Marshall Major V vs Bose QuietComfort SC
The Marshall Major V crushes the Bose QuietComfort SC in battery life: 100+ hours vs just 24 hours. If you're tired of constantly charging your headphones, the Major V is the no-brainer choice for marathon listening sessions. If noise cancellation is your priority, the QuietComfort SC wins hands down with its adjustable ANC modes. In my testing, the comfort of its over-ear design far outlasted the Major V's on-ear fit, which can become fatiguing during long use.
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Marshall Major V
Bose QuietComfort SC
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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Marshall Major V vs Bose QuietComfort SC
Marshall Major V
Bose QuietComfort SC
| Criterion | Marshall Major V | Bose QuietComfort SC |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(2,567)Amazon | ★4.6(16,733)Amazon |
Form Factor | On-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 + 3.5mm Wired | Bluetooth 5.1 + 2.5mm Jack (Analog) + USB-C (Charging only) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio Ready) | Bluetooth 5.1 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 | AAC, SBC |
ANC | No (Passive noise isolation only) | Yes (Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Custom Modes with Wind Block) |
Transparency | No (Not supported) | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) |
Drivers | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (Custom-tuned) | Bose TriPort acoustic architecture (Proprietary) |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz | Not disclosed by manufacturer |
Microphones | Built-in microphone for calls (Wind noise reduction) | Built-in microphone array (calls/ANC) + In-line microphone on audio cable |
Battery Life | 100+ hours | Up to 24 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charge (15 min = 15 hrs); Wireless Charging (pad not included) | USB-C; 2.5 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = up to 4 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Bluetooth Multipoint supported) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Standard latency; LE Audio ready for future improvements) | No (Standard SBC/AAC latency) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm coiled cable included) | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable included; works passively without battery) |
Water Resistance | No (No IP rating) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 6.56 oz (186 g) | 8.5 oz (240 g) |
Controls | Multi-directional Control Knob (Play/Pause, Volume, Skip) + Customizable M-Button | Physical buttons (Power/BT, Volume +/-, Multi-function, Action button) |
App Eq | Marshall Bluetooth App (5-band EQ, Battery Preservation settings) | Bose Music app (3-band EQ, Custom ANC modes, Shortcut settings) |
Extras | Wireless charging support; Made from 86% recycled plastic; Foldable clip design | Soft carrying case (SC exclusive); SimpleSync (connect to Bose soundbars); Spotify Tap |
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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
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Bose QuietComfort SC
✓ Pros:
- • World-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and Wind Block
- • Extremely comfortable 'clamp-free' fit suitable for all-day wear
- • Physical buttons provide reliable control compared to touch gestures
- • Soft case makes the headphones easier to pack into tight bags than hard shells
- • Multipoint Bluetooth allows seamless switching between phone and laptop
✗ Cons:
- • Soft case offers significantly less impact protection than the standard hard case
- • Lacks high-bitrate codecs (aptX/LDAC) found in competitors
- • Wired connection requires a 2.5mm cable (less common than 3.5mm)
- • No USB-C audio support (USB port is for charging only)
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Which one is better?
The Marshall Major V is the better buy for most people - its industry-leading 100+ hours of battery life crushes the QuietComfort SC. That said, grab the Bose if you need top-notch noise cancellation — it's worth considering for those daily commutes.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Marshall Major V if: you need 100+ hours of battery life, you want wireless charging convenience, or you prioritize portability with a foldable design.
Choose the Bose QuietComfort SC if: you value world-class noise cancellation, you prefer an over-ear design for extended comfort, or you frequently switch between devices with multipoint connectivity. (8.47 oz weight)
Conclusion
Marshall Major V and Bose QuietComfort SC are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Marshall Major V excels if you value industry-leading 100+ hours of battery life eliminates frequent charging anxiety. Bose QuietComfort SC is better if you prioritize world-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and wind block. 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.
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