In today's portable speaker market, the choice between the compact $119.99 Marshall Willen II and premium $299.99 Bose SoundLink Max represents two distinct approaches to portable audio. Let's explore how these speakers serve different needs and help you decide which matches your lifestyle.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly in recent years. We've moved from basic wireless playback to sophisticated devices with impressive sound quality, durability, and smart features. The key improvements have been in battery life, water resistance, and sound quality - especially in handling bass frequencies, which traditionally challenged smaller speakers.
The Marshall Willen II and Bose SoundLink Max showcase different philosophies in portable audio. Released in early 2024, the Willen II focuses on ultra-portability while maintaining respectable sound quality. The SoundLink Max, launched in May 2024, aims for premium audio performance in a still-portable package.
The Willen II's compact dimensions (4" square, under 2" deep) make it genuinely pocket-sized. Its lightweight 0.79-pound design includes a clever rubber strap for attaching to bikes, backpacks, or tent poles. In contrast, the SoundLink Max measures 10.42" wide and weighs 4.9 pounds - still portable but requiring more deliberate transportation.
Both speakers employ interesting technical approaches to maximize their sound quality:
Willen II:
SoundLink Max:
The sound difference is notable. The Willen II produces clear, detailed audio that's impressive for its size but ultimately limited in bass response and maximum volume. The SoundLink Max delivers richer, fuller sound with genuine bass presence and can maintain clarity at higher volumes.
Both speakers showcase modern connectivity options:
Willen II:
SoundLink Max:
Battery technology has improved significantly in recent years:
Willen II:
SoundLink Max:
Having tested both speakers in various settings, their strengths become clear:
The Willen II excels as a personal audio companion. Its size makes it perfect for desk use, travel, or outdoor activities. The sound quality is more than adequate for individual listening, though it may struggle in noisy environments.
The SoundLink Max shines in social settings. It can easily provide background music for a dinner party or become the center of attention for a small outdoor gathering. The extended bass response and higher maximum volume make it more versatile.
Both speakers feature IP67 water resistance, meaning they can survive submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The Willen II's portability makes it ideal for hiking or cycling, while the SoundLink Max is better suited for beach days or backyard parties.
While neither speaker is designed primarily for home theater use, the SoundLink Max could serve as a temporary solution for watching movies on a laptop or tablet. Its stereo separation and bass response provide a more cinematic experience than the Willen II.
The Marshall Willen II at $119.99 represents solid value for those prioritizing portability and durability. Its price point feels appropriate given its build quality and feature set.
The Bose SoundLink Max at $299.99 requires more investment but delivers significantly better audio performance. For those who will use it frequently for gatherings or want superior sound quality, the premium price can be justified.
Consider these factors when making your choice:
Both speakers incorporate modern features that should keep them relevant:
The choice between these speakers ultimately depends on your priorities. The Marshall Willen II excels as a personal audio companion, offering impressive portability and good sound for its size. The Bose SoundLink Max delivers superior audio performance and versatility at a premium price point.
For personal use and maximum portability, the Willen II is hard to beat. For those seeking better sound quality and the ability to handle various social situations, the SoundLink Max justifies its higher price tag.
Remember, the best speaker is the one that fits your specific needs and usage patterns. Consider how you'll primarily use the speaker, where you'll use it most often, and what aspects of audio performance matter most to you.
| Marshall Willen II | Bose SoundLink Max |
|---|---|
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and everyday carry | |
| 4" x 4" x 2", 0.79 lbs - Ultra portable | 10.4" x 4.7" x 4.1", 4.9 lbs - Requires dedicated space |
| Audio Power - Determines maximum volume and sound quality | |
| 10W single driver - Good for personal listening | Multi-driver array with higher power - Fills medium rooms |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use without charging | |
| 17+ hours, 2.5-hour charge time | 20 hours, 5-hour charge time |
| Water Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 - Fully waterproof, 1m for 30 min | IP67 - Fully waterproof, 1m for 30 min |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection stability and range | |
| 5.3 LE - 100m range, basic codec support | 5.4 - Enhanced range, aptX Adaptive support |
| Extra Features - Adds functionality and value | |
| Built-in strap, basic app control, future Auracast | USB-C power bank, aux input, Google Fast Pair, SimpleSync |
| Sound Profile - Key factor in user satisfaction | |
| Clear mids/highs, limited bass response | Full range with strong bass, room-filling sound |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $119.99 - Excellent value for portable use | $299.99 - Premium price for premium audio |
| Best Use Case - Helps match to buyer needs | |
| Personal listening, travel, outdoor activities | Small gatherings, home audio, versatile use |
The $299.99 Bose SoundLink Max offers significantly better sound quality with its multi-driver array and enhanced bass response. While the $119.99 Marshall Willen II provides clear audio, it can't match the SoundLink Max's room-filling sound and richer bass performance.
The Bose SoundLink Max can work as a supplementary speaker for home theater setups through its aux input, though it's not designed as a primary home theater speaker. The Marshall Willen II is too small for effective home theater use.
The Bose SoundLink Max offers 20 hours of playback, while the Marshall Willen II provides 17+ hours. Both provide enough battery life for extended use, though the Willen II charges faster at 2.5 hours versus 5 hours.
Both the Marshall Willen II and Bose SoundLink Max feature IP67 water resistance, meaning they can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damage.
The Marshall Willen II is better suited for active outdoor use due to its compact size and built-in strap. The Bose SoundLink Max works well for stationary outdoor gatherings but is less portable.
The Bose SoundLink Max can connect to TVs via its auxiliary input or Bluetooth if your TV supports it. The Marshall Willen II only offers Bluetooth connectivity, limiting its TV compatibility.
The Marshall Willen II is ideal for small spaces due to its compact size, though the Bose SoundLink Max provides better sound quality if you have room for it.
The Marshall Willen II will support Auracast for multi-speaker linking in a future update. The Bose SoundLink Max supports SimpleSync for connecting with other Bose products.
The Bose SoundLink Max features Bluetooth 5.4 with enhanced range and better codec support. The Marshall Willen II uses Bluetooth 5.3 LE with a claimed 100m range in open spaces.
The Bose SoundLink Max provides a better movie-watching experience with its superior bass response and stereo separation. The Marshall Willen II is less suitable for this purpose.
The Marshall Willen II at $119.99 offers excellent value for personal use. The Bose SoundLink Max at $299.99 justifies its higher price with superior sound quality and features.
Both can serve as computer speakers, but the Bose SoundLink Max provides a more immersive desktop audio experience. The Marshall Willen II works well for basic computer audio needs.
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: whatsthebest.co.uk - youtube.com - crutchfield.com - goodhousekeeping.com - abt.com - bestbuy.com - theaudio.co - store.moma.org - av-connection.com - rtings.com - electronicexpress.com - staples.com - 365wholesale.com - bose.com - bose.com - bestbuy.com - soundguys.com - staples.com - techforless.com - bestbuy.com - assets.bose.com
