Minor III and Minor IV are Marshall open-fit true wireless earbuds. They are different from the Major IV and Major V on-ear headphones. The first question is whether you like an open fit without sealing silicone tips. If you do, battery life, controls and connectivity become the useful comparisons.
Marshall MINOR III
Marshall MINOR IV
Comparison and checks
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| Feature | Minor III | Minor IV |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Open fit, no sealing tips | Open fit; revised angled body |
| Active noise cancellation | No | No |
| Per charge* | Up to 5 hours | Up to 7 hours |
| Total including case* | Up to 25 hours | 30+ hours |
| 15-minute quick charge* | About 1.5 hours of music | About 3 hours of music |
| Case charging | USB-C / wireless | USB-C / wireless |
| Marshall Bluetooth app | Supported | Supported |
| Two connected devices | Multipoint not specified | Yes, multipoint |
| Earbud protection | IPX4 | IPX4 |
Fit matters more than the generation number
Open-fit earbuds do not seal like tipped in-ear models. Some people prefer that; others find the body less secure. If you need to reposition an earbud during ordinary walking, a new battery and app features will not fix the fit.
Minor IV has a revised body angle and shape. That is a reason to try it, not a comfort guarantee. If possible, walk around, turn your head and check each ear separately. A good fit for a friend does not predict your own.
What changes in battery life
The stated increase from five to seven hours is per earbud charge. That matters for a long working session more than a larger case total. The 25 and 30+ hour figures include recharges; you must put the earbuds back in the case.
The IV also offers more stated listening time after a 15-minute charge. Both cases support USB-C and wireless charging, so wireless charging itself is not a new reason to upgrade. Asterisks identify manufacturer figures rather than our own runtime test.
Minor III also supports the app
The claim that Minor III cannot use the app is outdated. Current Marshall support explains how to connect Minor III to Marshall Bluetooth app, and the model is on the compatibility list. Do not buy IV solely because an older review reserves app support for the newer generation.
Compatibility does not mean identical settings. Marshall separately describes EQ and configurable touch actions for IV. On III, check the options after updating the app and firmware: even the official listing has inconsistent sound-customisation fields. We therefore do not promise identical EQ controls.
Phone and laptop: why multipoint matters
Minor IV can stay connected to two devices, useful when listening on a laptop and receiving a phone call. Multipoint is not simultaneous playback from both sources; you may need to pause the first stream before switching.
That mode is not specified for Minor III in the checked documentation. With one phone, the difference may be unimportant. If you repeatedly switch between a work computer and phone, this is a stronger reason to choose IV than a vague promise of newer Bluetooth.
When neither model is the right choice
Neither model has ANC. If reducing transport noise is the main goal, compare other earbuds with suitable fit and noise cancellation. Upgrading III to IV does not turn an open fit into an isolating design.
For exercise, security of fit matters as much as IPX4. That rating concerns earbud splash protection, not swimming or case protection. For work calls, test the microphone in your own app: enjoyable music does not show how colleagues will hear you.
A new purchase and replacing working Minor IIIs are different decisions
For a new purchase, compare current prices below. With a small gap and a good fit, IV offers more for long sessions and two-device use. III makes sense with a meaningful saving and no need for those extras.
If your IIIs still work, update the app, check actual battery life and identify a specific inconvenience first. Not enough charge for a journey or repeated reconnection is a concrete reason to upgrade. The generation number alone is not.
Frequently asked questions
Is Minor IV the same as Major IV?
No. Minor is an open-fit earbud range; Major is an on-ear headband range.
Does Minor IV have active noise cancellation?
No. Neither Minor IV nor Minor III has ANC.
Is the app required for music?
Not for ordinary Bluetooth listening. The app provides available settings and updates, and supports both models.
Will IV necessarily sound better to me?
There is no guarantee: fit and preference matter. This guide compares verified features, not results from our own comparative listening test.
Models at WaveSound
Check the selected product page for current price, availability and package contents.
- Marshall MINOR III — Price, options and specifications
- Marshall MINOR IV — Price, options and specifications
Related guides
- How to Choose Headphones for Music, Calls and Travel
- Marshall Major IV or Major V: which headphones should you choose?
Sources and methodology
Prepared by the WaveSound editorial team. Specifications checked against manufacturer documentation on 21 October 2026. Practical advice is editorial guidance; no comparative listening test was performed. Follow the manual for your exact equipment model.