The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and studio-grade accuracy, the Audio Technica M50x would be a superior choice, despite being more expensive. However, they are bulkier and might not be as comfortable for long periods of wearing as the Marshall Major IV, which offers a more relaxed fit and is convenient for on-the-go use due to its smaller size. The Marshall's also have the advantage of being wireless with a long battery life, making them more suitable for daily commutes or travel. Consider if the convenience of wireless listening and cost savings are more important to you than the professional audio quality and sound isolation provided by the Audio Technica M50x. 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 M50x
Very good for music
Good for TV and video
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Marshall Major IV
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.5/10
6.6/10
The Audio Technica M50x is very good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Gaming
6.3/10
5.4/10
The Audio Technica M50x is only fair for gaming, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Phone Calls
4.4/10
5.8/10
The Marshall Major IV and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0/10
6.1/10
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
TV and Video
7.8/10
5.7/10
The Audio Technica M50x is good for TV and video, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
N/A
80.0 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$100
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Marshall Major IV costs $100.
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
"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 M50x 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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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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