OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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PSB M4u 8 MKII Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£310Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:25 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

PSB M4u 8 MKII Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

PSB M4u 8 MKII
7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 79% of models
Score components

80%

7.4

Technical score

20%

7.0

User score

▲Better than 79% of headphones
7.8

Value for money

Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 73% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

▲Better than 73%
7.4

Technical score

Technical score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 82% of models
Score components

52%

8.4

Sound

20%

6.3

Features

10%

6.1

Design

8%

6.4

Connectivity

6%

3.9

Battery

4%

9.0

Calls & Controls

▲Better than 82%
7.0

User score

User score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

4.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▼Worse than 85%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones PSB M4u 8 MKII

Technical score
Technical score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 82% of models
Score components:

52%

8.4

Sound

20%

6.3

Features

10%

6.1

Design

8%

6.4

Connectivity

6%

3.9

Battery

4%

9.0

Calls & Controls

7.4
User score
User score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

4.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.0
Popularity
Popularity
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 63% of models
Popularity:
PSB M4u 8 MKII has a popularity score of 4.6 points, which is lower than that of 61.9% of products in this category.
4.6
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 73% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

7.8
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
10 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
4
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 4 microphones, more microphones than 88% of headphones and equal to 5.1% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
5.1
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 5.1, newer Bluetooth version than 84% of headphones and equal to 1.6% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.7% of headphones and equal to 80.6% of headphones.
Audio latency
170 ms
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 170 ms, higher audio latency than 60% of headphones and equal to 1.6% of headphones.
Multipoint support
yes
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
yes
This pair of headphones works with a companion app. 78.4% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
25 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 25 hours, lower battery life than 55.2% of headphones and equal to 3.3% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
18 hours
Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 18 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 83.6% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
Charging time
4 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 4 hours to charge, higher charging time than 90.6% of headphones and equal to 4.6% of headphones.
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
1,000 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 1,000 mAh, higher battery capacity than 86% of headphones and equal to 4.8% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
PSB
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
342 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 342 g, heavier than 90.7% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

PSB M4u 8 MKII vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • Companion app support
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • AptX HD support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX HD, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.6% of headphones support aptX HD.
  • 38 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (98 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    98 mm vs 60 mm
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 0.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2 m vs 1.2 m
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 72.4% higher battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (1,000 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    1,000 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • USB-C charging
    This pair of headphones uses USB-C charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.5% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Play while charging
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Removable battery
    This pair of headphones has a removable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.8% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • AptX HD support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX HD, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.6% of headphones support aptX HD.
  • AAC codec support
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • NFC pairing
    This pair of headphones supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • Fast pairing support
    This pair of headphones supports fast pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 14% of headphones support fast pairing.
  • Multipoint connections
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
    supports multipoint for up to 2 devices.
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 3 more microphones
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (4 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    4 vs 1
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Ambient sound mode
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • Companion app support
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    4 hours vs 2 hours
  • 56.9% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (342 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    342 g vs 218 g
  • 12 hours shorter ANC battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (18 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    18 hours vs 30 hours
  • 2.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 3.44x more expensive
    PSB M4u 8 MKII is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£310 vs £90).
    £310 vs £90
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.5 % vs 0.3 %
  • 13.9% lower user score
    User score
    7.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    PSB M4u 8 MKII
    the average pair of headphones
    PSB M4u 8 MKII has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.03 vs 8).
    7.03 vs 8
  • 6 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (38 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    38 mm vs 44 mm
  • 3.44x more expensive
    PSB M4u 8 MKII is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£310 vs £90).
    £310 vs £90
  • 13.9% lower user score
    User score
    7.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    PSB M4u 8 MKII
    the average pair of headphones
    PSB M4u 8 MKII has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.03 vs 8).
    7.03 vs 8
  • 56.9% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (342 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    342 g vs 218 g
  • 6 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (38 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    38 mm vs 44 mm
  • 2.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    99.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.5 % vs 0.3 %
  • 2.3 dB looser channel balance
    This pair of headphones has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (2.8 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    source value ±2.8 dB.
    2.8 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    4 hours vs 2 hours
  • 12 hours shorter ANC battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (18 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    18 hours vs 30 hours
  • 5 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (25 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    25 hours vs 30 hours
  • 20 ms higher audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (170 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    170 ms vs 150 ms

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Jim O Brien Tech techbuzzireland
≈ estimated
24/08/2023
Hands-on review · weeks of use, sound, app and battery
Verdict
PSB M4U 8 MKII offers immersive sound with the cinema mode standing out; hard to go wrong.
9.5
David Susilo Unscripted
≈ estimated
25/01/2022
Setup tutorial · hands-on review of features and calibration
Verdict
PSB M4U 8 MKII is the creator's favourite, keeping the strengths of the original series.
9.0
Tech Nuovo
≈ estimated
07/02/2022
Hands-on review · app calibration, sound, battery and comfort
Verdict
PSB M4U 8 MKII beats the originals, with a strong personal sound profile that keeps up with similar-priced headphones.
Shop video
Not graded yet
Not graded yet

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

majorhifi.com
20/06/2024
Hands-on test · Sound-focused wireless
Verdict
The PSB M4U 8 MKII puts sound first, with energetic bass, clear mids and crisp highs, but weak noise cancelling and short battery life hold it back.
futureaudiophile.com
17/07/2023
Hands-on test · Audiophile wireless headphones
Verdict
The PSB M4U 8 MKII is built for sound, with deep bass and airy space around instruments, though plain looks and less polish hold it back.
hardcoredroid.com
24/10/2022
Hands-on test · Accessories and controls
Verdict
The PSB M4U 8 MKII is very comfortable, with strong bass and many accessories, but confusing controls and no sweat resistance make it not worth its price.
pcmag.com
21/04/2022
Hands-on test · Bass-forward headphones
Verdict
The PSB M4U 8 MKII has rich, balanced sound and a wired mode, but its average noise cancelling and fiddly controls don't justify the price.
whathifi.com
16/05/2022
Commute test · Noise-cancelling headphones
Verdict
The PSB M4U 8 MKII is a solid, clean-sounding pair with a useful hearing calibration, but Sony's WH-1000XM4 beats it across the board.
soundstagesolo.com
10/04/2022
Measured test · Audiophile wireless
Verdict
The PSB M4U 8 MKII sounds natural, with a speaker-like presence and clean bass, though noise cancelling adds treble hiss and the hearing test is confusing.
M
majorhifi.com
05/07/2024
Summary of the review
PSB M4U8 MkII vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Comparison Review Would you like a summary of the technical differences between this MKII version and the original M4...
uk.pcmag.com
21/04/2022
Hands-on test · Rivals comparison
Verdict
The PSB M4U 8 MKII has rich, detailed bass and comfortable padding, but mediocre noise cancelling and a high price keep it behind rivals.
on-mag.fr
21/02/2024
Hands-on test · Wireless noise-cancelling
Verdict
The PSB M4U 8 MKII offers strong, balanced sound and powerful bass, but dated tech, weak noise cancelling and fiddly controls keep it from beating rivals.
A
audio46.com
2024
Summary of the review
PSB M4U 8 MKII wireless noise cancelling headphones
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about PSB M4u 8 MKII

  • Excellent audio fidelity with rich bass, detailed mids, and crisp highs
  • Audiodo Personal Sound technology effectively tailors audio to the user's hearing
  • RoomFeel technology provides a more natural, 'speaker-like' listening experience
  • Highly comfortable for long sessions due to soft memory foam ear pads and gyro-suspended earcups
  • Includes physical controls (switches/toggles) which some users prefer over touch-sensitive panels
  • Versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C audio, and dual 3.5mm wired inputs
  • Generous accessory package including a sturdy hard-shell case and extra ear pads

What customers don't like about PSB M4u 8 MKII

  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is only average and not class-leading for the price point
  • Battery life of 18–25 hours is considered disappointing compared to competitors offering 30–50+ hours
  • Physical controls can be unintuitive and difficult to distinguish by touch alone
  • The aesthetic design is often described as bulky, dated, or 'bland' plastic
  • Presence of a low-volume ringing or electronic hiss when ANC is on without music playing
  • No support for high-end Bluetooth codecs like LDAC
  • Lack of water or sweat resistance (no IP rating)

Verdict

The PSB M4U 8 MKII is a closed-back wireless headphone featuring 40mm dynamic drivers and an all-digital signal path with Bluetooth 5.0, supporting aptX HD and AAC codecs. Its standout characteristics include RoomFeel technology, which simulates the expansive soundstage of high-end loudspeakers, and Audiodo Personal Sound for custom audio calibration via a hearing test in the PSB app. Key pros are its rich, balanced sound profile (10Hz–20kHz frequency response), exceptional comfort with gyro-suspended 15-degree tilted earpads, and the unique ability to use rechargeable or standard AAA batteries for up to 25 hours of active runtime (18 hours with ANC). However, notable cons include its relatively heavy 342g weight, unintuitive right-earcup physical controls, and active noise cancellation that is often described as less effective against mid-to-high frequencies compared to class-leading rivals.

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