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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality for music, the Marshall Major IV headphones are the better choice as they have a higher overall sound rating. However, for calls and meetings, the Grado GT220 earbuds may be more convenient due to their wireless design, although they have a slightly lesser mic quality rating. The Grado GT220 also supports AAC codec, which may benefit Apple device users, and is more suitable for exercise due to being sweatproof and offering a secure fit. On the flip side, the Marshall Major IV has a significantly longer battery life, a foldable design enhancing portability, and both wired and wireless connectivity options. Ultimately, if budget is a primary concern, the Marshall Major IV gives a better price-to-performance ratio given its sound quality and extended battery life. 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 Grado GT220
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Marshall Major IV
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Phone Calls
6.9
5.8
The Grado GT220 is only fair for phone calls, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8
6.1
The Grado GT220 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Battery
5.5 Hours
80.0 Hours
The Grado GT220 has 5.5 hours of battery life. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Cost
$259
$70
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Grado GT220 has a price of $259 and the Marshall Major IV costs $70.
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Key similarities
Music
6.3
6.6
The Marshall Major IV and Grado GT220 are both only fair for music.
Gaming
5.1
5.4
The Marshall Major IV and Grado GT220 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.5
5.7
The Marshall Major IV and Grado GT220 are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.6
The Marshall Major IV and Grado GT220 are both poor for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.8
8.5
The Grado GT220 and Marshall Major IV both have very good build quality.
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How the Grado GT220 and the Marshall Major IV compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Grado GT220 | Marshall Major IV |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$259 | $70 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Grado | Marshall | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2020 | 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 | 7/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5.5 Hours | 80 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 36 | N/A | |
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 | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | 9/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5 Grams | 165 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Grado GT220
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Dig into reviews and images
Major HiFi
Alex Schiffer | October 2020
"With its superb and functional interface and its highly satisfying imaging, Grado has shown a new talent for delivering a solid true wireless system, and with future improvements, has the potential to really be one of the best."
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 Grado GT220 or the Marshall Major IV
About Grado
Grado Labs is a small, family-owned, business based in Brooklyn New York that specializes in high-end, boutique, dynamic headphones and turntable cartridges. They boast a particular house sound, that is to say their products have a particular sound signature unique to Grado, that some audiophiles seem to really like and are unable to find anywhere else. Their high-end headphones are all hand made, completely in house, from a variety of exotic woods and materials going so far as to making one of their most popular products out of hemp.
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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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