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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between the Audio Technica ATH M30X and Marshall Major IV comes down to what you value most in your listening experience. If sound quality for music is your top priority and you don't need the convenience of wireless tech, the ATH M30X boasts solid overall sound. However, for an all-rounder that does well with calls, has a significant wireless advantage, and greater comfort for long listening sessions, the Marshall Major IV edges out, albeit usually at a slightly higher price. Keep in mind the Major IV also offers a very long battery life, if that factors into your daily use. 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 M30X
- 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 M30X is good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Gaming
6.6
5.4
The Audio Technica ATH M30X 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 M30X are both poor for phone calls, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.9
6.1
The Audio Technica ATH M30X and Marshall Major IV are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Audio Technica ATH M30X is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.9
5.7
The Audio Technica ATH M30X is good for TV and video, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
N/A
80.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M30X does not have a battery. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$100
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Audio Technica ATH M30X has a price of $89 and the Marshall Major IV costs $100.
Build Quality
7.2
8.5
The Marshall Major IV has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M30X has good 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 M30X to be only fair for noise reduction, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M30X and the Marshall Major IV compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M30X | Marshall Major IV |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $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 | 7.7/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 220 Grams | 165 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M30X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | August 2023
"The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is a great choice for anybody that needs a decent set of over-ear studio monitors. While the frequency response is not totally spot on, it works for basically every situation reasonably well. The sound quality and reasonably good comfort promote its candidacy as a great pick for $69 USD."
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 M30X 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.
By the numbers
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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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