Marshall Brings ANC Back to Compact On-Ear Headphones

Marshall has reintroduced active noise canceling (ANC) to its smaller on-ear headphone lineup with the new Marshall Milton A.N.C. These wireless headphones replace the earlier Mid A.N.C. model from 2018 and offer a refined design for better comfort and sound isolation. Priced at $229.99, the Milton A.N.C. are available today via Marshall's online store and will reach select retailers starting May 27, 2026.

Design and Comfort Upgrades

The Milton A.N.C. feature larger earpads made from softer memory foam, which improves both comfort and passive noise blocking. Unlike over-ear headphones, on-ear designs typically struggle with ANC effectiveness, but Marshall claims the updated padding and seal deliver superior sound isolation. The ear cups fold into the headband for easy portability, making them ideal for commuters and travelers.

Memory Foam Earpads

The softer memory foam conforms to the ears, reducing pressure during long listening sessions while enhancing passive noise reduction. This design choice helps compensate for the inherent limitations of on-ear ANC.

Battery Life and Performance

The Milton A.N.C. offer up to 80 hours of playtime with ANC turned off, dropping to over 50 hours with active noise canceling enabled. While this is less than the Major V's 100+ hours, it remains competitive for daily use. The headphones include Marshall's adaptive loudness feature, which automatically adjusts audio tonality in noisy environments so quieter details remain audible without manual volume changes.

Transparency Mode and Microphones

Six built-in microphones support a transparency mode that amplifies surrounding sounds, allowing users to stay aware of their environment without removing the headphones. This is particularly useful for urban commutes or office settings.

Audio and Connectivity Features

The Milton A.N.C. introduce an entirely new driver system tuned for improved bass and treble extension. They also support spatial audio for an immersive listening experience. Connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 6.0, with codec support including LE Audio, SBC, AAC, LC3, and LDAC, ensuring high-quality wireless audio across devices.

Replaceable Battery and Tracking

Marshall has included a replaceable battery to extend the headphones' lifespan, reducing electronic waste. Additionally, the Milton A.N.C. are compatible with Apple's Find My and Google's Find My Device networks, allowing users to track their headphones if lost.

Price and Availability

At $229.99, the Milton A.N.C. are $70 more than the on-ear Major V but offer ANC, superior comfort, and advanced features like spatial audio and Bluetooth 6.0. They are available now at Marshall's online store, with wider retail availability starting May 27, 2026. For those seeking a compact, feature-rich ANC headphone, the Milton A.N.C. represent a strong option in the on-ear category.