Portable Bluetooth speakers have become essential accessories for many of us, offering the perfect blend of convenience and sound quality. Today, we're comparing the premium Marshall Stockwell II ($129.99) with the ultra-portable JBL Go 4 ($39.99) to help you make the right choice for your needs.
When the Marshall Stockwell II was released in 2019, it represented a significant upgrade from its predecessor, particularly in sound quality and battery life. The newly released JBL Go 4 (May 2024) brings modern features like Auracast technology, which allows multiple speakers to connect simultaneously - something that wasn't possible with older Bluetooth versions.
The Marshall Stockwell II pays homage to classic guitar amplifiers with its retro-inspired design. The metal grille and analog control knobs aren't just for show - they provide precise control over volume, bass, and treble. At 1.38kg (3.04 lbs), it's substantial enough to feel premium but still portable enough for a backpack.
In contrast, the JBL Go 4 embraces modern minimalism. At just 190 grams, it's genuinely pocket-sized and features a robust rubberized exterior. The speaker's IP67 rating means it's fully waterproof and dustproof - you can submerge it in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. The Marshall offers only IPX4 splash resistance, which protects against light rain but not submersion.
The Stockwell II uses a sophisticated three-amplifier system:
This configuration, combined with the bass-reflex cabinet (a design that uses the speaker's back pressure to enhance bass response), delivers impressively full sound for its size. The frequency range of 60-20,000 Hz means it can reproduce most musical frequencies humans can hear, though it won't hit the deepest bass notes.
The Go 4 uses a single 45mm driver powered by a 4.2W RMS amplifier. Its frequency response of 90-20,000 Hz means it won't reach quite as low in the bass as the Marshall. However, JBL's tuning expertise shows in the balanced sound signature - it's clear and detailed, just not as powerful or room-filling as the Marshall.
Having tested both speakers, the difference in sound quality is noticeable but context-dependent. The Marshall Stockwell II excels in indoor settings where its stereo separation and fuller sound can shine. It's particularly impressive with rock music, where the adjustable EQ lets you dial in exactly the right amount of bass and treble.
The JBL Go 4 surprises with its clarity and volume for its size. While it won't power a party, it's perfect for personal listening by the pool or during a picnic. The sound is more directional than the Marshall, meaning it's best when pointed directly at the listener.
Battery performance is a clear win for the Marshall:
Both use USB-C charging, but the Marshall's quick-charge feature is particularly useful for those moments when you need a quick power boost before heading out.
Both speakers use Bluetooth 5.0 or later, ensuring stable connections and good range. The Marshall can connect to two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between your phone and laptop. The JBL Go 4's Auracast feature is forward-looking, allowing connection to multiple compatible speakers - though this ecosystem is still developing.
The price difference between these speakers is significant, but so are their capabilities:
While neither speaker is designed primarily for home theater use, the Marshall Stockwell II could serve as a decent TV speaker in a small room. Its stereo separation and adjustable EQ make it suitable for dialogue-heavy content, though it lacks any special features for this use case. The JBL Go 4's size and mono output make it less suitable for TV audio.
The contrast between these speakers reflects broader trends in the portable audio market. The Marshall Stockwell II represents the premium, sound-first approach, while the JBL Go 4 embodies the modern ultra-portable, durable design philosophy.
As Bluetooth technology continues to evolve with features like Auracast and improved codec support, we'll likely see both approaches refined further. The challenge for manufacturers will be balancing sound quality with portability and features while keeping prices competitive.
Both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The Marshall Stockwell II is the clear choice for those prioritizing sound quality and willing to pay for it. The JBL Go 4 offers remarkable value for those needing a truly portable, durable speaker for casual listening.
Your choice should ultimately depend on how you plan to use the speaker most often. Consider your typical listening environment, desired portability, and budget constraints. Either way, both speakers represent solid choices in their respective price categories.
| Marshall Stockwell II | JBL Go 4 |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment required | |
| $129.99 (premium tier) | $39.99 (budget tier) |
| Sound Output - Determines room-filling capability | |
| 20W total (10W woofer + 2x5W tweeters) | 4.2W RMS (single driver) |
| Frequency Response - Range of sound reproduction | |
| 60-20,000 Hz (deeper bass extension) | 90-20,000 Hz (limited low end) |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 20 hours + quick charge (6hrs in 20min) | 7 hours (standard charging) |
| Weight - Impacts true portability | |
| 1.38 kg (backpack portable) | 0.19 kg (pocket portable) |
| Water Resistance - Outdoor usability | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant only) | IP67 (fully waterproof/dustproof) |
| Sound Controls - Customization options | |
| Physical bass/treble knobs + volume | App-based EQ + basic controls |
| Connectivity - Modern features | |
| Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm input, multi-host | Bluetooth 5.3, Auracast support |
| Size - Physical footprint | |
| 180 x 161 x 70 mm (substantial presence) | 94.3 x 75.7 x 42.2 mm (ultra-compact) |
| Driver Size - Impact on sound quality | |
| Dual tweeters + dedicated woofer | Single 45mm full-range driver |
| Construction - Build quality and durability | |
| Metal grille, premium materials | Rugged plastic, fabric covering |
| Primary Use Case - Best suited for | |
| Home/office, small gatherings, quality-focused listening | Personal travel, beach/pool, casual listening |
The Marshall Stockwell II is significantly better for home theater use due to its stereo sound, higher power output (20W vs 4.2W), and adjustable bass/treble controls. While neither is designed primarily for TV audio, the Marshall could serve as a decent temporary solution for a small room, while the JBL Go 4 isn't recommended for this purpose.
The Marshall Stockwell II offers 20 hours of playback compared to the JBL Go 4's 7 hours. The Marshall also features quick charging, providing 6 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge.
Yes, both can be used outdoors, but the JBL Go 4 has superior weather protection with IP67 waterproof/dustproof rating. The Marshall Stockwell II only offers IPX4 splash resistance, making it less suitable for poolside or beach use.
The JBL Go 4 is significantly more portable at 0.19kg and pocket-sized dimensions. The Marshall Stockwell II weighs 1.38kg and requires a bag or backpack to transport.
The Marshall Stockwell II at $129.99 justifies its higher price with superior sound quality, longer battery life, and more powerful output. The JBL Go 4 at $39.99 offers excellent value for those prioritizing portability and durability over audio quality.
The Marshall Stockwell II delivers notably better sound quality with its three-amplifier system, stereo separation, and wider frequency response. The JBL Go 4 offers good sound for its size but can't match the Marshall's audio performance.
The Marshall Stockwell II can maintain connections with two devices simultaneously for easy switching. The JBL Go 4 features newer Auracast technology for connecting multiple speakers together.
The Marshall Stockwell II is superior for movie watching due to its stereo sound, better bass response, and adjustable EQ controls. The JBL Go 4 lacks the power and stereo separation needed for an immersive movie experience.
Yes, both the Marshall Stockwell II and JBL Go 4 use standard Bluetooth technology (5.0 and 5.3 respectively) and work with virtually any Bluetooth-enabled device.
The Marshall Stockwell II is better suited for apartment use, offering room-filling sound and better audio quality for both music and TV audio. The JBL Go 4 is more suited for personal listening.
Both can serve as computer speakers, but the Marshall Stockwell II offers a superior experience with better stereo separation and sound quality. The JBL Go 4 works but is better suited for laptop travel use.
The Marshall Stockwell II provides clearer dialogue reproduction thanks to its dedicated tweeters and adjustable EQ controls. The JBL Go 4 offers adequate clarity but lacks the same level of detail and control.
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 - tomsguide.com - outeraudio.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - corporategift.com - jbl.com - target.com - dell.com - projectorscreen.com - mm.jbl.com
