When it comes to portable audio, few decisions are more personal than choosing the right Bluetooth speaker. Today, we're comparing the premium-positioned Marshall Stockwell II ($220) with the ultra-portable JBL Clip 4 ($70) - two very different approaches to mobile sound.
Portable speakers have come a long way since their battery-hungry beginnings. Modern speakers leverage advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP), efficient Class-D amplifiers, and sophisticated driver designs to deliver impressive sound from increasingly compact packages. Both of these speakers showcase just how far the technology has progressed, albeit with very different priorities.
The Marshall Stockwell II embraces a retro aesthetic inspired by classic guitar amplifiers. Released in 2018, it represented Marshall's vision of premium portable audio, weighing in at 1.38kg (3.04 lbs). Its substantial size houses dual tweeters and a dedicated woofer, along with analog control knobs that provide tactile control over volume, bass, and treble.
In contrast, the JBL Clip 4, released in 2021, epitomizes modern ultra-portable design. At just 239g (0.53 lbs), it's practically weightless and features an integrated carabiner for easy attachment to bags or belts. JBL has continuously refined this design, with the latest version incorporating recycled materials and improved durability.
The Stockwell II delivers impressively detailed audio through its three-driver system: two tweeters handle high frequencies while a dedicated woofer manages the low end. The speaker employs "True Stereophonic" technology - Marshall's proprietary digital signal processing that creates a wider soundstage than you'd expect from such a compact unit. In testing, it shows particular strength in the midrange, making it excellent for vocal-heavy music and podcasts.
The Clip 4 takes a different approach, using a single full-range driver optimized for clarity and punch. While it can't match the Stockwell II's stereo separation or bass extension, JBL's tuning delivers surprisingly balanced sound for its size. The latest model features improved bass response over its predecessor, though physics still limits how low it can go.
With 20 watts of total power (10W woofer, 2x5W tweeters), the Stockwell II can easily fill a medium-sized room or outdoor patio. Its DSP prevents distortion at high volumes, maintaining clarity even when pushed hard.
The Clip 4's 5W output is designed for personal listening or small groups. While it won't power your next party, it delivers clean, undistorted sound at its intended volumes - perfect for hiking, beach trips, or bathroom singing sessions.
This is where the use cases really diverge. The Stockwell II carries an IPX4 rating, meaning it can handle splashes but shouldn't be exposed to heavy rain or dust. It's built for home use with occasional outdoor excursions.
The Clip 4 boasts an IP67 rating - it's fully dustproof and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This makes it virtually adventure-proof, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who wants worry-free portability.
Battery technology has seen significant improvements since the Stockwell II's release. Despite its age, its 20-hour runtime remains impressive, and it features quick-charging capability - 20 minutes gives you 6 hours of playback. The multi-color LED battery indicator provides at-a-glance status information.
The Clip 4 offers 10 hours of playback - plenty for daily use given its intended purpose. Its USB-C charging port represents an upgrade from previous models, though it lacks quick-charging capabilities.
Both speakers use Bluetooth 5.0 or later, providing stable connections and good range. The Stockwell II adds multi-host functionality, letting you connect two devices simultaneously - useful for sharing DJ duties. It also includes an auxiliary input for wired connections.
The Clip 4 focuses on simplicity with just Bluetooth connectivity, but its implementation is rock-solid. Recent firmware updates have improved connection stability and added compatibility with JBL's speaker-linking feature.
The Marshall Stockwell II justifies its $220 price tag for users who:
The JBL Clip 4 provides excellent value at $70 for those who:
Consider these key questions:
Based on my testing of both speakers, I've found the Stockwell II excels as a premium portable speaker for home and patio use, while the Clip 4 is the perfect companion for active lifestyles. They're both excellent at what they do - it's just a matter of matching the speaker to your specific needs.
Remember that speaker technology continues to evolve, with newer models offering improved battery life and sound quality. However, both these speakers remain solid choices in their respective categories, with the Stockwell II's premium audio capabilities still impressive years after release, and the Clip 4's latest updates keeping it at the forefront of ultra-portable design.
| Marshall Stockwell II | JBL Clip 4 |
|---|---|
| Price - Consider your budget and intended use | |
| $220 (premium positioning) | $70 (budget-friendly) |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and placement options | |
| 180 x 161 x 70mm, 1.38kg (substantial presence) | 86 x 135 x 46mm, 0.239kg (ultra-portable) |
| Weather Protection - Critical for outdoor use | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant only) | IP67 (fully waterproof/dustproof) |
| Battery Life - Determines time between charges | |
| 20 hours with quick charge (6hrs in 20min) | 10 hours (standard charging) |
| Audio Output - Affects volume and sound coverage | |
| 20W total (10W woofer + 2x5W tweeters) | 5W single driver |
| Sound Configuration - Impacts audio quality and stereo separation | |
| True stereo with dedicated woofer and tweeters | Mono speaker with single full-range driver |
| Controls - Affects ease of use and sound customization | |
| Analog knobs for volume, bass, treble | Basic buttons for volume and playback |
| Connectivity Features - Flexibility for different devices | |
| Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm aux, multi-host pairing | Bluetooth 5.1, no aux input |
| Special Features - Additional functionality | |
| EQ controls, quick charging, battery indicator | Integrated carabiner, recycled materials |
| Best Use Case - Primary intended purpose | |
| Home/patio use, small gatherings | Personal listening, outdoor activities |
The Marshall Stockwell II is better for sound quality and home use, while the JBL Clip 4 is better for portability and outdoor activities. The choice depends on your primary use case and budget.
The Marshall Stockwell II costs $220, while the JBL Clip 4 is priced at $70, making it $150 less expensive.
The Marshall Stockwell II has superior sound quality with stereo separation, deeper bass, and adjustable EQ controls. The JBL Clip 4 offers good clarity but with limited bass and mono sound.
The Marshall Stockwell II offers 20 hours of playback with quick charging capability, while the JBL Clip 4 provides 10 hours of standard playback time.
The JBL Clip 4 has IP67 waterproof rating and can be used in rain or near water. The Marshall Stockwell II is only IPX4 splash-resistant and should not be exposed to rain.
The JBL Clip 4 is significantly more portable at 0.239kg with a built-in carabiner. The Marshall Stockwell II weighs 1.38kg and is designed more for home portability.
The Marshall Stockwell II supports multi-host pairing for connecting two devices simultaneously. The JBL Clip 4 can only connect to one device at a time.
The JBL Clip 4 is better for outdoor activities due to its waterproof design, ultra-portable size, and durable construction. The Marshall Stockwell II is better suited for controlled environments.
The Marshall Stockwell II has 20W total power output and can fill a medium-sized room. The JBL Clip 4 has 5W output, suitable for personal listening or small groups.
The Marshall Stockwell II has physical knobs for adjusting bass and treble. The JBL Clip 4 does not have EQ adjustment capabilities.
The JBL Clip 4 is ideal for travel due to its lightweight design, carabiner clip, and durability. The Marshall Stockwell II is less suitable for travel due to its larger size and weight.
The JBL Clip 4 offers excellent value at $70 for portable use. The Marshall Stockwell II at $220 is worth it if you need better sound quality and home-oriented features.
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 - youtube.com - outeraudio.com - jbl.com - rtings.com - youtube.com - jbl.com - harmanaudio.com - youtube.com - ggelectronics.com - greentoe.com - soundstagexperience.com
