In addition to the Marshall Major V headphones, the English brand has recently released the Marshall Minor IV earbuds. They retain the iconic Marshall look while offering enhanced comfort and advanced wireless connectivity with Bluetooth LE Audio. And to enjoy playlists all day long, these wireless earphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours in total with the charging case.
Included accessories
The Marshall Minor IV Bluetooth earbuds come with a charging case. A power cable is also included, along with instructions for use and legal and safety information.
Presentation
Ergonomic, durable design
The Marshall Minor IV earbuds have a silhouette that unmistakably evokes that of the Apple Airpods, without silicone ear tips. The structure of the earbuds makes them easy to slip into the ear. It’s a design that will particularly appeal to those who find in-ear monitors too intrusive. The design of this fourth generation has been reworked, with a slightly more inclined structure ensuring greater comfort.
These latest-generation earphones are pleasant to wear all day long. In terms of fit, the Minor IVs are also excellent: even when shaking your head, the earbuds remain perfectly in place.
According to the brand, it has taken an ecological approach with these Marshall Minor 4 earbuds. To this end, they boast IPX4 certification. This guarantees resistance to water splashes, ensuring extended life even in wet conditions. This makes them ideal all-terrain earbuds for use in the rain or during sports sessions. What’s more, they’re made from 42% recycled plastic, 90% of which comes from used products such as CDs, washing machines and electric bikes. A move that reflects a growing awareness of the importance of sustainability in the design of electronic equipment.
Customizable Marshall sound
The Marshall Minor 4 earbuds feature a 12mm dynamic transducer in each ear piece, with a claimed frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. What sets these earphones apart from the previous generation is their ability to adapt to your preferences, thanks to the Marshall Bluetooth app. Available on iOS and Android, the app features a five-band, adjustable equalizer, as well as several presets. And the best part? Switching between Marshall’s signature sound and your custom configuration is done with the touch of a finger, by customizing the long press of the earbud’s touch-sensitive controls.
Bluetooth LE Audio and intuitive operation
The Marshall Minor IV True Wireless earbuds feature the latest Bluetooth LE Audio standard, offering a more stable, smooth and energy-efficient wireless connection. The Auracast function is also included.
Read the guide: How can I listen to music with a hearing aid?
The Marshall Minor IV True Wireless earbuds also feature Bluetooth Multipoint. This enables the simultaneous connection of two Bluetooth devices, such as a smartphone and a tablet, facilitating the transition between different wireless devices.
The Marshall Minor 4 earbuds offer a smooth, intuitive user experience thanks to their touch-sensitive controls. By simply touching the earpiece, it’s possible to control the music playing or answer a call without having to take out your phone. What’s more, they automatically pause when an earbud is removed, for a seamless transition between listening and outside interaction. Customization options remain limited, however, as only the long press can be configured.
30 hours of autonomy
The Marshall Minor 4 earbuds provide up to 7 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. The charging case provides up to 30 hours of total autonomy, placing them on a par with the competition. They are compatible with wireless charging and feature a battery-saving function that can be activated from the app.
Key specifications
- True Wireless earbuds
- 12mm dynamic transducers
- Marshall Bluetooth app (iOS and Android)
- Water resistance: IPX4
- Battery life (earbuds / with case): 7 hours / 30 hours
- Wireless charging
- Bluetooth LE audio, Multipoint
- Touch-sensitive controls
Listening conditions
We tested the Marshall Minor IV True Wireless earbuds with an Android smartphone and a Windows PC. We were able to test the quality of the Multipoint connection. It worked well, enabling a smooth transition between the two devices. This practical feature lets you answer a call on the smartphone while listening to music on the computer. This offers great flexibility and an enhanced user experience for those who use several devices on a daily basis.
We listened to Hi-Res music streamed from Qobuz.
Our impressions
In the purest Marshall tradition, these Minor IV earbuds delivered a warm, energetic sound. They adapted to a wide range of musical genres (pop, rock, rap…), from quiet to lively. On Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades”, we enjoyed a dynamic reproduction, rich in detail, particularly in the lower mids. The strumming of the electric guitar, the impact of drumsticks on the drums and Lemmy Kilmister’s voice were all clearly distinct.
On Dua Lipa’s “Fever”, the space between the various sound elements was generous, creating a wide soundstage. The bass gave the music body, but the highs could have done with more definition, and sometimes generated fatigue during long listening sessions. At this price level, however, the sound quality of the Marshall Minor IVs remains very good.
As for phone calls, the Marshal Minor IV earbuds offered excellent clarity, both from the user’s and the caller’s point end. They ensured smooth communication, even in windy conditions.
Marshall Minor 4 VS Nothing Ear
The Marshall Minor IV’s design is both aesthetically pleasing and practical, especially for those who have difficulty with in-ear tips. The touch-sensitive controls are also more practical on the Marshall earbuds. Their IPX4 certification ensures sufficient water resistance for everyday use, but the Nothing Ear’s level of protection remains superior. The latter also stand out for their automatically customizable equalizer and ANC features.
Read: Nothing Ear review: wireless earbuds that have something for everyone
Who are Marshall Minor IV earbuds designed for?
The Marshall Minor IV earbuds are perfect for music lovers who want an alternative to in-ear monitors. Their warm, dynamic sound is ideal for listening to pop/rock music. What’s more, their long battery life means you can enjoy music all day long in complete peace of mind. They’re also great for sports enthusiasts, thanks to their excellent fit and sweat-resistant structure.
Conclusion
The Marshall Minor IV earbuds are an excellent option for music lovers looking for comfort. They offer a warm, dynamic sound for all-day listening. They also boast a battery life of up to 30 hours with the case. Thanks to their intuitive touch controls, IPX4 water resistance and Bluetooth LE Audio compatibility, they’re perfect for everyday use. For those looking for a stable, flexible wireless audio experience, the Marshall Minor IVs are a great choice.
We liked
- The warm, energetic musicality
- Bluetooth LE Audio
- The comfort and good fit
- The decent battery life
- The iconic design
We would have liked
- Better-defined highs
- Improved water/dust resistance
