Marshall Minor IV Earbuds: Impressive Sound and Battery Life

Marshall, renowned for its premium audio products, made its entry into the true wireless stereo (TWS) market with the launch of the Motif ANC and Minor III earbuds in 2021. With the release of the Minor IV, Marshall has expanded its TWS lineup, now competing with popular brands like Apple and Sony. The Marshall Minor IV earbuds are priced at Rs 11,999, offering a lot for those seeking premium audio in a lightweight, open-ear design.

Design and Build Quality

Marshall's design language for TWS products is distinct, with a rugged aesthetic that sets it apart from its competitors. The Minor IV earbuds come in a sleek black variant, adorned with the iconic Marshall logo in white. Both earbuds also feature a letterform "M," which adds to the brand's signature styling.

However, the build quality is where the Minor IV could use improvement. The earbuds feature a plastic body with a leather-like texture. While the texture gives the appearance of leather, it’s clear upon touch that the material is plastic. This gives a somewhat cheap feel, particularly when compared to the premium look of Marshall’s other products, such as the Marshall Middleton speaker, which offers more color options and a higher-end finish.

Despite the less-than-premium materials, the plastic build makes the earbuds lightweight (weighing just 7.39 grams), and the earbuds are made from 90% recycled plastic. They have also proven durable, surviving multiple drops without any signs of damage.

Fit and Comfort

The Minor IV features an open-ear design, which means the earbuds don’t fit snugly in the ear canal. While this design can be more comfortable for some users, others, like myself, might find the fit less secure, especially over extended use. The rugged texture of the earbuds also makes them less comfortable than silicone-tipped models, which offer a better seal and comfort for long listening sessions.

One of the significant downsides, however, is the lack of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a feature that's becoming increasingly common at this price point. Without ANC or effective passive noise isolation, the Minor IV struggles to block out environmental noise. Users will have to turn up the volume to overcome external sounds, which can lead to a less-than-optimal listening experience.

Sound Quality and Customization

Marshall is known for its rich sound quality, and the Minor IV does not disappoint in this area. The 12 mm drivers deliver a well-balanced sound profile with impressive bass, which can be customized through the Marshall app. Unlike other earbuds that offer just a few preset equalizer options, the Minor IV provides a wider range of customization, allowing users to tailor their sound to the music genre they’re listening to.

Listening to a variety of music genres—from Bollywood to bass-heavy pop tracks—the sound quality was mostly satisfying. The audio was clear during calls as well, with minimal sound leakage in quiet environments. However, in noisy surroundings, the lack of noise isolation and ANC becomes a noticeable drawback, which detracts from the overall experience.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of the Marshall Minor IV is its impressive battery life. The earbuds last up to 7 hours on a single charge, and the charging case provides an additional 30+ hours of battery life. I used the earbuds daily for 4-5 hours, and I found that I only needed to charge them every 4 days, making them incredibly convenient for long-term use.

Additionally, the Minor IV supports both USB Type-C charging and wireless charging, making it easy to keep the earbuds powered up. The quick charging feature allows users to quickly get back to listening without waiting for long charging periods.

Lack of ANC: A Major Drawback

While the audio quality and battery life of the Minor IV are commendable, the absence of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a significant drawback. In this price range, many competing brands offer ANC, and it has become an essential feature for many users, especially for those who enjoy listening in noisy environments or while traveling. The open-ear design, while comfortable for some, does not offer much in terms of passive noise isolation, which means the earbuds are less effective at blocking out ambient noise.

While the Apple AirPods 4 are one of the few open-ear design earbuds with ANC, Marshall could certainly enhance the Minor IV by adding this feature in future iterations.

Is the Marshall Minor IV Worth Buying?

The Marshall Minor IV offers a solid listening experience, especially for users who value long battery life, a customizable sound profile, and a lightweight, rugged design. If ANC and a secure fit aren’t your top priorities, the Minor IV could be a great choice. Its premium sound quality, long-lasting battery, and convenient charging options make it a great addition to Marshall’s TWS lineup.

However, if you’re someone who values ANC and better noise isolation, you may want to consider alternatives at a similar price point. That said, for those seeking an open-ear design with decent sound and impressive battery life, the Marshall Minor IV remains a worthy contender in the TWS market.