Marshall Major IV
Marshall
Marshall's headphone lineup has always traded on nostalgia — that amp-stack aesthetic, the cream-on-black script, the sense that you're wearing a tiny piece of rock history on your head. The Major IV Fold Wireless takes that legacy and wraps it around a set of on-ear headphones built for the realities of modern life: long commutes, longer flights, and a battery that refuses to quit. The question worth answering before you spend your money is whether the sound and comfort live up to the branding, or whether you're really just paying for the logo. Having dug into how these perform in daily use, the answer is more nuanced than either extreme — and worth understanding before you decide if this is the pair for you.
Design and Build Quality
The Major IV keeps the silhouette Marshall has used since the very first Major headphones: a slim, low-profile headband wrapped in textured black vinyl with the Marshall script stitched across it, small squared-off ear cups, and a single gold-toned control knob planted on the right ear cup. It's a deliberately retro look, and it's aged well — these don't scream "gadget" the way a lot of modern headphones do.
Underneath the styling, the build uses a mix of high-density polymer, metal reinforcement in the headband, PU (synthetic) leather, and memory foam and EVA cushioning in the ear pads and headband. Marshall states that the polymer used contains a majority of recycled material, which is a genuinely welcome detail for anyone weighing the environmental footprint of a gadget purchase — most headphones in this price range say nothing at all about recycled content.
The headphones are collapsible, folding flat and inward via a hinge mechanism that also protects the ear cups from scuffs when they're tossed into a bag. At roughly the weight of a smartphone, they sit lightly enough on the head that long sessions don't feel like a workout, though — as with any on-ear design — the pads rest on your ears rather than around them, which means the clamping force does most of the comfort work. Most listeners find it comfortable for hours; those with larger ears or glasses may notice some pressure building up after extended wear, since on-ear pads simply don't have the same forgiveness as over-ear cups.
One practical note on durability: the Major IV carries an IPX2 rating, meaning it's built to shrug off light splashes or sweat from vertical or near-vertical exposure. That's enough protection for a light drizzle on the way to the bus stop or a sweaty gym session, but it is not a rating for submersion, heavy rain, or anything resembling swimming — treat these as splash-resistant, not waterproof.
Sound Performance: What "Marshall Signature Sound" Actually Means
Marshall pairs the Major IV with 40mm dynamic drivers custom-tuned for what the brand calls its "signature sound" — in practice, that translates to a bass-forward mix with a noticeably warm low end, smooth mids, and a treble that stays present without turning harsh. This isn't a flat, reference-tuned pair of headphones designed for studio mixing; it's tuned for enjoyment, favoring punch and body over clinical accuracy.
That tuning makes the Major IV a strong match for genres built on rhythm and low end — rock, hip-hop, electronic — where the bass has room to do real work. Vocal-forward or acoustic material still comes through clearly, but the emphasis on bass means it never disappears into the background the way it might on a flatter-tuned pair.
The other side of that coin: the Major IV relies on the standard SBC Bluetooth codec rather than a higher-bitrate option. In everyday listening — podcasts, streaming music, calls — that's unlikely to bother most ears. Critical listeners chasing the highest possible wireless fidelity, or anyone streaming lossless audio from a hi-res source, will feel the ceiling here. For casual and even most enthusiast listening, though, it won't be the limiting factor in your experience.
There's no active noise cancellation on board. The on-ear cups provide a degree of passive isolation just by covering the ear, but they won't block out train noise or chatty coworkers the way a sealed, ANC-equipped pair would. This is a headphone built for sound quality and simplicity, not for silence.
Key Features That Matter in Daily Use
| Feature | What It Actually Means for You |
|---|---|
| Foldable hinge design | Collapses down for a bag or coat pocket — no rigid case needed, though none is included |
| Multi-directional control knob | One physical dial handles play/pause, volume, skip, and calls — no fumbling with tiny buttons or app menus |
| Bluetooth wireless connection | Cable-free listening from any Bluetooth-enabled phone, tablet, laptop, or even a Bluetooth-equipped TV or smart speaker |
| 3.5mm aux cable included | A wired fallback for when battery runs low or you want to plug into a plane's entertainment system or a hi-fi setup |
| Audio-sharing via cable | Plug a second pair of wired headphones into the Major IV's jack to share your music with a friend from a single source |
| Built-in mic and on-ear controls | Take calls hands-free without pulling your phone out |
| Single-device Bluetooth connection | Pairs to one source at a time — you'll need to manually switch if you're jumping between a phone and a laptop |
| No active noise cancellation | Passive isolation only; ambient sound will still get through |
The control knob deserves a specific mention. Rather than a row of flush buttons that are easy to mis-tap through gloves or in a bag, Marshall uses a single tactile dial that you press, click, and tilt. It's a small design choice, but it's the kind of detail that makes the headphones genuinely pleasant to operate without looking at them — useful when you're adjusting volume mid-run or fumbling for the pause button on a packed train.
The lack of multi-device (multipoint) pairing is worth flagging for anyone who regularly bounces between a laptop for work calls and a phone for music — you'll be reconnecting manually rather than switching seamlessly.
Battery Life and Charging: The Headline Feature
This is where the Major IV genuinely separates itself from most of the wireless headphone market. Marshall rates the battery at over 80 hours of continuous wireless playback on a single charge — that's more than three full days of nonstop music, which in real-world terms means a typical commuter or office listener could go one to two weeks between charges without ever thinking about the battery indicator.
Charging is handled two ways: over USB-C, or wirelessly by resting the ear cup on a Qi-compatible charging pad (sold separately — no dock is included in the box). A full charge from empty takes about three hours, and Marshall builds in a quick-charge function that returns a substantial chunk of playback time from a very short top-up, so a few minutes plugged in before you head out the door can cover an entire day's listening if you've genuinely run the battery flat. Argos notes the included charger tops out at a modest 5W output and doesn't support PD fast charging — that's consistent with how Marshall designed the Major IV; the quick-charge benefit comes from the headphone's own charging circuitry, not from needing a beefier fast-charging brick.
Practically speaking, this level of battery life removes "did I charge my headphones" from your mental checklist almost entirely. It's a genuine advantage over the true wireless earbuds and many over-ear ANC headphones that need nightly or every-other-day charging.
Who This Headphone Is Actually For
The Major IV earns its keep with a specific kind of listener:
- Commuters and students who want all-day battery life without babysitting a charge cable, and who value a comfortable, lightweight pair over aggressive noise blocking.
- Style-conscious buyers who want headphones that look distinct rather than blending into the sea of matte-black, over-ear slabs most brands ship.
- Casual and rock/bass-genre listeners who want a warm, punchy sound signature rather than flat, reference-tuned audio.
- Budget-conscious buyers who want dependable Bluetooth audio with a wired backup option, without paying for flagship-tier extras.
It's a weaker fit for a few other groups:
- Frequent flyers and noisy-office workers who need active noise cancellation to actually block out engine drone or open-plan chatter — the Major IV offers none.
- Audiophiles and critical listeners chasing high-resolution codec support; the SBC-only connection is a real ceiling for anyone who cares about squeezing out every bit of wireless fidelity.
- Multitaskers who regularly switch between two paired devices throughout the day, since there's no multipoint connection here.
- Long-session wearers with larger ears or glasses, who may find any on-ear design — this one included — less forgiving over multi-hour stretches than a plush over-ear alternative.
How It Stacks Up Against the Alternatives
| Buyer Priority | Major IV Fold Wireless | Budget generic Bluetooth headphones | Premium ANC over-ear headphones | True wireless earbuds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Exceptional (80+ hours) | Usually 20–40 hours | Typically 20–30 hours (ANC on) | Short per-charge (4–8 hours), topped up by a case |
| Noise cancellation | None | Rarely included | Usually strong ANC | Varies, often included on premium models |
| Sound signature | Warm, bass-forward, distinctive | Inconsistent, often thin | Balanced or customizable via app | Varies widely by model |
| Portability | Folds flat, no case included | Varies | Bulkier, usually ships with a case | Extremely compact |
| Design/style | Distinctive, retro-branded | Generic | Sleek but often generic | Minimal, easy to lose |
| Wired fallback | Yes, 3.5mm cable included | Sometimes | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Price positioning | Accessible, sub-premium | Lowest cost | Highest cost | Wide range |
The Major IV's real competitive edge is the combination of standout battery life and a design people actually want to be seen wearing — two things that are surprisingly hard to find together at this price point. Where it gives ground is against premium ANC headphones, which cost more but earn that premium through active noise blocking and broader codec support, and against true wireless earbuds, which trade battery-per-charge for pocketability and a cable-free look.
The Honest Trade-Offs
The Major IV's biggest strength and its biggest limitation both come from the same design philosophy: Marshall built a headphone that does a small number of things extremely well rather than chasing every feature on a spec sheet. The battery life alone is enough to justify a look from anyone tired of nightly charging rituals, and the sound — while not neutral — is genuinely enjoyable for the bass-and-rhythm-driven genres most people actually listen to day to day. The physical control knob is a small but real usability win, and the folding hinge combined with a wired fallback cable means these headphones keep working even when your phone's battery, or their own, runs low.
Against that, the absence of noise cancellation is the most significant omission for anyone who travels or works in loud environments, and the single-codec, single-device Bluetooth setup will feel limiting to anyone coming from a more feature-rich modern headphone. The on-ear fit, while comfortable for most people in most situations, isn't going to match the plushness of an over-ear cup for very long listening marathons. And while the recycled-material construction is a genuine positive, the IPX2 rating means you'll want to keep these away from anything more than light moisture.
None of these are surprises for a headphone built around simplicity, longevity, and style rather than a feature checklist — but they're worth knowing before you commit.
Final Verdict
The Marshall Major IV Fold Wireless is an easy recommendation for anyone who wants a comfortable, good-looking pair of on-ear Bluetooth headphones that will genuinely go a week or more between charges. The sound leans warm and bassy rather than neutral, which suits casual and genre-focused listening far better than critical mixing or mastering work. If your daily listening happens on a commute, at a desk, or around the house, and you're not chasing noise cancellation or high-resolution codec support, the Major IV delivers real, tangible value — the battery life and design alone make it worth serious consideration.
If your priorities lean toward blocking out noisy environments, switching seamlessly between two paired devices, or squeezing out the highest possible wireless audio fidelity, this isn't the right match — look toward a premium ANC over-ear model instead. But for the listener who wants dependable, stylish, long-lasting wireless sound without complication, the Major IV earns its spot on your shortlist.
What People Say
123 commentsMy new workout headsets :)
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Sound Quality (5/5)
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Loved it . The sound quality is just great . I've no complaints . Bass is just super.
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Design & Comfort (4/5)
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It definitely looks great , as it's stitched with leather . Pretty light-weight to use , and can be folded into smaller piece . Fits properly over the ears , and can be adjusted as well . Although it sits well on your ears , but can get uncomfortable after maybe 2 or 3 hours of continuous use .
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Connectivity (5/5)
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It connects with various Bluetooth devices such as mobile , laptop, and even TV . Connection stays stable through out . Pairing mode is pretty standard , and easy to use . It also has 3.5 mm jack (cable included in box) , so that you can have wired mode if you desire (ideal for PC/Laptop gaming)
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Battery Life (5/5)
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It's just awesome , will last for minimum 2 weeks or more , with regular use. It comes with faster USB-C charging (cable is included in box). I keep forgetting that it's battery based headset , because I haven't charged it yet :) I just pick it up and then plug-n-play .
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Features
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Feature wise , not much I can say , quite straightforward , like sound control , then music navigation (pause/play/next/ previous song ) , accept/reject calls. It doesn't have noise cancellation , but overall quality is just great , so you won't miss it really .
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Summary
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I like it and if anyone is intending to buy , then I'd definitely recommend .
Oozes style, great music quality and connectivity
I was very impressed with these headphones. Normally I find over ear headphones uncomfortable to wear, but I was pleasently suprised to find these were extremely comfortable on my ears. There was not too much pressure and the overall fit and shape was good. When music is playing the background noise is completly blocked out, I was in a world of my own when I had my music playing. The bass and quality of sound is fantastic and definately the best I have heard on any headphones/ earphones I have ever owned.
The overall style and look of these headphones is very asthetically pleasing, the soft touch leather effect material looks and feels high quality. The retro look oozes style and is something I would be pleased to wear in public.
The connectivity with my iphone was simple and I really like the intuitive multiway button on the right headphone. You can pause, play, skip backwards/forwards, volume up and down all on the one button. It is very pleasing to operate and so straightforward- what a clever innovation.
Overall I was highly impressed with these headphones, they even fold really compact so they take up minimal space. A great gift for a tech savvy, music loving friend or family member.
Top Quality Headphones!
The Headphones come in a small, reusable box, which is handy for storing them away - together with included items: audio cord, user manual and USB-C charging cable.
The headphones are foldable, light and not too big and bulky, which means that I do not feel self conscious, when wearing them - whilst out and about. The ear cushions are soft and very comfortable - they do not make my ears itchy or ache.
Hence, I much prefer these Marshall headphones to ear inserts types. I also found the fit much better as once in position, the headphones stay in place, ensuring good, consistent quality of sound with no faffing - which might take away from the immersing experience! I would imagine using the headphones whilst in the gym, wouldn't disappoint.
They are easy to use with 80+ solid hours of wireless playtime, wireless charging, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, great sound quality that is enhanced due to a very good fit with the ear cushions and come complete with a cord which allows me to plug into my TV or stereo - all means, that I am very happy with this product!
Lightweight headphones with nice bass
I have been using these headphones for the past few days now and I love them. I make music using fl studio and these are amazing as the bass is really good and allows me to hear sounds that my laptop speakers just can’t handle.
They are super light weight and the battery life lasts a long time so you can use these for extended periods of time with no problems.
I love that they are wireless and the one little knob/button can be used to control everything. Also they can be used wired using the included aux cable.
They are super easy to connect using Bluetooth and the sound quality is amazing and a true upgrade from my last set of headphones.
The only one thing that could have improved these headphones is if the plastic parts that connect to the headband was metal as this could become a weak point over time.
Great pair of headphones I’m really impressed.
Most comfortable headphones I’ve ever owned
Most importantly, these headphones have excellent sound quality which is a must for me as I mainly use them to learn Spanish, also important for me is comfort and size, they are light and have super soft padding and I can wear them comfortably for hours. They are small and foldable, so they fit easily in hand luggage when travelling or in my handbag or gym bag. They are super easy to sync with my devices and can charge wirelessly. There is only one discreet control button to turn on, play/pause, skip, fast forward, volume, answer/reject calls, pairing and voice assistance. There are over 80 hours of wireless playtime and my husband can share audio by plugging his headphones into these, so that we can watch films together from my tablet, when we are travelling. I mainly use these headphones for learning Spanish on my tablet, at the gym and when travelling.
It’s a sound therapy
“I recently purchased the Marshall Major IV Fold Wireless Headphones from Argos, and I must say they are super cool! The sound quality is impressive, delivering rich and immersive audio. The design is sleek and stylish, adding a touch of sophistication to my music experience.
However, what truly sets these headphones apart is their super battery life. I can enjoy hours upon hours of uninterrupted listening without worrying about recharging. It’s a game-changer for those long journeys or extended listening sessions.
Overall, I highly recommend the Marshall Major IV Fold Wireless Headphones for their excellent sound quality, nice design, and, most importantly, the remarkable battery life. They’re a fantastic investment for any music lover seeking a wireless headphone experience that ticks all the right boxes.
Excellent headphones
These headphones are fantatic. The sound is top quality. They cancel out outside noise and listening to music becomes an inmersive experience. It has a marvellous deep bass which makes you not just hear the music but feel the music.
I love the classic look and they are very confortable with the soft leather ear heads and even the head band in leather. I have already listened to hours of music and forgot i was wearing them.
All controls are located in the one button and ever so simple to use. Very handy i tell you.
The headphone are wireless and is very easy to pair it with your devise but in the box you can also find conexion cable to plug on the enterteining systems such as in trains and plains.
Brilliant at this price
I saw these were on offer so decided to purchase as a birthday treat. Straight out of the box they were fully charged and battery life is proving to be excellent. Connectivity is child’s play, just hold the button in until the blue light flashes then search on your device and connect. They are so comfortable and it’s easy to forget you are wearing them after a while. Sound quality is superb and particularly suited to my preference of classic rock and the microphone is crystal clear when using for hands free calls. I am extremely happy with these would highly recommended them. There will no doubt be better items on the market in terms of sound quality but not at this price.
Music to my ears!
Very impressed with my new mashall headphones, I'm not a fan of the in ear types so was looking for an on ear alternative. I'm already familiar with the brand as I have a speaker that too is insane. These headphones are aesthetically pleasing. The toggle function is super simple to navigate. Sound quality is outstanding. I was dubious as to answering calls but I didn't need to be it works very well. Bonus for being wireless but does come with cables if preferred and I've not charged mine in over a week and still going strong with daily usage. I'd 100% recommend. If I has to state a negative, it would be no storage bag/ pouch but that's being picky.
Nice sounding lightweight headphones
I got these as my wife has Bluetooth headphones and the name Marshall is a well respected brand, and I am not disappointed, very lightweight whilst wearing, and the sound quality is awesome, love that it comes supplied with link cable so me and the wife can listen to the same music at the same time. They are very compact and fold down small for easy transportation, very easy to pair to all products, so far they are paired to my phone, iPod and pc, delivering sound you would expect from Marshall Inc great bass when it's needed. I can see these traveling with me all the time with up to 80 hours playtime. Very nice product and would seriously recommend.
Absolutely amazing headphones!
I got these Marshall headphones and I am absolutely amazed by how good they look and how clear the sound is. I put on some rock music and I could hear the vocals clearly and no distortion with the bass. They are very comfortable and they are very easy to use as they have a gold button on the bottom of the headphones so it's easy to turn on. Just press once for on and push up and down for the sound and pushing button left and right to skip songs. charges by USB and they have up to 80+ hours of battery life, im in heaven!! They also have a lead to connect to a stereo or TV and I am looking forward to many hours of listening to clear music.
Great Headphone
(Marshall Major IV Headphone)
Absolutely fantastic! Great Sound. Full bass. Wireless Bluetooth connection. Can connect to any device with Bluetooth automatically. Has earphones jack to connect to any other audio device or earphones to listen to music at same time.
It has one button that controls your device volume, play/pause, skip, next, back/forward, power on/off.
It also comes with a charger and last up to 80 hours of wireless playtime to enjoy your music on the go.
It does everything you need to listen to music at your convenience.
I absolutely recommend this product for anyone who loves listening to music.
As expected from the brand
A very well built with decent sound pair of bluetooth headphones. Maybe a bit on the small side so won’t fit everyone ad comfortably or will look a bit tiny but, the connection is good, functionality from the joystick is decent (takes some getting used to it though), battery is good, could be longer but don@5 think it would make a difference. Main point is the sound, it’s crisp, clear and fairly loud but not too bass driven. The mids might be a bit too loud sometimes but this can be adjusted from your player. Overall a good pack from a reputable brand that won@5 disappoint.
Good quality, mid-entry headphones
The Marshall Major IV headphones are comfortable on-ear headphones that manage to pack in a great amount of highs & mids, while still retaining punchiness. For their size, I think they incorporate a decent amount of bass, without compromising or stifling clarity. They have the ability to go a lot louder than many other headphones as well. While the headphones do have a microphone, I wouldn't say it's an important feature. I haven't got to test the 80 hours battery life claim to its fullest, but so far I haven't had to charge them so the battery life is great.
Amazing Quality!
I bought the Acton III speaker having never owned a Marshall product before. When I decided to look into wireless headphone I didn’t know that Marshall made these so naturally ended up down the Bose or Beats ranges. Stumbled across these and the quality is out of this world with live music even picking up every note, every instrument and every breath of music. Would highly recommend. My one wish would be that they came with a case as I had to purchase one separately from Amazon for about £20
Absolutely best headphones!
Marshall is the one of the best company in the sound tech world and this headphones is the best quality sounds with amazing bass! Easy pair with any smartphones! The gold access button to do what you need! Very comfortable thanks for the soft leather! Foldable and light! Jack to connect other audio devices or earphones! The battery is also amazing and enough for 80 hours! Christmas is coming so this is the perfect gift for everyone! I absolutely recommend this headphones and thanks Argos!
Lovey headphones
I got these a while ago after my Sony WH-CH510 had broken I thought it was time to invest in some better ones that were similar size and i've been very impressed. First, I love how small they are easy to carry around and so simple yet amazing quality. Battery life is great and my favorite thing is it doesn't have a bunch of buttons for volume and skip ect, just one knob that does it all depending on the press.
Also comes with wire if you don't want to wire as wireless **
Easy to use !
Couldn’t wait to open the box and give them a try. They didn’t disappoint! I love the look of them and what’s even better is there’s no wire !! I’m forever getting tangled up in my old ones. Great sound quality. The best bit is they have a long battery life so I don’t have to charge them up all the time , which is a great feature. They also stay in place once you’ve got them on your head, I can’t wait to listen to my music on them again.
Great battery life and easy to carry
What I love about these headphones is the battery life, it just keeps on going and the when not in use I can just sit them on my wireless charger. They are really easy to pair with phone and tv which is a complete must. For over ear headphones the are nice and compact so easy to throw in a bag when using at work.
My only reason for 4 stars is that the bass is a bit to heavy for me. But if you love rock then these are definitely for you.
Defo worth buying these.
bought these little beauties a couple of months ago and they are perfect for my needs. I love the fact they are compact and easy to carry if not in use. The size does not impact the sound or quality as for my ears the music I play sounds great. Only downside is it would of been nice if they came with a little bag to store them in when not in use although that was easily enough solved with a purchase elsewhere. Defo recommend to anyone.
