Marshall has long been a trusted name in the audio world, famed for its iconic guitar amps and retro-inspired designs. The Minor IV True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds bring the brand’s signature style and sound to the competitive world of wireless audio. Positioned as a mid-tier option for casual listeners and loyal fans of the brand, the Minor IV promises a unique mix of style, sound quality, and simplicity. After weeks of testing, I’ve unpacked its strengths, weaknesses, and quirks to determine who these earbuds are truly for.
Design: 4/5
Marshall’s Minor IV earbuds stay true to the brand’s aesthetic, giving them a premium look and making them stand out among competitors.
One of the key strengths of the Minor IV design is its lightweight construction. The earbuds are compact and sport a textured black finish with the classic Marshall logo stamped boldly across the surface. Each earbud weighs just 7.38 grams, making them easy to wear for extended periods. However, there’s a caveat: the earbuds lack silicone ear tips, relying instead on a one-size-fits-all hard plastic design. While they fit snugly in my ears and don’t readily fall out, this design won’t work for everyone, especially those with smaller ear canals or who prefer the added security of adjustable tips.
The buds are IPX4-rated for water resistance. Although not suitable for swimming, they can handle sweat and light rain.
If there’s one area where the design truly shines, it’s the understated elegance of the charging case. Its leather-like exterior, with the Marshall logo boldly embossed across the front, exudes a premium feel. Its compact size and lightweight (39.4g) make it perfect for slipping into your pocket or bag. It also offers wireless charging —a feature I was unable to test, unfortunately— which gives the Minor IV another edge in convenience.
Hardware: 4.5/5
The Minor IV earbuds are equipped with 12mm dynamic drivers and two microphones on each bud. Marshall has tuned these drivers to deliver a distinctive sound signature. Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable and reliable connection.
One of the standout features of the Minor IV is its battery life. The earbuds themselves provide an impressive 7 hours of playback on a single charge, and the charging case extends that to over 30 hours. Moreover, it supports quick charging, delivering 3hrs of playtime in 15-minutes. It takes only 1.1hrs to recharge the earbuds and 2hrs to recharge the case through the USB-C port.
One drawback for some could be the absence of active noise cancellation (ANC). Personally, I don’t mind, as I prefer to be ambient-aware.
User Experience: 4/5
Using the Minor IV is refreshingly simple. Pairing the earbuds is quick and reliable, and once connected, they hold a steady signal with minimal dropouts. With Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, I was able to pair my iPhone and iPad simultaneously, allowing me to conveniently take a call on my phone while watching a video on my tablet without having to take out my earbuds.
The controls are touch-sensitive, which aligns well with the minimalist aesthetic but comes with frustrations. Accidental touches were a frequent annoyance, particularly when adjusting the earbuds in my ears. The lack of physical buttons also meant that I occasionally misfired commands when trying to pause music or skip tracks. The touch controls allow for essential functions like play/pause, skipping tracks, and adjusting volume (although I can never remember how many taps does what).
Sound quality is where the Minor IV shows both its strengths and limitations. Marshall has tuned these earbuds with a warm, bass-heavy signature, which is great for genres like rock, hip-hop, and pop. The mids are rich and well-defined, and the highs are present but understated.
I initially found the bass too overpowering for my taste as I prefer a more treble-forward sound, highlighting the intricacies of acoustic and classical tracks. Fortunately, the companion Marshall app allows customization on a 5-band equalizer. That said, the spatial imaging of the earbuds deserves praise, as the sound comes across as full and well-separated.
Battery life has been mentioned earlier, but I must reiterate how impressed I am with this feature. I usually sleep with earphones on, and these are probably the first earbuds that have lasted through the night without dying on me. A quick recharge while I’m getting ready for work, and they’re good to go the whole day.
The accompanying Marshall app also offers additional support beyond sound equalization. For instance, the app shows the battery percentage for the earbuds and case, making up for the absence of a charge indicator on the case itself. It has a unique Battery Preservation option to reduce stress and prolong battery life. Finally, the app allows for OTA firmware updates, ensuring the earbuds keep up with the latest features and functionalities.
Value: 4/5
Priced at PHP6,690, the Minor IV positions itself in the crowded mid-range segment of wireless earbuds. Its strengths—excellent battery life, stylish design, and customizable sound—make it a good option for everyday use.
Specifications:
- Drivers: 12mm dynamic drivers
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Bluetooth: 5.3
- Battery life: 7 hours (earbuds), 30+ hours (in case)
- Charging: USB-C, wireless charging
- Water resistance: IPX4
- Weight: Earbud 7.38g, Charging case 39.4g
What’s Hot:
- Distinctive design
- Long battery life
- Marshall app
What’s Not:
- Ear tips are not adjustable
Bottomline:
For fans of Marshall’s signature sound and aesthetic, the Minor IV offers a compelling proposition.
Reviewed by Maribelle Alba
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE November 2024 Issue.