Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Marshall Major V
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones crush the Marshall Major V in terms of comfort and noise cancellation. With 24 hours of battery life, you'll enjoy your music without interruptions, while the Major V offers a staggering 100+ hours but lacks Active Noise Cancellation. If you're looking for a premium listening experience, the Bose is the clear choice for noise isolation and comfort. In real-world use, the Bose headphones excel with their over-ear design, providing legendary comfort with deep ear pads and a low clamping force. On the other hand, the Marshall Major V is lightweight at 6.56 oz but can press against your ears, leading to fatigue during long listening sessions. The Major V's wireless charging is a nice touch, but the lack of ANC means it falls short in noisy environments, making the Bose the smarter buy for most situations.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Marshall Major V
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Marshall Major V
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Marshall Major V
| Criterion | Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Marshall Major V |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(16,733)Amazon | ★4.6(2,567)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear | On-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, 2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable | Bluetooth 5.3 + 3.5mm Wired |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio Ready) |
Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
ANC | Yes (Quiet & Aware modes + Custom modes) | No (Passive noise isolation only) |
Transparency | Yes (Aware Mode) | No (Not supported) |
Drivers | Custom dynamic drivers (Size/Type undisclosed by manufacturer) | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (Custom-tuned) |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz (Measured) | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
Microphones | Microphone system with noise-rejecting boomless array | Built-in microphone for calls (Wind noise reduction) |
Battery Life | Up to 24 hrs | 100+ hours |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C; 2.5 hrs for full charge; 15 min = up to 2.5 hrs play | USB-C Fast Charge (15 min = 15 hrs); Wireless Charging (pad not included) |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices with seamless switching) | Yes (Bluetooth Multipoint supported) |
Low Latency Mode | No (SimpleSync available only for Bose Soundbars) | No (Standard latency; LE Audio ready for future improvements) |
Wired Mode | Yes (Active or Passive - passive sounds different) | Yes (3.5mm coiled cable included) |
Water Resistance | None | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 238 g | 6.56 oz (186 g) |
Controls | Physical buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, Mode Switch) | Multi-directional Control Knob (Play/Pause, Volume, Skip) + Customizable M-Button |
App Eq | Bose Music app (3-band EQ + Presets) | Marshall Bluetooth App (5-band EQ, Battery Preservation settings) |
Extras | Wind Block feature; Spotify Tap; Foldable design; Hard carry case included | Wireless charging support; Made from 86% recycled plastic; Foldable clip design |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Legendary comfort (low clamping force, deep ear pads)
- • Best-in-class physical buttons (preferred by many over touch)
- • Excellent noise cancellation consistency
- • Foldable design is travel-friendly (unlike Sony XM5/Bose Ultra)
✗ Cons:
- • No wear sensors (music does not auto-pause when taken off)
- • 2.5mm audio jack limits third-party cable options
- • Still uses older Bluetooth 5.1 compared to competitors
- • No high-bitrate codecs (no LDAC or aptX)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Marshall Major V
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading 100+ hours of battery life eliminates frequent charging anxiety
- • Wireless charging capability is a unique convenience in the on-ear category
- • Customizable M-button allows instant access to Spotify Tap, EQ, or Voice Assistant
- • Future-proof support for Bluetooth LE Audio and LC3 codec
- • Classic, collapsible design is highly portable and durable
✗ Cons:
- • On-ear design presses against the ears, which can cause fatigue during long sessions
- • Lacks Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) found in similarly priced competitors
- • No official water resistance (IP) rating
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which one is better?
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones is the better buy for most people - its Active Noise Cancellation crushes the Marshall Major V. That said, grab the Major V if you need 100+ hours of battery life for long trips - it's a no-brainer for extended use.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Headphones if: you want the best noise cancellation, need legendary comfort for long listening sessions, or prefer over-ear designs. (8.40 oz weight)
Choose the Marshall Major V if: you need over 100 hours of battery life, want wireless charging convenience, or prefer a lighter on-ear design for portability.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Bose QuietComfort Headphones excels if you value legendary comfort (low clamping force, deep ear pads). Marshall Major V is better if you prioritize industry-leading 100+ hours of battery life eliminates frequent charging anxiety. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.