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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize superb sound quality for music enjoyment, Marshall Major IV would be the better choice as they are known to have a higher sound quality and are also comfortable for extended periods. They also include a microphone with a higher quality for calls, a detachable cable for wired use, and remarkably long battery life. Additionally, they are foldable, enhancing their portability, despite being bulkier than earbuds. However, for convenience and portability, the Apple AirPods shine due to their small size and ear detection feature, making them more suitable for on-the-go use and exercise, despite having lower sound isolation and no active noise cancelling unlike the Marshall Major IV. Both are compatible with iOS devices, but if you intend to use them for watching TV or gaming, be aware that neither of these devices are optimized for low latency, which is important for sync between audio and video. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Marshall Major IV
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
6.6
The Marshall Major IV is only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
5.4
The Marshall Major IV and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.9
5.8
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
6.1
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.6
The Marshall Major IV and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Battery
4.0 Hours
80.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$100
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Marshall Major IV costs $100.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The Marshall Major IV has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
5.4
5.7
The Marshall Major IV and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Marshall Major IV compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Marshall Major IV |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Marshall | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 80 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 9/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 165 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Marshall Major IV
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Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"The Marshall Major IV shares quite a bit in common with its predecessor, but a key upgrade appears to be softer ear cushions. They make upgrading worth it. As a set of basic wired or wireless headphones the Major IV ticks most boxes by remaining easy to use, and fairly comfortable (at least, as on-ear headphones go)."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Marshall Major IV
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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