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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Airpods Max and the Marshall Major IV offer different experiences. The Airpods Max provide superior noise isolation and are better suited for air travel. They also integrate well with Apple devices and support active noise cancelling. Conversely, the Major IV headphones have a significantly longer battery life and are more portable due to their foldability. The Marshall headphones are also noted for better sound quality and microphone performance. If you're an Apple user looking for premium features like noise-cancelling and don't mind the extra cost, the Airpods Max could be the way to go. However, if you prioritize cost efficiency, battery life, and portability, the Major IV might be your preferred choice. 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 Max
- Good for music
- Excellent for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Marshall Major IV
- The Marshall Major IV has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Max.
Key differences
Music
7.3
6.6
The Apple Airpods Max is good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Phone Calls
6.6
5.8
The Apple Airpods Max is only fair for phone calls, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
6.1
The Apple Airpods Max is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Noise Reduction
10.0
5.6
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
21.0 Hours
80.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Cost
$549
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $549 and the Marshall Major IV costs $100.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Apple Airpods Max has excellent build quality, while the Marshall Major IV has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.5
5.4
The Apple Airpods Max and Marshall Major IV are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
5.7
The Marshall Major IV and Apple Airpods Max are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Marshall Major IV compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Marshall Major IV |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$549 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Marshall | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 80 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 9/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 165 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Max
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | July 2023
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
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)."
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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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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.
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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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