Marshall Minor IV Earbuds Review: Classic Marshall Sound, But Not Without Trade-Offs

Marshall has never been one to follow trends, and the Minor IV earbuds are no exception. With their rugged design, open-ear fit, and signature sound profile, these earbuds aim to stand out in a market dominated by sleek, in-ear alternatives. Priced at Rs 11,999, they offer 12mm drivers, IPX4 water resistance, USB Type-C charging, and over 30 hours of battery life.

But while they promise long-lasting performance and great sound, do they actually justify the price? Or are they more about style than substance? Let's find out.

PROS

• Balanced, clear sound with a spacious soundstage
• Excellent battery life
• Customizable EQ via the Marshall app
• Wireless charging support

CONS

• No Active Noise Cancellation
• Plastic build feels hollow and less premium
• Expensive for the features offered
• Open-ear fit may not feel secure for workouts or active use

Design & Build Quality

Marshall has never followed the mainstream trend of sleek, futuristic designs. Instead, the Minor IV sticks to the brand's rugged, vintage-inspired aesthetic. The earbuds come in black and cream color variants, both featuring the iconic white Marshall logo and a letterform 'M' on each bud.

At first glance, the textured finish on the case and earbuds give the illusion of a leather-like material, adding to their premium appeal. However, the moment you touch and hold them, the illusion fades-the plastic build feels hollow and cheap, which is disappointing at this price point. The charging case lid also feels flimsy, making a plasticky sound every time it's opened or closed.

That said, durability is not an issue. Throughout my testing, the earbuds and case withstood drops and rough handling without visible damage. Marshall has also used 90 percent recycled plastic, which is commendable from an environmental perspective.

Still, for Rs 11,999, a more premium-feeling build would have been expected-especially considering Marshall's legacy of high-quality craftsmanship.

Fit & Comfort

The Marshall Minor IV's open-ear design means they rest on the outer ear rather than sealing inside the ear canal, making the fit highly subjective. Some might find this comfortable and airy, but for someone like me-who prefers in-ear earbuds-they never felt fully secure.

From the moment I put them on, I couldn't shake the feeling that they might fall out, even though they technically stayed in place. The real test came at the gym-they were fine for walking between sets, but the second I started lifting weights or stretching, I felt like I was one move away from them dropping. Within minutes, I took them out and switched back to my regular in-ear earbuds, just to be safe.

Since there are no silicone tips or adjustable fit options, these will either fit you perfectly or feel loose the entire time. If you're used to in-ear earbuds with a snug seal, I'd strongly recommend trying these before buying.

Their open-ear design also affects noise isolation, which is a key factor to consider. More on that in the next section.

Sound & Features

Audio Quality

The Marshall Minor IV delivers a clear, well-balanced sound with crisp mids, detailed highs, and controlled bass. It stays true to Marshall's signature tuning, but the open-ear design naturally limits bass depth, making it less immersive for certain genres.

Since I mostly listen to phonk, I was particularly curious about how these earbuds handle deep, distorted basslines and punchy drum beats. While the bass is tight and clear, it lacks the deep rumble that gives phonk tracks their energy.

How It Performs Across Genres:

• Phonk & Hip-Hop: The bass is present but lacks depth, making tracks feel less intense.
• Rock & Alternative: Guitar riffs and vocals sound crisp and well-detailed.
• Electronic & Pop: Beats are punchy but don't hit as hard due to limited bass presence.

Marshall App

A key feature of the Marshall app is its customizable EQ, allowing users to fine-tune their sound.

The Minor IV provides multiple sound profiles along with a fully adjustable EQ, giving listeners greater control over their audio experience.

Comparison With My Other Earbuds

To get a better sense of where the Minor IV stands, I compared them with my other earbuds:

• Sony WF-1000XM4 (In-Ear, ANC): Much deeper bass, better noise isolation, and a more immersive sound. If you listen to bass-heavy music like phonk, hip-hop, or electronic tracks, the Sony wins easily in terms of low-end impact.
• Realme T300 (In-Ear, ANC): Despite being much cheaper, it offers stronger bass and better passive noise isolation, making it more enjoyable for bass-heavy genres, though its soundstage isn't as refined as the Minor IV.

Lack of ANC & Noise Isolation

One of the biggest downsides is the lack of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). At this price, many earbuds-including cheaper options-offer ANC, making it a noticeable omission.

The open-ear design also provides little passive isolation, meaning background noise easily seeps in. In places like cafés, gyms, or public transport, you have to increase the volume to hear clearly, which isn't ideal for long listening sessions.

While Apple's AirPods 4 are currently the only open-ear earbuds with ANC, it would have been great to see some form of noise reduction from Marshall.

Call Quality

Despite lacking ANC, call quality is surprisingly solid. Voices sound natural and clear, and the microphones effectively filter out background noise. Even in moderately noisy environments, I didn't face any issues with call clarity.

Battery Life & Charging

The Marshall Minor IV claims to deliver up to 7 hours per charge and 30+ hours with the case, with fast USB Type-C and wireless charging.

While I didn't track exact usage, I used them on and off throughout the day and still didn't need to charge them even after a week. Battery performance is excellent, making them reliable for long-term use.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Marshall Minor IV?

The Marshall Minor IV delivers great sound quality, strong battery life, and a stylish design, but it comes with significant trade-offs.

Buy it if:

• You love Marshall's signature sound and want customizable EQ settings.
• You prefer an open-ear design over in-ear earbuds.

Skip it if:

• You need Active Noise Cancellation.
• You prefer secure, in-ear earbuds for active use.
• You listen to music in noisy environments like the gym or public transport.
• Unless you're a die-hard Marshall fan, there are better options available for the price.