Looking for a portable speaker that can fill your space with rich sound? Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two popular options - the $129.99 Soundcore Boom 2 and the $129.99 Marshall Stockwell II.
Bluetooth speakers have come a long way from their tinny, battery-hungry beginnings. Today's models offer impressive sound quality, extended battery life, and features that were unthinkable just a few years ago. Both of these speakers, released in 2022, represent the current state of portable audio technology.
The Soundcore Boom 2 takes a "more is more" approach with its 80W output system. This includes a 50W subwoofer (the speaker dedicated to bass frequencies) and dual 15W tweeters (handling the higher frequencies). The speaker uses something called BassUp 2.0 technology, which basically means it can analyze your music in real-time and adjust the low frequencies for better bass response.
In contrast, the Marshall Stockwell II opts for a more balanced approach. Its 20W system (one 10W woofer, two 5W tweeters) might seem underpowered on paper, but Marshall's heritage in professional audio equipment shows in the tuning. The sound signature is more neutral, meaning it tries to reproduce music exactly as it was recorded rather than adding extra bass or treble.
What does this mean in real-world use? The Boom 2 excels at outdoor parties and large spaces where raw power matters. It can get significantly louder without distortion and produces the kind of bass that you can feel. The Stockwell II shines in more intimate settings where sound quality matters more than volume - think backyard dinners or bedroom listening.
These speakers couldn't be more different in their design approach. The Boom 2 embraces modern aesthetics with its rugged exterior, LED light show, and chunky handle. It's built to survive with an IPX7 rating, meaning it can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without damage.
The Stockwell II channels Marshall's amplifier heritage with a classic look featuring metal grilles and analog control knobs. While not as waterproof (IPX4 - splashproof only), it feels more premium with its metal and leather construction. The physical bass and treble controls are particularly satisfying to use compared to app-based adjustments.
Here's where the Boom 2 really shows its tech-forward approach:
The Stockwell II keeps things simpler:
Both speakers offer impressive battery life, but there are important differences. The Boom 2 claims 24 hours of playback, but this drops significantly when using features like BassUp and the light show. The Stockwell II provides a more consistent 20 hours, and its quick-charge feature can be a lifesaver in a pinch.
For home theater use, neither speaker is ideal compared to dedicated systems, but the Boom 2's higher power output and stronger bass make it the better choice for movie watching. Its stereo separation is also more pronounced, creating a wider soundstage.
In outdoor settings, the Boom 2's extra power and waterproofing make it the clear winner. However, the Stockwell II's more balanced sound profile means it performs better with acoustic music and podcasts where clarity matters more than volume.
At the same price point ($129.99), these speakers offer different kinds of value. The Boom 2 gives you more features and raw power, while the Stockwell II provides better build quality and more refined sound. Think of it like choosing between a Swiss Army knife and a perfectly crafted regular knife - both are valuable, but for different reasons.
Choose the Soundcore Boom 2 if you:
Choose the Marshall Stockwell II if you:
Both speakers incorporate recent advances in Bluetooth technology, using version 5.0 or higher for better range and stability. The Boom 2's PartyCast 2.0 technology points toward a future of more interconnected audio systems, while the Stockwell II's approach suggests there's still room for traditional audio values in modern devices.
Remember, the best speaker is the one that fits your specific needs. Consider your typical listening environment, preferred music genres, and whether extra features like waterproofing or light shows matter to you. Both these speakers excel in their intended use cases - it's just a matter of matching those capabilities to your requirements.
| Soundcore BOOM 2 | Marshall Stockwell II |
|---|---|
| Power Output - Determines maximum volume and sound clarity | |
| 80W total (50W sub + 2x15W tweeters) | 20W total (10W woofer + 2x5W tweeters) |
| Battery Life - Important for extended use without charging | |
| 24 hours (reduces with bass boost/lights) | 20 hours (consistent across features) |
| Water Resistance - Critical for outdoor use | |
| IPX7 (fully waterproof, can submerge) | IPX4 (splash resistant only) |
| Size - Affects portability and placement options | |
| 5531.48 cm³ (larger, with handle) | 2028.6 cm³ (more compact) |
| Special Features - Added value beyond basic audio | |
| LED light show, power bank, PartyCast 2.0 | Physical EQ controls, AUX input, quick charge |
| Sound Profile - Impacts listening experience | |
| Bass-heavy, party-oriented sound | Balanced, studio-like signature |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection quality | |
| 5.3 (100m range) | 5.0 (30m range) |
| Multi-Speaker Support - Expandability options | |
| Connect 100+ speakers | No multi-speaker support |
| Charging Time - Convenience factor | |
| 5.5 hours for full charge | 5 hours (20min quick charge for 6h play) |
| Construction - Durability and aesthetics | |
| Rugged plastic with metal grille | Premium metal and leather finish |
The $129.99 Soundcore Boom 2 is better for home theater use due to its higher 80W power output and stronger bass response. While neither is ideal as a primary home theater speaker, the Boom 2's wider soundstage and more powerful output make it more suitable for movie watching.
Both the Soundcore Boom 2 and Marshall Stockwell II are priced at $129.99, making them direct competitors in the mid-range portable speaker market.
The Soundcore Boom 2 offers 24 hours of playback compared to the Stockwell II's 20 hours. However, the Boom 2's battery life decreases when using features like LED lights and bass boost.
Yes, both can be used outdoors, but the Soundcore Boom 2 is better suited with its IPX7 waterproof rating and louder volume. The Stockwell II is only IPX4 splash-resistant.
The Marshall Stockwell II offers more balanced, accurate sound reproduction, while the Boom 2 provides more powerful, bass-heavy output. For critical listening, the Stockwell II is superior, but for parties and movies, the Boom 2's sound profile may be preferred.
The Stockwell II can connect to two devices simultaneously, while the Boom 2 supports multi-device connection and can also link with 100+ other Soundcore speakers through PartyCast 2.0.
The Marshall Stockwell II is more compact and portable with a volume of 2028.6 cm³, compared to the Boom 2's 5531.48 cm³, though the Boom 2 includes a convenient carrying handle.
Neither speaker is designed for integration with surround sound systems. For home theater use, dedicated surround speakers would be a better choice, though the Boom 2 can provide decent stereo sound for casual viewing.
The Soundcore Boom 2 offers superior connectivity with Bluetooth 5.3 and a 100-meter range, while the Stockwell II uses Bluetooth 5.0 with a 30-meter range.
While both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability, the Boom 2 is better suited due to its higher power output and stronger bass response. However, there may be audio sync issues when using Bluetooth for TV sound.
The Soundcore Boom 2 offers more features and power for the price, including LED lights, power bank functionality, and higher volume output. However, the Stockwell II provides better build quality and more balanced sound.
Neither speaker has built-in voice assistant support. Both can play audio from devices using voice assistants, but they don't have direct integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
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: soundcore.com - audioholics.com - community.anker.com - trustedreviews.com - soundcore.com - manuals.plus - soundcore.com - youtube.com - community.anker.com - soundandvision.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
