Choosing Between the Marshall Willen II and Bose SoundLink Flex: A Complete Comparison

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the $119.99 Marshall Willen II and $119.99 Bose SoundLink Flex represent two different approaches to solving the same problem: how to get great sound in a portable package. Let's dive into what makes each speaker unique and help you decide which one best fits your needs.

Understanding Portable Bluetooth Speakers in 2024

Portable Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly in recent years. We've moved beyond just wanting something that plays music loudly - today's buyers expect durability, long battery life, and sound quality that rivals larger home speakers. Both these models were released in late 2023, bringing newer Bluetooth 5.3 technology and improved battery efficiency to the category.

Sound Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The Marshall Willen II and Bose SoundLink Flex take different approaches to sound reproduction. The Willen II uses a single 2-inch full-range driver with two passive radiators (think of these as speakers that move in response to air pressure rather than electrical signals, helping enhance bass). This setup produces a surprisingly warm, balanced sound that's especially good with vocals and acoustic music.

The SoundLink Flex, meanwhile, uses Bose's proprietary driver setup combined with their PositionIQ technology - a clever system that automatically adjusts the sound based on whether the speaker is standing up, lying flat, or hanging. In practice, this means more consistent sound quality regardless of how you're using it.

Key sound differences:

• Bass response: The SoundLink Flex delivers noticeably deeper bass, making it better for electronic music and hip-hop
• Volume capability: The SoundLink Flex gets louder while maintaining clarity
• Sound stage: The Willen II creates a more focused, directional sound, while the Flex offers wider dispersion

Design and Durability

Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance (meaning they can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes), but their designs serve different purposes:

The Willen II is incredibly compact at just 4 inches square and less than 2 inches deep. Its built-in rubber strap makes it perfect for attaching to backpack straps or bike handlebars. The classic Marshall styling, with its textured surface and brass-colored details, gives it a premium feel despite its small size.

The SoundLink Flex is slightly larger but features a more rugged powder-coated steel grille and silicone exterior. It's designed to float if dropped in water and includes UV protection to prevent discoloration - practical features for a speaker that's likely to spend time outdoors.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery technology has improved significantly in recent generations:

• Willen II: 17+ hours, with quick charging providing 5.5 hours from a 20-minute charge
• SoundLink Flex: 12 hours, with standard USB-C charging

Both speakers use Bluetooth 5.3, which provides better range and stability compared to older versions. The Willen II includes future support for Auracast, a new technology that will allow broadcasting to multiple speakers simultaneously. The SoundLink Flex offers Bose's SimpleSync feature for pairing with other Bose speakers and soundbars.

Special Features and Technologies

The Willen II includes:

• Marshall's signature multi-directional control knob
• Marshall Bluetooth app with EQ presets
• Stack Mode for connecting multiple speakers

The SoundLink Flex offers:

• PositionIQ automatic sound adjustment
• Built-in speakerphone with noise-rejecting microphone
• Party Mode for stereo pairing with another SoundLink Flex

Real-World Performance

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

Indoor Use

The Willen II excels in smaller rooms and personal listening scenarios. Its focused sound works well for desktop use or background music while working. The SoundLink Flex fills larger spaces more effectively and handles room acoustics better thanks to PositionIQ.

Outdoor Performance

The SoundLink Flex clearly pulls ahead outdoors, where its fuller sound and better bass response make it more suitable for group listening. The Willen II remains competent but struggles to maintain its sound quality in open spaces.

Travel and Commuting

The Willen II's compact size and excellent battery life make it the better travel companion. It fits easily in a bag pocket and provides enough volume for hotel rooms or small gatherings.

How to Decide

Choose the Marshall Willen II if:

• You prioritize ultra-portability
• You mainly listen to vocal-focused music or podcasts
• You want the longest possible battery life
• You appreciate the classic Marshall aesthetic
• You frequently travel or commute

Choose the Bose SoundLink Flex if:

• Sound quality is your top priority
• You frequently listen outdoors
• You need stronger bass response
• You want consistent sound regardless of speaker orientation
• You plan to use it for group listening

Value Consideration

At $119.99, both speakers offer solid value but for different users. The Willen II justifies its price through portability and battery life, while the SoundLink Flex does so through superior sound quality and outdoor performance. Neither will disappoint, but your specific needs should guide the choice.

The portable speaker market continues to evolve, and both these models represent significant improvements over their predecessors. Whether you choose the ultra-portable Willen II or the more robust SoundLink Flex, you're getting a capable speaker that reflects the latest in portable audio technology.

Marshall Willen II Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices

Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices