Bose QuietComfort 35 II vs Marshall Major IV
The Verdict
Bose QC35 II and Marshall Major IV serve different priorities at significantly different price points. The Bose excels with active noise cancellation featuring three adjustable levels, essential for travel and commuting, plus Google Assistant integration and 40-hour wired playback. Its 235g weight and over-ear design provide comfort for extended sessions, though charging takes 2.25 hours. Marshall Major IV counters with exceptional 80+ hour battery life on a single charge, Qi wireless charging capability, and lighter 165g on-ear form factor for portability. Marshall adds Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX codec support, delivering superior wireless audio quality compared to Bose's 4.2 connection. At $149, Marshall offers double the battery life and wireless charging convenience, but lacks ANC entirely. Bose's $299 investment justifies itself through industry-leading noise cancellation and Google Assistant, making it superior for frequent flyers and noise-sensitive users. Marshall Major IV appeals to casual listeners prioritizing extended playback between charges and traveling light. For gym or daily use without ANC needs, Marshall wins on value and battery. For commuters facing ambient noise, Bose's ANC justifies the premium.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort 35 II if…
- →Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- →Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- →20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
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
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Pros
- Legendary Bose noise cancellation that set the industry standard
- Extremely comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- 20-hour battery life is solid for travel and commuting
- Dedicated Google Assistant button for quick voice commands
- Foldable design and included hard case for portability
Cons
- Bluetooth 4.2 lacks modern codecs like aptX and LDAC
- Micro-USB charging port is outdated — not USB-C
- Sound quality is beaten by newer XM4 and XM5 models
- No multipoint Bluetooth for connecting two devices simultaneously
- Plastic build shows wear over time
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 | Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Marshall Major IV |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | on-ear |
| Weight | 235 g | 165 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (wireless with ANC), 40 hrs (wired with ANC) | 80+ hrs wireless, 15 min = 15 hrs playback |
| Charging | Micro-USB, 2.25 hrs for full charge, 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C and Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 40mm Bose custom drivers | 40mm custom-tuned dynamic drivers |
| Features | Three levels of ANC (High, Low, Off), Google Assistant built-in (dedicated button), Bose AR (augmented reality) compatible, Volume-optimized EQ, Foldable design with carry case | Wireless charging, Multi-directional control knob, Collapsible design, 3.5mm wired input, Marshall Bluetooth app with EQ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 with NFC pairing | 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 Bose products or all Marshall products. View full details for the Bose QuietComfort 35 II or the Marshall Major IV.