When it comes to portable audio, choosing between the new Soundcore BOOM 2 ($129.99) and Marshall Willen II ($119.99) isn't as straightforward as you might think. Let's dive into what makes each speaker unique and help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have come a long way from the tinny, battery-hungry devices of the past. Modern speakers now offer impressive sound quality, extended battery life, and durability features that make them genuinely practical for daily use. The key is finding the right balance of features for your specific needs.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 launches in mid-February 2024, bringing significant upgrades over its predecessor. Most notably, it features BassUp 2.0 technology, which boosts power output from 60W to 80W when activated. Meanwhile, the Marshall Willen II represents a more iterative update to Marshall's compact speaker line, focusing on refinements rather than revolutionary changes.
The BOOM 2's 80W output (using two tweeters and one subwoofer) significantly outmuscles the Willen II's 10W single driver setup. However, raw power numbers don't tell the whole story. The Willen II uses its 38W Class D amplifier to deliver surprisingly balanced and warm audio from its compact frame.
In practice, the BOOM 2 excels at filling larger spaces with sound, making it ideal for parties and outdoor gatherings. Its 93.3 dB sound pressure level means it can get properly loud without distortion. The Willen II, while quieter, offers more refined audio characteristics that many listeners might prefer for personal use.
The BOOM 2 takes a more traditional portable speaker approach with its larger size, but includes modern touches like LED lighting that syncs with music. The Willen II opts for a more compact, premium build with Marshall's signature styling and a clever rubber strap for mounting.
Both speakers offer water resistance, but with different approaches:
Both speakers use Bluetooth 5.3, offering excellent range and stability. The BOOM 2's PartyCast 2.0 feature allows connecting up to 100 speakers - a significant advantage for those interested in multi-room audio. The Willen II focuses on single-unit performance but offers more stable connection quality over distance.
The BOOM 2 includes several unique features:
The Willen II offers:
Both speakers offer similar battery life around 17 hours, but with different optimizations:
The Soundcore BOOM 2 clearly wins for social gatherings:
The Marshall Willen II excels here:
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, the BOOM 2's multi-speaker capability could make it an interesting option for casual surround sound setups. However, the lack of low latency codecs means they're not ideal for this use case.
The $10 price difference between these speakers ($129.99 vs $119.99) is less important than their feature sets. The BOOM 2 offers more raw power and features, while the Willen II provides premium build quality and portability.
Consider your primary use case:
For Party/Group Settings:
For Personal/Travel Use:
The BassUp 2.0 technology in the BOOM 2 uses digital signal processing to analyze and enhance low frequencies in real-time, while maintaining clarity. This results in a 33% power increase (from 60W to 80W) when activated.
The Willen II's Class D amplifier provides exceptional efficiency, allowing it to produce impressive sound from a small form factor while maintaining excellent battery life. Its frequency response range of 75-20,000 Hz covers most musical needs effectively.
The Willen II's planned Auracast support could be a game-changer for future connectivity options, while the BOOM 2's app-based platform allows for potential feature additions through software updates.
Both speakers represent excellent value in their respective niches. The Soundcore BOOM 2 is the clear choice for those prioritizing volume and social features, while the Marshall Willen II better serves those seeking premium build quality and portability. Your specific needs and use cases should guide your decision more than the modest price difference between them.
| Soundcore BOOM 2 | Marshall Willen II |
|---|---|
| Power Output - Determines maximum volume and sound coverage | |
| 80W total (with BassUp 2.0) | 10W (38W Class D amplifier) |
| Size & Weight - Affects portability and ease of transport | |
| Larger form factor, exact dimensions TBA | 4" x 4" x 1.7", 0.79 lbs |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use without charging | |
| Up to 24h (17h with features on) | 17+ hours consistent |
| Water Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IPX7 (waterproof + floatable) | IP67 (waterproof + dustproof) |
| Speaker Configuration - Impacts sound quality and clarity | |
| 2x tweeters + 1x subwoofer + passive radiators | Single 2" full-range driver + 2 passive radiators |
| Special Features - Adds value beyond basic audio | |
| LED light show, power bank, PartyCast 2.0 (100+ speakers) | Rubber mounting strap, premium build, Auracast ready |
| Sound Characteristics - Defines listening experience | |
| Louder, party-oriented sound, stronger bass | Warm, balanced audio, better clarity |
| Bluetooth Version & Range - Affects connection quality | |
| Bluetooth 5.3, 100m range | Bluetooth 5.3, up to 100m range |
| Price - Value proposition | |
| $129.99 (more features, higher power) | $119.99 (premium build, more portable) |
| Primary Use Case - Who it's best for | |
| Social gatherings, parties, outdoor events | Personal listening, travel, hiking |
The Soundcore BOOM 2 is significantly louder with its 80W output compared to the Marshall Willen II's 10W driver. If volume is your priority, the BOOM 2 is the clear winner.
While neither is ideal for home theater use, the Soundcore BOOM 2 offers multi-speaker connectivity that could work for casual surround setups. However, lack of low-latency codecs means you may experience audio delay with video content.
Both speakers offer similar battery life, with the Soundcore BOOM 2 lasting up to 24 hours (17 with features on) and the Marshall Willen II providing 17+ hours of consistent playback.
At $119.99, the Marshall Willen II offers excellent value for those prioritizing portability and build quality, though the BOOM 2 provides more features for just $10 more at $129.99.
Both are water-resistant, but the Soundcore BOOM 2 is IPX7 rated and floatable, making it ideal for pool parties, while the Marshall Willen II offers IP67 rating with additional dust protection.
Both speakers use Bluetooth 5.3 and can remember multiple paired devices, but the Soundcore BOOM 2 stands out with its PartyCast 2.0 feature allowing connection of 100+ speakers.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 delivers stronger bass, especially with its BassUp 2.0 technology, while the Marshall Willen II offers more balanced but less powerful bass response.
The Marshall Willen II is better suited for apartment living due to its more controlled volume and balanced sound, while the BOOM 2 might be too powerful for close quarters.
The Marshall Willen II is significantly more portable at just 4" square and 0.79 lbs, making it easier to carry than the larger Soundcore BOOM 2.
The Marshall Willen II includes a versatile rubber strap for mounting, while the BOOM 2 doesn't offer specific mounting options.
Neither speaker is optimized for TV audio, but the Soundcore BOOM 2 might work better due to its higher power output and ability to create a wider soundstage.
The Marshall Willen II offers warmer, more balanced sound quality ideal for personal listening, while the Soundcore BOOM 2 provides louder, more energetic output better suited for parties and group settings.
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 - 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
