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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats EP are wired, on-ear headphones that offer very good overall sound quality and build quality but lack wireless capabilities, built-in controls, a microphone, and app-related features; they are better suited for music and TV, but less ideal for calls, meetings, and high movement activities like exercise. Consider how you prioritize sound quality, the need for wireless functionality, microphone usage, and portability against the higher price of the Beats EP when making your decision.
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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 Beats EP
Very good for music
Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Marshall Major IV
Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.1/10
6.6/10
The Beats EP is very good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Gaming
6.3/10
5.4/10
The Beats EP is only fair for gaming, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Phone Calls
4.2/10
5.8/10
The Marshall Major IV and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8/10
6.1/10
The Beats EP and Marshall Major IV are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Beats EP is somewhat better.
TV and Video
7.6/10
5.7/10
The Beats EP is good for TV and video, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
N/A
80.0 Hours
The Beats EP does not have a battery. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
"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 Beats EP or the Marshall Major IV
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Luis Torres
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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.