The 3.5mm analog option is strongly supported, with reviews repeatedly noting wired listening, an included audio cable, or AUX sharing.
The transcripts consistently state that the Major V does not include active noise cancellation, making this a major limitation for noisy travel or commuting.
ANC is generally rated as strong for the price and improved versus the original P100 in several comparisons, but most reviewers still stop short of calling it class-leading versus Sony or Bose. Reviewers note multiple ANC strength levels plus quick switching via button/app, making it easy to tailor noise reduction to the environment.
Software and feature depth was mixed: reviews noted useful extras such as battery preservation and app features, but not a class-leading feature set.
Aesthetics were praised as old-school, retro, and distinctively vintage Marshall, which is one of the clearest reasons to choose the product.
Android compatibility is present, but the Android story is weakened by missing aptX in one review and reliance on SBC in another.
The Marshall app was seen as useful for EQ, controls, firmware, and battery settings, but a few reviews reported lag, connection issues, or basic functionality.
The Melomania app is typically described as clean and functional for firmware, battery, ANC and EQ; the SE adds DynamEQ, and most find it easy to navigate.
The supported reviews explicitly criticize the lack of aptX or aptX Adaptive, especially for Android audio performance.
aptX support (including Adaptive/Lossless where source devices allow) is consistently mentioned as a key differentiator at this price.
LE Audio and hands-on use support good sync: one review cited improved video sync, and another reported no noticeable delays.
Low-latency or gaming mode is mentioned as helpful for video and gaming, reducing perceived lip-sync issues to a generally acceptable level.
Auto power-off is configurable in the app, and one review also noted automatic idle or disconnected shutoff.
Bass was usually described as punchy, prominent, resonant, or rock-friendly, though a few reviews found it less emphasized or lacking compared with expectations.
Bass is commonly described as impactful and powerful, especially with DynamEQ, but a few reviewers find it can get boomy or overpowering on the stock SE tuning and can vary by track.
Battery life was the strongest and most consistent praise point, with nearly every review highlighting 100-hour-class endurance or real-world multi-day use.
Across reviews, battery life is repeatedly described as class-leading and is often verified in real use: around 60 hours with ANC on and up to 100 hours with ANC off. The user-replaceable battery is repeatedly singled out as a big longevity and sustainability win, uncommon among mainstream ANC headphones.
Bluetooth support was consistently described as current, with Bluetooth 5.3 and broad device compatibility noted in the supporting reviews.
Bluetooth connectivity is generally stable in daily use, though a few reports mention pairing friction when switching between the original P100 and the SE model.
Bluetooth version support is strong where specified, with Bluetooth 5.3 cited in multiple reviews.
Build quality was generally strong, with reviewers describing the headphones as rugged, hardy, tough, sturdy, or damage-proof.
Build quality is repeatedly described as premium and sturdy for the price, with only occasional mentions of minor creaking.
Physical controls were a standout strength: reviewers repeatedly praised the brass knob or joystick as intuitive, tactile, simple, and better than touch controls.
Physical button controls are consistently praised for being responsive and reliable, with clear mappings for playback, volume, ANC modes and assistant access.
Cable impressions were mixed: one review liked the retro curly lead, while another said the coiled cable added style but tangled easily.
Included cables are generally described as good quality and part of a well-considered accessory bundle.
Carry protection was a consistent weakness because the headphones usually ship without a case, pouch, tote, or bag.
The hard travel case is frequently described as sturdy and premium, with helpful cable storage, but it can be larger than rivals because the headphones do not fold especially small.
Charging was another major strength thanks to USB-C, quick charging, and wireless charging, although some reviews found wireless placement fiddly or full charging slow.
Fast charging is consistently highlighted as useful, with claims of a brief charge (around 5 minutes) delivering multiple hours of playback depending on ANC use.
Clamp comfort varied by reviewer, ranging from gentle or moderate to too tight or pressure-inducing after longer sessions.
Clamping force is commonly described as well-judged or slightly reduced on the SE, though a few listeners still find the fit snug.
Codec support includes SBC, AAC, and LC3, but reviews also point out missing higher-end options such as aptX Adaptive, Lossless, or LDAC.
Codec support is repeatedly cited as a strength, with broad compatibility including aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless alongside standard Bluetooth codecs.
Comfort was often praised because the headphones are light and padded, but some reviews noted clamp pressure, heat, glasses discomfort, or on-ear fatigue.
Comfort is generally good and improved with the SE headband updates for some users, but weight and a sometimes-stiff headband cushion can create pressure over long sessions.
Connectivity options are strong, with wired listening, audio sharing through AUX, and Bluetooth use all supported by reviews.
Design was a major strength, with many reviews praising the recognizable Marshall amp-inspired, retro, rugged, or stylish look.
Design is usually described as clean and upscale with a new blue option, but at least one reviewer finds the headband look wide or goofy when worn.
Included wired options (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm) are viewed as convenient for travel and hi-res playback without relying on Bluetooth.
Durability evidence was positive where discussed, with reviews saying the design feels durable, rugged, and able to take a beating.
Ear-pad feedback was strong overall, with repeated praise for thick, soft, plush, or generous cushioning.
Earpads are described as plush and spacious with a good seal; a recurring minor note is that they can get warm during long listening.
One review noted that the ear cups can tilt by 90 degrees, supporting unusually flexible cup positioning.
Earcup rotation is frequently praised as flexible enough to lie flat and to fit a range of head shapes comfortably.
EQ customization was broadly supported through presets and a custom equalizer, though one review found the changes subtle or limited.
EQ control is repeatedly called effective and highly responsive, enabling meaningful tuning changes; a minor recurring gripe is limited granularity/labeling of EQ steps.
Feature depth was mixed: some reviews mentioned useful frills, while others called the feature set limited or mediocre for the price.
Firmware support is present through the Marshall app, with reviews noting firmware updates or software updates.
The measurement-focused review found the frequency response deviated strongly from its preference curve, especially in treble.
Tonal balance is often described as slightly warm rather than strictly neutral; DynamEQ and the SE retune can shift bass/treble balance, so accuracy depends on settings.
Headband adjustment was described positively, with smooth adjustment, flexible fit, and support for larger head sizes.
Adjustability is reported as sufficient for a range of head sizes, but comfort outcomes depend more on headband cushioning and weight distribution than on range.
Headband padding was mostly adequate or soft, though one review described it as not very thick.
Hinges and moving parts are generally viewed as robust, though a small number of users report slight creaks when moving around.
Immersive audio evidence was positive but limited, with reviews citing dynamic soundstage, energetic drivers, and Dolby Atmos material retaining impact.
Included accessories are basic: reviews confirm audio and USB-C cables, but the broader accessory package is limited by the missing case.
Included accessories are routinely noted as generous for the price, especially the hard case plus multiple cables and documentation.
The supported reviews praised stereo separation and placement, especially with guitars or detail visibility in the mids and highs.
Instrument separation and layering are highlighted as strong, contributing to a more hi-fi style presentation and easy-to-follow mixes.
The supporting reviews confirm an integrated microphone/mic array and describe voice capture as working well for calls.
One comparison notes that a competing model adds LDAC, implying the Major V lacks that higher-resolution Bluetooth option.
Multiple reviewers explicitly note there is no LDAC support, which may matter to users invested in that ecosystem.
LE Audio readiness was frequently mentioned, with several reviews noting Bluetooth LE, LC3, or future Auracast support.
One review said the drivers could play hard at volume, supporting solid maximum-volume clarity for energetic listening.
At higher volumes, clarity is generally reported as holding up well with strong dynamics and little audible strain or distortion.
Noise handling for calls was praised in several reviews, especially background-noise rejection and voice capture in office or noisy conditions.
Background noise reduction for calls is described as decent but behind top rivals, with some reviewers noting more noise leaks through in loud settings.
Call quality was generally favorable, with several reviews reporting usable, clear, or strong microphone performance, though one found the voice quality a little noisy.
Call quality is usually rated as good in quiet environments and acceptable overall, though not typically viewed as best-in-class.
Midrange feedback was mixed: several reviews praised clear vocals and mids, while others noted recessed, weak, or uneven midrange presentation.
Midrange is widely described as clear and well-rounded, keeping vocals present and intelligible even with elevated bass.
One review specifically mentioned smooth playback on both Apple and Android devices, supporting broad platform compatibility.
Multi-device use across iOS, Android and computers is reported as smooth overall, helped by Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint and app support on both mobile platforms.
Multipoint was reported across several reviews and generally described as available or working well, with one review noting device switching was seamless.
Multipoint is widely reported to work, but switching behavior is sometimes manual (for example, pausing on one device before playing on another) and auto-switching is not always present.
Passive isolation was mixed: padding and snug fit helped in offices or quiet chatter, but several reviews said outside noise still came through.
Passive isolation is frequently praised thanks to the seal and pads, with some reviewers saying it blocks a lot even before ANC is enabled.
Overall recommendations were generally positive for style, battery life, portability, and controls, but more cautious for ANC, sound refinement, and feature value.
Portability was consistently praised: reviewers emphasized the compact on-ear size, folding design, and easy bag or pocket storage.
Portability is a mixed point: the headphones can travel fine in the included case, but limited foldability and case size make them less packable than some competitors.
One review said the design looked less premium than flagship Sony headphones despite the lower price and rugged feel.
Preset EQ feedback was generally positive where discussed, including well-engineered, balanced, or useful presets alongside custom EQ.
Preset EQ profiles are seen as useful starting points, though some reviewers say differences can be subtle and custom EQ is where the headphones shine.
One review noted that the ear pads can be removed and replaced, supporting strong earpad replacement convenience.
Replaceable earpads are called out as easy to swap, supporting long-term comfort and maintenance.
Wear detection/sensors are generally convenient and responsive, but a few users report occasional pause/resume glitches.
Sidetone/voice passthrough during calls is mentioned as an area for improvement, with at least one reviewer wanting clearer amplification of their own voice.
Smart listening features center on the M button, which reviewers used or described for Spotify Tap, EQ toggles, and voice-assistant access.
One review described setup as minimal and ready to use out of the box, supporting very simple setup.
Setup and software are usually described as straightforward, but there are a few reports of pairing or sensor quirks that may require firmware updates or re-pairing.
Leakage was mixed: some reviews found sound bleed negligible, while others noted more leakage from the on-ear design or at higher volumes.
Reviews were positive but not unanimous: many liked the lively, punchy Marshall sound, while others found the tuning treble-heavy, average, or less refined than expected.
Sound quality is a standout theme: detailed, engaging, and competitive with more expensive headphones; however, several note the SE stock tuning can lean bass-forward and benefits from EQ to taste. Wired listening via USB-C (and via included USB-C to 3.5mm cable) is described as a strong option, often sounding excellent and sometimes driving higher volume than Bluetooth.
Soundstage impressions ranged from wide and spacious for an on-ear headphone to compact, intimate, or limited in imaging.
Many reviews describe a wide, immersive stage, though a minority characterize the presentation as more intimate than the widest options in the category.
One review mentioned Dolby Atmos audio retaining its kick, giving limited but positive evidence for spatial audio enjoyment.
Spatial audio is commonly noted as absent, but several reviewers say the natural soundstage is wide enough that many listeners may not miss it.
Fit stability was mixed: one review said the headphones shifted with head movement, while others found the fit secure enough for movement.
Streaming integration is mainly Spotify-related, with the M button supporting Spotify Tap or direct Spotify launching.
Repairability was a plus in the supported reviews, especially battery replacement through Marshall’s repair program.
One review provided sustainability-material details, including recycled plastics, solvent-free artificial leather claims, recycled paper, and soya-based ink.
Sustainability is a recurring positive: recyclable packaging, recycled materials, and end-user replaceable battery/earpads are emphasized.
One review explicitly noted that the headphones lack transparency modes, so transparency performance is effectively absent.
Transparency mode is considered usable and sometimes very natural, but multiple reviewers say it is not as airy/clear as top competitors and can suffer from wind noise.
Travel friendliness is mixed: the compact folding build and long battery help travel, but lack of ANC makes long flights less ideal.
Treble was often clear and energetic, but multiple reviews also flagged brightness, harshness, or an exaggerated top end.
Treble performance is repeatedly praised for clarity and detail, with some noting extra sparkle/brilliance when DynamEQ is enabled.
USB-C charging is directly supported in multiple reviews, with included USB-C cables and USB-C charging mentioned repeatedly.
USB-C is the core port for charging and wired audio; reviews generally like the flexibility, though some note it means there is no traditional analog 3.5mm jack on the headphone itself.
Value was split: many reviews thought the price was reasonable for style, battery, and sound, while others wanted more features or cheaper alternatives.
One review reported that Google Assistant and Siri worked well, supporting solid voice-assistant integration.
Voice assistant integration is available via button shortcuts and is generally reported to work as expected.
Voice and system feedback is brand-styled rather than spoken, with guitar-riff acknowledgments noted in the supporting reviews.
One review found normal listening volume more than enough and noted available headroom above that level.
Overall loudness is usually sufficient and can get very loud, but some reviewers still wish for a bit more headroom over Bluetooth compared to wired use.
Reviews repeatedly noted no IP rating or no dust/water resistance, limiting confidence for rain, sweat, or outdoor use.
At least one reviewer notes there is no water/sweat resistance rating, so these are not ideal for workouts or wet conditions.
The light weight was one of the most consistently praised comfort traits, with multiple reviews emphasizing the roughly 165-186g build.
Weight is repeatedly cited around 330g, which is heavier than many peers and can impact comfort for those sensitive to top-of-head pressure.