
Marshall Major V
Iconic rock styling, punchy Marshall sound and 100+ hour battery—great for travel, comfort varies.
The Marshall Major V is the on‑ear rockstar of marathon listening, a compact, stylish headphone that promises a travel‑friendly solution for people who hate charging every day and prefer lively, bass‑forward music, and it largely delivers on that pitch with 100+ hour battery life, wireless charging, and a foldable, durable feel. Experts and users praise the signature Marshall tone and convenient app EQ and programmable M‑button, while both groups flag the on‑ear clamp, occasional sound leakage, and absence of ANC as real tradeoffs that temper the hype. Brand claims about endurance are supported by real‑world tests, but sound tuning and comfort get mixed reactions, so at around the midrange price you get clear style and stamina value if you accept comfort and feature compromises, and those factors ultimately shape the product’s overall recommendation.

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Publications
9 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
Tom’s Guide’s Alex Bracetti is quietly positive about the Marshall Major V. He praises their classic Marshall sound, impressive 100‑hour battery life, solid call quality, and satisfying tactile controls, saying the headphones offer great bass and clear mids in a stylish, compact package. At the same time he’s measured about shortcomings: the on‑ear design leaks background noise, the clamp is uncomfortably tight after a couple of hours, the app is glitchy and sparse compared with rivals, and features like ANC or higher‑quality Bluetooth codecs are missing. Overall the reviewer recommends the Major V for on‑ear fans who value vintage looks, battery endurance, and lively audio at the price, but warns buyers that comfort, software polish, and advanced features are notable trade‑offs.
By Alex Bracetti
PCMag’s Tim Gideon is generally positive but measured about the Marshall Major V. He enjoys their retro styling, roomy cushioning, and engaging, bass-forward sound—plus exceptional battery life and a handy app for EQ and button customization—but criticizes the high $149.99 price given the lack of active noise cancellation, skimpy in-box accessories, and some midrange thinning compared with competitors. Gideon praises intuitive on-ear controls, reliable mic clarity, and wireless/wired versatility (with odd limitations), and notes useful features like Bluetooth LE Audio and wireless charging; still, he thinks similarly priced or cheaper rivals such as the Anker Soundcore Space One offer better overall value thanks to ANC and codecs like LDAC. Bottom line: stylish and sonically fun with top-tier battery life, but not the best choice if you want modern features and maximum value.
By Tim Gideon
SoundGuys’ Dave Carr is generally positive but measured about the Marshall Major V. He likes the retro styling, light, foldable build, comfy pads, multipoint Bluetooth and stellar battery life, calling them a fun, casual on‑ear option—especially if you value the Marshall aesthetic—but cautions they aren’t for noisy commutes since there’s no ANC or IP rating. The main gripe is the treble‑heavy stock tuning and middling distortion, which makes many tracks sound harsh until you tame them via the Marshall app’s 5‑band EQ; once adjusted, the sound becomes much more enjoyable. Practical touches like wireless charging (imperfect), wired sharing via the 3.5mm, and a repair program add value, though the lack of a case and unreliable wireless charging placement are downsides. Overall the tone is approving but pragmatic: buy for style, comfort, and battery life if you don’t need noise canceling—and plan to EQ the sound.
By Dave Carr
Gizmodo’s Dua Rashid is lukewarm on the Major V overall. She praises the headphones’ absurdly long 100+ hour battery life, useful physical controls (including a dedicated Spotify button), Bluetooth LE and Auracast readiness, and compact, lightweight foldable design, but is disappointed by the sound—which she calls average, tinny, and lacking imaging—plus the lack of ANC and any IP rating at this midrange price. The review is practical and balanced: real-world battery tracking, comfort and portability notes, and thoughtful app/repair features earn points, yet Marshall’s audio reputation leaves her underwhelmed; she recommends the Major V mainly to non‑audiophiles who value battery and features over tonal fidelity.
By Dua Rashid
Mashable’s Bethany Allard walks away lukewarm about the Marshall Major V. She praises the surprising 106‑hour real-world battery life, solid 40mm drivers and simple, effective controls, but repeatedly emphasizes they’re undermined by key omissions and comfort issues: no ANC, no carrying case, awkward wireless charging, and painful on-ear pressure after an hour. The app EQ is approachable and sound quality is strong across genres, and multipoint pairing/Auracast support are nice touches, yet at $150 those trade-offs make the Major V feel like a niche pick—good for someone who prioritizes marathon battery life or the retro look and plans only short listening sessions, but not a broad recommendation compared with cheaper rivals or more comfortable models with ANC.
By Bethany Allard
Android Police’s Roland Udvarlaki is broadly positive about the Marshall Major V. He praises its classic, rock-inspired design, exceptional battery life (up to 100 hours), solid sound signature with balanced lows and clear mids, and straightforward app and connectivity features, calling it an easy recommendation for buyers who want simple, stylish wireless on-ears. He tempers that enthusiasm with practical caveats: there’s no ANC or wear detection, sound leaks at high volumes, the on-ear cups become uncomfortable for glasses wearers after about 40 minutes, and Marshall omits a travel case. The review reads appreciative but measured—enthusiastic about value, portability, and reliable everyday performance while candid about comfort and missing premium features—making the Major V appealing for anyone who prioritizes battery life and tone over advanced noise control or luxury extras.
By Roland Udvarlaki
Headphonecheck’s Dirk Duske is broadly positive about the Marshall Major V. He praises the headphones’ exceptional 100-hour battery life, light comfortable fit and iconic amp-inspired styling, and appreciates practical touches like multipoint Bluetooth, an M-button shortcut and a useful five-band app EQ. At the same time he criticizes the tuning: a bass-forward signature with boosted upper frequencies can make vocals and sibilance edgey and leaves a perceived gap around the mids, so the sound will polarize listeners; voice-call quality is a bit noisy. Overall Duske presents the Major V as a compelling, highly portable pick for fans who value battery life, comfort and punchy bass — and who don’t mind or can correct the imbalanced tonality via the app.
By Dirk Duske
Good Housekeeping’s Simon Cocks is clearly impressed and mostly enthusiastic about the Marshall Major V. He praises their iconic, well-crafted look, lightweight foldable design and surprising comfort, and calls out standout practical features like the intuitive brass control knob, a custom shortcut button, app support and an enormous 100‑hour battery with fast charging—points that make them feel like great value at £129. He tempers that praise with measured caveats: they’re on-ear (so less isolation and no ANC), lack an IP rating and don’t include a carry pouch, and they’re offered only in black; he also suggests older or noise‑cancelling alternatives for different priorities. Overall his tone is upbeat and appreciative: stylish, feature‑rich headphones that excel for casual listening and fans of Marshall’s aesthetic, provided you don’t need active noise‑cancelling or weatherproofing.
By Simon Cocks
Louder’s Steve May is clearly impressed and upbeat about the Marshall Major V. He praises their rock-ready sound, punchy 40mm drivers and class-leading 100‑hour battery life, saying they overdeliver for the price and are perfect for guitar-driven music; build and iconic styling earn brownie points too. He tempers enthusiasm with practical caveats — there’s no active noise cancellation, the thinly padded headband won’t suit everyone, and the Marshall app is flaky — and reminds readers that these aren’t audiophile cans despite their energetic, engaging tuning. Overall the review reads like a strong recommendation for listeners who value swagger, stamina and fun sound more than studio-grade neutrality or commuter-focused noise suppression.
By Steve May
YouTube
10 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Aaron from TechGadgets International is upbeat about the Major V overall. He praises the vintage Marshall styling, surprisingly strong, clean bass and sound layering, exceptional 100+ hour battery (with wireless charging and fast-charge), useful app customization and handy extras like audio sharing; but he remains cautious about the on-ear clamping force and lack of ANC or IP rating, noting that long sessions might be uncomfortable for some. His tone is favorable and conversational—recommending them for travelers or Marshall fans who accept the one‑ear fit tradeoffs.
Aaron X Loud and Wireless is generally positive about the Marshall Major V. He praises the game-changing Marshall app, 100‑hour battery, wireless charging, solid mic performance in noisy settings, and the familiar vintage Marshall styling, calling the sound punchy with good mids and stereo separation. He’s measured rather than ecstatic, though—critiques include the on‑ear fit’s limited isolation and leakage, lack of ANC and low‑compression codecs (e.g., aptX/aptX Adaptive), and that the M‑button feels like a missed opportunity; overall he sees meaningful upgrades but expected a bit more for the price.
NDTV’s reviewer is generally positive but measured about the Marshall Major V. They praise the classic Marshall sound, rugged foldable design, tactile control knob, handy wireless charging and exceptional 100+‑hour battery, yet repeatedly flag the on‑ear fit causing discomfort on long listens, limited soundstage for prog rock, and lack of ANC at a ~Rs 15,000 price point. Their hands‑on, three‑month use highlights reliable multi‑device pairing and app customization, making these great for travel and rock fans — but not ideal if you need long‑wear comfort, expansive staging, or active noise cancellation.
Electronics&Computers is cautiously positive. The creator clearly prefers authentic Major V units and focuses on practical ID checks—packaging pull-tabs, rubber Marshall logo, QR-scannable serial on the right earcup, the guitar riff power chime and differences in speaker grills—warning that fakes often lack these details. He’s instructional rather than emotional, mixing hands-on tips with affiliate links and repair-video cross-promos; the tone is helpful and skeptical, urging buyers to verify serials and physical cues to avoid counterfeits rather than evaluating sound or comfort.
Gamesky is clearly positive about the Marshall Major V. He praises the 100+ hour battery, wireless charging, punchy yet controlled Marshall sound (noting standout mids and clean treble), and lightweight, rugged foldable design, while acknowledging the on‑ear fit and absence of ANC and case as tradeoffs. He emphasizes app-driven features (M‑button/Spotify Tap, EQ, battery preservation) and LE Audio support as meaningful upgrades, calling it a fun, durable travel-friendly choice at the ~$150 price if you don’t need neutral tuning or active noise cancellation.
Techusiast is upbeat about the Marshall Major V overall. He loved the rock‑styled, foldable design, stellar ~100‑hour battery and clear, punchy Marshall sound—especially with the app‑tuned EQ—and praised seamless multipoint Bluetooth. He called out real downsides too: on‑ear discomfort if you wear glasses, noticeable sound leakage at higher volumes, no ANC, and no included carry case. Practical, hands‑on testing over three weeks makes his take feel credible: great for casual listeners who value battery life and style, less so for glasses wearers or frequent flyers needing strong noise isolation.
Tech By Leon is upbeat about the Marshall Major V overall. He liked the compact, stylish foldable build, physical knob controls, Spotify Tap M‑button, and out‑of‑box Marshall signature sound—saying bass and vocals impressed without needing EQ—while flagging small ear cups, some plastic hinges that feel less durable, and uncertainty about noise‑cancellation. His live sound tests and hands‑on demos convey genuine enthusiasm tempered by pragmatic notes on fit, build materials, and included short USB‑C cable; he asks whether to keep them, signaling positive leaning but not an unqualified rave.
Josh likes the Marshall Major V and leans slightly toward them over his Sony 720N. He praises the Major V’s lighter, classier foldable design, comfy pads, tactile multi-directional M‑button, and good sound for a non-audiophile, while noting some on-ear leakage and no call testing; he also admits both headphones sound similarly good and that the app/EQ is something he probably won't use much. Overall his tone is positive and personal—happy with the Marshall’s feel and newer appeal, but measured and informal rather than raving.
GeekBoy - Labs is mildly unimpressed with the Marshall Major V’s mic performance. He runs quick noisy-city voice samples and the Major V’s mic comes across as serviceable but not standout compared with competitors; background noise remains prominent and other earbuds sometimes handle city noise better. The clip’s tone is neutral and comparative rather than enthusiastic—focused on raw mic clarity in real-world traffic, showing the Major V works but doesn’t excel.
Critical Tech is upbeat about the Major V and calls them a solid, stylish upgrade. He praises the classic Marshall looks, tactile controls (M‑button and joystick knob), roomy 40mm drivers with punchy bass and clear mids/highs, and the standout 100+ hour battery plus wireless charging and app EQ. Criticisms are mild — fewer color choices, no carrying case, and no ANC — and he positions them as a worthwhile buy for fans of the retro aesthetic who value endurance and customization rather than noise cancellation.
Social
5 INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Mine ✶ ⋆.˚⋆✮˚.⋆ sounds generally positive about the Marshall Major V. She likes the vintage look, light 186 g weight, soft ear cushions and comfy fit with glasses, and praises the flexible build, wireless charging, 100‑hour battery claim, and wired option. She flags that there’s no active noise cancelling and that sound didn’t fully satisfy other buyers (and implies she'd tweak EQ via the Marshall app or Spotify). Overall Mine presents a measured, favorable impression: stylish, comfortable, and practical with solid battery life, but not a sonic game‑changer for picky listeners.
Catalogonliner считает Major V в целом положительными, но не стоящими полноценного апгрейда с Major 4. Он отмечает реальный прирост автономности (больше сотни часов против ~80 у четвертой), улучшенное подключение по Bluetooth 5.3, увеличенные амбушюры и новую M‑кнопку с горячими функциями, из-за чего наушники удобнее и громче на пике; в то же время звук не претерпел «капитальных» изменений, модель стала тяжелее и заметно дороже (625 рублей), поэтому автор советует ждать скидок, если вы не фанат Marshall.
Chris Barraclough sounds mostly positive about the Marshall Major V, calling out its absurdly long 100+ hour battery as the headline win. He likes the compact foldable design, Marshall’s signature sound across genres, and handy features like customizable left-cup controls, a multi-function right button, and 3.5mm wired support — all for about £130. Downsides temper the enthusiasm: no ANC, only mediocre passive isolation, and bass that doesn’t hit earth‑shattering levels, so you may need to raise volume for spoken-word content. Overall he recommends them as a travel-friendly, value-packed pair with some tradeoffs.
POY Reviews is upbeat about the Marshall Major V and calls it a great travel headphone. He emphasizes the absurdly long 100+ hour battery, foldable compact design, classic leather-and-gold look, comfy soft cushions, adjustable headband, and a customizable M-button with app EQ for tailoring the sound. His tone is positive and practical — excited about battery life and portability while acknowledging Marshall’s signature sound won’t suit everyone, but the app lets you tweak bass and treble. He also points viewers to Digital Walker if they want to buy.
Лиличка явно довольна Marshall Major V и рекомендует их. Она хвалит тёплый рокерский дизайн, удобную складную конструкцию и хороший микрофон для разговорных сторис, отмечает Bluetooth и проводное подключение, симпатичный гитарный звук при включении и длительную батарею — не заряжала две недели при постоянном прослушивании. Критики почти нет: упоминает, что раньше пробовала бюджетные Sven и Apple и они быстрее выходили из строя, поэтому Major V для неё — заметный апгрейд по стилю, удобству и надёжности.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors mostly like the Marshall Major V for its looks, battery life and punchy sound, but feelings are mixed. Users praise comfortable, lightweight build, replaceable parts, EQ app and long battery, and many say it’s great for rock and casual listening. Criticisms center on on-ear fit (ears/glasses discomfort, small pads), limited passive isolation (no ANC), some reliability/design nitpicks (knob changes vs Major IV, pad wear), and codec choices for audiophiles. Buyers upgrading from IV often miss the IV’s knob feel; new shoppers tend to value the style and value if they accept those tradeoffs.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Marathon batteryManufacturer claims 100+ hours.
- •Marshall‑tuned soundPunchy bass with clear mids.
- •Customizable controlsProgrammable M‑button and 5‑band EQ.
- •Travel‑friendly designFoldable build and wireless charging.
Considerations
- •On‑ear discomfortClamp pressure after prolonged use.
- •No noise cancellingLimited isolation on busy commutes.
- •Tonal balance quirksTreble harshness and mid gaps.
- •Sound leakageAudio leaks at moderate volumes.
Marshall’s new on‑ear answer to long-haul listening borrows the brand’s amp-inspired style and stretches the one thing rivals rarely match: endurance. Positioned as a mid‑range travel and lifestyle headphone from a maker known for punchy rock tuning, it aims at commuters, frequent flyers, and style‑minded listeners who prize long stretches between charges and a tactile control experience. In the pages ahead we’ll look at how its 40 mm drivers and Marshall signature voicing translate to real-world enjoyment, why the 100+ hour battery and Qi wireless charging change packing and charging habits versus the Major IV and ANC-equipped rivals, and how the compact 186 g foldable form balances portability with the familiar on‑ear clamp that affects comfort. We’ll also cover build quirks, Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint behavior and latency, plus the practical upside of the five‑band Marshall app EQ and programmable M‑button—each a selling point for specific users. If you care about stamina, sound character, or control ergonomics, read on—your ideal compromise lives in the details.

Comfort and fit
Comfort is mixed because the on‑ear design is compact yet can clamp more than users expect over long sessions. The on‑ear cushions and lightweight 186 g frame feel pleasant initially and are glasses‑friendly, but several reviewers reported ear pressure after about 1–2 hours and occasional sound leakage, especially at higher volumes. If you prioritize all‑day wear or tight passive isolation, consider this trade‑off against the package’s portability and foldable convenience.

Build quality and durability
The Major V looks and feels like a retro, travel‑friendly headphone with mostly solid materials but some fragile spots. The textured black vinyl, metal‑style control knob, and foldable hinge give it a premium vibe, while a few hands‑on reviewers flagged plastic hinge sections and pad wear as potential weak points if handled roughly. Replaceable parts and a one‑year warranty plus Marshall’s repair options mitigate concerns, yet cautious handling preserves longevity.
Battery life & charging
Battery endurance is the headline feature and it genuinely lasts for marathon use in normal listening conditions. The brand claims 100+ hours and real‑world tests commonly recorded around 92+ hours at moderate volumes, while wireless charging and a three‑hour USB‑C top‑up make daily use effortless. Note that wireless charging placement can be finicky and the app’s battery preservation mode helps prolong long‑term battery health if you plan to keep these for years.

Controls and app customization
Physical and software controls are a real convenience for everyday listening and personalization. The tactile multi‑directional knob and programmable M‑button (Spotify Tap, voice assistant, EQ toggle) work with the Marshall Bluetooth app to set EQ, firmware updates, and button mappings, and reviewers praised this flexibility even if some found the app occasionally glitchy. For users who want instant shortcuts and tailored sound, this subsystem meaningfully raises usability.

Wireless connectivity & latency
Connectivity is modern and generally reliable thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio support for future codecs. Users experienced fast pairing and multipoint support for two devices, and LE Audio/LC3 readiness is a forward‑looking spec, though the lack of higher‑bandwidth codecs like LDAC or aptX means audiophiles might notice limits. Occasional anecdotal disconnects show up in user reports, but overall wireless behavior is solid for commuting and casual use.

Sound quality
The Major V delivers a punchy, Marshall‑tuned presentation that favors bass weight and forward mids. Reviewers and tests note the 40 mm drivers and signature voicing produce a lively, fun sound for rock and pop, but some experts reported treble harshness or midrange gaps that benefit from EQ adjustments. If you want neutral, studio‑grade fidelity this isn’t it, yet the Marshall app’s five‑band EQ reliably tames sibilance and balances the profile to suit personal taste or genres.

Conclusion
Here's the short verdict you asked for — a clear, research-backed wrap-up:
Starting from a practical vantage point, the Major V makes a confident case: its punchy, Marshall‑tuned sound and handy five‑band EQ deliver enjoyable playback for rock and pop, while the headline 100+ hour battery plus wireless charging truly change how often you reach for a cable; reviewers praise both features. Trade‑offs are real — the on‑ear design brings clamp pressure and audible leakage after longer sessions, and some users and experts note tuning quirks and a lack of ANC or premium codecs. Build feels stylish and mostly solid but has plastic hinge and pad‑wear caveats, and Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint offers reliable day‑to‑day connectivity though not audiophile-grade low latency. Best for travelers and style‑minded listeners who value stamina and control via the app over studio neutrality or commuter noise suppression, making it a sensible, well‑balanced purchase.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Sound Quality
4/5
Bass Response
4/5
Treble Clarity
4/5
Soundstage and Imaging
3/5
Passive Noise Isolation
3/5
Active Noise Cancellation
TBD
Battery Life
5/5
Value
Price Competitiveness
4/5
Feature-to-Price Balance
4/5
Warranty and Support
4/5
Design
Comfort and Fit
4/5
Build Quality and Materials
4/5
Portability and Foldability
4/5
Control Intuitiveness
4/5
Health
Hearing Safety
3/5
Hypoallergenic Materials
3/5
Safety
Battery and Electrical Safety
4/5
Water and Sweat Resistance
TBD
Regulatory Compliance
3/5
Sustainability
Recyclable Materials
3/5
Repairability
4/5
Sustainable Packaging
3/5
Experience Style
Customization and EQ Options
5/5
Multipoint Connectivity
4/5
Voice Assistant Integration
4/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
9 Questions
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