In the ever-evolving world of portable speakers, two new contenders have emerged in 2024 - the $299 Morel BIGGIE and the $119 Marshall Willen II. Let's dive into what makes each unique and help you decide which might be right for your needs.
Modern portable speakers have come a long way from the tinny, battery-hungry devices of the past. Today's models offer impressive sound quality, long battery life, and smart features that make them versatile companions for both indoor and outdoor use. The key is finding the right balance of portability, sound quality, and features for your specific needs.
The Morel BIGGIE and Marshall Willen II represent two distinctly different approaches to portable audio. The BIGGIE, at 7 inches square and weighing 5.7 pounds, sits firmly in the "transportable" category - you can move it around easily enough, but it's not something you'll casually toss in a bag. Think of it as more like a small bookshelf speaker with a battery.
In contrast, the Willen II is truly pocket-sized at just 4 inches square and weighing less than a pound. This ultra-portable design makes it perfect for activities where every ounce counts, like hiking or travel.
The BIGGIE showcases its audiophile heritage with a sophisticated two-way speaker system. It combines a 1-inch soft dome tweeter (for clear high frequencies) with a 4-inch woofer (for mid-range and bass). This separation of frequencies, similar to what you'd find in high-end home speakers, allows each driver to focus on what it does best.
The Willen II takes a different approach, using a single 2-inch full-range driver supported by passive radiators. Passive radiators are unpowered speakers that move in response to air pressure from the main driver, helping to enhance bass response without requiring additional amplification or battery power.
In practice, these different approaches result in noticeably different listening experiences. The BIGGIE delivers more detailed sound with better separation between frequencies. You'll hear distinct layers in complex music - the crisp hit of a hi-hat cymbal doesn't get lost when the bass kicks in. Its 60-watt amplifier (split between 45W for the woofer and 15W for the tweeter) provides enough power to fill medium to large rooms without straining.
The Willen II, while impressive for its size, can't match this level of audio sophistication. However, it does deliver clear, enjoyable sound that works well for personal listening or small group settings. Its 10-watt amplifier provides enough volume for close-range listening, but you'll notice its limitations in larger spaces or outdoor environments.
Both speakers offer impressive battery life, reflecting recent advances in battery and power management technology. The BIGGIE provides up to 20 hours of playback at moderate volumes, while the Willen II manages 17+ hours. Both include quick-charging capabilities - particularly impressive is the BIGGIE's ability to provide 4 hours of playback from just a 20-minute charge.
Here's where the Willen II really shines. Its IP67 rating means it's fully dustproof and can survive submersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. This makes it ideal for pool parties, beach trips, or camping adventures.
The BIGGIE, while well-built, doesn't offer specific water resistance ratings. It's designed more for home use or protected outdoor settings like covered patios.
Both speakers incorporate Bluetooth 5.3, the latest mainstream version of the technology. This provides improved range and stability compared to older Bluetooth versions. They're also both "Auracast-ready," meaning they'll support this upcoming feature that allows broadcasting audio to multiple compatible devices simultaneously - think silent discos or sharing movie audio in public spaces.
The BIGGIE includes True Wireless Stereo (TWS) capability, allowing you to pair two units for genuine stereo separation. This can be particularly compelling for home theater use, where you could create a wireless stereo system with impressive imaging and separation.
At $299, the BIGGIE represents a significant investment, but it delivers audio quality that competes with similarly priced home speakers while adding portability. It's ideal for:
The $119 Willen II offers excellent value for those prioritizing:
Both speakers benefit from recent technological improvements:
Consider your primary use case:
If you're primarily using the speaker at home or in protected environments and care deeply about sound quality, the BIGGIE is worth its premium price. Its superior audio performance and ability to pair for stereo make it a versatile choice that can grow with your needs.
If you need something that can go anywhere and handle whatever life throws at it, the Willen II is an excellent choice. Its combination of durability, portability, and sound quality make it a practical choice for active users.
Remember that the best speaker is the one that fits your specific needs and usage patterns. Both these models excel in their intended roles - they just serve different purposes and user preferences.
The portable speaker market continues to evolve, and these two models represent different but equally valid approaches to solving the portable audio challenge. Whether you prioritize ultimate sound quality or maximum portability, both offer compelling features that make them worth considering for your next audio purchase.
| Morel BIGGIE ($299) | Marshall Willen II ($119) |
|---|---|
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and placement options | |
| 7" x 7" x 4.5", 5.7 lbs (transportable but substantial) | 4" x 4" x 2", 0.8 lbs (truly pocket-sized) |
| Audio System - Determines sound quality and performance | |
| 2-way system: 1" tweeter + 4" woofer with 60W total power | Single 2" full-range driver with passive radiators, 10W power |
| Maximum Volume - Important for outdoor use and larger spaces | |
| 95dB @ 1m (fills large rooms easily) | 88dB @ 1m (better for personal/small group listening) |
| Battery Life - Crucial for extended use without charging | |
| 20 hours, 4 hours from 20-min quick charge | 17+ hours, fast charging supported |
| Weather Resistance - Determines where you can use it | |
| No official rating (indoor/covered outdoor use only) | IP67 (fully waterproof and dustproof) |
| Connectivity Features - Affects usage flexibility | |
| Bluetooth 5.3, TWS stereo pairing, Auracast-ready | Bluetooth 5.3, Speakerphone, Auracast-ready |
| Frequency Response - Indicates bass capability and overall range | |
| 40-20,000 Hz (deep bass to high treble) | 75-20,000 Hz (limited low bass) |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality | |
| USB-C power bank function, 3.5mm input, removable handle | Built-in rubber strap, Marshall app with EQ control |
| Primary Use Case - Who it's best for | |
| Audiophiles wanting premium portable sound, home/office use | Active users needing ultra-portable, weatherproof audio |
The $299 Morel BIGGIE offers superior sound quality and volume, while the $119 Marshall Willen II excels in portability and durability. The "better" choice depends on your priorities - BIGGIE for audio quality, Willen II for versatility and value.
The Morel BIGGIE costs $299, while the Marshall Willen II is priced at $119, making it $180 less expensive.
Both offer excellent battery life - the BIGGIE provides 20 hours, while the Willen II delivers 17+ hours. The difference is negligible for most users.
The Marshall Willen II has IP67 water resistance and can be submerged in water. The BIGGIE has no water resistance rating and should be kept away from water.
The Willen II is significantly more portable at 0.8 pounds and 4 inches square. The BIGGIE weighs 5.7 pounds and is 7 inches square - much less suited for carrying around.
The Morel BIGGIE is notably louder with 95dB output versus the Willen II's 88dB. This difference is significant for larger spaces or outdoor use.
The BIGGIE is better suited for parties due to its higher volume and superior bass response. The Willen II works best for small gatherings or personal listening.
The BIGGIE delivers notably better bass with its 4-inch woofer and 40Hz low-end response. The Willen II's single driver and 75Hz low-end can't match this performance.
The Marshall Willen II is more durable with its IP67 rating and robust construction. The BIGGIE, while well-built, isn't designed for rough handling.
The BIGGIE offers superior sound quality with its two-way speaker system and more powerful amplification. The Willen II provides good but more limited sound from its single driver.
For primary home use, the Morel BIGGIE is the better choice with its superior sound quality and volume. Choose the Willen II if you need a more portable speaker that moves easily between rooms or outdoors.
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: theabsolutesound.com - ecoustics.com - crutchfield.com - techradar.com - crutchfield.com - tpdhifi.com - audioxpress.com - nlp.stanford.edu - eisa.eu - muzix.eu - 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
