Marshall Major IV vs Sony WH-CH720N
The Verdict
Both headphones deliver solid performance at the same $149 price point but serve different priorities. Marshall Major IV excels in battery endurance with an exceptional 80+ hours of wireless playback and convenient wireless charging via Qi, plus its 40mm drivers are custom-tuned for that signature Marshall sound profile. The collapsible design and multi-directional control knob make it highly portable for travel. Sony WH-CH720N counters with active noise cancellation, which Marshall lacks entirely, alongside over-ear comfort that suits longer listening sessions compared to Marshall's on-ear design. Sony's 35 hours with ANC enabled or 50 hours without still provides excellent longevity, and the LDAC codec delivers superior audio quality for streaming hi-res content. Sony also includes multipoint Bluetooth for seamless device switching, while Marshall sticks to single-device connections. The 3mm weight difference favors Sony's over-ear fit for all-day wear. Choose Marshall Major IV if you prioritize legendary battery life, wireless charging convenience, and Marshall's audio signature without needing ANC. Pick Sony WH-CH720N if active noise cancellation, multipoint connectivity, superior codec support, and over-ear comfort matter more to you. Neither includes waterproofing, so both suit indoor use primarily.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Sony WH-CH720N if…
- →Exceptional 35-hour battery life with ANC is class-leading
- →Ultra-lightweight at 192 g for comfortable all-day wear
- →LDAC codec support for high-resolution wireless audio
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Sony WH-CH720N
Pros
- Exceptional 35-hour battery life with ANC is class-leading
- Ultra-lightweight at 192 g for comfortable all-day wear
- LDAC codec support for high-resolution wireless audio
- Multipoint Bluetooth for seamless dual-device switching
- Solid noise cancellation at a very competitive $149 price
Cons
- ANC is noticeably weaker than premium XM5 headphones
- 30mm drivers produce smaller, less dynamic soundstage
- Plastic build feels cheap compared to premium Sony models
- No water resistance for gym or outdoor use
- Ear cushions are thinner and less comfortable than XM5
Full Specifications
| Spec | Marshall Major IV | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | on-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 165 g | 192 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 80+ hrs wireless, 15 min = 15 hrs playback | 35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off), 3 min = 1 hr playback |
| Charging | USB-C and Qi wireless | USB-C |
| Drivers | 40mm custom-tuned dynamic drivers | 30mm |
| Features | Wireless charging, Multi-directional control knob, Collapsible design, 3.5mm wired input, Marshall Bluetooth app with EQ | Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat automatic pause, DSEE upscaling for compressed audio, Multipoint Bluetooth, Sony Headphones Connect app with EQ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC, aptX | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| 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.
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