When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, there's been an interesting shift in the market recently. While big sound once required big speakers, newer tech is challenging that assumption. Today, we're comparing the Sony XE300 and Marshall Willen II, two speakers that take different approaches to portable audio.
The portable speaker market has evolved significantly since the early Bluetooth days. Released in late 2022, the Sony XE300 represents Sony's latest push into premium portable audio, while the Marshall Willen II arrived in May 2022 as a super-compact option.
Both speakers showcase how far portable audio has come, with features like water resistance and enhanced Bluetooth codecs that were rare just a few years ago. The XE300 supports LDAC (Sony's high-quality wireless audio codec), while the Willen II includes future-ready features like Auracast support.
Here's where these speakers take dramatically different paths. The Sony XE300 weighs in at 1.3kg with dimensions of 238mm length - about the size of a large water bottle. Meanwhile, the Willen II is remarkably compact at just 0.36kg and 100.5mm square - easily fitting in a jacket pocket.
This size difference isn't just about portability - it fundamentally affects how these speakers perform. The XE300's larger enclosure allows for bigger drivers and more powerful sound, while the Willen II prioritizes go-anywhere convenience.
The XE300's standout feature is its Line-Shape Diffuser, which spreads sound more evenly across a wider area - similar to professional concert systems but scaled down. It uses an X-Balanced Speaker Unit (a non-circular speaker design that maximizes the diaphragm area) paired with dual passive radiators (which enhance bass response by using air movement from the main speaker).
In practice, this means:
Despite its tiny size, the Willen II packs impressive tech:
While it can't match the XE300's power, the Willen II delivers surprisingly clear audio for its size. The speaker excels at mid-range frequencies, making it particularly good for vocal-heavy music and podcasts.
Having tested both speakers in various settings, here's how they perform in different scenarios:
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, the XE300 can serve as a decent TV speaker in a pinch, thanks to its better bass response and stereo capabilities. The Willen II's limited output makes it less suitable for this use case.
The Sony XE300 offers 24 hours of playback and includes quick charging - 10 minutes gets you 70 minutes of play time. The Willen II provides 17 hours, with a 20-minute charge delivering 5.5 hours of playback.
Both implementations are practical, but Sony's longer battery life gives it an edge for extended use.
At $99.99, the XE300 delivers impressive value, especially considering its sound quality and features. The Willen II's $119.99 price point might seem steep given its size, but you're paying for premium build quality and ultimate portability.
The choice between these speakers really comes down to your primary use case:
Choose the Sony XE300 if:
Go for the Marshall Willen II if:
Both speakers represent different visions of portable audio's future. The XE300 shows how close portable speakers can get to home audio quality, while the Willen II demonstrates the impressive capabilities possible in ultra-compact forms.
For most users, the Sony XE300 offers better overall value with its superior sound quality and features. However, the Marshall Willen II fills an important niche for those prioritizing portability above all else.
The final decision often comes down to how you'll primarily use the speaker. If you're frequently moving between locations and space is at a premium, the Willen II's compact size is compelling. For those wanting a more powerful, versatile speaker that can handle various situations, the XE300 is the better choice.
| Sony XE300 | Marshall Willen II |
|---|---|
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and sound potential | |
| 238mm length, 1.3kg - Larger but still portable | 100.5mm square, 0.36kg - Ultra compact |
| Sound Output - Determines volume and audio quality | |
| Dual passive radiators with X-Balanced driver - Fuller, room-filling sound | 10W single driver with dual radiators - Clear but limited volume |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use | |
| 24 hours, 10-min charge = 70-min playback | 17 hours, 20-min charge = 5.5 hours playback |
| Water/Dust Protection - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 rated - Full protection | IP67 rated - Full protection |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection quality and range | |
| 5.2 with LDAC codec support - Better audio quality | 5.3 with Auracast - Future-proof features |
| Special Features - Adds versatility | |
| Party Connect (100 speakers), Sony Music Center app | Built-in strap mount, Marshall app with EQ presets |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $99.99 - Better value for sound quality | $119.99 - Premium for portability |
| Best Use Case - Who should buy this | |
| Small parties, outdoor gatherings, home use | Personal listening, travel, sports activities |
| Sound Coverage - How well it fills a space | |
| Line-Shape Diffuser for wide sound distribution | Traditional directional output - best at close range |
| Bass Performance - Important for music enjoyment | |
| Strong bass presence with dual passive radiators | Limited bass due to size constraints |
The Sony XE300 is significantly better for home theater use due to its fuller sound, stronger bass response, and better room coverage. While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater, the XE300's Line-Shape Diffuser technology and larger drivers make it more suitable as a temporary TV speaker solution compared to the Marshall Willen II.
The Sony XE300 is priced at $99.99, while the Marshall Willen II costs $119.99. Despite being larger with better sound quality, the Sony is actually less expensive.
The Sony XE300 delivers superior sound quality with fuller bass, higher volume capability, and better sound distribution thanks to its larger drivers and Line-Shape Diffuser technology. The Marshall Willen II offers clear sound but can't match the Sony's audio performance due to size limitations.
Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance ratings, making them equally suitable for outdoor use. However, the Sony XE300 performs better in outdoor settings due to its louder volume and better sound projection, while the Marshall Willen II is more portable.
The Sony XE300 offers 24 hours of playback compared to the Marshall Willen II's 17 hours. The Sony also features quick charging, providing 70 minutes of playback from a 10-minute charge.
The Sony XE300 can connect with up to 100 compatible Sony speakers through Party Connect, while the Marshall Willen II supports future Auracast technology for multiple speaker connectivity.
The Marshall Willen II is significantly more portable at just 0.36kg and 100.5mm square, compared to the Sony XE300's 1.3kg weight and 238mm length. The Marshall also includes a built-in strap for easier carrying.
Both speakers can connect to smart TVs via Bluetooth, but the Sony XE300 is better suited for TV audio due to its superior sound quality and volume capabilities. The Marshall Willen II isn't recommended for TV use due to its limited output.
Both offer app control, with the Sony XE300 using Sony Music Center for extensive EQ customization and speaker linking, while the Marshall Willen II app provides basic EQ presets and controls.
The Sony XE300 is better suited for movie playback with its stronger bass response and room-filling sound. The Marshall Willen II is primarily designed for music and personal listening.
The Marshall Willen II features slightly newer Bluetooth 5.3 compared to the Sony XE300's 5.2, but the Sony includes LDAC codec support for higher quality audio streaming.
The Sony XE300 offers better value at $99.99 with superior sound quality and features, while the Marshall Willen II at $119.99 justifies its premium price through ultimate portability and premium build quality.
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: bestbuy.com - sony.co.uk - soundguys.com - bestbuy.com - cgmagonline.com - sony.com - sony.com - bestbuy.com - sony.com - electronics.sony.com - helpguide.sony.net - 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
