OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Monoprice Monolith M1070 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£210
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Monoprice Monolith M1070 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.0

Poor

3.1

Poor

7.7

Very good

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.5
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
1.0
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
1.4
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#768 in Best Wired Headphones
#817 in Best Over Ear Headphones

Verdict

The Monoprice Monolith M1070 is an open-back audiophile headphone featuring a 106mm planar magnetic driver with a dual linear symmetry magnet array. It boasts a wide frequency response of 5Hz to 50kHz, an impedance of 60 ohms, and a sensitivity of 96dB, delivering a transparent and balanced sound profile with punchy bass and detailed highs. Main pros include its exceptional price-to-performance ratio, spacious soundstage, and the inclusion of both lambskin and velour memory foam earpads. However, its primary drawbacks are its substantial weight of 580g, which can cause neck fatigue during long sessions, and a bulky design that lacks portability.

Technical Specifications of Monoprice Monolith M1070

Overall score

4.0

Show more

Hide

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

3.3

Show more

Hide

Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

planar

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

Show more

Calls & Controls

1.1

Show more

Hide

Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

Show more

Connectivity

2.9

Show more

Hide

Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Show more

Features

2.7

Show more

Hide

Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

Show more

Battery

1.0

Show more

Hide

Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

Show more

Design

5.1

Show more

Hide

Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Monoprice

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

Show more

Monoprice Monolith M1070 vs the average headphone

Why is Monoprice Monolith M1070 better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

66 mm larger driver size
Monoprice Monolith M1070 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (106 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1070 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (106 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.106 mm vs 40 mm
13 Hz lower bass extension
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
30,000 Hz higher treble extension
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.50000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
22 mm more spacious earcup width
Monoprice Monolith M1070 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (65 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1070 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (65 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.65 mm vs 43 mm
0.2 % lower distortion
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.0.1 % vs 0.3 %
Open-back design
Monoprice Monolith M1070 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1070 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
50x higher input power handling
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (5,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=300 mW
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (5,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.5000 mW vs 100 mW
20 dB higher max SPL
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=116 dB
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.130 dB vs 110 dB
22 mm more spacious earcup width
Monoprice Monolith M1070 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (65 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
Open-back design
Monoprice Monolith M1070 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
66 mm larger driver size
Monoprice Monolith M1070 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (106 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
30,000 Hz higher treble extension
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
0.2 % lower distortion
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
50x higher input power handling
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (5,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
20 dB higher max SPL
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.

Why is Monoprice Monolith M1070 worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

2.66x higher weight
Monoprice Monolith M1070 is heavier than the average headphone (580 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
No passive noise reduction
Monoprice Monolith M1070 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
7 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (96 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Not headset-ready
Monoprice Monolith M1070 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Monoprice Monolith M1070 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Monoprice Monolith M1070 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1070 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
2.66x higher weight
Monoprice Monolith M1070 is heavier than the average headphone (580 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Monoprice Monolith M1070 is heavier than the average headphone (580 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.580 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Monoprice Monolith M1070 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Monoprice Monolith M1070 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Not headset-ready
Monoprice Monolith M1070 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1070 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
19.7% worse value for money
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.63 vs 6.736).
What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Monoprice Monolith M1070 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.63 vs 6.736).5.63 vs 6.74
2.33x more expensive
Monoprice Monolith M1070 is more expensive than the average headphone (£210 vs £90).
Monoprice Monolith M1070 is more expensive than the average headphone (£210 vs £90).£210 vs £90

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Monoprice Monolith M1070 and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Monoprice Monolith M1070?

Excellent value for high-quality planar magnetic performance at its price point.
Clear, detailed, and highly transparent overall sound signature.
Tight, fast, and well-extended bass response that doesn't bleed into the mids.
Generously sized earcups with very thick, comfortable memory foam padding.
Comes with both interchangeable lambskin leather and velour earpads to alter the sound signature.
Features a sturdy, high-quality metal headband structure and premium grille design.

What customers dislike about Monoprice Monolith M1070?

Extremely heavy at roughly 580g (1.25 lbs), making them prone to causing neck fatigue.
The default clamping force can feel overly high and uncomfortable during long listening sessions.
The stock tuning leans dark or mid-centric and heavily relies on EQ to get the absolute best high-end clarity.
Issues with 3rd-party cable compatibility due to specific polarity wiring on the headphone inputs.
Massive overall physical footprint and a giant case make them virtually non-portable.
The soundstage is somewhat intimate and lacks the grand, expansive width expected from some open-backs.

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

13/09/2019

Monolith M1070 Over Ear Open Back Planar Headphones

The Monolith by Monoprice M1070 open-back planar magnetic headphonesGo are praised on Head-Fi for their smooth, midrange-focused sound and deep, textured bass. Users note the improved, sturdy build quality, which includes both lambskin and velour pads for versatility. However, the 1.25 lb weight causes significant comfort issues, and the imaging is described as somewhat limited and...Read more

trustedreviews.com

10/08/2022

Monolith M1070 Review

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Monolith M1070 highlights these open-backed planar magnetic headphones as a precise and transparent, yet somewhat un-invigorating, entry-level audiophile option. Key pros include exceptional tonal balance with detailed, nuanced sound across the frequency range, paired with accurate instrument separation and a weighty, controlled bass response....Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

Headphones

Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

Compare Monoprice Monolith M1070 with

Compare