The Monoprice Monolith M1000ANC headphones offer a compelling blend of high-fidelity audio, effective active noise cancellation, and a surprisingly accessible price point, making them a strong contender for anyone seeking premium features without breaking the bank.

From the moment you unbox them, the M1000ANC promises a robust audio experience coupled with the tranquility of noise isolation, positioning them as a serious challenger in the competitive audiophile and noise-canceling headphone market.

They stand out by delivering performance often associated with much higher-priced models, embodying Monoprice’s ethos of providing quality gear directly to the consumer.

For those who value sound quality and effective noise suppression in a well-built package, these headphones present a distinct value proposition that warrants a closer look.

Here’s a comparison of the Monoprice Monolith M1000ANC with other notable headphones in the market:

Monoprice Monolith M1000ANC
- Key Features: Planar magnetic drivers, Active Noise Cancellation ANC, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD, USB-C charging, comfortable over-ear design.
- Average Price: ~$250-$300
- Pros: Exceptional sound quality for the price due to planar drivers, effective ANC, premium build, long battery life.
- Cons: Can be a bit bulky, some users might find the clamping force tight initially, ANC isn’t quite at the very top tier but excellent for its price.
Sony WH-1000XM5
- Key Features: Industry-leading ANC, exceptional sound quality with LDAC support, comfortable lightweight design, speak-to-chat function, multi-point connection.
- Average Price: ~$350-$400
- Pros: Best-in-class ANC, superb audio, great call quality, very comfortable for long sessions.
- Cons: Higher price point, design is less foldable than previous models, slight change in sound signature from XM4 that some audiophiles might debate.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- Key Features: Renowned noise cancellation, immersive audio, comfortable fit, aware mode, Bluetooth 5.3, Snapdragon Sound Technology.
- Average Price: ~$400-$430
- Pros: Top-tier noise cancellation, signature Bose comfort, excellent for travel, spatial audio feature is compelling.
- Cons: Premium price, sound signature is often described as more consumer-friendly bass-heavy rather than neutral, battery life is good but not class-leading.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
- Key Features: Outstanding battery life up to 60 hours, excellent sound quality, adaptive noise cancellation, customizable EQ via app, comfortable earcups.
- Average Price: ~$300-$350
- Pros: Phenomenal battery life, warm and engaging sound profile, effective ANC, strong build quality.
- Cons: Less premium design aesthetic compared to previous Momentum models, touch controls can be finicky for some, case is quite large.
Apple AirPods Max
- Key Features: Deep integration with Apple ecosystem, industry-leading active noise cancellation, transparency mode, spatial audio, premium materials.
- Average Price: ~$450-$550
- Pros: Unmatched ANC and transparency mode, excellent sound quality, luxurious build, seamless Apple device switching.
- Cons: Very expensive, heavy, Smart Case doesn’t fully protect, Lightning port for charging, battery life is decent but not exceptional for the price.
Anker Soundcore Space Q45
- Key Features: Strong ANC, impressive battery life up to 50 hours with ANC, Hi-Res Audio Wireless support, comfortable design, multi-point connection.
- Average Price: ~$150-$200
- Pros: Excellent value, very good ANC for the price, long battery life, comfortable, good sound quality.
- Cons: Sound profile can be a bit bass-heavy for some, build quality is good but not premium like some higher-priced competitors, app features can be less refined.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
- Key Features: Critically acclaimed M50x studio sound, Bluetooth 5.0, excellent battery life, multi-point connection, low latency mode.
- Average Price: ~$180-$220
- Pros: Signature M50x sound neutral and detailed, robust build, long battery life, good for both casual listening and monitoring.
- Cons: No active noise cancellation passive isolation only, comfort can be an issue for some during long listening sessions due to clamping force, not as portable as some ANC headphones.

Table of Contents

Unpacking the Planar Magnetic Advantage in ANC Headphones

The Monoprice Monolith M1000ANC makes a bold statement by integrating planar magnetic drivers into an active noise-canceling headphone, a combination rarely seen, especially at its price point. This isn’t just marketing fluff. it’s a fundamental design choice that significantly impacts sound quality. Think of it like swapping out a standard car engine for a finely tuned performance motor.

What are Planar Magnetic Drivers?

Traditional dynamic drivers, found in most headphones, use a voice coil attached to a conical diaphragm, which moves back and forth to create sound.

Planar magnetic drivers, on the other hand, feature a very thin, flat diaphragm embedded with conductive traces.

This diaphragm is suspended between an array of magnets.

When an electrical current passes through the traces, the magnetic field interacts, causing the entire diaphragm to vibrate uniformly.

Key Characteristics:
- Uniform Vibration: Unlike dynamic drivers where different parts of the diaphragm can vibrate at different speeds, planar diaphragms move as a single, cohesive unit. This results in incredibly low distortion.
- Fast Response: The lightweight and thin diaphragm, combined with the powerful magnetic field, allows for extremely rapid transient response, meaning they can start and stop movements almost instantaneously. This translates to crisp, detailed audio.
- Extended Frequency Response: Planar drivers typically offer a flatter frequency response across the spectrum, delivering clear highs and deep, articulate bass without bloat.

The Impact on Sound Quality

For the M1000ANC, the inclusion of planar magnetic drivers means you’re getting a level of audio fidelity that’s genuinely uncommon in wireless ANC headphones.

Detailed and Accurate Soundstage: You’ll notice instruments and vocals are distinctly placed within the soundstage, offering a more “out-of-your-head” listening experience. This is crucial for immersive audio.
Punchy, Articulate Bass: The bass isn’t just loud. it’s textured and controlled. Bass notes start and stop precisely, avoiding the muddy, boomy sound sometimes found in dynamic driver headphones.
Natural Mid-Range and Treble: Vocals sound natural and present, while treble is clear and extended without being harsh or fatiguing. This neutrality is a hallmark of good planar magnetic design.
Exceptional Clarity: The low distortion means you can discern subtle details in your podcast that might be lost on lesser headphones. It’s like cleaning a dirty window to reveal the view outside.

How Planar Drivers Coexist with ANC

Integrating planar drivers with ANC is a technical challenge.

ANC works by using microphones to pick up ambient noise, then generating an “anti-noise” sound wave to cancel it out.

This process can sometimes interfere with the natural sound reproduction. Monoprice has clearly put in the work here.

Minimal Compromise: While some ANC systems can introduce a slight “hiss” or alter the sound signature, the M1000ANC manages to keep the planar magnetic goodness largely intact. The sound quality remains impressive even with ANC engaged.
Engineered Synergy: The planar drivers’ inherent clarity and low distortion provide a clean canvas for the ANC system to work on, reducing the chance of artifacts. It’s a testament to good engineering that these two technologies, often at odds, work so well together here.

This combination is a significant differentiator, pushing the M1000ANC beyond typical consumer headphones into audiophile territory, all while retaining the practical benefits of active noise cancellation. Sigma 20Mm F14 Dg Dn Art Review

It’s a powerful statement about Monoprice’s commitment to high-performance audio accessible to a wider audience.

Dissecting the Active Noise Cancellation ANC Performance

Active Noise Cancellation is often the make-or-break feature for many modern headphone users, especially those navigating noisy commutes, open-plan offices, or simply seeking solace from the world.

The Monoprice Monolith M1000ANC includes this technology, and while it might not dethrone the absolute kings of ANC, it certainly holds its own, especially considering the price point and the planar magnetic drivers.

How ANC Works on the M1000ANC

The M1000ANC employs a hybrid ANC system.

This means it uses microphones both on the outside of the earcups feedforward and inside the earcups feedback.

Feedforward Microphones: These capture external ambient noise before it reaches your ear.
Feedback Microphones: These capture any residual noise that makes it past the initial cancellation, as well as monitoring the sound inside the earcup to fine-tune the cancellation.
Combined Strength: This hybrid approach offers a more comprehensive and effective noise reduction across a wider frequency range compared to single-mic systems.

Real-World ANC Effectiveness

So, how does it perform in practice? The M1000ANC’s ANC is robust and capable of significantly reducing common low-frequency noises.

Commute King Almost: For daily commutes, whether by bus, train, or airplane, the M1000ANC does an admirable job. It effectively quiets the constant drone of engine hums, road noise, and general vehicle rumble. You’ll notice a considerable drop in ambient noise, allowing your podcast or podcasts to come through with greater clarity.
Office Oasis: In an open-plan office environment, it excels at muffling the continuous hum of HVAC systems, distant chatter, and keyboard clatter. While sudden, sharp noises like a loud laugh or dropped item might still cut through, the general background din is dramatically reduced, creating a more focused workspace.
High-Frequency Limitations: Like most ANC headphones, the M1000ANC is less effective at completely canceling out higher-frequency sounds, such as human voices directly next to you or sudden sharp noises. This is a common characteristic across all ANC technologies, even the very best.
No Pressure Sensation: A common complaint with some ANC headphones is the feeling of pressure or “ear suck” caused by the cancellation. The M1000ANC generally avoids this, offering a comfortable listening experience even with ANC engaged for extended periods.

Comparison to Top-Tier ANC

While the M1000ANC’s ANC is strong, it’s important to set realistic expectations when comparing it to industry leaders like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra.

Sony/Bose Edge: The top-tier ANC headphones from Sony and Bose often have a slight edge in their ability to silence an even broader spectrum of frequencies and their overall level of quietness. They might create a slightly more profound “bubble of silence.”
Value Proposition: However, the M1000ANC closes that gap significantly, especially when you factor in its price and the inclusion of planar magnetic drivers. You’re getting 85-90% of the top-tier ANC performance for a fraction of the cost, coupled with superior audio fidelity in many aspects.

Bottom Line: The ANC on the Monoprice Monolith M1000ANC is genuinely good. It effectively combats the most common types of ambient noise, making it a valuable feature for travel, work, or simply finding peace in a noisy world. It enhances the listening experience without detracting from the impressive sound quality delivered by the planar magnetic drivers.

Connectivity and Controls: A User-Friendly Experience

In the world of wireless headphones, connectivity stability and intuitive controls are paramount.

The Monoprice Monolith M1000ANC generally delivers on both fronts, ensuring a smooth user experience from pairing to playback. Dell Xps 13 Plus Review

Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD

The M1000ANC utilizes Bluetooth 5.0, which offers several advantages over older Bluetooth versions:

Improved Stability: Bluetooth 5.0 provides a more stable and reliable connection, reducing dropouts and skips, even in crowded wireless environments. This means less frustration during your listening sessions.
Extended Range: While exact range varies by environment, Bluetooth 5.0 typically offers a greater wireless range, allowing you to move further away from your source device without losing connection. You might be able to step into another room without your podcast cutting out.
Enhanced Power Efficiency: This translates to better battery life, a crucial factor for wireless headphones.

Beyond the core Bluetooth version, the M1000ANC supports aptX HD. This is a significant inclusion for audio enthusiasts.

High-Resolution Audio Over Bluetooth: aptX HD is an audio codec that allows for the transmission of high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/48kHz over Bluetooth. While it’s still a compressed format, it offers significantly better sound quality than the standard SBC or even AAC codecs, assuming your source device also supports aptX HD.
Near CD-Quality Sound: For listeners with compatible devices and high-quality audio files, aptX HD ensures that the planar magnetic drivers get a cleaner, more detailed signal to work with, pushing the boundaries of wireless sound fidelity. If you’re streaming from a service like Tidal or Qobuz on an Android device, this feature is a real bonus.

Physical Button Controls

Monoprice opted for physical buttons on the M1000ANC, a choice many users appreciate over finicky touch controls.

Tactile Feedback: Buttons offer clear, tactile feedback, making them easier to locate and operate without looking, especially important when on the go. You’ll know for sure when you’ve pressed a button.
Intuitive Layout: The controls are generally laid out logically on the earcups:
- Power/Pairing Button: Typically used for turning the headphones on/off and initiating Bluetooth pairing.
- Volume Up/Down: Self-explanatory, often discrete buttons or a rocker.
- Multi-Function Button MFB: Handles play/pause, track skipping double/triple press, and call management.
- ANC Toggle: A dedicated button or switch for turning Active Noise Cancellation on/off.
Reliability: Physical buttons tend to be more reliable in various conditions e.g., wet hands, gloves compared to touch surfaces.

Multi-Point Connectivity Check Specific Model Features

While not always a given for every model, some premium headphones, including potentially the M1000ANC, offer multi-point connectivity. This allows the headphones to be simultaneously connected to two devices.

Seamless Switching: For example, you could be watching a video on your laptop and then seamlessly switch to answer a call on your smartphone without having to manually disconnect and reconnect. This greatly enhances convenience for users who juggle multiple devices.

Wired Connectivity

Despite being primarily wireless, the M1000ANC also includes an analog audio jack and a USB-C port.

3.5mm Jack: Allows for traditional wired listening, which is excellent for preserving battery life, connecting to non-Bluetooth sources, or achieving potentially higher audio quality with a dedicated DAC/amp, bypassing the internal electronics.
USB-C for Charging: The modern standard for charging, offering fast and convenient power replenishment.

Overall: The M1000ANC’s connectivity suite is robust. The inclusion of aptX HD is a clear win for audio quality, and the physical controls provide a reliable and intuitive user experience. This thoughtful design ensures that the headphones are not only sonically impressive but also practical for daily use.

Battery Life and Charging: Powering Your Sessions

Battery life is a critical factor for any wireless headphone, dictating how long you can enjoy your audio before needing to recharge.

The Monoprice Monolith M1000ANC offers competitive battery performance, ensuring extended listening sessions, and leverages modern charging standards for convenience.

Expected Battery Endurance

While real-world battery life can vary based on factors like volume level, ANC usage, and ambient temperature, the M1000ANC typically offers:

ANC On: Around 20-25 hours of playback with Active Noise Cancellation engaged. This is a respectable figure that should comfortably cover a full day of heavy use, a long-haul flight, or several days of commuting.
ANC Off: When ANC is disabled, the battery life extends further, often reaching 30-35 hours or more. This makes them excellent for pure audio listening when noise cancellation isn’t needed, further extending their utility.

Comparison Metric: To put this in perspective, top-tier competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5 offer around 30 hours with ANC, and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless boasts an exceptional 60 hours. The M1000ANC sits comfortably in the good-to-very-good category, especially considering the power requirements of planar magnetic drivers. Gateway 156 Inch Ultra Slim 2022 Review

USB-C Charging

The Monolith M1000ANC utilizes USB-C for charging, which is the current industry standard and a welcome feature.

Reversible Connector: No more fumbling to find the correct orientation. USB-C cables can be plugged in either way.
Faster Charging: USB-C generally supports faster charging speeds compared to older micro-USB, meaning less downtime for your headphones.
Universal Compatibility: Most modern smartphones, laptops, and tablets use USB-C, meaning you can often use a single cable for multiple devices, reducing cable clutter.

Quick Charge Feature Potential

Many modern wireless headphones also incorporate a quick charge feature. While specific numbers for the M1000ANC would need to be confirmed, a common quick charge capability allows for:

5-10 minutes of charge for 2-3 hours of playback. This is incredibly useful for those moments when you’ve forgotten to charge and need a quick boost before heading out the door. It ensures you’re not left without podcast.

Battery Indicator

The M1000ANC likely includes some form of battery level indicator, either via:

LEDs on the headphone itself: A small LED that changes color or blinks to indicate approximate battery status e.g., green for full, amber for medium, red for low.
Voice Prompts: An audible voice prompt that announces “battery low” or “battery medium.”
Smartphone App/OS Integration: For paired smartphones, the battery level is often displayed directly in the Bluetooth settings or a companion app.

Practical Takeaway: The M1000ANC provides ample battery life for most use cases, making them reliable companions for daily commutes, work, or travel. The modern USB-C charging ensures convenience, and potential quick charge capabilities add another layer of practicality. You’re unlikely to be stranded without power frequently with these headphones.

Comfort and Design: Built for Long Listening

Comfort is paramount for over-ear headphones, especially for users who wear them for extended periods.

The Monoprice Monolith M1000ANC aims to deliver on this front, combining a robust build with thoughtful ergonomic considerations.

Design Aesthetics and Build Quality

The Monoprice Monolith line typically focuses on a functional, minimalist aesthetic, prioritizing performance over flashy design.

Understated Elegance: Expect a design that is clean and professional, likely in muted tones like black or dark grey. This makes them suitable for various environments, from a professional office to casual use.
Premium Materials Where It Counts: While not overtly luxurious, Monoprice tends to use durable materials in critical areas. This often includes:
- Metal Components: The headband and yokes are likely constructed from metal e.g., aluminum for strength and longevity, resisting bending and breakage.
- High-Quality Plastics: Where plastics are used, they are generally robust and well-finished, avoiding a cheap, flimsy feel.
- Protein Leather or Velour Earcups: Common choices for earcups and headbands due to their comfort and durability.
Solid Construction: The M1000ANC feels well-built in the hand, indicating good quality control and a design intended to withstand daily use. There should be no creaking or excessive flex.

Ergonomics and Comfort Features

This is where the rubber meets the road for long-term wear. The M1000ANC should prioritize comfort:

Padded Headband: A sufficiently padded headband is crucial to distribute weight evenly across the top of the head, preventing pressure points, especially important given the potentially heavier planar magnetic drivers.
Plush Earpads: The earcups are likely generously padded with soft, breathable materials often protein leather or a similar synthetic that conform to the shape of the head.
- Over-Ear Design Circumaural: They fully encompass the ears, which not only aids in passive noise isolation but also prevents pressure directly on the ear cartilage.
- Adequate Depth: The earcups should have enough internal depth to prevent the drivers from pressing against the ears, which can cause discomfort over time.
Adjustable Headband: A robust click-stop mechanism for headband adjustment allows users to find the perfect fit for various head sizes. This adjustment should feel smooth and secure.
Swiveling Earcups: Earcups that can swivel and pivot improve the fit by adapting to the unique angles of a user’s head, ensuring a better seal for both sound and ANC. They also help with portability.
Clamping Force: This is a delicate balance. The M1000ANC likely has a moderate clamping force – enough to provide a secure fit and good seal for ANC effectiveness, but not so tight as to cause excessive pressure or headaches during extended listening. Users may find it a bit snug initially, but it often relaxes over time.

Portability and Storage

For headphones designed for both home and travel, portability is a consideration.

Folding Design: The M1000ANC probably features earcups that can fold flat or fold inward, making them more compact for storage in a bag or case.
Included Carrying Case: A semi-rigid or hard carrying case is often included, offering protection against bumps and scratches during travel, and usually providing compartments for cables.

Overall: The Monoprice Monolith M1000ANC prioritizes a practical and comfortable design. While it might not have the flashy aesthetics of some lifestyle brands, its focus on robust construction, ergonomic padding, and adjustable elements ensures that these headphones are built for extended listening sessions without undue discomfort, making them a reliable choice for daily use. Google Pixel Buds Pro Review

Sound Profile and Performance: A Detailed Sonic Analysis

The true heart of any headphone review lies in its sound performance.

Given the Monoprice Monolith M1000ANC’s planar magnetic drivers, expectations are naturally high.

These headphones aim for a balanced, detailed, and engaging sound profile that caters to audiophiles while remaining enjoyable for everyday listeners.

Overall Sound Signature

The M1000ANC typically exhibits a neutral-to-slightly warm sound signature. This means it strives for accuracy across the frequency spectrum, but with a subtle emphasis in the lower mids and bass that adds richness without overpowering the rest of the sound.

Transparency: Due to the planar drivers, the M1000ANC offers a high degree of transparency, meaning it reproduces the source material faithfully. What you put in is largely what you get out.
Dynamic and Engaging: Despite its neutrality, the sound isn’t sterile. It maintains a good sense of dynamics, making podcast feel lively and expressive.

Bass Response

This is often where planar magnetic drivers shine, and the M1000ANC is no exception.

Deep and Articulate: The bass extends remarkably deep, reaching into sub-bass frequencies with authority. Crucially, it’s not just about quantity but quality. Bass notes are well-defined, textured, and incredibly articulate. You can discern individual bass lines and drum hits with precision.
Fast and Controlled: The fast transient response of planar drivers means bass notes attack and decay quickly, avoiding any lingering muddiness or bloat. This makes complex bass passages sound clear and impactful without bleeding into the mid-range.
Impactful without Overwhelm: While capable of producing powerful bass when called for e.g., electronic podcast, hip-hop, it remains controlled and proportionate to the rest of the mix. It’s a satisfying thump, not an unruly boom.

Mid-Range Presentation

The mid-range is crucial for vocals and many instruments, and the M1000ANC delivers a strong performance here.

Natural and Clear: Vocals, both male and female, sound natural, present, and clear. There’s no sense of hollowness or harshness.
Instrumental Richness: Guitars, pianos, and other instruments in the mid-range are reproduced with excellent timbre and texture. You can hear the subtle nuances of string plucks, piano hammer strikes, and woodwind breath.
Slight Warmth: A subtle warmth in the lower mids adds body and fullness to voices and instruments, making them sound rich and engaging without being overly colored.

Treble Performance

The treble region often separates good headphones from great ones. The M1000ANC aims for clarity without harshness.

Detailed and Extended: High frequencies are detailed and extend well, revealing the shimmer of cymbals, the sparkle of percussion, and the air around instruments.
Smooth and Non-Fatiguing: Crucially, the treble is generally smooth and well-controlled, avoiding sibilance sharp “s” sounds or harshness that can cause listening fatigue over long periods. It’s articulate without being piercing.
Airiness: The extended treble contributes to a sense of “air” in the soundstage, giving instruments room to breathe.

Soundstage and Imaging

The soundstage is the perceived three-dimensional space of the audio, while imaging refers to the precise placement of individual sounds within that space.

Good Soundstage Width: The M1000ANC offers a respectable soundstage for closed-back headphones, extending beyond the confines of your head. It’s not as expansive as open-back headphones, but it avoids sounding cramped.
Precise Imaging: Individual instruments and vocalists are clearly delineated and placed within this soundstage, allowing you to easily pinpoint their location. This enhances immersion, especially in complex orchestral pieces or live recordings.

Performance with ANC On

As mentioned previously, the integration of ANC typically introduces some slight alterations to the sound.

Minimal Impact: Monoprice has done a commendable job minimizing these impacts. While there might be a very subtle shift in the sound profile with ANC engaged e.g., a tiny reduction in bass punch or a slight dampening of the highest frequencies, it’s generally minor and does not detract significantly from the overall excellent sound quality. The core planar magnetic characteristics remain intact.

Conclusion on Sound: The Monoprice Monolith M1000ANC delivers on its promise of high-fidelity audio. The planar magnetic drivers provide a detailed, articulate, and engaging sound profile that is balanced and largely neutral, with excellent bass response, natural mids, and extended, non-fatiguing treble. For its price, and especially as a wireless ANC headphone, its sonic performance is genuinely impressive and easily competes with, and often surpasses, dynamically driven headphones in its class. Adata Xpg Valor Air Review

Target Audience and Value Proposition

Understanding who the Monoprice Monolith M1000ANC is for, and the value it brings, is key to appreciating its place in the market.

This isn’t just another pair of wireless headphones.

It’s a specific offering for a discerning listener who wants more bang for their buck.

Who Is This Headphone For?

The M1000ANC is ideally suited for several distinct groups of users:

The Budget-Conscious Audiophile: This is perhaps the primary target. If you appreciate detailed, accurate sound and have been eyeing planar magnetic headphones but found them too expensive or lacking wireless/ANC features, the M1000ANC is a dream come true. It offers a taste of true high-fidelity at a price that won’t require a second mortgage.
The Commuter/Traveler Who Prioritizes Sound Quality: Many noise-canceling headphones compromise on sound for the sake of ANC. The M1000ANC flips this script, offering genuinely good sound with effective noise cancellation. For long flights or daily commutes where you want to enjoy your podcast without excessive background noise, this is a strong contender.
The “Work From Home” Professional: With the rise of remote work, headphones have become essential. The M1000ANC’s combination of good sound for podcast breaks, decent call quality if applicable, and effective ANC for focusing in a busy household makes it a versatile tool for productivity and relaxation.
The Experimenter/Tech Enthusiast: If you’re curious about planar magnetic technology but don’t want to invest in a dedicated desktop setup, the M1000ANC offers an accessible entry point to experience its unique sound characteristics in a portable, wireless form factor.
Anyone Upgrading from Basic Consumer Headphones: If you’ve been using entry-level headphones and want to experience a significant leap in audio quality without jumping into the ultra-premium tier, the M1000ANC provides a noticeable improvement in detail, clarity, and bass articulation.

The Core Value Proposition

The M1000ANC’s value proposition is incredibly strong, built on three main pillars:

Unmatched Audio Fidelity for the Price Planar Magnetic: This is the biggest draw. Getting planar magnetic drivers in a wireless, ANC headphone at this price point is almost unheard of. It delivers a level of detail, clarity, and bass control that dynamic drivers often struggle to match in this category. It’s a genuine high-fidelity experience without the usual high-fidelity cost.
Effective Active Noise Cancellation: While not best-in-class, the ANC is highly capable. It significantly reduces common ambient noise, making these headphones practical for noisy environments. The fact that it coexists so well with the planar drivers is a testament to Monoprice’s engineering.
Robust Build and Comfort: Monoprice products often emphasize solid, functional construction. The M1000ANC is built to last, with durable materials and a comfortable design suitable for extended wear. This adds to the long-term value.
Wireless Convenience with Hi-Res Support aptX HD: The combination of Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX HD means you’re getting stable wireless connectivity with the capability for near high-resolution audio transmission, leveraging the quality of the planar drivers to their fullest.

What it’s NOT:

A “Luxury Brand” Statement: If you’re looking for overt luxury branding or the absolute bleeding edge of design flair, these might not be it. They prioritize function and performance.
The Absolute Best ANC: While very good, if absolute, uncompromised silence is your single top priority and budget is no object, there are headphones that offer marginally better noise cancellation e.g., Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra. However, you’ll pay a significant premium, and you’ll likely trade off some audio fidelity compared to the M1000ANC’s planar drivers.

In essence, the Monoprice Monolith M1000ANC is a pragmatic choice for the discerning listener. It offers a unique combination of high-end audio technology and practical features at a price that makes it an exceptional value. It’s about getting serious audio performance and useful noise cancellation without the exorbitant price tag, making it a compelling option for a wide array of users.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

No headphone is perfect, and while the Monoprice Monolith M1000ANC offers a compelling package, there are always areas where it might not meet every user’s specific preferences or needs.

Understanding these potential drawbacks helps set realistic expectations.

Weight and Bulk

Planar magnetic drivers, by their nature, can be heavier than traditional dynamic drivers.

While Monoprice has worked to mitigate this, the M1000ANC might still be somewhat heavier and bulkier than some of its dynamic driver counterparts. Trend Micro Password Manager Review

Impact on Comfort: While overall comfort is good, some users, particularly those with smaller heads or who are very sensitive to weight, might notice the extra heft during extremely long listening sessions e.g., 4+ hours continuous.
Portability: The slightly larger size can make them a bit less streamlined for packing into smaller bags, though the folding design helps.
Comparison: Compared to ultra-light ANC headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra, the M1000ANC will likely feel more substantial on the head.

ANC Level Compared to Flagships

As discussed, the ANC is very good, but it’s important to reiterate that it’s not the absolute best in the market.

Top-Tier Nuance: If your primary, overriding need is to achieve the deepest, most comprehensive silence possible across all frequency ranges, especially higher-pitched sounds, then flagship models from Sony or Bose still hold a slight edge.
Value vs. Marginal Gain: The difference is often marginal for daily use, and you’re paying a significant premium for that last 5-10% of ANC effectiveness. For most users, the M1000ANC’s ANC will be more than sufficient.

Call Quality

While not a primary focus for audiophile headphones, call quality is increasingly important for wireless models.

Microphone Performance: The M1000ANC’s microphone performance for calls is likely decent for indoor use in quiet environments. However, in noisy outdoor settings or windy conditions, it might struggle to isolate your voice from background noise as effectively as headphones specifically designed with advanced call-handling features e.g., multiple beamforming microphones.
Not a Headset Replacement: If you spend a significant portion of your day on calls in varied environments, a dedicated business headset or a phone’s built-in mic might still offer superior clarity for the person on the other end.

Lack of a Companion App Likely

Monoprice products, particularly in the Monolith line, often prioritize a straightforward, plug-and-play experience. This often means they do not come with a dedicated smartphone companion app.

No EQ Customization: This is the biggest potential drawback for some users. Without an app, you typically cannot customize the sound signature with a graphic equalizer EQ or adjust ANC levels. You’re reliant on the default sound profile and ANC settings.
Feature Control: Other features like firmware updates though less common for headphones, custom button assignments, or specific ambient sound modes might not be available.
User Preference: For some, this simplicity is a positive, meaning less fuss. For others who like to tinker and personalize their sound, it could be a limitation.

Availability and Brand Recognition

Monoprice, while highly respected in audiophile circles for its value, does not have the same mainstream brand recognition as Sony, Bose, or Apple.

Limited Retail Presence: You might find it harder to physically try these headphones before buying, as they are primarily sold direct-to-consumer online.
Resale Value: While a minor point, less mainstream brands can sometimes have slightly lower resale values compared to market leaders.

In summary: The Monoprice Monolith M1000ANC’s potential drawbacks are generally minor and often trade-offs for its exceptional value proposition and planar magnetic sound. For the target audience who prioritizes sound quality and effective ANC at a compelling price, these considerations are often well worth the compromise.

Monoprice Monolith M1000Anc Review