Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Marshall Major IV
The Verdict
Audio-Technica's M40x delivers professional-grade accuracy with its 40mm drivers and neutral frequency response, making it ideal for studio monitoring and critical listening. The circumaural design and two included detachable cables provide serious utility for around $99. Marshall's Major IV costs $50 more but offers wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX codec support and an impressive 80+ hour battery life. The Major IV's multi-directional control knob and Marshall app with EQ customization add convenience for everyday listening. However, the Major IV is an on-ear design weighing just 165g compared to the M40x's 240g over-ear build, making comfort preferences crucial. If you need a wired monitoring headphone with flat response for audio work or mixing, the M40x is exceptional value. For mobile users wanting wireless freedom, longer listening sessions, and easy portability, the Major IV justifies its premium despite lacking active noise cancellation on both models. Neither excels at isolation, so they're not ideal for noisy commutes. Choose the M40x for accuracy and studio work; pick the Major IV for lifestyle convenience and wireless flexibility.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x if…
- →Flatter, more neutral tuning than the M50x — preferred by some engineers
- →Excellent value at $99 for professional-grade monitoring
- →Lightweight at 240 g for comfortable extended mixing sessions
Buy the Marshall Major IV if…
- →80+ hour battery life is essentially best-in-class for any headphone
- →Iconic Marshall rock-and-roll aesthetic and branding
- →Wireless Qi charging is convenient and rare at this price
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Pros
- Flatter, more neutral tuning than the M50x — preferred by some engineers
- Excellent value at $99 for professional-grade monitoring
- Lightweight at 240 g for comfortable extended mixing sessions
- Foldable and portable with detachable cables
- Reliable build quality trusted by studios globally
Cons
- Wired only — no wireless option
- Bass response is intentionally restrained — not for bass lovers
- Ear pads are thin and may need replacement for comfort
- Plastic build feels less premium than metal competitors
- No carrying case included
Marshall Major IV
Pros
- 80+ hour battery life is essentially best-in-class for any headphone
- Iconic Marshall rock-and-roll aesthetic and branding
- Wireless Qi charging is convenient and rare at this price
- aptX codec support for high-quality Bluetooth audio
- Lightweight at 165 g for comfortable extended listening
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- On-ear design can cause discomfort after extended wear
- Bass-heavy sound signature may not suit all listeners
- No multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
- Sound leaks due to on-ear, open-backed design
Full Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M40x | Marshall Major IV |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | on-ear |
| Weight | 240 g | 165 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (wired) | 80+ hrs wireless, 15 min = 15 hrs playback |
| Charging | N/A | USB-C and Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 40mm large-aperture dynamic driver | 40mm custom-tuned dynamic drivers |
| Features | Flat, neutral frequency response for accurate monitoring, 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire, 90-degree swiveling ear cups, 2 detachable cables included, Foldable for portability, Circumaural design | Wireless charging, Multi-directional control knob, Collapsible design, 3.5mm wired input, Marshall Bluetooth app with EQ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC, aptX | |
| Bluetooth | None (wired only) | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Audio-Technica products or all Marshall products. View full details for the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x or the Marshall Major IV.