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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for a more traditional headphone experience with strong overall sound quality, go for the Marshall Major IV; they will also last longer on a single charge, and they can fold for easier transport. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) earbuds are more suitable for active use as they're smaller, lighter, and offer features like sweat and dust resistance. They have a dedicated low latency mode, which is great for gaming and videos, and support a higher-quality codec for audio. However, the Marshalls are generally less expensive. Neither option has active noise cancelling, so consider your need for noise isolation. 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 Marshall Major IV
- The Marshall Major IV has no clear advantages over the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2).
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
5.4
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Phone Calls
5.8
7.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.1
9.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
TV and Video
5.7
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for TV and video, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.6
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for noise reduction, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
80.0 Hours
6.7 Hours
The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$149
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Marshall Major IV has a price of $100 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) costs $149.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has excellent build quality, while the Marshall Major IV has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
6.6
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) to be good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
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How the Marshall Major IV and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Marshall Major IV | "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Marshall | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | March 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.6/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.8/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 7.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 80 Hours | 6.7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 3 Hours | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3. | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.7/10 | 8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 9/10 | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 165 Grams | 4.4 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)."
"Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | March 2023
"For the price the Nothing Ear (2) is pretty good. It fits well, and the IP54 rating (and IP55 with case) is durable enough for daily life. Most of its unique features are found in the Nothing X app, such as personalized frequency responses, and personalized, adjustable ANC."
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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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