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Grado GW100x vs Marshall Major V: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Marshall Major V comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 76. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Marshall Major V - Great overall at around $160.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Marshall Major V leads on 5 of 7 measures.

  • Grado GW100x
  • Marshall Major V
HearWiki score
76
76
Sound
8.8
7.2
Noise cancelling
-
0.0
Battery
9.0
10.0
Calls
7.5
5.8
Value
7.2
8.0
Price (USD)
$280
$160

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

New platform

Marshall Major V (2024) against Grado GW100x (2022). The Marshall Major V is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2, Top codec LC3 against aptX Adaptive and LE Audio (LC3). It also adds Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • GW100x2022
  • Major V20242 yr newer
What differsGW100xMajor V

Platform

Bluetooth
5.2
5.3
Top codec
aptX Adaptive
LC3
LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes

Everyday features

Custom EQ
No
Yes
Companion app
No
Yes

Level on: Multipoint pairing, USB-C.

Specifications

GW100xMajor V
Type
On-Ear
On-Ear
Price (USD)
$280
$160
HearWiki score
76
76
Released
2022
2024
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
44 mm dynamic
40 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
44 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
38 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
99.8 dB/mW
106 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.2
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
SBC, AAC, LC3
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
10 m
10 m
Battery life
46 h
100 h
Full charge time
120 min
180 min
Quick charge
-
15 min → 15 h
Wireless charging
-
Yes
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
none
none
Transparency mode
No
No
Companion app
No
Yes
Custom EQ
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
touch
both
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
188 g
186 g
Water resistance
none
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
3.5 mm
3.5 mm
Microphones
1
1
Mic sensitivity
-42 dBV
-

What reviewers said

Grado GW100x

The Grado GW100x are open-back wireless on-ear headphones that prioritize audiophile-grade sound over extra features. With large 44mm drivers, long battery life, and support for aptX Adaptive, they deliver a detailed and lively listening experience. The design is minimal, lacking ANC and app support, but the comfortable, lightweight build makes them a solid choice for purists who value sound quality above all.

  • Pro:Excellent audio detail and open-back soundstage
  • Pro:Long battery life of up to 46 hours
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:Lacks app support and custom EQ
  • Con:Feature set is very basic for the price

Marshall Major V

The Marshall Major V is a lightweight on-ear wireless headphone that prioritizes long battery life with up to 100 hours of playback. It features Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint support, a 40mm dynamic driver, and a classic Marshall aesthetic, making it a solid choice for everyday listening without active noise cancellation.

  • Pro:Exceptional 100-hour battery life
  • Pro:Lightweight and foldable design
  • Pro:Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No water resistance
  • Con:Single microphone for calls

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonGrado GW100xMarshall Major V