Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs Marshall Major IV
The Verdict
These headphones serve entirely different use cases despite both featuring wireless connectivity and EQ customization. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are premium in-ear monitors with 9.3mm drivers, active noise cancellation powered by CustomTune auto-calibration, and multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. Battery life reaches 6 hours per earbud with ANC enabled, extending to 24 hours total with the case. Fast charging delivers 2 hours of playback from just 20 minutes. Marshall Major IV are on-ear headphones built for portable listening with 40mm drivers, 80+ hour wireless battery life, and a distinctive industrial design that appeals to style-conscious users. They offer wired connectivity via 3.5mm input and support aptX codec for enhanced wireless quality, though they lack active noise cancellation entirely. At $299, the Bose delivers cutting-edge noise suppression technology, transparency modes, and true portability ideal for commuting or travel. The Marshall at $149 provides exceptional value if you prioritize battery longevity and don't need ANC. Choose Bose for best-in-class active noise cancellation and earbuds convenience. Choose Marshall if you want legendary battery endurance and prefer on-ear comfort over portability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II if…
- →Best-in-class ANC that rivals over-ear headphones
- →CustomTune calibrates noise cancellation and sound to your ears
- →Compact and lightweight at 6.24 g for comfortable all-day wear
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 Earbuds II
Pros
- Best-in-class ANC that rivals over-ear headphones
- CustomTune calibrates noise cancellation and sound to your ears
- Compact and lightweight at 6.24 g for comfortable all-day wear
- Multipoint Bluetooth for dual-device connectivity
- Qi wireless charging case for convenience
Cons
- Only AAC and SBC codecs — no LDAC or aptX
- 6-hour battery with ANC is relatively short
- IPX4 is basic splash resistance
- $299 is expensive for true wireless earbuds
- Call quality can be inconsistent in windy environments
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 Earbuds II | Marshall Major IV |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | on-ear |
| Weight | 6.24 g (each) | 165 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs (ANC on), 24 hrs total with case | 80+ hrs wireless, 15 min = 15 hrs playback |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless, 20 min = 2 hrs playback | USB-C and Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 9.3mm dynamic driver | 40mm custom-tuned dynamic drivers |
| Features | CustomTune auto-calibrating ANC and sound, ActiveSense transparency mode, Aware Mode for hearing surroundings, Bose Music app with EQ, Touchpad controls | 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 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | 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.
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