active noise cancellation worked well, especially in noisy environments like public transport. I was able to block out most of the surrounding chatter and immerse myself in my music. On the flip side, transparency mode is useful for moments when you need to quickly engage with your surroundings, though I did notice a slight drop in sound quality when switching between the two modes.
When it comes to comfort, the earbuds fit snugly in the ears, and they come with multiple ear tip sizes to ensure you get the best seal for optimal sound. I wore them for a few hours straight without any discomfort, which is a plus. The controls are intuitive, with a simple tap or swipe on the earbud to adjust volume, skip tracks, or answer calls.
But no product is perfect. One issue I encountered was that the touch controls can sometimes be a bit finicky, especially when you’re in a rush or trying to adjust the volume quickly. While they’re responsive, there were a few times when I had to tap more than once to get the right response. Not a dealbreaker, but something worth mentioning.
The sound quality is definitely a standout feature, but there’s no denying that at this price point, you’re paying for the Marshall name and experience. For some, that might be a huge draw, but others may find the sound quality comparable to some other premium wireless earbuds at a lower price.
When it comes to value for money, the Marshall Motif II hits a bit of a middle ground. You’re getting solid sound quality, a sleek design, and improved noise cancellation, but there are alternatives on the market that offer similar features for less. For example, earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM4 offer comparable noise cancellation and sound quality, and you’ll typically find them at a slightly lower price. The Motif II shines in its design and branding, but if you’re solely focused on performance for the price, you may find better value elsewhere.
Comparing it with other premium true wireless earbuds, the Marshall Motif II stands out because of its aesthetic. Marshall has built a brand around premium audio gear with style, and these earbuds carry that tradition forward. However, competitors like the Apple AirPods Pro or the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds offer noise cancellation that might be slightly more effective in extremely noisy environments. If you’re after the best possible sound and active noise cancellation, they might be worth considering. But if design and brand loyalty are important to you, the Motif II certainly holds its ground.
In terms of build quality, the Motif II is as solid as you’d expect from Marshall. These earbuds feel robust and durable, and the charging case is compact enough to fit easily in your pocket. They also have an IPX4 rating, meaning they’re resistant to water splashes—perfect for sweaty workouts or light rain.
Customer support from Marshall is generally well-regarded, and if you do encounter any issues, you can expect timely assistance. I haven’t needed to contact support for the Motif II, but based on the brand’s reputation, I’d say their customer service is reliable.
All in all, the Marshall Motif II True Wireless Earbuds deliver where it counts: sound, design, and overall performance. They’re a solid choice for those who value high-quality audio and a premium brand experience. However, if you’re someone who’s seeking the absolute best value or cutting-edge noise cancellation, you might want to explore other options.
So, should you get them? If you’re looking for stylish, high-quality earbuds with a strong brand legacy and solid performance, the Motif II is a great pick. But, if you’re after more advanced features or a lower price tag, there are other solid choices out there.
Thank you for watching, and if you’re interested in picking up the Marshall Motif II True Wireless Earbuds, you can find the link in the comments box below. Have you already tried them out? Share your thoughts or questions with us in the comments section! Good bye till next time—keep the sound rocking with Reviews inside tv!
Available to buy here:
