Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Marshall Major V
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the flagship option that really shines with its industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation. In real-world use, the WH-1000XM4's ANC crushes background noise, which is essential for immersive listening. However, you might find the on-ear design of the Major V a bit uncomfortable during extended sessions. With a weight of only 6.56oz, it’s similar-weight and portable, but it can't compete with the superior sound quality and features of the Sony WH-1000XM4.
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Sony WH-1000XM4
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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Marshall Major V
Sony WH-1000XM4
Marshall Major V
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Marshall Major V |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.6(2,567)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | On-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC | Bluetooth 5.3 + 3.5mm Wired |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio Ready) |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | No (Passive noise isolation only) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | No (Not supported) |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (Custom-tuned) |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | Built-in microphone for calls (Wind noise reduction) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | 100+ hours |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C Fast Charge (15 min = 15 hrs); Wireless Charging (pad not included) |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (Bluetooth Multipoint supported) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | No (Standard latency; LE Audio ready for future improvements) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (3.5mm coiled cable included) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 6.56 oz (186 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Multi-directional Control Knob (Play/Pause, Volume, Skip) + Customizable M-Button |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Marshall Bluetooth App (5-band EQ, Battery Preservation settings) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | Wireless charging support; Made from 86% recycled plastic; Foldable clip design |
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Sony WH-1000XM4
✓ Pros:
- • Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
- • Multi-device pairing works seamlessly
- • Comfortable lightweight fit for long sessions
✗ Cons:
- • No official IP water resistance rating
- • Microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore
- • Touch controls can be sensitive to moisture/cold
- • LDAC disables when using Multipoint (on older firmware)
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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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Which one is better?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better buy for most people - its Active Noise Cancellation crushes the Marshall Major V.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you need top-tier noise cancellation, you want a premium sound experience, or you frequently travel. (8.96 oz weight)
Choose the Marshall Major V if: you prioritize extreme battery life, you prefer a lightweight design, or you want to avoid frequent charging hassles. (6.56 oz weight)
Conclusion
Sony WH-1000XM4 and Marshall Major V 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?
Sony WH-1000XM4 excels if you value top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). 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.
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