Marshall Major V
Marshall
The Major line has been Marshall's answer to "headphones that don't look or sound like everyone else's" for over a decade, and the fifth generation raises the stakes on the one thing wireless headphone owners complain about most: battery anxiety. Rated for over 100 hours of playback on a single charge, the Major V asks a genuinely bold question — what if you almost never had to think about charging your headphones at all? Add in Marshall's unmistakable amp-inspired styling, a companion app, and both wireless and wired listening modes, and there's a lot to unpack before deciding whether this is the right pair for your ears and your daily routine.
Design and Build: Classic Marshall Styling, Built for Daily Use
Marshall hasn't messed with a winning formula here, and that's by design. The Major V keeps the brand's signature look: vegan leather earcups with contrast stitching, a knurled metal control knob on the right earcup that doubles as power switch, call button, and volume dial, and the raised Marshall logo on each side. It's a design that reads more "vintage guitar amp" than "consumer electronics," and that's exactly the point for buyers who find most wireless headphones visually interchangeable.
Underneath the styling is a build made to survive real-world knocks. The headband folds flat and the earcups swivel inward, shrinking the whole unit down to roughly the footprint of a paperback book for a bag or backpack. That foldability, paired with a genuinely light frame (Marshall lists the Major V at around 186 grams, noticeably lighter than most over-ear alternatives), means these headphones disappear into a daily carry rather than adding bulk.
One material detail worth flagging for sustainability-minded buyers: Marshall states that a meaningful share of the plastic used in the Major V's construction is certified recycled material, sourced from previously used electronics. It's not the headline feature on the box, but it's a genuine point of differentiation if that kind of thing factors into your buying decision.
Comfort Over Long Sessions
The vegan leather and foam-cushioned earpads sit directly on the ear rather than around it — that's what "on-ear" means, as opposed to "over-ear" designs that fully enclose your ear in a larger cushion. On-ear headphones are lighter and cooler to wear for shorter stretches, and the adjustable headband on the Major V lets you dial in a snug, secure fit without the clamping pressure that makes cheaper on-ear designs uncomfortable after twenty minutes.
The trade-off, and independent hands-on testing backs this up, is that on-ear cushions tend to warm up against the skin during extended sessions — expect that after an hour or so of continuous wear, especially somewhere warm, you'll notice more heat build-up than you would with a roomier over-ear pair. For commutes, desk sessions, and travel legs measured in an hour or two at a time, this isn't an issue. If you're planning multi-hour marathon listening sessions without a break, it's worth knowing going in.
Sound Quality: What the 40mm Drivers Actually Deliver
The Major V uses 40mm dynamic drivers, a mid-size driver format common in headphones of this class, tuned by Marshall to lean into the punchy, bass-forward signature the brand is known for from its guitar amps and speakers. Out of the box, that translates to thumping low end that suits rock, hip-hop, and electronic genres particularly well — the kind of sound that feels energetic rather than flat.
Independent listening tests have found the factory tuning leans slightly bright in the treble register, which is common in headphones voiced for punch and clarity rather than strict neutrality. That's not necessarily a flaw so much as a style choice, and it's one you have real control over: the Marshall Bluetooth app includes adjustable EQ, and testers who dialed in a flatter or bass-reduced profile through the app reported a noticeably more balanced, less fatiguing sound than the factory default. In other words, treat the stock tuning as a starting point rather than the final word — a few minutes in the app can meaningfully change how these sound to your ear.
For calls, the built-in microphone has been specifically upgraded over the previous Major generation to cut down on wind noise, which should translate to clearer voice calls when you're walking outside or on windy commutes, though it won't match a dedicated boom mic or true wireless earbuds with beamforming arrays for pristine call clarity in loud environments.
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wired Backup, and Smart Controls
The Major V gives you two completely independent ways to listen, which is a meaningful piece of future-proofing:
| Mode | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless (Bluetooth 5.3) | Pairs to phones, laptops, tablets, and other Bluetooth audio sources with a claimed range of up to 30 metres | Daily use, commuting, working out untethered, general convenience |
| Wired (3.5mm AUX) | Detachable 1.32m cable included in the box, plugs into any standard headphone jack | In-flight entertainment systems, devices without Bluetooth, using the headphones with a dead battery |
Bluetooth 5.3 is the current mainstream wireless standard for headphones, and in practice it means a stable, low-dropout connection at typical listening distances — leaving your phone in a jacket pocket or on a desk across the room while you move around shouldn't cause stuttering. Marshall has also built in support for LE Audio and the LC3 codec, the next generation of Bluetooth audio standards designed to improve efficiency and unlock features like Auracast broadcast audio. That technology is still rolling out across venues and devices industry-wide, so don't expect to use it constantly today, but it does mean the Major V is positioned to support newer wireless audio features as compatible devices and locations become more common, rather than being locked into an aging standard.
Multipoint pairing is also supported, meaning you can keep the Major V connected to two devices at once — a laptop and a phone, say — and switch between them without manually re-pairing each time you want to take a call or start a video. If your Bluetooth connection ever drops out or your battery runs dry, the detachable AUX cable means the headphones simply become passive wired headphones — no dead weight, no waiting for a charge.
On the control side, the right earcup's knob handles play/pause, volume, calls, and power, while a dedicated M-button on the left earcup is customisable through the Marshall app — set it to trigger Spotify Tap for instant playback, cycle EQ presets, or summon your phone's voice assistant. It's a nice bit of flexibility for something that could easily have been a single fixed-function button.
Battery Life and Charging: How Long Can You Really Go?
This is the Major V's headline act, and it's worth translating the number into something concrete. A rated 100+ hours of playback means that even with two to three hours of daily listening, you're realistically looking at charging roughly once every two to three weeks rather than every few days — a dramatic shift from the nightly-charge routine that most true wireless earbuds demand. Independent battery testing has landed close to that claim in real-world conditions, which is reassuring; marketed battery figures don't always hold up under actual use, but this one appears to.
When you do need to top up, a full charge from empty takes about three hours over USB-C — the same connector used by most modern phones and laptops, so you're not hunting for a proprietary cable. There's also a fast-charge function: a brief 15-minute top-up is enough for roughly 15 hours of additional playback, which comfortably covers a full day out if you plugged in while getting ready that morning and forgot to charge overnight. Marshall's own support materials also confirm the Major V supports charging via a standard Qi-style wireless charging pad as an alternative to plugging in — a genuinely rare inclusion on headphones, since most wireless-charging support in audio products is reserved for earbud charging cases rather than the headphones themselves.
The battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion cell, and Marshall includes these headphones in their repair program with a replaceable battery — a meaningful longevity signal in a market where "the battery degraded so I bought new headphones" is a common complaint after a couple of years of heavy use.
Who the Marshall Major V Is Built For
- Commuters and travellers who want to set-and-forget their charging schedule for weeks at a time
- Anyone who values a distinctive, retro-inspired look over the generic black-slab aesthetic of most wireless headphones
- Listeners who enjoy bass-forward, energetic sound signatures and are willing to spend a few minutes with an EQ app
- People who want a wired fallback option for flights, older audio equipment, or zero-battery emergencies
- Buyers who want a light, foldable pair that travels easily without a bulky case
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Anyone whose daily routine includes a loud commute, open-plan office, or frequent flights and considers active noise cancellation non-negotiable — the Major V has none
- Runners, gym-goers, or anyone expecting to get caught in the rain regularly, since there's no official water or sweat resistance rating
- Listeners who want a neutral, "reference" sound signature straight out of the box without touching an EQ
- Anyone specifically wanting industry-leading call clarity in very noisy outdoor environments — the upgraded mic helps, but it isn't a specialised noise-isolating array
How It Stacks Up Against Other Wireless On-Ear Headphones
The most direct trade-off buyers face with the Major V is battery life versus active noise cancellation. Most on-ear and over-ear wireless competitors in a similar price bracket — models like JBL's ANC-equipped on-ear lineup, for instance — build in active noise cancelling, which is genuinely useful for blocking out engine drone on flights or chatter in an office, but that feature draws meaningfully more power and typically caps battery life at a fraction of what the Major V offers. If you fly often or work in a loud shared space, that trade-off may tip the scales toward an ANC alternative despite the shorter battery runway.
Where the Major V pulls ahead of most rivals in its category is the combination of styling, build materials, wired fallback, and wireless charging support, none of which is standard even among pricier competitors. If your listening happens mostly at home, on public transit, or during travel where extreme noise isolation isn't the priority, the Major V's endurance and design identity are hard to match without stepping up to a significantly pricier over-ear flagship.
Strengths and Weaknesses: An Honest Look
The clearest strength here is battery life that actually changes how you use the product day to day — not charging headphones every night is a genuine quality-of-life improvement, and the fast-charge and wireless-charge options make topping up nearly frictionless when you do need to. The build quality and design also earn their keep: this doesn't feel like a headphone trying to look expensive, it feels like one that actually uses considered materials, and the fold-flat portability backs that up.
The honest weak points are just as clear. The absence of active noise cancelling will be a dealbreaker for a specific type of buyer — frequent flyers and noisy-office workers, mainly — and no amount of battery life makes up for that if isolation is what you actually need. The stock sound tuning, while enjoyable for bass-heavy genres, leans bright enough that some listeners will want to spend time in the EQ app before it feels fully balanced, and comfort during very long uninterrupted sessions doesn't quite match a well-cushioned over-ear design. There's also no water or sweat resistance rating at all, which rules out confident use during workouts or unpredictable weather.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Marshall Major V?
If your priority list starts with "I never want to think about charging my headphones" and includes wanting something that looks and feels distinctive rather than anonymous, the Marshall Major V earns a confident recommendation. The battery performance isn't just a marketing number — it holds up in real use, the wired and wireless dual-mode setup adds genuine practical flexibility, and the app-based EQ control means the sound signature is more adaptable than the punchy factory tuning first suggests.
It's not the right pick if active noise cancellation is a requirement for your daily commute or frequent flights, or if you need any degree of water resistance for workouts. But for commuters, travellers, desk-based listeners, and anyone who wants headphones that don't disappear once they're on — and who's happy to trade noise cancelling for weeks of freedom from a charger — the Major V is one of the more compelling wireless on-ear options available right now.
What People Say
48 commentsBuy them!
These are the best headphones I've ever used. They are really comfortable, even when I wear my glasses, due to the soft padding, which is also on the headband. They come with a (very) short USB-C to USB-C charge cable, a 3.5mm AUX in/output cable and quick start manual. I didn't really need the manual to get started, as it was so easy to connect to Bluetooth and pair with my phone. There is an app which shows the battery life and current song, it also lets you customise the sound. I love the 2 control buttons, the M button lets you choose between Spotify Tap, launching voice assistant, or changing between the preset EQ and your created one. The brass button is joystick like and is the best control I've ever used for headphones. It lets you move it up, down, left or right to adjust music and volume, and is so much better than the touch sensitive style you can usually press accidentally.
For travelling, these are very lightweight, with awesome battery life, i haven't needed to charge them yet after nearly 2 weeks of use. It does say a 15 min charge will give you 15hrs of wireless play, and wireless charging is an option although I haven't tried it.
The sound and volume is great, for both music and calls and they work on the Xbox X when wired, although nowhere near as good as gaming headphones.
There is no ANC which I can live with and my only negative has been that they have sometimes slipped on my head when bending forwardsThese are the best headphones I've ever had. They are really comfortable, even when I wear my glasses, due to the soft padding, which is also on the headband. They come with a (very) short USB-C to USB-C charge cable, a 3.5mm AUX in/output cable and quick start manual. I didn't really need the manual to get started, as it was so easy to connect to Bluetooth and pair with my phone. There is an app which shows the battery life and current song, it also lets you customise the sound. I love the 2 control buttons, the M button lets you choose between Spotify Tap, launching voice assistant, or changing between the preset EQ and your created one. The brass button is joystick like and is the best control I've ever used for headphones. It lets you move it up, down, left or right to adjust music and volume, and is so much better than the touch sensitive style you can usually press accidentally.
For travelling, these are very lightweight, with awesome battery life, i haven't needed to charge them yet after nearly 2 weeks of use. It does say a 15 min charge will give you 15hrs of wireless play, and wireless charging is an option although I haven't tried it.
The sound and volume is great, for both music and calls and they work on the Xbox X when wired, although nowhere near as good as gaming headphones.
There is no ANC which I can live with and my only negative has been that they have sometimes slipped on my head when bending forwards.
Absolutely incredible battery life!
Marshall Major V
Let me start from the beginning. The headset arrived well packed and I couldn’t wait to try it. A great to start off with as it was fully charged and I had no issue connecting it to my devices. I like the start and connection sound played, nice bases going on there.
Another great feature is that if I switch it off and back on, it seems to take on the last setting used of the sound level on your device so if the setting is normally lower for your headset and just right for own listening, it will kick in rather than having to adjust.
The blue tooth seamlessly switches to a device from another device, which is useful for when you may be listening to a film or music on our tablet or ipad and then need to answer your phone.
What impressed me the most so far is the battery life! I’ve been using the headset now for over five days for approximately 20 hours and I’m nowhere near to having to charge it. The battery indicator shows around 66%.
I’ve also downloaded the Marshall Bluetooth app and found it very useful for lots of reasons, such as access to the user guide, customising your preferences for the M button or looking into how to best preserve the lithium-ion battery live (if ever needed).
I’ve always used an on-ear headset with a noise cancelling feature, however, I may be a convert. I don’t mind the smaller on-ear size. The ear pieces are easily adjustable. The fit is quite snug for me but that may vary for others.
I really love this headset and would recommend it. I will try to advise on the charging times, but I may have to wait to do that for a few more weeks!
Marshall Major V On-Ear Wireless Headphones - Blac
1. Insane Battery Life
o The standout spec: 100+ hours of wireless playtime.
o Quick-charge: 15 minutes gives ~15 hours of listening.
o Supports wireless (Qi) charging, which is rare in headphones.
2. Classic Marshall Sound + Design
o 40 mm custom-tuned dynamic drivers deliver a “signature” Marshall sound; warm, energetic, with clear mids and punchy bass.
o Retro/rock-amp-inspired look: folding on-ear cups, brass knob control, faux-leather finish.
o Compact and foldable, great for travel.
3. Good Connectivity Options
o Bluetooth 5.3 support.
o Compatible codecs: SBC, AAC, LC3 via Bluetooth LE.
o Multipoint (can connect to more than one device).
o Also usable in wired mode if needed (3.5 mm).
4. Sustainability / Build
o Made with a significant portion of post-consumer recycled plastic.
o Lightweight (about 186 g) so they don’t feel bulky.
o Repair-friendly: reportedly part of a battery-replacement program.
5. Controls & Customization
o Has an “M-button” that you can customize for functions: e.g., launch Spotify Tap, voice assistant, or EQ presets via Marshall’s app.
o The Marshall app also offers features like “Battery Preservation Mode” to extend battery health.
Almost perfect
Marshall Major IV Fold Wireless Headphones
So much promise but they fall just short of greatness. The Marshall Major IV's are well priced in a market full of great sounding headphones for your ear-gasims. They are loud, comfy and have an app that's actually decent and not annoying to use. It's simple, sleek and has a decent range of pre-sets to get started. I was actually really excited when I first tried the Major IV's and for a breath moment wondered if they'd be my new go to headphones for commuting to work, however this is where the Major IV fall just short of greatness. Everyone and mean everyone will be able to hear what you are listening too on the train, plane or bus. This for me personally, this unfortunately makes these headphones a no good for everyday usage. However, i would be interested in trying out more Marshall products. Ecstatically they look and feel great. The amp design cups look superb and they also have a great battery life
Simple yet stylish
The marshall over ear headphones are stunning, the ear pads are so comfortable, The headband is cushioned so this is a nice feature, The great part is the ear cups themselves extended in and out for ease of fitting perfectly, they also can fold in for simple storage and the bonus is that the headphones are very light weight.
I like the look of them they are so stylish. i like the ease of setting them up. The instructions are clear.
My favourite part about the headphones is that you can customise your sound in the app and also the quick function buttons, i like having mine set for spotify. The toggle button is simple to use to change the song or adjust the volume, they are placed well for easy access.
I love that these are wirless charging aswell its just so simple to place them down on the wireless charging base.
I will enjoy the many hours listen to music on mine.
Great headphones
These headphones were very easy to use straight out of the box, they connected to my Samsung phone straight away and had 80% battery. Once you connect you are invited to download the app in which you are able to customize your headphones and control what you are playing.
I love that you have a wire in case you run out of battery and you can charge them with a wire or wirelessly, so easy!
I like to wear headphones when walking to listen to music and make calls. I don’t get on with the in ear type, these are perfect as they are small and not the huge over ear ones that look massive on me, so I don’t feel awkward wearing these outside. They fold away nicely so you can take them with you, a bag to put them in would have been a worthwhile addition. They are quite tight on my head ( I wear glasses) hoping they will loosen up with time.
Nice smooth sound
A really nice high quality pair of headphones. They are surprisingly bendy so I thing quite durable. These are on the ear headphones, but still block out surounding sound quite well and are quite comfortable. I was able.to wear for a couple of hours before my ears got uncomfortable. The sound quality is really good. Its a smooth wide sound stage and with the Marshal app there are preset and custom equaliser options, though the equaliser is only 5 band. My only disappointment was the sound not feeling loud enough, I had the volume up 75% before it felt loud enough, but this could be a personal.preference. The headphones can be witelessly charged, but a wireless chatger is not included. Overall a really nice set of headphones
Excellent headphones, 10/10 recommend
I purchased these to replace my Beats headphones, which weren't compatible with my new phone, and was heading on a month-long trip abroad. These headphones checked all the boxes--excellent connectivity, extremely comfortable (even on 12+hr flights!) And most importantly, the sound quality. These headphones also come with an app (trust me it's worth it) that can customize your personal sound balance, with a few preset settings, and the ability to create your own (bass, treble, etc). They're foldable as well, for quick stowing in a bag. Pricewise definitely worth it, in my opinion--they also come with a 1 year warranty by Marshall so you're covered in case anything happens.
Super comfortable headphones
I was so excited for these headphones to be delivered. And boy did they not disappoint!! The design and look of the box is perfect ! Super easy to open and you’ll find everything in the box you’ll need to get started straight away. The headphones are so comfortable and have a really good sound and there even wireless !!! There are two buttons on the headphones which took a little while to get used too , but once you’ve got it. It’s super easy to navigate , there’s an app you can download along side to be able to personalise one of the buttons which I think is just fab ! Highly recommend this high quality item !
Great little headphones!
These are so cool! Really compact, fold down small enough to go in a jacket pocket; yet the sound is huge! Perfect bass and amazing details.
The app is excellent allowing EQ, customization of buttons etc. and the battery life is incredible. They just keep going...
Also, did I mention how cool they are? The look is so retro and distinctly "Marshall". The sound is distinctly "Marshall" too! Really love them for a robust, compact headphone with great sound and awesome looks. Also, they work wired without being powered on and include an equally cool, Marshall branded, cable for that purpose!
Game changer!
These headphones were so easy to set up, it’s recommended that you download the Marshall Bluetooth app as this helps if you want to create your own sound profile. They are very comfortable on the ear and don’t squash with a nice leather cushioning. Overall the sound quality is proving to be very clear (I like how you can change the sound quality in the app depending on the music your listening to) one of my favourite features is even though they are wireless headphones, there is a lead for you to plug them in manually which is great if you want to listen to anything with a friend.
A quality set of headphones
These headphones are top quality. When connecting to the headphones, it was easy to find in my bluetooth settings
I downloaded the app it recommended in the leaflet and when discovering the app I came across many incredible features, for example the "m" connects to your spotify and plays song that are recommended and are targeted around your very own music taste. The button on the right of the headphones is very nice. it presses in to pause and play, pushes up and down for different volumes and side to side to skip songs. Sound quality is excellent too.
Quality headphones
These headphones are very lightweight and comfortable, they have a long charge which I like and the sound is crystal clear. I particularly like the joystick control so it’s easy to turn the volume up or down or to skip or go back a song. These headphones are not noise cancelling however this isn’t really an issue for me as you cannot hear much background noise. My daughter has tried nicking these from me as she is so impressed with them but she’s not having them as I love them. Fantastic pair of headphones.
Great headphones!
These Marshall headphones are so comfortable. They’re lightweight and the sound quality is amazing. My favourite feature is being able to customise the M button, which is particularly helpful. The app is really easy to download and navigate, (from here you can customise the button function I mentioned).
The overall quality of these headphones are amazing, I’m very happy with them and would definitely recommend.
Retro feel with retro discomfort
The Marshall brand means a lot to me so I overlooked the lack of features such as noise cancelling. I'm happy by the sound quality and style of this product. This headphones look and feel premium. The charge last you a while. They get uncomfortable on the outer ear with prolonged use. I'll be honest, that's exactly the experience I had as a teenager: ear burn or numbness, can't get more retro than that! ;)
Superb Class A
Where to start.....battery life is just phenomanol...so comfortable and great adjustment makes for a perfect fit....sound is awesome an can rival bose....and they fold neatly so great for travel....they come with jack plug extender wire for aircraft and trains too...there is no way i can think of an improvement....Well done Marshall youve got them bang on....Already recommended to friends...A+A+A+
Marshall do it again
The Marshall major v headphones are a great addition to the Argos headphone range they are a bit light on features BUT they offer engaging audio a great bass sound they connect via USB C cable provided I like the headband the ear pads have generous cushioning for comfort they have superb battery life they will keep you going for hours. The only minus is no carrying case provided
Great headphones
The headphones arrived in nice solid packaging. There weren't many instructions but didn't need many as they hooked up to my Bluetooth easily by themselves. There's an app to download for more information and to set your own EQ to get your sounds the way you want them. Most importantly they sound great. They fold up pretty small, so great to pop in your bag.
Great sound, light and top quality headphone.
An excellent option is the Marshall Major V cordless bluetooth on-ear headphones. They are practical for daily usage since they are small, light weight, and have a long battery life. Excellent sound, really cosy, and vintage style. Ideal for both teenagers and adults. If you’re searching for a good wireless headphone, this is a good pick overall.
Comfortable and Responsive
The headphones are very comfortable to wear no pressure on head or ears. Quick power up in seconds no need to hold and wait. Sound is good associated app to control all aspects of volume but lacking on headphone themselves which would have been better. Battery life is great not charged at all after a week. Great product recommended purchase.
