Marshall Major V vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Choosing between Marshall Major V and Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones can be tricky. Both are excellent, but they serve different priorities. This guide highlights what matters for US shoppers.
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Marshall Major V
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Comparison: Marshall Major V vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Marshall Major V
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
| Criterion | Marshall Major V | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(2,567)Amazon | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon |
Form Factor | On-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 + 3.5mm Wired | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio Ready) | 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
ANC | No (Passive noise isolation only) | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | No (Not supported) | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) |
Drivers | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (Custom-tuned) | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) |
Microphones | Built-in microphone for calls (Wind noise reduction) | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) |
Battery Life | 100+ hours | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charge (15 min = 15 hrs); Wireless Charging (pad not included) | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) |
Multipoint | Yes (Bluetooth Multipoint supported) | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Standard latency; LE Audio ready for future improvements) | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm coiled cable included) | Yes (3.5mm cable included) |
Water Resistance | No (No IP rating) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 6.56 oz (186 g) | 250 g (approx.) |
Controls | Multi-directional Control Knob (Play/Pause, Volume, Skip) + Customizable M-Button | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) |
App Eq | Marshall Bluetooth App (5-band EQ, Battery Preservation settings) | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) |
Extras | Wireless charging support; Made from 86% recycled plastic; Foldable clip design | Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer |
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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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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
- • Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- • Fast charging (3 min for 3 hours playback)
- • Multipoint connection works seamlessly
✗ Cons:
- • Non-foldable design reduces portability
- • Price increase compared to previous generation
- • No IP water resistance rating
- • Auto NC Optimizer cannot be manually forced to max
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Which one is better?
Looking at user satisfaction (Marshall Major V: 4.6★ vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones: 4.2★), Marshall Major V pulls ahead. The gap is small—choose based on the priorities below.
Who should buy each?
Choose Marshall Major V if:
- You want Industry-leading 100+ hours of battery life eliminates frequent charging anxiety, Wireless charging capability is a unique convenience in the on-ear category
- Rating: 4.6★ (2567 reviews)
Choose Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones if:
- You prefer Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
- Rating: 4.2★ (18670 reviews)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
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. Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is better if you prioritize market-leading active noise cancellation (anc). 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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