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Marshall Major IV vs Sony WH-CH720N

Updated Apr 2026headphones
Marshall Major IV
Marshall
Marshall Major IV
$149
7.8/10
VS
Sony WH-CH720N
Sony
Sony WH-CH720N
$149
8.3/10
Winner

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.

ancSony WH-CH720N
ValueSony WH-CH720N
BatteryMajor IV
comfortSony WH-CH720N
sound_qualitySony WH-CH720N

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

Marshall Major IV
Sony WH-CH720N
anc
4.0
8.0
Value
8.0
8.2
Battery
9.2
8.0
comfort
7.0
8.5
sound_quality
7.5
8.2

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

SpecMarshall Major IVSony WH-CH720N
Active Noise Cancelling
Typeon-earover-ear
Weight165 g192 g
Battery
Battery life80+ hrs wireless, 15 min = 15 hrs playback35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off), 3 min = 1 hr playback
ChargingUSB-C and Qi wirelessUSB-C
Drivers40mm custom-tuned dynamic drivers30mm
FeaturesWireless charging, Multi-directional control knob, Collapsible design, 3.5mm wired input, Marshall Bluetooth app with EQAdaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat automatic pause, DSEE upscaling for compressed audio, Multipoint Bluetooth, Sony Headphones Connect app with EQ
Connectivity
Wired option
CodecsAAC, SBC, aptXAAC, SBC, LDAC
Bluetooth5.05.2
Multipoint
Water ResistanceNoneNone

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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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