Marshall Drops Two New Bluetooth Headphones With Major Upgrades at a Minor Price

Say hello to Marshall's new Bluetooth headphones!
Say hello to Marshall’s new Bluetooth headphones!

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Marshall says they’re designed for “music lovers who want to go harder and faster for longer.”

Marshall has released the Major V headphones and Minor IV earbuds with improved sound and longer battery life. These headphones and earbuds are direct upgrades from their predecessors, the Major IV and Minor III.

Marshall Major V Features

The Marshall Major V headphones have custom-tuned dynamic drivers. (From: Marshall)
The Marshall Major V headphones have custom-tuned dynamic drivers. (From: Marshall)

The Major V headphones have Marshall’s classic look, with ear cups that look like their famous amplifier grilles. But it’s not just about style. These headphones pack a serious punch. With custom-tuned dynamic drivers and less distortion, the Major V gives crystal-clear audio that matches Marshall’s signature sound.

They introduce several enhancements over the previous Major IV model.

One of the standout features is their incredible 100+ hours of wireless playtime. This is up from 80+ hours in the Major IV.

To make things better, the Major V also has battery-saving tech that makes the battery last longer. And, when you need a quick charge, the Major V’s fast charging gives 15 hours of playtime with just a 15-minute charge.

But aside from the battery, the Major V headphones also have better sound quality with higher driver sensitivity, going from 99 dB SPL to 106 dB SPL.

They also use Bluetooth 5.3, compared to the 5.0 version in the older model. And, the headphones support more audio codecs like MPEG-2 AAC and LC3 to improve audio compatibility with other devices.

However, the Major V still do not include active noise cancellation.
The M-button lets you instantly access your favourite features. (From: Marshall)
The M-button lets you instantly access your favourite features. (From: Marshall)

The Major V also offer new user interface enhancements, such as the customizable M-button. This allows direct access to favorite features like Spotify Tap, EQ settings, and voice assistants for an easier user interaction right from the headphones.

Despite these additions, the Major V retains a rugged, foldable design for easy portability. They’re also constructed with 86% GRS certified post-consumer recycled plastic, showing Marshall’s commitment to sustainability.
The Marshall Major V headphones have have a rugged and foldable design. (From: Marshall)
The Marshall Major V headphones have have a rugged and foldable design. (From: Marshall)

Technical specifications

Here’s an overview of the Major V’s technical specs:

SpecificationDetail
Form FactorOn-ear
Driver Size40 mm
Driver TypeDynamic
Impedance32 Ω
Sensitivity106 dB SPL (100mV @ 1kHz)
Waterproof IP RatingNo
Weight186 g
Frequency Response20-20,000 Hz
Source Jack Size3.5 mm
Bluetooth Version5.3
Bluetooth Audio CodecSBC, MPEG-2 AAC, LC3
Battery Life100+ hours of wireless playtime
MicYes
Wireless ChargingYes
Quick Charging15 minutes charging for 15 hours play
Charging Time3 hours to full recharge
ControlsControl knob, M-button
Voice CommandNo
Active Noise CancellationNo
Compatible AppsMarshall Bluetooth App
ColorwaysBlack
CollapsibleYes
Headphone TypeOn-ear

Marshall Minor IV Features

The Marshall Minor IV earbuds features Marshall's signature sound. (From: Marshall)
The Marshall Minor IV earbuds features Marshall’s signature sound. (From: Marshall)

The Marshall Minor IV earbuds improve upon the Minor III in several key areas.

First, they have longer battery life, offering 7 hours of playtime per charge compared to the Minor III’s 5 hours, and a total of over 30 hours with the charging case, versus 25 hours.

The Minor IV also have more efficient quick charging, giving 3 hours of playtime from just a 15-minute charge, compared to 1.5 hours for the Minor III.

Like the Major V, these earbuds are Bluetooth LE Audio-ready. This promises higher audio quality, increased streaming range, and improved audio sync for video content.

The earbuds also introduce comprehensive touch controls, allowing users to manage music, calls, volume, voice assistants, and EQ settings directly—features the Minor III do not have.

The Marshall Minor IV earbuds features a re-designed earbud and stem. (From: Marshall)
The Marshall Minor IV earbuds features a re-designed earbud and stem. (From: Marshall)

Design-wise, the Minor IV switch to an in-ear model from the open fit of the Minor III, which gives better sound isolation and a snugger fit. The color options have also been simplified to black, moving away from the Minor III’s additional choices of cream and burgundy.

While both models have an IPX4 water resistance rating for the earbuds, the Minor IV’s charging case does not specify water resistance, unlike the Minor III’s IPX3-rated case.

Marshall’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the Minor IV. 90% of the plastic used were recycled from pre-loved products like CDs, washing machines, and electric bicycles.

The Marshall Minor IV earbuds comes with mirrored touch controls. (From: Marshall)
The Marshall Minor IV earbuds comes with mirrored touch controls. (From: Marshall)

Technical specifications

Here’s a summary of the complete specs of the Minor IV earbuds:

SpecificationDetails
Form FactorIn-ear
Driver Size12 mm
Driver TypeDynamic
Impedance32 Ω
Frequency Response20-20,000 Hz
Waterproof IP RatingIPX4
Weight7.39 g (0.26 oz)
Bluetooth VersionLE Audio-Ready
Battery Life7 hours in earbuds, 30+ hours total with case
Charging Time1.1 hours to recharge earbuds, 2 hours for the case
Wireless ChargingYes
Quick Charging15 minutes gives 3 hours of playtime
ControlsTouch response
Microphone & RemoteYes
Active Noise CancellationNo
ColorwaysBlack

Where to Buy

Marshall's Major V and Minor IV look pretty cool when worn.
Marshall’s Major V and Minor IV look pretty cool when worn.

Those who are eager to get their hands on the Major V headphones and Minor IV earbuds can preorder them via the Marshall website. The Major V is priced at US$149.99, while the Minor IV is US$129.99. Both products will start shipping on April 23, 2024.

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