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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for high-quality sound primarily for home use and aren't concerned about noise isolation, the Marshall Major IV could be a great choice, providing richer sound and a built-in microphone with a much longer battery life that's conducive to extended sessions. However, if you need active noise cancellation for travel or noisy environments, the Apple Airpods Pro offers superior noise isolation, along with a lighter, more portable design, and better optimization for Apple devices. Additionally, Airpods Pro supports wireless charging and has features like ear detection, which can be convenient for on-the-go users. Consider these trade-offs carefully in light of the price difference. 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 Pro
Good for phone calls
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 Pro.
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.4/10
5.8/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3/10
6.1/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
5.6/10
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
80.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Cost
$260
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Marshall Major IV costs $100.
Build Quality
9.0/10
8.5/10
The Apple Airpods Pro has excellent build quality, while the Marshall Major IV has very good build quality.
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
"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 Pro 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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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.