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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and a snug, in-ear fit with a touch of smart features, the Google Pixel Buds A Series would be your choice, as they are compact earbuds with an Adaptive Audio mode that adjusts volume based on external noise. However, for long listening sessions with plush comfort and significantly longer battery life, the Marshall Major IV headphones stand out, a tradeoff being their bulkier on-ear design compared to the discreteness of earbuds. The Pixel Buds are slightly less expensive, but if budget allows and comfort and battery are key, the Marshalls might be worth the extra cost. 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 Google Pixel Buds A Series
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Marshall Major IV
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
8.6
5.4
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for gaming, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Phone Calls
8.5
5.8
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for phone calls, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
6.1
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
TV and Video
7.8
5.7
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is good for TV and video, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6
5.6
The Marshall Major IV and Google Pixel Buds A Series are both poor for noise reduction, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Battery
5.0 Hours
80.0 Hours
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has 5 hours of battery life. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
7.4
8.5
The Marshall Major IV has very good build quality, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
6.4
6.6
The Marshall Major IV and Google Pixel Buds A Series are both only fair for music.
Cost
$92
$97
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
$160
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has a price of $92 and the Marshall Major IV costs $97.
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How the Google Pixel Buds A Series and the Marshall Major IV compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel Buds A Series | Marshall Major IV |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$92 | $97 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Marshall | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2021 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.4/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.5/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.7/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 80 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.3 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 4.6/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.1 Grams | 165 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Google Pixel Buds A Series
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"For the person who doesn’t want to think about their earphones while using them, Google has created the Pixel Buds A-Series. For a reasonable price, Google packs in a bevy of features like touch controls and a good fit into this Android-friendly set of earbuds to make productivity and life easier."
Marshall Major IV
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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 Google Pixel Buds A Series or the Marshall Major IV
About Google
Mainly known as the most popular search engine on the planet, Google is a multinational technology company that also offers a variety of audio-oriented products. Beside their smart speakers under the Nest product line, Google offers several models of true wireless earbuds under the Pixel line, some of which happen to be an affordable but very powerful option for those already in the Android ecosystem.
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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.
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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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