Choosing Between Today's Top Portable Speakers: A Complete Guide

When it comes to portable speakers in 2024, two models have been making waves: the Marshall Willen II ($119.99) and the Beats Pill ($99.99). Both hit the market in 2024, bringing fresh takes on portable audio. Let's dive into what makes each special and help you figure out which one belongs in your life.

Understanding Today's Portable Speakers

The portable speaker market has evolved dramatically in recent years. We've moved far beyond just making music louder - today's speakers need to balance sound quality, durability, and convenience in increasingly clever ways. Modern features like IP67 water resistance (meaning they can survive being submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes) and advanced Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity have become standard expectations.

The Tale of Two Approaches

The Marshall Willen II and Beats Pill represent two distinct philosophies in portable audio. Marshall opted for ultimate portability with premium materials, while Beats focused on room-filling sound in a still-portable package. These different approaches create interesting trade-offs worth understanding.

Design and Build Quality

The Willen II embodies Marshall's iconic amp styling in miniature, measuring just 4 inches square and weighing a mere 0.79 pounds. Its rubberized housing and metal grille feel premium, while the included rubber strap opens up mounting options that outdoor enthusiasts will love. The multi-directional control knob is particularly clever, offering intuitive control without hunting for tiny buttons.

The Pill takes a more modern approach with its cylindrical design, stretching 8.6 inches long and weighing in at 1.5 pounds. While larger, it's still easily portable and features a refreshed acoustic architecture that reduces distortion through carefully engineered internal chambers.

Sound Quality Deep-Dive

Here's where things get interesting. The Willen II utilizes a single 2-inch full-range driver powered by a 10-watt amplifier, complemented by two passive radiators (which help extend bass response without requiring additional power). The frequency response of 75-20,000 Hz means it handles most music well, though it won't reproduce the deepest bass notes found in electronic music or hip-hop.

The Pill counters with a 12-watt system featuring a redesigned racetrack woofer with stronger neodymium magnets, delivering 28% more motor force than its predecessor. This translates to noticeably better bass response and overall volume capability. The tweeter sits in its own housing to reduce distortion at higher volumes.

In real-world use, these differences manifest in interesting ways:

• The Willen II excels at clarity and balance, particularly with acoustic music and vocals
• The Pill delivers more impressive bass and overall volume, better suited for parties or larger spaces
• Both handle midrange frequencies well, but the Pill's larger drivers create a more spacious soundstage

Battery Life and Charging

Battery technology has come a long way, and both speakers show it. The Willen II offers 17+ hours of playback and includes quick-charging capability - 20 minutes nets you 5.5 hours of play time. The Pill pushes further with 24 hours of continuous playback and can even charge your phone in a pinch through its USB-C port.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Both speakers employ Bluetooth 5.3, but they use it differently. The Willen II supports Auracast (a new technology allowing multiple speakers to sync without quality loss) and can pair with two devices simultaneously. The Marshall Bluetooth app offers EQ presets to tune the sound to your liking.

The Pill focuses on seamless integration with both iOS and Android devices, offering instant pairing and Find My device support. It also includes stereo pairing capabilities for creating a wider soundstage with two units.

Real-World Performance

Having tested both speakers extensively, here's how they perform in different scenarios:

Outdoor Activities:

• The Willen II's mounting strap and ultra-portable size make it perfect for hiking or biking
• The Pill's superior volume works better for beach days or backyard gatherings

Home Use:

• The Pill's room-filling sound makes it a better choice for indoor spaces
• The Willen II works well for personal listening or as a desktop companion

Travel:

• The Willen II's compact size makes it ideal for packing
• The Pill's larger size offers better sound but takes up more luggage space

How to Decide

The Marshall Willen II makes the most sense if:

• You prioritize true portability
• You often listen while being active
• You value build quality and classic styling
• You need flexible mounting options

The Beats Pill is your better choice if:

• Room-filling sound is important
• Bass response matters to you
• You primarily use it at home or in larger spaces
• You want maximum battery life

Value Consideration

At $119.99, the Willen II carries a premium price for its size class, but justifies it through build quality and versatility. The Pill's $99.99 price point offers excellent value given its audio capabilities and battery life.

Final Thoughts

Both speakers represent significant improvements over their predecessors, with better battery life, sound quality, and durability. Your choice ultimately comes down to use case - the Willen II excels as a truly portable companion, while the Pill offers better overall audio performance for less demanding mobility scenarios.

For home theater use, neither speaker is ideal as a primary solution, but the Pill could serve as a decent auxiliary speaker for casual listening in adjacent rooms, thanks to its fuller sound profile and room-filling capabilities.

Innovation in this space continues at a rapid pace, and both Marshall and Beats have delivered compelling options for different types of users. Whether you prioritize ultimate portability or superior sound, there's a clear choice between these two excellent speakers.

Marshall Willen II Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices

Beats Pill Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices