When you're looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker in 2024, the Sony XE200 at $110.99 and Marshall Stockwell II at $129.99 represent two different approaches to mobile audio. Let's dive into what makes each unique and who they're best for.
Portable speakers have come a long way since their early days of basic Bluetooth connectivity and mediocre sound. Today's speakers pack impressive audio technology into increasingly compact forms. Both these models, released in 2022, showcase how far we've come - but in distinctly different ways.
The Sony XE200 represents the modern, tech-forward approach, while the Marshall maintains a more traditional audio philosophy with modern conveniences. Let's explore what that means for you as a user.
The XE200 uses what Sony calls a "Line-Shape Diffuser" - think of it as a specially designed speaker grille that helps spread sound more evenly across a wider area. In testing, this really shows up when you're using the speaker outdoors, where sound tends to dissipate quickly. The speaker also uses "X-Balanced" drivers, which are non-circular speaker cones that Sony claims provide better sound pressure and less distortion.
The Stockwell II takes a different path, using more traditional speaker design but adding manual EQ controls. Those analog knobs aren't just for show - they provide real-time adjustment of bass and treble, which can be particularly useful when moving between different environments or music genres.
In real-world use, here's how they compare:
The difference in design philosophy really shows up in the build quality:
Both speakers have made significant technological strides since their release:
Power management has seen impressive improvements in recent years:
Having tested both speakers in various settings, here's how they perform in specific scenarios:
The Sony XE200 clearly pulls ahead here with its superior water resistance and more robust construction. The sound projection also carries better in open spaces.
The Marshall Stockwell II shines in controlled environments, where its warm sound signature and manual EQ controls let you dial in exactly the sound you want.
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, they can serve as temporary solutions:
When considering the price-to-feature ratio:
Consider these key factors when making your choice:
Both speakers represent solid choices in 2024, but they serve different needs. The Sony XE200 is the more practical choice for most users, offering better durability and modern features at a lower price point. The Marshall Stockwell II appeals to those who value classic design and hands-on control over their audio experience.
For my money, the Sony XE200 offers better overall value, especially if you'll use it outdoors or need water resistance. However, if you're primarily using it indoors and appreciate the ability to fine-tune your sound manually, the Marshall's premium experience might be worth the extra investment.
Remember, the best speaker is the one that fits your specific needs and use cases. Consider how and where you'll use it most often, and choose accordingly.
| Sony XE200 | Marshall Stockwell II |
|---|---|
| Price - Total cost to consumer | |
| $110.99 (better value for features) | $129.99 (premium for design/build) |
| Sound Output - Impacts volume and clarity | |
| Dual passive radiators, stronger bass | 2x5W tweeters + 10W woofer, better mids |
| Water Resistance - Critical for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (fully waterproof, dustproof) | IPX4 (splash resistant only) |
| Battery Life - Determines usage between charges | |
| 16 hours, 70min play from 10min charge | 20 hours, 6 hours play from 20min charge |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection quality | |
| 5.2 with LDAC, AAC, SBC support | 5.0 with SBC only |
| Sound Controls - How you adjust audio | |
| Digital via app, preset EQ modes | Physical knobs for bass/treble control |
| Extra Features - Additional functionality | |
| Party Connect, stereo pairing, app control | Multi-host connection, 3.5mm input |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability | |
| 3.54 x 8.19 x 3.7", 28.22 oz | 7.09 x 6.34 x 2.76", 48.64 oz |
| Build Quality - Durability and premium feel | |
| Rugged plastic, outdoor-focused design | Premium materials, retro aesthetic |
| Sound Distribution - How sound spreads | |
| Line-Shape Diffuser for wider coverage | Traditional front-facing stereo |
| Primary Use Case - Best situation for each | |
| Outdoor activities, modern music genres | Indoor use, classic rock/acoustic music |
The Sony XE200 performs better for home theater use due to its stronger bass response and wider sound distribution. However, neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater - they're both better suited as portable audio solutions.
The Marshall Stockwell II offers clearer midrange and customizable sound through its analog controls, while the Sony XE200 provides stronger bass and better outdoor sound projection. For pure audio quality indoors, the Marshall has a slight edge.
At $110.99, the Sony XE200 offers excellent value with its waterproofing, modern features, and robust sound quality. It's particularly worth it if you need a durable, portable speaker for various environments.
The Marshall Stockwell II offers 20 hours of battery life, while the Sony XE200 provides 16 hours. Both feature quick charging capabilities, with the Sony providing 70 minutes of playback from a 10-minute charge.
The Sony XE200 is better suited for outdoor use with its IP67 waterproof rating and rugged construction. The Marshall Stockwell II has only IPX4 splash resistance and is better suited for indoor or covered outdoor use.
The Sony XE200 is more portable at 28.22 oz compared to the Marshall Stockwell II's 48.64 oz. The Sony's design also makes it easier to carry and pack.
Both speakers can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability. The Marshall Stockwell II also offers a 3.5mm auxiliary input for direct connection to TVs with headphone outputs.
The Sony XE200 is better for parties due to its Party Connect feature (linking multiple speakers), stronger bass, and water resistance for outdoor gatherings.
Neither speaker is optimized for video calls, though both can function as basic audio output devices when connected via Bluetooth to your computer or phone.
The Sony XE200 features newer Bluetooth 5.2 with support for high-quality LDAC codec, while the Marshall Stockwell II uses Bluetooth 5.0 with basic codec support.
Neither speaker is designed for surround sound systems. For home theater use, dedicated surround sound speakers would be a better choice than either portable speaker.
The Sony XE200 is more future-proof with its newer Bluetooth technology, app support, and better codec compatibility compared to the Marshall Stockwell II. However, the Marshall's analog controls will never become obsolete.
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: sony.com - gymcaddy.net - sony.co.uk - bestbuy.com - sony.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - sony.com - helpguide.sony.net - soundguys.com - sony.com - sonylatvija.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
