JBL Live 660NC vs Marshall Major IV
The Verdict
Both headphones hit the $149 price point but serve different listening priorities. The JBL Live 660NC brings active noise cancellation with 40-hour battery life (ANC on) and over-ear comfort via 260g padding, making it ideal for commuters and travelers seeking passive isolation and voice assistant integration. Marshall Major IV skips ANC entirely but compensates with exceptional 80+ hour battery longevity, lighter 165g on-ear design, and unique wireless charging capability. Sound signature differs meaningfully: JBL delivers their signature warm profile through adaptive ANC tuning, while Marshall's custom-tuned 40mm drivers offer classic rock-focused character with aptX codec support for better Bluetooth quality. The Marshall's multi-directional knob and collapsible frame feel more premium for portable use, though on-ear designs won't match over-ear isolation for noisy environments. Quick charge speeds favor JBL (10 minutes yields 4 hours), but Marshall's wireless charging eliminates cable hassles entirely. Choose the JBL if you need ANC and longer single-charge endurance with ANC active; pick Marshall if you value minimal weight, wireless charging convenience, and superior wired audio quality without needing noise cancellation.
Who Should Buy
Buy the JBL Live 660NC if…
- →40-hour battery with ANC is exceptional at $149
- →JBL's signature fun sound profile is engaging for pop and rock
- →Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
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
JBL Live 660NC
Pros
- 40-hour battery with ANC is exceptional at $149
- JBL's signature fun sound profile is engaging for pop and rock
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects two devices simultaneously
- Built-in voice assistant support for hands-free control
- Comfortable lightweight fit for extended wear
Cons
- ANC is decent but noticeably behind Sony and Bose
- No LDAC or aptX codecs — limited to AAC
- Bluetooth 5.0 is a generation behind newer models
- Plastic build doesn't feel premium
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 | JBL Live 660NC | Marshall Major IV |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | on-ear |
| Weight | 260 g | 165 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 40 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) | 80+ hrs wireless, 15 min = 15 hrs playback |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 4 hrs | USB-C and Qi wireless |
| Drivers | 40 mm | 40mm custom-tuned dynamic drivers |
| Features | Adaptive Noise Cancelling, Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes, JBL Signature Sound, Multipoint Bluetooth connection, Google Assistant and Alexa built-in, Speed Charge support | 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 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
Related Comparisons
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 JBL products or all Marshall products. View full details for the JBL Live 660NC or the Marshall Major IV.