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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If excellent sound quality and a built-in microphone with high clarity for calls are priorities for you, then the Marshall Major IV might be the better choice, plus they come with much longer battery life for extended listening sessions. However, if you prefer earbuds over headphones, need active noise cancelling for noisy environments, and appreciate a lightweight and more portable design, the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 would suit you better, especially for use during exercise, given their sweatproof certification. Be aware that choosing the Bowers and Wilkins comes at a higher price point, and while they offer a high comfort score, they have a shorter battery life compared to the Marshall headphones. 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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
- The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has no clear advantages over the Marshall Major IV.
Advantages of the Marshall Major IV
- The Marshall Major IV has no clear advantages over the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2.
Key differences
Phone Calls
5.0
5.8
The Marshall Major IV and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both poor for phone calls, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
8.3
5.6
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
80.0 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Cost
$181
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has a price of $181 and the Marshall Major IV costs $100.
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Key similarities
Music
6.7
6.6
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Marshall Major IV are both only fair for music.
Gaming
5.3
5.4
The Marshall Major IV and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both poor for gaming.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
6.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Marshall Major IV to be only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
TV and Video
5.6
5.7
The Marshall Major IV and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.9
8.5
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Marshall Major IV both have very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and the Marshall Major IV compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 | Marshall Major IV |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$181 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | Marshall | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.8/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 80 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.75 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 19 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 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 | 6.5/10 | 9/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6 Grams | 165 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
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Dig into reviews and images
Major HiFi
Chris Golembeski | January 2023
"Bowers and Wilkins isn’t looking to make an obscure, premium wireless bud catered specifically towards audiophiles. Instead, it seems apparent that they’re going for the crown: a cool and popular look, an easy and comfortable fit, and an engaging stage with a great balance that is perfectly suited for mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike."
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)."
Get a great deal on the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 or the Marshall Major IV
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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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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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.
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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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