A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize superb sound quality for music enjoyment, Marshall Major IV would be the better choice as they are known to have a higher sound quality and are also comfortable for extended periods. They also include a microphone with a higher quality for calls, a detachable cable for wired use, and remarkably long battery life. Additionally, they are foldable, enhancing their portability, despite being bulkier than earbuds. However, for convenience and portability, the Apple AirPods shine due to their small size and ear detection feature, making them more suitable for on-the-go use and exercise, despite having lower sound isolation and no active noise cancelling unlike the Marshall Major IV. Both are compatible with iOS devices, but if you intend to use them for watching TV or gaming, be aware that neither of these devices are optimized for low latency, which is important for sync between audio and video. 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 Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Marshall Major IV
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
6.6
The Marshall Major IV is only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
5.4
The Marshall Major IV and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.9
5.8
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
6.1
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.6
The Marshall Major IV and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Battery
4.0 Hours
80.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Cost
$129
$96
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $129 and the Marshall Major IV costs $96.
Build Quality
7.6
8.5
The Marshall Major IV has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
TV and Video
5.4
5.7
The Marshall Major IV and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Marshall Major IV compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Marshall Major IV |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$129 | $96 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Marshall | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 80 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 9/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 165 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Marshall Major IV
See more
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)."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Marshall Major IV
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Apple Airpods (2nd generation) vs. Sony Linkbuds
VS
Compare Apple Airpods (2nd generation) vs. JBL Live 770NC
VS
Compare Apple Airpods (2nd generation) vs. Rode NTH-100
VS
Compare Marshall Major IV vs. Etymotic ER2SE
VS
Compare Marshall Major IV vs. Jabra Elite 4
VS
Compare Marshall Major IV vs. AKG K361
VS
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
78,200
Recommendations made
11,730
Consumer hours saved
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.
Featured in
