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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you are looking for earbuds that offer high-fidelity sound with excellent noise isolation, the Etymotic ER4XR would be the better choice, especially suited for critical listening in quiet environments. However, they are more expensive and might be less comfortable for long periods due to deep ear insertion. On the other hand, the Marshall Major IV headphones are more affordable, generally more comfortable for extended wear with a more traditional fit, and offer the convenience of wireless listening. If you're looking for ease of use and casual listening, including on the go, the Marshall headphones might better suit your needs. Keep in mind they might not match the sound precision and isolation provided by the Etymotics. 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 Etymotic ER4XR
- 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
8.0
6.6
The Etymotic ER4XR is very good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Gaming
6.2
5.4
The Etymotic ER4XR is only fair for gaming, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Phone Calls
4.7
5.8
The Marshall Major IV and Etymotic ER4XR are both poor for phone calls, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
6.1
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
TV and Video
7.4
5.7
The Etymotic ER4XR is good for TV and video, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
5.6
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
N/A
80.0 Hours
The Etymotic ER4XR does not have a battery. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Cost
$234
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the Marshall Major IV costs $100.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Etymotic ER4XR has excellent build quality, while the Marshall Major IV has very good build quality.
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How the Etymotic ER4XR and the Marshall Major IV compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER4XR | Marshall Major IV |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$234 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Marshall | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2016 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 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 | 9.1/10 | 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 | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 165 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Etymotic ER4XR
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | May 2015
"The Etymotic ER4XRs' top qualities are the detail and definition of the midrange, rewarding the closest listening. While the soundstage is large rather than gigantic, the excellent separation and spatial precision mean you can dive deep into music just as much as when wearing a pair of full-size open-backed headphones."
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 Etymotic ER4XR or the Marshall Major IV
About Etymotic
Etymotic Research is an American based research, development and manufacturing company founded in 1983. They invented the first insert earphones that were used for the diagnosis and research of hearing loss and other auditory disorders. They went on to pioneer the market of high fidelity, isolating, in-ear earphones.
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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
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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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.
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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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