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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 10, 2024·
If you prioritize very good overall sound quality, advanced features like a smart charging case with a touch display, wireless charging, and active noise cancelling, the JBL Live Flex 3 earbuds are suitable for you, but they may not be the best for gaming or watching TV due to low performance in those areas. On the other hand, if you're looking for headphones that offer excellent sound and build quality for a lower price, the Marshall Major IV might be for you; they are less suited for use during exercise and have limited noise isolation. The Marshalls also have exceptionally long battery life, which is great for extended listening sessions, though they lack some of the smart, modern features present in the JBLs. 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 JBL Live Flex 3
- Very good for music
- Very good for exercise
Advantages of the Marshall Major IV
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.0
6.6
The JBL Live Flex 3 is very good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Phone Calls
5.2
5.8
The Marshall Major IV and JBL Live Flex 3 are both poor for phone calls, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
8.3
5.6
The JBL Live Flex 3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
10.0 Hours
80.0 Hours
The JBL Live Flex 3 has 10 hours of battery life. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Cost
$216
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The JBL Live Flex 3 has a price of $216 and the Marshall Major IV costs $100.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.5
5.4
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Marshall Major IV are both poor for gaming.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.9
6.1
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Marshall Major IV to be only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JBL Live Flex 3 is poor.
TV and Video
5.7
5.7
The Marshall Major IV and JBL Live Flex 3 are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The JBL Live Flex 3 and Marshall Major IV both have very good build quality.
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How the JBL Live Flex 3 and the Marshall Major IV compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| JBL Live Flex 3 | Marshall Major IV |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$216 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | JBL | Marshall | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2024 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 8.4/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 80 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 40 | 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 | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 9/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8.8 Grams | 165 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
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 JBL Live Flex 3 or the Marshall Major IV
About JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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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.
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Chandradeep Chowdhury
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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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