When you're looking for high-quality portable audio, the Marshall Stockwell II ($129.99) and Bose SoundLink Flex ($119.99) are two compelling options that take different approaches to solving the portable audio puzzle. Let's dive into what makes each unique and who they're best suited for.
The portable speaker market has evolved significantly since the Marshall Stockwell II's 2019 release and the Bose SoundLink Flex's 2021 debut. Today's buyers expect more than just good sound - they want durability, long battery life, and smart features that adapt to different environments.
Three key factors dominate the category:
The Marshall Stockwell II approaches audio with a traditional hi-fi mindset. Its physical EQ controls (bass and treble knobs) let you dial in your preferred sound signature. The speaker uses a three-amplifier design - one 10W amp for the woofer (bass speaker) and two 5W amps for the tweeters (high-frequency speakers). This setup creates a wider soundstage, meaning music feels more spacious and natural.
The Bose SoundLink Flex takes a more modern, tech-forward approach. Its PositionIQ technology automatically adjusts the sound based on whether the speaker is standing up, lying down, or hanging. While you can't physically adjust the EQ like the Marshall, the Bose Connect app provides digital sound customization. The speaker particularly excels at vocal clarity and high frequencies.
In my testing, the Marshall delivers warmer, richer sound that works especially well with rock, jazz, and acoustic music. The Bose produces brighter, more forward sound that makes pop and electronic music really shine. Neither speaker will replace your home theater system, but both provide impressive audio for their size.
Here's where we see major differences in design philosophy:
The Marshall embraces classic styling with:
The Bose focuses on modern durability:
The Bose's superior weatherproofing makes it the clear choice for outdoor adventures, while the Marshall's classic looks might better suit your home décor.
Battery technology has improved since these speakers' releases, but the difference in their approaches remains significant:
Marshall Stockwell II:
Bose SoundLink Flex:
The Marshall Stockwell II introduced several features that were ahead of its time:
The Bose SoundLink Flex brought newer innovations:
Daily use reveals important differences:
Marshall Stockwell II strengths:
Bose SoundLink Flex advantages:
At $129.99, the Marshall Stockwell II offers:
The Bose SoundLink Flex at $119.99 provides:
Choose the Marshall Stockwell II if:
Choose the Bose SoundLink Flex if:
Both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The Marshall Stockwell II is the better choice for indoor enthusiasts who value sound customization and longer battery life. The Bose SoundLink Flex better serves active users who need weatherproofing and automatic sound adjustment.
The good news is that both speakers represent strong value in their price range, and either will provide excellent portable sound. Your choice ultimately depends on where and how you'll use the speaker most often.
Remember to consider your primary use case - if you're mainly using it indoors, the Marshall's superior battery life and sound customization might be worth the slight premium. If you're often outdoors or around water, the Bose's durability could save you from a costly replacement down the line.
| Marshall Stockwell II | Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen |
|---|---|
| Water Resistance - Critical for outdoor use and durability | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant only) | IP67 (fully waterproof and dustproof) |
| Battery Life - Important for extended listening sessions | |
| 20 hours, quick charge: 6 hours in 20 mins | 12 hours, standard charging |
| Sound Output Configuration - Affects audio quality and spread | |
| 1x 10W woofer, 2x 5W tweeters | Single full-range driver |
| Sound Customization - Determines control over audio profile | |
| Physical bass/treble knobs on device | App-based EQ, PositionIQ auto-adjustment |
| Bluetooth Version - Impacts connection quality and range | |
| 5.0 (30ft range) | 5.3 (275ft range) |
| Multi-device Support - Useful for switching between sources | |
| Connect two devices simultaneously | Multi-point connection with two devices |
| Physical Size - Affects portability | |
| 7.09 x 6.34 x 2.76 inches (larger) | 7.93 x 3.56 x 2.06 inches (more compact) |
| Weight - Important for carrying comfort | |
| 3.04 lbs | 1.3 lbs |
| Audio Codecs - Affects streaming quality | |
| SBC only | SBC, AAC, aptX (with compatible devices) |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $129.99 | $119.99 |
The Marshall Stockwell II performs better for home theater use due to its multi-directional sound design and physical EQ controls. While neither speaker is designed as a primary home theater speaker, the Marshall's wider soundstage and richer bass response make it more suitable for casual TV and movie watching compared to the Bose SoundLink Flex.
The Marshall Stockwell II offers significantly better battery life with 20 hours of playback, compared to the Bose SoundLink Flex's 12 hours. The Marshall also features quick charging, providing 6 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge.
The Bose SoundLink Flex is more durable with its IP67 rating, making it fully waterproof and dustproof. The Marshall Stockwell II only offers IPX4 splash resistance, making it less suitable for outdoor adventures.
Both speakers can connect to TVs that support Bluetooth audio output. However, the Marshall Stockwell II also includes a 3.5mm auxiliary input, providing a wired connection option that typically offers better audio synchronization for video content.
The Marshall Stockwell II offers warmer, more customizable sound with physical EQ controls, while the Bose SoundLink Flex provides brighter, clearer audio with automatic position adjustment. Sound preference is subjective, but the Marshall typically performs better with movies and TV shows.
The Bose SoundLink Flex is more portable at 1.3 pounds versus the Marshall Stockwell II's 3.04 pounds. The Bose's more compact design makes it easier to carry, though the Marshall includes a built-in carrying strap.
Neither speaker offers true multi-room audio capability. However, both the Marshall Stockwell II and Bose SoundLink Flex can be paired with a second unit of the same model for stereo sound.
The Bose SoundLink Flex is better suited for outdoor use with its IP67 waterproofing and PositionIQ technology. The Marshall Stockwell II is more appropriate for indoor use or covered outdoor spaces.
The Marshall Stockwell II is priced at $129.99, while the Bose SoundLink Flex costs $119.99. The $10 difference is minimal considering their different feature sets.
The Bose SoundLink Flex features newer Bluetooth 5.3 with extended range (275 feet) and better codec support. The Marshall Stockwell II uses Bluetooth 5.0 with a 30-foot range.
While both speakers can enhance TV audio, neither should be considered a primary soundbar replacement. However, the Marshall Stockwell II performs better in this role due to its stereo driver configuration and EQ controls.
The Bose SoundLink Flex excels at voice clarity with its optimized driver design, making it slightly better for dialogue in TV shows and movies compared to the Marshall Stockwell II, though both perform adequately for casual listening.
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 - techradar.com - worldwidestereo.com - bose.com - howtogeek.com - bose.com - crutchfield.com - visions.ca - pcrichard.com - staples.com - rtings.com - bose.com - soundguys.com
