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What we think
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Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're looking for wireless connectivity for convenience, the Marshall Major IV headphones offer that along with superior build quality, a longer battery life, and active noise cancelling which can be great for air travel or noise-heavy environments. They have a comfortable on-ear design, but they may not be as portable as earbuds. On the other hand, the Sony MDREX15AP earbuds are a budget-friendly option with a wired connection, making them more suitable if you prefer not to charge your device or worry about battery life. They are highly portable and provide good sound isolation. However, they lack features such as wireless connectivity, active noise cancelling, and may have lower overall sound quality. The choice between them depends on whether you prioritize wireless convenience and noise cancellation (Marshall) over affordability and simplicity with no charging required (Sony). 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 Sony MDREX15AP
- Very good for music
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.6
8.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is very good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Gaming
5.4
6.7
The Sony MDREX15AP is only fair for gaming, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Phone Calls
5.8
3.5
The Marshall Major IV and Sony MDREX15AP are both poor for phone calls, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.1
5.4
The Marshall Major IV is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony MDREX15AP is poor.
TV and Video
5.7
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.6
7.0
The Sony MDREX15AP is good for noise reduction, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
80.0 Hours
N/A
The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life. The Sony MDREX15AP does not have a battery.
Cost
$100
$20
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Marshall Major IV has a price of $100 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The Marshall Major IV and Sony MDREX15AP both have very good build quality.
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How the Marshall Major IV and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Marshall Major IV | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Marshall | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.6/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.8/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 4.6/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
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 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 165 Grams | 3.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
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)."
Sony MDREX15AP
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Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Get a great deal on the Marshall Major IV or the Sony MDREX15AP
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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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