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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Marshall Major IV headphones offer excellent overall sound quality with the convenience of both wireless and wired connectivity, and they have a notable battery life that supports wireless charging; they are suitable for extended music listening and perform well for calls and meetings. However, their on-ear form factor and closed enclosure design might not be as comfortable for all users as the over-ear, open-back design of the Philips Fidelio X2HR, which boasts a wider soundstage ideal for immersive listening and watching TV and video. The Fidelio X2HR lacks wireless functionality and a built-in microphone, making them less versatile for on-the-go use or making calls. If portability, convenience, and multifunctionality are your priority, the Marshall Major IV could serve you better, while the Philips Fidelio X2HR may be preferable for at-home use, particularly if you favor sound quality and comfort over features like wireless connectivity and a mic. 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
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Philips Fidelio X2HR
- Excellent for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.6
9.3
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is excellent for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Gaming
5.4
7.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is good for gaming, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Phone Calls
5.8
5.0
The Marshall Major IV and Philips Fidelio X2HR are both poor for phone calls, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.1
7.9
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
TV and Video
5.7
8.8
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is very good for TV and video, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.6
2.5
The Marshall Major IV and Philips Fidelio X2HR are both poor for noise reduction, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Battery
80.0 Hours
N/A
The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life. The Philips Fidelio X2HR does not have a battery.
Cost
$100
$150
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Marshall Major IV has a price of $100 and the Philips Fidelio X2HR costs $150.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR has excellent build quality, while the Marshall Major IV has very good build quality.
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How the Marshall Major IV and the Philips Fidelio X2HR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Marshall Major IV | Philips Fidelio X2HR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $150 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Marshall | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | September 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.6/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.8/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 4.5/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 80 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 3 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.7/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 9/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 165 Grams | 390 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
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)."
Philips Fidelio X2HR
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Dig into reviews and images
Liquid Audio
Stefan | May 2022
"This piece is a fantastic option for music lovers searching for premium sound and a snug fit. You should get these headphones if you care about sound quality and want to hear music in a new light. This technology is a great option for high-quality headphones with superb sound reproduction."
Get a great deal on the Marshall Major IV or the Philips Fidelio X2HR
About Philips
Philips is a Dutch conglomerate and electronics manufacturer with over 130 years of history. Philips makes the Fidelio audio line which includes several models of full-sized wired and wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds. soundbars and wireless speakers.
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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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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