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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize affordability, the Audio Technica ATH M20X is the more budget-friendly choice and often significantly less expensive. It's an over-ear design with a focus on studio tracking and mixing, which can also offer a more immersive listening experience for music. However, they are less portable and have no wireless capabilities. On the other hand, the Marshall Major IV, while more costly, provides the convenience of wireless listening, with a battery life suitable for long sessions. Its on-ear form factor is more compact, making it easier to transport. The Marshall also includes a built-in microphone, which is advantageous if you need to take calls or interact online. In summary, if you're looking for value and primarily use them for critical listening, go with Audio Technica. If portability, wireless freedom, and the added microphone are important, consider the Marshall Major IV despite the higher price. 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 Audio Technica ATH M20X
- Good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Marshall Major IV
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.6
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Gaming
6.2
5.4
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for gaming, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
5.8
The Marshall Major IV and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both poor for phone calls, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
6.1
The Audio Technica ATH M20X and Marshall Major IV are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Audio Technica ATH M20X is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.6
5.7
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for TV and video, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
N/A
80.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M20X does not have a battery. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Cost
$49
$100
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Marshall Major IV costs $100.
Build Quality
6.9
8.5
The Marshall Major IV has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
6.0
5.6
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audio Technica ATH M20X to be only fair for noise reduction, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Marshall Major IV compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Marshall Major IV |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Marshall | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 80 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 9/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 165 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M20X
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Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"Audio-Technica positively defies what you can expect for around $50. Ultimately, Audio-Technica did not design the ATH-M20x to go on the subway with you. It’s for the budget-conscious, do-it-yourself producer, podcaster, or studio that needs to buy tracking cans in bulk. If you don’t need the most deluxe, comfortable headphones, maybe you’ll like the ATH-M20x for its spartan functionality. The headphones are aimed at giving you the minimum requirements without it feeling like a sacrifice."
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 Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Marshall Major IV
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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.
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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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