Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Marshall Major IV
The Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and Marshall Major IV sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Marshall Major IV is the cheaper of the two at $149 versus $449, a difference of about $300. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) stands out for 30 hours battery with anc, 45 hours without, while Marshall Major IV is praised for 80+ hour battery life is essentially best-in-class for any headphone. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if…
- →30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- →USB-C lossless digital audio support
- →Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
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
Pros & Cons
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Pros
- 30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- USB-C lossless digital audio support
- Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
- New Cinema Mode for spatial video audio
Cons
- Price increased to $449
- 250g is heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless codec support
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 Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Marshall Major IV |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | on-ear |
| Weight | 250 g | 165 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) | 80+ hrs wireless, 15 min = 15 hrs playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C and Qi wireless |
| Features | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap | Wireless charging, Multi-directional control knob, Collapsible design, 3.5mm wired input, Marshall Bluetooth app with EQ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | AAC, SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Drivers | — | 40mm custom-tuned dynamic drivers |
| Water Resistance | — | 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 Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) or the Marshall Major IV.