Portable Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly in recent years, becoming essential accessories for music lovers who want quality sound on the go. The key advances have been in battery life, water resistance, and sound quality from smaller packages. Two interesting options in this space are Marshall's Willen II ($119.99) and Stockwell II ($129.99), which take different approaches to portable audio.
Marshall released the Stockwell II in early 2020, while the Willen II launched in late 2022, representing different generations of portable audio technology. The Willen II benefits from newer Bluetooth 5.3 technology, which provides better range and stability compared to the Stockwell II's Bluetooth 5.0. This matters more than you might think - the newer standard means better connection stability when walking around with your phone and improved battery efficiency.
Both speakers carry Marshall's iconic design language, but they serve different purposes. The Willen II is engineered for ultimate portability, while the Stockwell II prioritizes sound quality in a still-transportable package.
The sound quality difference between these speakers is notable, and it comes down to physics and engineering choices:
The Stockwell II's lower frequency response (60Hz vs 75Hz) means it can reproduce deeper bass notes. This matters particularly for genres like hip-hop or electronic music. In testing, the difference is noticeable - the Stockwell II provides a fuller, more room-filling sound, while the Willen II focuses on clarity and portability.
Both speakers showcase modern battery technology, but with different priorities:
Weather resistance is crucial for portable speakers, and here's where we see a significant difference:
The Willen II features IP67 protection, meaning it's:
The Stockwell II has IPX4 protection:
Modern portable speakers aren't just about playing music - they're getting smarter:
In practical use, these speakers show their strengths in different scenarios:
At $119.99 for the Willen II and $129.99 for the Stockwell II, both speakers provide excellent value but for different users:
The choice between these speakers comes down to your primary use case:
Choose the Willen II if:
Choose the Stockwell II if:
The Willen II's newer technology provides some advantages for longevity:
However, the Stockwell II's physical controls and traditional design have their own staying power:
Both the Willen II and Stockwell II excel in their intended roles. The Willen II represents the latest in portable audio technology, while the Stockwell II offers a more traditional approach with superior sound quality. Your choice should align with your primary use case - ultimate portability or superior sound quality.
For my money, if I were primarily using the speaker at home or in the office, I'd go with the Stockwell II for its superior sound quality and physical controls. However, if I needed something to throw in a bag for travel or outdoor adventures, the Willen II would be my choice, thanks to its modern features and robust weather protection.
| Marshall Willen II | Marshall Stockwell II |
|---|---|
| Price - Base Consideration | |
| $119.99 | $129.99 |
| Size & Weight - Critical for portability | |
| 4x4x2", 0.79 lbs (truly pocket-portable) | 7x6x3", 3.04 lbs (transportable) |
| Audio Power - Impacts maximum volume and sound quality | |
| 10W single driver | 20W total (10W woofer + two 5W tweeters) |
| Frequency Response - Determines bass depth and overall range | |
| 75-20,000 Hz (less bass extension) | 60-20,000 Hz (fuller bass response) |
| Water Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (fully waterproof, submersible) | IPX4 (splash resistant only) |
| Battery Life - Affects usage between charges | |
| 17+ hours, 2.5hr full charge | 20+ hours, 5hr full charge |
| Quick Charging - Convenience for last-minute power | |
| 20min = 5.5 hours playback | 20min = 6 hours playback |
| Bluetooth Version - Impacts connection quality | |
| 5.3 (latest tech, better range) | 5.0 (good but older standard) |
| Sound Controls - Flexibility in audio adjustment | |
| App-based EQ control | Physical bass/treble knobs |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality | |
| Stack Mode, future Auracast support, mounting strap | Multi-host functionality, 3.5mm aux input |
| Best Use Case - Primary application | |
| Outdoor activities, travel, active lifestyle | Home/office use, small gatherings, stationary use |
The Marshall Stockwell II is better for movie watching due to its true stereo sound and stronger bass response. While the Willen II is a capable speaker, its single-driver design isn't ideal for home theater use. The Stockwell II's physical EQ controls also help adjust dialogue clarity.
The Marshall Willen II costs $119.99, while the Marshall Stockwell II is priced at $129.99, making it just $10 more expensive. The small price difference makes the Stockwell II compelling if portability isn't your primary concern.
Neither speaker is ideal as a primary soundbar replacement. However, the Stockwell II can serve as a temporary solution for small rooms due to its stereo separation and stronger bass. The Willen II is too small for this purpose.
The Stockwell II offers slightly better battery life at 20+ hours compared to the Willen II's 17+ hours. Both support quick charging, with the Stockwell II providing 6 hours from a 20-minute charge versus 5.5 hours for the Willen II.
The Willen II is better suited for outdoor use with its IP67 waterproof rating and more portable design. The Stockwell II is only IPX4 splash-resistant, making it less ideal for outdoor adventures.
The Marshall Stockwell II delivers superior sound quality with its multi-driver setup and true stereo separation. The Willen II offers good sound for its size but can't match the Stockwell II's fuller sound and bass response.
The Stockwell II can connect to TVs via its 3.5mm auxiliary input, while the Willen II only offers Bluetooth connectivity. However, neither speaker is optimized for TV use due to potential audio lag over Bluetooth.
The Willen II is significantly more portable at 0.79 lbs compared to the Stockwell II's 3.04 lbs. The Willen II's compact size makes it ideal for travel and everyday carry.
The Willen II offers Stack Mode for connecting multiple units and will support Auracast in the future. The Stockwell II doesn't support multi-speaker pairing.
The Stockwell II features physical bass and treble controls, while the Willen II relies on app-based EQ adjustment. Some users prefer the Stockwell II's tactile controls for quick adjustments.
The Marshall Stockwell II is better suited for small gatherings due to its louder volume and fuller sound. The Willen II is more appropriate for personal listening or very small groups.
Both speakers offer good value, but for different uses. The Willen II excels as a portable speaker at $119.99, while the Stockwell II provides better sound quality for just $10 more at $129.99.
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 - 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
