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Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
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. 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 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
6.6
The Beats EP is very good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
5.4
The Beats EP is only fair for gaming, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Phone Calls
4.2
5.8
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
6.1
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
5.7
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.
Cost
$150
$97
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats EP has a price of $150 and the Marshall Major IV costs $97.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.6
The Marshall Major IV and Beats EP are both poor for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.0
8.5
The Marshall Major IV and Beats EP both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats EP and the Marshall Major IV compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Marshall Major IV |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$150 | $97 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Marshall | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | 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 | 4.3/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 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 | N/A | 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 | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 165 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"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."
Marshall Major IV
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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)."
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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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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