When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the market spans from budget-friendly options to premium audio equipment. Today, we're comparing the upscale Marshall Stockwell II ($129.99) with the budget-conscious Anker Soundcore Mini ($23.99) to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly since the Anker Soundcore Mini's 2018 release and the Marshall Stockwell II's 2019 debut. The technology has matured, with improvements in battery efficiency, Bluetooth connectivity, and sound processing becoming standard features. While the core technology hasn't changed dramatically, manufacturing refinements have helped bring better quality to lower price points.
The Marshall Stockwell II showcases modern features like Bluetooth 5.0, which offers better range and stability compared to the Soundcore Mini's Bluetooth 4.0. This difference matters in real-world use - you'll notice fewer dropouts and better range with the Marshall, especially through walls or outdoors.
The Marshall delivers impressive audio through its three-amplifier system - one 10W amp for bass and two 5W amps for treble. This configuration, known as bi-amplification, allows for cleaner sound separation between high and low frequencies. In practical terms, this means you can hear distinct bass lines while vocals remain clear and crisp.
The built-in analog EQ controls (those physical knobs on top) provide real-time sound adjustment without app requirements. This old-school approach actually offers more precise control than many digital systems.
The Anker Soundcore Mini uses a single 5W driver with a passive radiator for bass enhancement. While this setup can't match the Marshall's power or clarity, it's surprisingly capable for its size. The speaker emphasizes vocal frequencies, making it particularly good for podcasts and acoustic music.
In testing both speakers, the difference in sound quality is noticeable but context-dependent. The Marshall clearly wins in an A/B comparison, but the Anker remains impressive considering its price point.
The Marshall Stockwell II can serve as a decent TV speaker thanks to its stereo configuration and power output. While it won't replace a proper soundbar, it's suitable for temporary setups or small rooms. The analog controls make quick volume adjustments easy without reaching for your phone.
The Anker, while not ideal for TV use, excels as a desktop speaker or bathroom music companion. Its 360-degree sound design works well in small spaces where you're moving around.
Both speakers handle outdoor use differently:
Despite their price difference, both speakers offer competitive battery life:
The Marshall includes quick-charging capability, providing 6 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge - a feature absent in the Anker.
The price gap between these speakers ($106) requires careful consideration of value. The Marshall Stockwell II justifies its premium through:
The Anker Soundcore Mini offers impressive value through:
The Marshall supports the SBC codec over Bluetooth 5.0, while the Anker uses Bluetooth 4.0. While neither supports advanced codecs like aptX or AAC, the Marshall's newer Bluetooth version provides better overall connection stability and range.
The Marshall's bi-amplification system represents a more sophisticated approach to portable audio. By separating frequency bands between amplifiers, it reduces intermodulation distortion - that muddy sound you get when playing complex music loudly. The Anker's single-driver system is simpler but more prone to distortion at higher volumes.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these speakers:
Both speakers serve their intended purposes well, but they target different users. The Marshall Stockwell II represents a premium approach to portable audio, while the Anker Soundcore Mini demonstrates how much quality can be packed into an affordable package.
For most users, the decision will likely come down to budget and primary use case rather than technical specifications. The Marshall's superior sound quality is undeniable, but the Anker's value proposition is equally compelling for those seeking a basic portable speaker.
Remember: The best speaker is the one that fits your specific needs, budget, and usage patterns. Consider how and where you'll use it most often when making your final decision.
| Marshall Stockwell II | Anker Soundcore Mini |
|---|---|
| Price - Total investment including typical accessories | |
| $129.99 (includes charging cable) | $23.99 (includes charging cable) |
| Audio Output - Determines overall volume and sound quality | |
| 20W total (10W woofer + 2x5W tweeters) | 5W single driver with passive radiator |
| Sound Quality - Impact on music enjoyment and clarity | |
| Premium balanced sound, adjustable EQ, stereo output | Good for size, emphasis on mids, mono output |
| Battery Life - How long between charges | |
| 20 hours, quick charge (6h in 20min) | 15 hours, standard charging |
| Size & Weight - Affects portability | |
| 180x161x70mm, 1.38kg (larger but still portable) | 69x69x69mm, 200g (ultra-portable) |
| Durability Rating - Protection from elements | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | Basic protection (no official rating) |
| Bluetooth Version - Connection quality and range | |
| 5.0 (stable up to 30ft, better quality) | 4.0 (stable up to 66ft, older tech) |
| Extra Features - Additional functionality | |
| Analog EQ controls, multi-host pairing | FM radio, microSD support, built-in mic |
| Build Quality - Long-term durability | |
| Premium materials, metal grille, solid controls | Plastic construction, basic buttons |
| Use Cases - Best situations for each | |
| Home audio, small gatherings, outdoor events | Personal listening, travel, desk audio |
| Warranty Coverage - Purchase protection | |
| 1 year limited warranty | 18 months warranty |
The Marshall Stockwell II offers significantly better sound quality with its 20W tri-amp system compared to the Anker Soundcore Mini's 5W single driver. For home theater use, the Marshall's stereo separation and adjustable EQ make it a much better choice for movie audio.
The Marshall Stockwell II works well as a TV speaker thanks to its stereo output and higher power. The Anker Soundcore Mini isn't recommended for TV use due to its mono output and limited volume.
The Marshall Stockwell II costs $129.99 while the Anker Soundcore Mini is priced at $23.99, a difference of about $106. The Marshall's premium price reflects its better audio quality and build materials.
Both offer good battery life, with the Marshall Stockwell II providing 20 hours and the Anker Soundcore Mini lasting 15 hours. The Marshall also features quick charging capability.
The Marshall Stockwell II has IPX4 splash resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use. The Anker Soundcore Mini has no official water resistance rating and should be kept away from moisture.
The Anker Soundcore Mini is significantly more portable at 200g and 69x69x69mm. The Marshall Stockwell II weighs 1.38kg and is larger, though still transportable.
The Marshall Stockwell II supports multi-host pairing for easy switching between two devices. The Anker Soundcore Mini can only connect to one device at a time.
The Marshall Stockwell II is better suited for outdoor use with its higher volume output and water resistance. The Anker Soundcore Mini is better for personal listening outdoors.
Both the Marshall Stockwell II and Anker Soundcore Mini work with any Bluetooth-enabled device, including both iPhone and Android phones.
The Marshall Stockwell II uses newer Bluetooth 5.0 for more stable connections, while the Anker Soundcore Mini uses Bluetooth 4.0. Both work well within typical room distances.
Neither speaker is designed for surround sound systems. The Marshall Stockwell II can serve as a temporary TV speaker, but for proper home theater, you'll want dedicated surround speakers.
The Anker Soundcore Mini offers excellent value for basic portable audio needs. The Marshall Stockwell II justifies its higher price with superior sound quality and features, especially if you'll use it with your home theater setup.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: bestbuy.com - stuff.tv - idownloadblog.com - stereoguide.com - kendallgiles.com - termagoods.com - aplaze.com - manua.ls - youtube.com - sg.tcacoustic.asia - marshall.com - youtube.com - outeraudio.com - soundcore.com - youtube.com - unwiredforsound.com - community.anker.com - youtube.com - soundcore.com - community.anker.com
