Choosing Between the Sonos Roam 2 and Marshall Stockwell II: A Complete Guide

When it comes to portable speakers, two standout options have captured significant attention: the Sonos Roam 2 ($139.99) and the Marshall Stockwell II ($129.99). Let's dive into what makes each speaker unique and help you decide which one best fits your needs.

The Evolution of Portable Speakers

Portable speakers have come a long way from the boombox days. Today's devices pack impressive sound into increasingly compact packages while adding features like waterproofing and smart connectivity. The Sonos Roam 2 and Marshall Stockwell II represent two different philosophies in modern speaker design.

Released in 2021, the Roam 2 builds on Sonos's smart speaker expertise, incorporating WiFi connectivity and voice control alongside traditional Bluetooth. The Stockwell II, launched in 2019, takes a more traditional approach, focusing on sound quality and physical controls that echo Marshall's amplifier heritage.

Sound Quality: Two Different Approaches

Sonos Roam 2

The Roam 2 uses a sophisticated system with two class-H amplifiers (specialized amplifiers that adjust their power output based on the audio signal) powering a custom mid-woofer and tweeter combination. This setup produces remarkably clear sound for its size, with particular strength in vocal reproduction and high frequencies.

The speaker's automatic Trueplay tuning (which adjusts audio output based on the speaker's surroundings) means it can optimize its sound whether you're in your bathroom or backyard. In practice, this results in consistently balanced audio that adapts to your environment.

Marshall Stockwell II

The Stockwell II takes a different route, using three class-D amplifiers: a 10W unit for the woofer and two 5W amplifiers for the tweeters. This configuration delivers Marshall's signature sound - rich in bass with a slight emphasis on the low end that rock music fans will appreciate.

The physical bass and treble controls on top of the unit allow for real-time sound adjustment without needing an app. This traditional approach might seem old-school, but it provides immediate feedback and precise control that many users prefer.

Connectivity and Smart Features

Here's where we see the biggest philosophical difference between these speakers. The Sonos Roam 2 is essentially a smart speaker that happens to be portable. It connects to your WiFi network, integrates with voice assistants, and can be part of a whole-home Sonos audio system. You can stream directly from dozens of services through the Sonos app, or use Apple AirPlay 2 for seamless iOS integration.

The Marshall Stockwell II keeps things simpler with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and a 3.5mm auxiliary input. While it lacks smart features, it can connect to two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between sources. This focused approach means fewer features but potentially more reliability - there's less that can go wrong.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance is a crucial factor for portable speakers, and here the Marshall takes a clear lead. The Stockwell II delivers an impressive 20+ hours of playback and includes quick-charging capability that provides 6 hours of play from a 20-minute charge.

The Roam 2's 10-hour battery life, while respectable, falls short of the Marshall's endurance. However, it does offer wireless charging support - a convenient feature for home use that the Marshall lacks.

Durability and Design

Both speakers are built to handle daily use, but they're designed for different environments:

• The Roam 2 features IP67 certification, meaning it's fully dustproof and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. It's truly built for outdoor adventure.
• The Stockwell II has IPX4 protection, which handles splashes but not submersion. It's more suited to patio parties than poolside use.

In terms of design, the Roam 2 is notably more portable at just 1.53 pounds versus the Stockwell II's 3.04 pounds. The Roam's compact size makes it easy to toss in a bag, while the Marshall's larger size and weight make it more of a "portable around the house" speaker.

Home Theater Integration

While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, the Roam 2's Sonos ecosystem integration gives it an edge here. You can pair two Roam 2s for stereo sound or integrate them into a larger Sonos surround sound setup. The Stockwell II, lacking WiFi connectivity, can't participate in multi-speaker setups.

Value Proposition

The Sonos Roam 2 and Marshall Stockwell II are similarly priced, but offer different value propositions:

Sonos Roam 2 ($139.99):

• Smart features and ecosystem integration
• Superior water resistance
• More portable design
• Multi-room audio capability
• Regular software updates and improvements

Marshall Stockwell II ($129.99):

• Longer battery life
• Physical EQ controls
• Stronger bass response
• Simpler operation
• 3.5mm input option

How to Decide

Your choice between these speakers should depend on your primary use case:

Choose the Sonos Roam 2 if:

• You want a truly portable speaker for outdoor adventures
• Smart features and voice control are important to you
• You already own other Sonos products
• You want the option for multi-room audio
• You prefer a more compact size

Choose the Marshall Stockwell II if:

• Battery life is a top priority
• You prefer physical controls for audio adjustment
• You want stronger bass performance
• You value simplicity over smart features
• You don't need full waterproofing

Conclusion

Both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The Sonos Roam 2 is a more versatile device that bridges the gap between portable speaker and smart home device, while the Marshall Stockwell II focuses on delivering excellent sound quality with traditional controls and extended battery life.

In my experience testing both speakers, the Roam 2 is better suited for those who want a do-it-all speaker that can handle everything from shower singing to backyard parties. The Stockwell II, meanwhile, is perfect for those who prioritize audio quality and battery life over smart features, especially if you enjoy bass-heavy music genres.

The best choice depends on your specific needs, but both speakers represent strong values in the portable speaker market. Consider your typical use cases, desired features, and existing tech ecosystem when making your decision.

Sonos Roam 2 Portable Speaker Deals and Prices

Marshall Stockwell II Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices