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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you are looking for high-quality noise cancellation and the best sound quality, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is your better choice. However, if budget is a significant concern and you prefer a more compact, on-ear design, the Marshall Major IV may serve you well. The Sony headset offers advanced features such as adaptive sound control and a superior microphone, making it ideal for noisy environments and phone calls. But, the Marshall's lower price makes it attractive if you're looking for dependable everyday headphones without groundbreaking features. Keep in mind the on-ear design of the Marshall Major IV could be less comfortable during extended listening sessions compared to the over-ear design of the Sony WH-1000XM5, which also tends to provide better 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 Sony WH-1000XM5.
Advantages of the Sony WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
6.6
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Noise Reduction
5.6
9.1
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
80.0 Hours
40.3 Hours
The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$398
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Marshall Major IV has a price of $100 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.4
5.6
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Marshall Major IV are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.8
5.5
The Marshall Major IV and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.1
6.0
The Marshall Major IV and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
5.7
5.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Marshall Major IV are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.5
8.8
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Marshall Major IV both have very good build quality.
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How the Marshall Major IV and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Marshall Major IV | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Marshall | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.6/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.8/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 80 Hours | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 3 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.7/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 165 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
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)."
Sony WH-1000XM5
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Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Get a great deal on the Marshall Major IV or the Sony WH-1000XM5
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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