A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M40X, being wired, over-ear, and with high sound and build quality, is well-suited for critical listening. They are foldable but do not have wireless capabilities or built-in microphones, which limits their use for calls and outdoor activities. On the other hand, the Marshall Major IV is wireless, on-ear with significant battery life and integrated microphone, making them versatile for various activities, including calls and portable use. They are also relatively more portable and convenient for on-the-go usage without sacrificing much on sound quality. However, if you primarily need headphones for in-studio use or critical listening and prefer wired connectivity, the Audio Technica may be the better economical 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 Audio Technica ATH M40X
- Very good for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Marshall Major IV
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.1
6.6
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Gaming
7.0
5.4
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is good for gaming, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Phone Calls
3.3
5.8
The Marshall Major IV and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for phone calls, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1
6.1
The Marshall Major IV is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
TV and Video
8.7
5.7
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
N/A
80.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M40X does not have a battery. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.6
The Marshall Major IV and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for noise reduction.
Cost
$99
$100
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $99 and the Marshall Major IV costs $100.
Build Quality
8.2
8.5
The Marshall Major IV and Audio Technica ATH M40X both have very good build quality.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the Marshall Major IV compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M40X | Marshall Major IV |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $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 | 8.1/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.1/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 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 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 245 Grams | 165 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M40X
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Lily Katz | August 2023
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."
Marshall Major IV
See more
Dig into reviews and images
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 M40X 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.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Audio Technica ATH M40X vs. "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
VS
Compare Audio Technica ATH M40X vs. AKG K361
VS
Compare Audio Technica ATH M40X vs. Jabra Elite 4
VS
Compare Marshall Major IV vs. JBL Live 670NC
VS
Compare Marshall Major IV vs. Razer Hammerhead True Wireless
VS
Compare Marshall Major IV vs. Soundcore Space One
VS
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
128,300
Recommendations made
19,245
Consumer hours saved
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.
Featured in
