Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Marshall Major V
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the flagship option here, and it crushes the Marshall Major V when it comes to features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which is a game-changer for immersive listening. While the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers up to 30 hours of battery life, the Marshall Major V boasts a staggering 100+ hours, making it ideal for those who hate charging their headphones frequently. In real-world use, the Sony WH-1000XM5's ANC and superior sound quality with 30mm drivers give it an edge for music lovers and frequent travelers. However, if portability and battery longevity are your priorities, the Marshall Major V's lightweight design at 6.56oz and wireless charging capability might sway you. So, what's your main use case? Let's dive deeper to find out which will serve you best in 2026.
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless 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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Marshall Major V
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Marshall Major V
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones | Marshall Major V |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon | ★4.6(2,567)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) | On-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) | Bluetooth 5.3 + 3.5mm Wired |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio Ready) |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) | No (Passive noise isolation only) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | No (Not supported) |
Drivers | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (Custom-tuned) |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
Microphones | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) | Built-in microphone for calls (Wind noise reduction) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) | 100+ hours |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) | USB-C Fast Charge (15 min = 15 hrs); Wireless Charging (pad not included) |
Multipoint | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) | Yes (Bluetooth Multipoint supported) |
Low Latency Mode | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) | No (Standard latency; LE Audio ready for future improvements) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm cable included) | Yes (3.5mm coiled cable included) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 250 g (approx.) | 6.56 oz (186 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) | 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, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer | Wireless charging support; Made from 86% recycled plastic; Foldable clip design |
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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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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-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the better buy for most people - its industry-leading ANC utterly crushes the Marshall Major V.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones if: you travel frequently and need excellent noise cancellation, you make a lot of calls and require clear audio quality, or you want the latest audio technology. (8.82 oz weight)
Choose the Marshall Major V if: you need over 100 hours of battery life for long trips, you want the convenience of wireless charging, or you prefer a lighter headphone for casual use.
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?
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones excels if you value market-leading 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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