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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value noise isolation and will use your earbuds during flights or exercise, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds with their active noise cancelling feature are a better choice, though they are pricier. For those seeking a more affordable option with longer battery life that can be used for calls, the Marshall Major IV headphones offer excellent mic quality and can also be used in wired mode. However, the Marshalls don't offer active noise cancelling, and being on-ear headphones, they may not be as comfortable for long periods as the Bose earbuds, which have a higher comfort score. 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 Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
- Good for music
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Marshall Major IV
- The Marshall Major IV has no clear advantages over the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds.
Key differences
Music
7.1
6.6
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Phone Calls
6.6
5.8
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is only fair for phone calls, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.5
6.1
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Noise Reduction
9.1
5.6
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds is excellent for noise reduction, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
7.0 Hours
80.0 Hours
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has 7 hours of battery life. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Cost
$199
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds has a price of $199 and the Marshall Major IV costs $100.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.6
5.4
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds and Marshall Major IV are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
6.0
5.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds to be only fair for TV and video, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Build Quality
8.9
8.5
The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds and Marshall Major IV both have very good build quality.
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How the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds and the Marshall Major IV compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds | Marshall Major IV |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$199 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bose | Marshall | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2020 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.1/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.7/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.8/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 7 Hours | 80 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 18 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.4/10 | 9/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.5 Grams | 165 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | March 2023
"The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is a great do-it-all option for anyone, so long as you can afford it. This is a great alternative to the Apple AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4. You can choose the degree of noise canceling, and enjoy premium features like automatic ear-detection. These earbuds merit an IPX4 rating, making them a fine workout companion."
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 Bose
Bose is an American audio equipment manufacturer based out of Framingham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1964 by Amar Bose with the goal of creating a speaker system that could accurately recreate the sound of a concert hall, Bose has become one of the most prominent players in the modern consumer audio market due to the premium feel of their products and their wide brand recognition.
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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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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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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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