The pocket speaker market has come a long way since the tinny, battery-hungry devices of the early 2010s. Today's ultra-portable speakers pack impressive audio capabilities into remarkably small packages, with the latest releases showing just how far we've come in balancing size, sound, and battery life.
Released in early 2024, the JBL Go 4 ($39.99) represents the latest iteration of JBL's most compact speaker line, bringing notable improvements in sound quality and features over the Go 3. The Marshall Willen II ($119.99), launched around the same time, builds upon Marshall's reputation for premium audio, offering significant upgrades over its predecessor in both sound output and battery life.
When it comes to ultra-portable speakers, physics presents real challenges - smaller drivers and enclosures typically mean compromised sound. However, both manufacturers have found clever ways to maximize performance within these constraints.
The Willen II employs a 2-inch full-range driver backed by two passive radiators (these are unpowered speakers that move in response to air pressure, enhancing bass response). The 10-watt amplifier provides notably more power than typical ultra-portables, resulting in clearer highs and more impactful bass. In testing, the Willen II produces surprisingly full sound, with particular strength in the mid-range frequencies that carry vocals and most instrumental detail.
The Go 4 takes a different approach, using a single 45mm (1.75-inch) driver powered by a 4.2-watt amplifier. While this might seem significantly less powerful on paper, JBL's tuning expertise shows through. The speaker produces clear, balanced sound that works well for personal listening, though it can't match the Willen II's volume or bass response.
Battery technology has seen significant improvements in recent years, and both speakers benefit from these advances, though in different ways:
Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance (meaning they can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes), but their design approaches differ significantly:
The Marshall Willen II features:
The JBL Go 4 offers:
Modern Bluetooth speakers are more than just audio devices, and both models embrace this with various smart features:
Having tested both speakers in various settings, here's how they perform in typical use cases:
The price difference between these speakers ($80) raises important value considerations:
The Marshall Willen II justifies its premium price through:
The JBL Go 4 delivers exceptional value through:
Consider these factors when choosing between the Marshall Willen II and JBL Go 4:
Both speakers represent the current state of ultra-portable audio technology, but they approach the market from different angles. The Marshall Willen II pushes the boundaries of what's possible in a compact format, while the JBL Go 4 focuses on delivering essential features at an accessible price point.
For those seeking the absolute best sound quality in an ultra-portable format, the Marshall Willen II is worth its premium price. However, if you're looking for a capable portable speaker that won't break the bank, the JBL Go 4 offers remarkable value and performance for its size and price.
The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget, but both speakers represent significant improvements over their predecessors and showcase just how far portable audio technology has come.
| Marshall Willen II | JBL Go 4 |
|---|---|
| Price - Primary consideration for value assessment | |
| $119.99 (premium pricing) | $39.99 (budget-friendly) |
| Sound Output - Determines volume and clarity | |
| 10W with dual passive radiators (fuller, richer sound) | 4.2W single driver (adequate for personal listening) |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 17+ hours (ideal for extended use) | 7-9 hours (sufficient for daily use) |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability | |
| 4.0 x 4.0 x 1.7" / 0.79 lbs (slightly larger) | 3.7 x 3.0 x 1.7" / 0.42 lbs (more compact) |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (full waterproof protection) | IP67 (identical protection level) |
| Charging Features - Affects convenience | |
| USB-C, 20min quick charge = 5.5hrs playback | USB-C, 3hr full charge time |
| Bluetooth Version & Range - Impacts connection quality | |
| 5.3 with 100m range (superior connectivity) | 5.3 with standard range |
| Additional Features - Adds functionality | |
| App EQ control, Stack Mode, Auracast ready | App EQ control, Playtime Boost |
| Build Quality - Affects durability | |
| Premium materials, metal grille, rubber strap | Durable plastic, hanging loop |
| Frequency Response - Determines sound quality | |
| 75-20,000 Hz (better bass response) | 90-20,000 Hz (less low-end) |
| Color Options - Aesthetic choice | |
| Black, Cream (limited options) | 7 color choices (more variety) |
| Warranty Coverage - Purchase protection | |
| 2 years (longer coverage) | 1 year (standard coverage) |
The Marshall Willen II delivers noticeably better sound quality with its 10W output and dual passive radiators compared to the JBL Go 4's 4.2W single driver. For home theater companion use, the Marshall's fuller sound makes it a better choice for secondary room audio.
If sound quality is your priority, yes. At $119.99, the Marshall offers superior audio, longer battery life, and better build quality. However, at $39.99, the JBL Go 4 provides excellent value for casual listening.
Both can serve as secondary audio sources, but neither is designed for primary home theater use. The Marshall Willen II works better in this role due to its fuller sound and ability to pair multiple units.
The Marshall Willen II offers substantially better battery life at 17+ hours compared to the JBL Go 4's 7-9 hours. This makes the Marshall more suitable for extended use without charging.
Yes, both the Marshall Willen II and JBL Go 4 feature IP67 water resistance, meaning they can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
The JBL Go 4 is more portable at 0.42 lbs compared to the Marshall's 0.79 lbs. Both are compact, but the JBL's lighter weight makes it easier to carry.
Yes, both speakers support pairing with additional units. The Marshall Willen II offers Stack Mode and future Auracast support, while the JBL Go 4 supports basic stereo pairing.
Both use Bluetooth 5.3, but the Marshall Willen II offers extended range up to 100m and more stable connectivity, making it better for larger spaces.
Neither speaker has built-in voice assistant capabilities, but both can play audio from devices using voice assistants.
The Marshall Willen II performs better outdoors due to its higher power output and longer battery life, though the JBL Go 4 is more portable.
Both speakers work well for video content, with minimal audio lag. The Marshall's superior sound quality makes it better for movie watching, though neither matches dedicated home theater speakers.
Both offer companion apps with EQ control, but the Marshall Bluetooth app provides more detailed sound customization and additional features like Stack Mode configuration.
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 - tomsguide.com - outeraudio.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - corporategift.com - jbl.com - target.com - dell.com - projectorscreen.com - mm.jbl.com
