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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for excellent overall sound quality with the convenience of both wired and wireless usage, and if long battery life tops your priority list, the Marshall Major IV headphones are a great choice, especially considering their more accessible price compared to the Sony WF1000XM5. However, the Sony WF1000XM5 earbuds provide superior portability, better noise isolation, and features such as active noise cancelling, LDAC codec (for high-quality audio), and a more feature-rich app experience, including an equalizer and audio control customization. The Sony also has a slight edge in soundstage and comfort. Choose the Marshall for long, flexible listening sessions and if budget is a concern, or the Sony if you require top-tier noise isolation, travel convenience, and more advanced wireless features. 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 Sony WF1000XM5.
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
6.6
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Phone Calls
5.8
5.0
The Marshall Major IV and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for phone calls, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.1
4.9
The Marshall Major IV is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.6
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
80.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$298
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Marshall Major IV has a price of $100 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.4
5.1
The Marshall Major IV and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
5.4
The Marshall Major IV and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Marshall Major IV and Sony WF1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the Marshall Major IV and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Marshall Major IV | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Marshall | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.6/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.8/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 80 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 3 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.7/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 9/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 165 Grams | 6 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)."
Sony WF1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Marshall Major IV or the Sony WF1000XM5
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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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 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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