I first took Monster headphones for review in November 2024 and wrote a detailed review about them. Before that, I had not encountered this brand at all. That review created a strong response and generated a lot of interest, and I received many questions by email about the brand. Because of that, I decided over the last few months to acquire several models of these headphones and review them. Over the past month, I used only these headphones, and here are the findings.
What I Tested and How
Over the course of four weeks, I exclusively used the Monster Persona 6th ANC, Persona SE ANC, Persona 4th ANC, and Mission 200. I used the Persona 6th in the mornings, the Persona SE around noon, and the Persona 4th ANC in the evenings. I used the Mission 200 for phone use and calls.
I paired them with both my PC and smartphone. I did not use any apps and connected only via Bluetooth, as most people do when using wireless headphones. I wanted everything to reflect normal, everyday use.
Sound
Monster is a solid brand in terms of sound. You get very clean sound with clear vocals, similar to other brands I have tested, such as Tozo or Soundpeats. All of these brands are in the same price range and have approximately the same performance, with appearance being the main difference between them. This is not the case with the Persona 6th, which have the best performance of all the models mentioned, offering better instrument separation, more accurate sound texture, and excellent bass. I tried to find information about the audio codecs used, but Monster does not list this anywhere.
The price of this device itself reflects its quality. During testing, I used compositions ranging from Mozart to mixes by DJ Tiësto, covering a wide range from instrumentals to extreme bass. This is not a premium brand like Sony or Bose, so do not expect too much.
Microphone and Call Quality
The microphone showed average performance, similar to other headphones in this price range. There is nothing special here, and you should not expect studio-level clarity. This microphone is sufficient for users who want to use it for ordinary communication on a mobile phone or PC through common communication platforms. Speech is clear, which is what most users are looking for.
Controls
Monster headphones prioritize simplicity. The ANC mode switch cycles between noise cancellation, transparency, and off. Transparency mode is functional and allows short conversations without taking the headphones off. The lack of a mobile app means that all controls are hardware-based, which is not a bad thing for users who do not want to spend time dealing with software.
All other buttons are easy to press, and you get a clear tactile response, so you always know when a function has been activated.
Battery
The battery performance of the Monster headphones is one of their strong points. The Persona 6th delivered the longest battery life, at around 60 hours with ANC off and around 45 hours with ANC on. The Persona SE achieved similar results, offering close to 55 hours without ANC and around 40 hours with active noise cancellation.
The Persona 4th delivered slightly lower endurance, averaging around 50 hours without ANC and around 35-38 hours with ANC on. The Mission 200, as a more basic model, offered around 45 hours of playback without any active noise cancellation. In real-world use, all models easily covered several full workdays without needing to charge frequently.
Connectivity
Connection was stable and easy across all Monster headphones tested. Pairing with a PC and smartphone was quick and easy, with no dropouts or repeated pairing attempts. Bluetooth range was good, maintaining a stable signal through the walls of my office to the bathroom, and I experienced even greater range with the Persona 4th and Persona 6th models, which feature Bluetooth 6th generation and provide a longer signal range. The older models use Bluetooth 5.4.
Function: Active Noise Cancellation
This technology in Monster headphones is effective at reducing consistent, low-frequency sounds from the environment. The hum of PCs, air conditioners, and traffic is reduced to a faint background presence. However, higher-frequency sounds, such as nearby conversations or keyboard clicks, remain audible even with this function turned on. The headphones that performed best were the Persona 6th ANC, which provided the cleanest performance with minimal added background noise.
This is also the most compact and latest model, so that result was expected. The Mission 200 offers a basic level of noise reduction sufficient for mild disturbances, similar to other models, which is normal for headphones in this budget range.
What’s the Difference Between the Persona and Mission Series?
The Persona line represents the brand’s core competency in wireless audio. The series includes high-quality materials like memory foam ear cushions, metal alloy components at stress points, and a more robust construction. It features capable hybrid active noise cancellation, improved audio drivers, and extended battery life. The models within the line, from the low-key Persona SE to the feature-packed Persona 4th, are designed to compete directly with established brands like Anker Soundcore and EarFun in the mid-range market.
The Mission line, represented by the Mission 200, serves as a starting point. It focuses on providing basic wireless functionality – Bluetooth connectivity, basic playback controls, and a foldable design – at a minimal price. That’s the short answer to these two series if you want the more powerful Persona models if you’re not a bit picky about the Mission series.
So, Is Monster a Good Headphone Brand?
Monster is a great brand when it comes to value for money, similar to the SoundPeats brand. The more powerful models are found in the Persona series, which offers newer features such as Bluetooth 6th generation, HiFi stereo audio, and more, all of which are covered in my detailed reviews. The Mission series, on the other hand, is a budget-friendly and affordable option that does not offer as many features.
The ideal Monster customer is looking for wireless headphones that perform consistently throughout the workday. They prioritize reliable battery life, stable connectivity, clear call quality, and comfortable, non-fatiguing sound over high-end specifications or audiophile-level playback.
What Is This Brand Good At and What Does It Still Need to Improve?
Good Points:
- Battery life: The battery life of these headphones is excellent, offering more than 60 hours without charging, so you will often forget when you last charged your headphones.
- Connection stability: Bluetooth 6th generation delivers excellent performance. There is no doubt about that, and even compared to much stronger brands, Monster can stand alongside them.
- Design: I have tested many headphones, but these models have very good designs, especially the Persona 4th, which features modern LED rings that are rarely matched by competitors in this price range.
- Effective ANC philosophy: Noise cancellation is tuned for practical, long-lasting comfort rather than maximum isolation.
Disadvantages:
- Mid-range ANC performance: The technology does not match the depth of noise cancellation achieved by industry leaders.
- Material quality: While solid, the materials do not offer the premium tactile feel of higher-end competitors.
Final Verdict After a Month of Testing
This brand has made very good headphones for their price. They certainly cannot be compared to models like the Sony WH-1000XM6, which costs five times more, or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. I believe that people who came to read this test already know that those brands are premium and did not expect them here, precisely because of their price. That is why it makes sense to look at what the Monster brand actually offers. In the end, I can say that these headphones are worth every dollar.
They are not just headphones with marketing features, but products that also look very good. This was not a professional headphone test with measurements and charts. It was testing done for everyday users who often send me questions asking what the Monster brand is really like.
