Last updated:
AI SCORE
/ 100
4.6
1,464 reviews
Marshall Motif II (2023) is a balanced everyday choice in headphones, scoring 53/100 on our AI engine. It offers ~25h battery. Priced around $150, it competes in the budget tier.
Price
$150 vs avg $208
Score Breakdown
Introducing the Marshall Motif II True Wireless Active Noise-Canceling Earbuds, a bold entry into the crowded audio market. Released in 2026, these earbuds sport a distinctive design that pays homage to Marshall's iconic amplifier aesthetics, featuring a textured black finish and gold accents. While they exude a classic rock vibe, the build quality feels somewhat lacking, with a lightweight plastic construction that may not withstand rigorous daily use.
In terms of performance, the Motif II earbuds offer active noise cancellation, but users have reported mixed experiences with its effectiveness. Sound quality is decent, delivering a balanced audio profile, though it struggles with clarity at higher volumes. Battery life is another area where these earbuds fall short, providing only a few hours of playback time before needing a recharge. Key features include touch controls for music playback and voice assistant integration, but the responsiveness can be hit or miss.
Overall, while the Marshall Motif II True Wireless Earbuds have a striking design and some appealing features, their performance and durability leave much to be desired. With an overall score of 2.9/10, potential buyers may want to explore other options before making a decision.
The Marshall Motif II True Wireless Active Noise-Canceling Earbuds are perfect for budget-conscious music lovers and casual listeners who appreciate style and brand heritage. Ideal for students studying in noisy environments or professionals seeking a stylish audio companion during commutes, these earbuds offer decent sound quality at an attractive price. However, potential buyers should be aware of their limited battery life and performance, making them less suitable for gamers or those needing extended use without frequent recharging.
AI-generated expert assessment · Updated 2026
The Marshall Motif II is a budget headphone that earns a VersusMatrix overall score of 53/100, placing it in the entry-tier tier of the headphones category for 2026. Priced around $150, it competes most directly with other budget headphones where buyers weigh raw specifications against everyday usability.
Where the Marshall Motif II stands out most clearly is design and build (100/100) and value for money (78/100). On paper it ships with a 25h battery — the kind of hardware combination that defines its tier. In daily use these strengths translate to a headphone that holds up well under the workloads buyers in this price band typically demand.
The trade-offs sit primarily in battery (23/100) and camera (50/100). Buyers for whom those dimensions are deal-breakers should compare against pricier alternatives in the leaderboard — but for the majority of buyers in this price band, the trade-off is acceptable given the strengths above.
The Marshall Motif II is worth considering for buyers shopping the $127-$173 headphone market. For a head-to-head against the closest alternatives, browse the headphones leaderboard and use the on-site comparison tool — the Marshall Motif II is included in the default ranking when sorted by overall score.
Casual listeners
Affordable price point covers everyday listening — podcasts, audiobooks, background music — without overspending on features you won't use daily.
Work-from-home users
Marshall Motif II works for video calls and meetings throughout the day. Look at battery life and mic quality if you take heavy call loads.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 31, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
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Introducing the Marshall Motif II True Wireless Active Noise-Canceling Earbuds, a bold entry into the crowded audio market. Released in 2026, these earbuds sport a distinctive design that pays homage to Marshall's iconic amplifier aesthetics, featuring a textured black finish and gold accents. While...
The Marshall Motif II offers up to 25 hours of battery life, with 5W charging.
The Marshall Motif II has IPX5 water/dust resistance. Check the spec table above for details on what this rating covers.
The Marshall Motif II is priced at approximately $150. Check the buy links above for current prices from retailers.
The Marshall Motif II True Wireless Active Noise-Canceling Earbuds are perfect for budget-conscious music lovers and casual listeners who appreciate style and brand heritage. Ideal for students studying in noisy environments or professionals seeking a stylish audio companion during commutes, these earbuds offer decent sound quality at an attractive price. However, potential buyers should be aware of their limited battery life and performance, making them less suitable for gamers or those needing extended use without frequent recharging.
Yes, it's a solid fit. Affordable price point covers everyday listening — podcasts, audiobooks, background music — without overspending on features you won't use daily.
Yes, it's a solid fit. Marshall Motif II works for video calls and meetings throughout the day. Look at battery life and mic quality if you take heavy call loads.
Based on its specs and scoring, the Marshall Motif II is best suited for: Casual listeners, Work-from-home users. See the use-case breakdown on this page for the reasoning behind each.