Marshall slides into the true wireless earbuds market with Mode II

Marshall Mode II
(Image credit: Marshall)

Marshall has updated its headphone line-up with a successor to 2015’s Mode wired earbuds – and not only are they wireless this time but truly wireless. Indeed, with the Mode II, there isn't a cable in sight (well, apart from the charging one in the box).

Available for pre-order from today, the Mode II are the company's first true wireless earbuds – better late than never, we suppose – and also the first Marshall earbuds model to feature the latest Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity.

As always with Marshall products, there are plenty of recognisable design flourishes, from the charging case's elephant grain vinyl finish, diamond cut-outs and brass accents, to the signature white ‘M’ on the exterior of each earbud housing.

Marshall Mode II

(Image credit: Marshall)

The buds boast touch-responsive controls for toggling between music and phone calls as well as activating 'Transparency’ mode and a connected phone's native voice assistant.

Marshall says the 6mm drivers deliver a “thunderous audio experience”, but should you wish to sonically tweak things there’s also the option to alter the EQ settings in the Marshall Bluetooth app.

The Mode II ships with four different sizes of ear tips to ensure a fit that works for everyone. A rubberised finish and IPX4 water-resistance rating offer protection from splashes, too.

The buds deliver a claimed solid five hours of wireless playtime from a fully charged battery, with the portable charging case providing a further 20 hours. The case can be recharged wirelessly or with the included USB-C cable.

Marshall’s Mode II in-ear headphones will be available from 14th March at £160 ($179). 

MORE

Here's our pick of the best Apple AirPod alternatives

Best cheap headphone deals: wireless, noise-cancelling and more

Best audiophile headphones 2020: ultimate high-end headphones

Mary is a staff writer at What Hi-Fi? and has over a decade of experience working as a sound engineer mixing live events, music and theatre. Her mixing credits include productions at The National Theatre and in the West End, as well as original musicals composed by Mark Knopfler, Tori Amos, Guy Chambers, Howard Goodall and Dan Gillespie Sells. 

Read more
Sony WF-C710N earbuds lined up in different finishes
They’re official! Sony finally takes the wraps off its WF-C710N budget wireless earbuds
JBL Tour One M3 being worn on a woman's head
JBL’s Tour One M3 flagship wireless headphones are smarter than your average over-ears
Blue AirPods Max 2 in hand
AirPods Max 2: everything you need to know about the 2024 Apple headphones
Sony WF-C710N earbuds lined up in different finishes
Sony WF-C710N: price, specs, features and everything you need to know about the new mid-range earbuds
Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds on table with coffee and book
Technics celebrates 60th anniversary with AZ100 flagship wireless earbuds
HMD amped buds in blue on a blue background
Never worry about your smartphone running out of juice again: these earbuds' charging case has a super-useful feature
Latest in Wireless Earbuds
Sony WF-C710N earbuds lined up in different finishes
They’re official! Sony finally takes the wraps off its WF-C710N budget wireless earbuds
The AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 in their charging cases standing side by side on a wooden surface with a hand out flat behind them.
All three current in-ear AirPods are up to 32% off at Amazon – here's which pair you should buy
HMD amped buds in blue on a blue background
Never worry about your smartphone running out of juice again: these earbuds' charging case has a super-useful feature
The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro in a black carry case, next to white and silver carry cases, on a grey background.
The world's first wi-fi earbuds are here... but there's a catch
Sony WF-C700N held in the hand
I can’t wait for new flagship Sony wireless earbuds – but I’m more excited about its leaked cheaper pair
Sony WF-C700N held in the hand
Sony WF-C700N sequel leak teases improved ANC and battery, but will they get better codec support?
Latest in News
Sony WF-C710N earbuds lined up in different finishes
They’re official! Sony finally takes the wraps off its WF-C710N budget wireless earbuds
A flower on a TV screen with a gem in the middle.
TCL's new Mini LED TV range comes with huge brightness gains, reduced blooming and souped-up sound
Sony WH-1000XM4 on a table with a plant
Some of our favourite-ever five-star wireless headphones have plummeted to nearly half price – £172 off!
RCA Roku TV 24-inch (RK24HF1) small TV
My favourite kitchen TV has dropped to under £100 for Amazon Spring Deal Days
Sony XR-48A90K
Amazon has slashed the price of this five-star Sony OLED, but we have found an even better deal
Fiio FX17 in-ear headphones
Fiio's flagship in-ear headphones are packed full of drivers to put your music in pole position