When the Marshall Stockwell II launched in 2020, it set a new standard for portable audio quality. Now in 2024, the newly released Beats Pill brings fresh competition to the premium portable speaker market. Both aim to deliver room-filling sound in a portable package, but they take notably different approaches to achieve this goal.
The Marshall Stockwell II employs what they call "True Stereophonic" technology – a fancy way of saying it projects sound in multiple directions for better room coverage. It uses three amplifiers: one 10-watt amp for the woofer (handling bass frequencies) and two 5-watt amps for the tweeters (handling higher frequencies). This separation of power helps prevent distortion when you're playing music loudly.
The Beats Pill takes a different approach with its new acoustic architecture. It uses a single "racetrack" woofer (an oval-shaped speaker that can move more air than a round one) with enhanced magnets that provide 28% more force than previous models. This design choice results in stronger bass response, which is particularly noticeable in hip-hop and electronic music.
In practical use, the Marshall Stockwell II delivers more balanced sound across different types of music. Its frequency range of 60-20,000 Hz covers most musical content effectively, and the separate amplifiers maintain clarity even at higher volumes. The analog knobs for bass and treble adjustment allow quick sound customization without needing an app.
The Beats Pill excels in bass reproduction and overall volume output. Its redesigned tweeter housing helps reduce distortion in high frequencies, though some users report the sound signature remains bass-heavy – which might be exactly what you're looking for, depending on your music preferences.
The durability difference between these speakers is significant. The Marshall features IPX4 water resistance, meaning it can handle splashes but shouldn't be exposed to heavy rain or submersion. It's built with a sturdy metal grille and silicone exterior that feels premium and can handle everyday bumps.
The Beats Pill steps up with IP67 certification, making it both dustproof and waterproof (it can survive being submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes). This makes it notably more suitable for outdoor activities like pool parties or beach trips.
Battery performance is where these speakers really diverge. The Marshall Stockwell II offers an impressive 20+ hours of playback and includes quick-charging capability – 20 minutes of charging provides 6 hours of playback. This kind of battery life means you can use it all day without worrying about running out of power.
The Beats Pill provides 12 hours of playback, which is adequate for most uses but notably less than the Marshall. Both speakers use USB-C for charging, but the Beats adds the ability to use that same port for audio input, which is a nice touch for digital audio purists.
Both speakers include Bluetooth 5.0 or better (5.3 for the Beats), providing stable connections and good range. The Marshall can remember multiple paired devices and switch between them easily, while the Beats offers instant pairing with Apple devices and includes Find My support for location tracking.
The Marshall's 3.5mm analog input might be more valuable to some users than the Beats' USB-C audio input, particularly for connecting older devices or professional audio equipment. However, the Beats' more modern connectivity suite might appeal to users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
At $129.99, the Marshall Stockwell II positions itself as a premium audio device with exceptional battery life and sound quality. The $99.99 Beats Pill counters with better weather resistance and more modern connectivity features at a lower price point.
The value equation largely depends on your priorities:
The Marshall's more balanced sound profile makes it excellent for home use, whether you're listening to music while cooking or hosting a small gathering. The analog controls are intuitive and allow quick adjustments without reaching for your phone.
The Beats Pill's superior water resistance makes it the clear choice for outdoor adventures. Whether you're at the beach, by the pool, or camping, you won't have to worry about water or dust damage.
Both speakers are relatively compact, but the Marshall's longer battery life makes it more suitable for extended trips where charging opportunities might be limited.
Consider these key questions:
Choose the Marshall Stockwell II if:
Choose the Beats Pill if:
The portable speaker market continues to evolve, with each new generation bringing improvements in sound quality, durability, and features. The Marshall represents a more traditional approach focused on audio performance, while the Beats shows where the market is heading with its emphasis on durability and modern connectivity.
The future will likely bring even better water resistance, longer battery life, and more sophisticated digital features. However, both these speakers represent solid choices that should serve well for years to come, each excelling in their respective strengths while maintaining competitive overall performance.
| Marshall Stockwell II | Beats Pill |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial Investment | |
| $129.99 - Higher price but more features | $99.99 - Better value if waterproofing needed |
| Sound Output - Determines volume and clarity | |
| 20W total (10W woofer + 2x5W tweeters) | 12W total output |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 20+ hours, 20min quick charge for 6 hours | 12 hours playback |
| Water Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant only) | IP67 (fully waterproof, dustproof) |
| Audio Features - Sound customization options | |
| Physical bass/treble controls, True Stereophonic sound | Digital EQ, enhanced bass response |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection stability | |
| Bluetooth 5.0, 30ft range | Bluetooth 5.3, improved range |
| Additional Inputs - Connectivity options | |
| 3.5mm auxiliary input | USB-C audio input |
| Size and Weight - Portability factor | |
| 7.09 x 6.34 x 2.76 in, 3.04 lbs | 8.6 x 2.8 x 2.8 in, 1.5 lbs |
| Special Features - Extra functionality | |
| Multi-host pairing, analog controls | Find My support, Apple instant pairing |
| Construction - Build quality and durability | |
| Metal grille, silicone exterior | Reinforced housing, waterproof seals |
| Frequency Response - Sound range capability | |
| 60-20,000 Hz (broader range) | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Charging - Power options | |
| USB-C charging only | USB-C charging and audio passthrough |
The Marshall Stockwell II offers more balanced sound with better clarity across all frequencies, while the Beats Pill delivers stronger bass performance. For overall sound quality, the Marshall Stockwell II is superior, especially for varied music genres.
The Marshall Stockwell II provides 20+ hours of playback, while the Beats Pill offers 12 hours. The Marshall also features quick charging, providing 6 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge.
The Beats Pill has superior water resistance with an IP67 rating, making it fully waterproof. The Marshall Stockwell II is only IPX4 rated, meaning it's splash-resistant but not waterproof.
The Beats Pill is better suited for outdoor use due to its IP67 waterproof rating and durability. The Marshall Stockwell II is better kept in covered areas due to limited water resistance.
The Marshall Stockwell II has higher total power output at 20W compared to the Beats Pill's 12W, making it capable of producing louder volume levels.
The Beats Pill is more portable at 1.5 lbs, while the Marshall Stockwell II weighs 3.04 lbs. Both are compact enough for easy transport, but the Beats is notably lighter.
The Beats Pill offers newer Bluetooth 5.3 and USB-C audio, while the Marshall Stockwell II has Bluetooth 5.0 and a 3.5mm input. The Beats has more modern connectivity options.
At $99.99, the Beats Pill offers better value if you need waterproofing and modern features. The $129.99 Marshall Stockwell II is worth the extra cost if sound quality and battery life are priorities.
The Marshall Stockwell II can connect to multiple Bluetooth devices but can't pair with another speaker. The Beats Pill can be paired with a second Beats Pill for stereo sound.
The Beats Pill offers better iPhone integration with instant pairing and Find My support. The Marshall Stockwell II works well with iPhones but lacks these specific Apple ecosystem features.
The Marshall Stockwell II takes 5 hours for a full charge but offers quick charging. The Beats Pill charging time isn't specifically stated by the manufacturer, but both use USB-C charging.
The Beats Pill is more durable with its IP67 rating and reinforced construction. While the Marshall Stockwell II is well-built, it's not as resistant to environmental factors.
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 - bestbuy.com - staples.com - connection.com - otza.com - target.com - quill.com - jumpplus.com - beatsbydre.com - apple.com - bhphotovideo.com - beatsbydre.com - vipoutlet.com
