Choosing Between the Sony XB100 and Marshall Willen II: A Complete Comparison

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, there's a sweet spot between price, performance, and portability that many of us are trying to find. Today we're comparing the $49.99 Sony XB100 and the $119.99 Marshall Willen II, two popular options that take different approaches to portable audio.

The Current State of Portable Speakers

Portable Bluetooth speakers have come a long way in the past few years. We're seeing better battery life, improved water resistance, and most importantly, much better sound from smaller packages. The key technology driving this improvement is more efficient amplifiers (which use less power and generate less heat) and improved driver materials that can move more air in a smaller space.

Breaking Down the Options

Release Timing and Technology

The Sony XB100 was released in mid-2023, bringing several improvements over its predecessor, including better battery life and enhanced water resistance. It uses Bluetooth 5.3, the latest standard, which provides better range and more stable connections compared to older versions.

The Marshall Willen II is more recent, and it shows in its feature set. It also uses Bluetooth 5.3 but adds support for Auracast, a new technology that will allow broadcasting to multiple speakers simultaneously (think of it like a mini radio station for your home).

Sound Quality Deep Dive

Both speakers use what's called a "passive radiator" design - think of it as a speaker cone that's moved by air pressure rather than electricity. This clever engineering trick helps create better bass in a small package.

The XB100 uses a single full-range driver (the main speaker) paired with one passive radiator. In testing, it produces surprisingly good bass for its size, though it won't rattle any windows. The mid-range frequencies (where most vocals live) are clear and natural.

The Willen II takes things up a notch with a larger 2-inch driver and two passive radiators. The bigger driver size means it can move more air, resulting in louder volume and better bass response. The dual passive radiators help create a more balanced sound - when one moves out, the other moves in, reducing vibration and distortion.

Build Quality and Durability

Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance, which means they can handle:

• Being submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes
• Complete protection from dust
• Rain, splashes, and accidental drops in pools

The XB100 uses recycled plastics in its construction, which is great for sustainability. The build feels solid despite its light weight of 0.6 pounds. The included strap is particularly useful - I've hung it from bike handlebars and backpack straps without any concerns.

The Willen II feels more premium with its metal grille and rubberized housing. At 0.79 pounds, it's noticeably heavier but still very portable. The rubber strap system is more robust than Sony's, though both work well in practice.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery technology hasn't changed much in recent years, but efficiency has improved:

Sony XB100:

• 16 hours of playback
• Standard USB-C charging
• No quick charging feature

Marshall Willen II:

• 17 hours of playback
• USB-C charging
• Quick charge: 20 minutes provides 5.5 hours of playback

In real-world use, both easily last several days of regular use. The Willen II's quick charging is genuinely useful if you're the type to forget to charge overnight.

Connectivity and Features

Both speakers support stereo pairing with a second identical unit, which creates a wider soundstage and more immersive listening experience. Here's where they differ:

XB100:

• Basic Bluetooth controls
• Hands-free calling with echo cancellation
• Sony Music Center app support (limited features)

Willen II:

• Multi-device pairing (connect two devices at once)
• More advanced EQ options through Marshall app
• Future Auracast support
• Better microphone quality for calls

Real-World Performance

I've tested both speakers in various settings, and here's how they perform:

Indoor Use:

• Both work well in small to medium rooms
• Willen II has an edge in larger spaces due to higher volume
• XB100 sounds best when placed at ear level

Outdoor Use:

• Both handle wind and background noise well
• Willen II maintains better clarity at higher volumes
• XB100 is more affected by placement due to its single-driver design

Price and Value Proposition

At $49.99, the XB100 delivers impressive performance for the price. It handles most situations well and offers features usually found in more expensive speakers.

The Willen II at $119.99 is more of an investment, but you're getting:

• Better sound quality
• More premium build
• Advanced features
• Future-proofing with Auracast

How to Decide

Consider these scenarios:

For Casual Users:

• If you mainly listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or background music
• If you're price-conscious
• If ultra-portability is important

For Audio Enthusiasts:

• If you listen critically to music
• If you need higher volume levels
• If you value premium build quality
• If you plan to use it as your primary portable speaker

The Final Verdict

The Sony XB100 represents exceptional value, delivering about 80% of the Willen II's performance at 40% of the price. For most users, it's the smarter choice - it's cheaper, lighter, and performs admirably in most situations.

However, if you're particular about audio quality or need the extra volume, the Marshall Willen II justifies its premium price. The improved sound quality, better build, and future-proof features make it a worthy investment for the right user.

Both speakers represent significant improvements over their predecessors, showcasing how far portable audio has come. The choice ultimately depends on your priorities between price, performance, and features - but you really can't go wrong with either option.

Sony XB100 Compact Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices

Marshall Willen II Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices