The portable speaker market has come a long way from the early days of tinny, battery-hungry devices. Today's speakers offer impressive sound quality, durability, and features that make them versatile companions for everything from backyard parties to beach days. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two popular 2024 options: the value-focused Soundcore Boom 2 SE ($79.99) and the premium Marshall Willen II ($119.99).
Before comparing specific models, it's important to understand what makes a great portable speaker. Key factors include:
These speakers approach these factors differently, reflecting their target markets and price points.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE employs a 30W output system with dual drivers. While it doesn't match the bass response of its larger siblings, it delivers respectable low-end performance for its size. The speaker uses passive radiators (non-powered speakers that move in response to air pressure) to enhance bass response without requiring additional power.
The Marshall Willen II takes a different approach with its single 38W driver and dual passive radiators. Despite its smaller size, it produces clearer, more detailed sound across the frequency spectrum (75-20,000 Hz). The higher-quality driver and Marshall's audio tuning expertise result in better sound separation and clarity, especially noticeable in complex musical passages.
In practical use, these differences become apparent in specific scenarios:
For home theater use, neither speaker is ideal as a primary solution, but they can serve as decent surrounds in a pinch, with the Marshall's better frequency response making it the superior choice.
Both speakers feature robust construction, but approach weather resistance differently:
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE offers:
The Marshall Willen II provides:
Battery technology has improved significantly in recent years, benefiting both speakers:
Soundcore Boom 2 SE:
Marshall Willen II:
Modern Bluetooth speakers offer more than just audio playback. Here's how these models compare:
Both speakers use Bluetooth 5.3, providing:
The Soundcore includes:
The Marshall offers:
At $79.99, the Soundcore Boom 2 SE represents excellent value for casual users. It delivers good sound quality and useful features at a competitive price point. The build quality and water resistance make it particularly appealing for outdoor use.
The Marshall Willen II at $119.99 justifies its premium with superior sound quality, better build quality, and fast charging capability. The brand's audio expertise is evident in the sound tuning and overall performance.
Let's break down how these speakers perform in common situations:
Choose the Soundcore Boom 2 SE if:
Choose the Marshall Willen II if:
Both speakers should last several years with proper care. The Marshall's better dust protection may give it an edge in longevity, while the Soundcore's simpler design might mean fewer potential failure points.
Battery degradation is inevitable in any portable device, but both use modern lithium-ion cells that should maintain good capacity for 2-3 years of regular use.
The portable speaker market continues to evolve, with both these models representing significant improvements over their predecessors. The Soundcore Boom 2 SE and Marshall Willen II serve different segments of the market effectively, with clear trade-offs between price and performance.
For most casual users, the Soundcore offers everything needed at an attractive price point. However, if sound quality is paramount and budget allows, the Marshall's superior audio performance and build quality make it a worthwhile investment.
Remember that personal preferences play a huge role in speaker selection. If possible, try to listen to both before making a decision, as sound quality is subjective and what works for one person might not suit another.
| Soundcore Boom 2 SE | Marshall Willen II |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial investment consideration | |
| $79.99 (better value for casual use) | $119.99 (premium pricing reflects audio quality) |
| Power Output - Determines maximum volume and clarity | |
| 30W total output (good for medium-sized spaces) | 38W driver (stronger, clearer output at high volumes) |
| Water/Dust Protection - Important for outdoor use | |
| IPX7 (waterproof + floatable, no dust rating) | IP67 (waterproof + complete dust protection) |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use | |
| 18 hours (longer life, standard charging) | 15 hours (shorter life but includes fast charging) |
| Audio Specs - Impact on sound quality | |
| Basic frequency response, balanced mids | 75-20,000 Hz range, superior clarity across spectrum |
| Charging Features - Convenience factor | |
| Standard USB-C charging, no quick charge | Fast charging (20 min = 5.5 hours playback) |
| Multi-Speaker Features - Expandability options | |
| PartyCast 2.0 (connects up to 100 speakers) | Auracast support coming (future update) |
| Size and Portability - Ease of transport | |
| Larger form factor, includes carry strap | Compact design (4" square, 2" deep) |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality | |
| Built-in power bank, basic EQ controls | Advanced EQ, multi-host connectivity |
| Build Quality - Durability and feel | |
| Durable plastic construction, good build | Premium materials, metal grille, superior build |
The Marshall Willen II performs better for home theater use due to its superior frequency response (75-20,000 Hz) and clearer sound reproduction. However, neither the Soundcore Boom 2 SE nor Marshall Willen II is ideal as a primary home theater speaker - they're best used as temporary or portable solutions.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE costs $79.99, while the Marshall Willen II is priced at $119.99 - a $40 difference. The price premium reflects Marshall's better sound quality and build materials.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE offers 18 hours of playback, while the Marshall Willen II provides 15 hours. However, the Marshall includes fast charging (20 minutes for 5.5 hours of playback), which the Soundcore lacks.
Both speakers are water-resistant. The Soundcore Boom 2 SE has IPX7 rating and can float, while the Marshall Willen II has IP67 rating, offering additional dust protection. Both can handle rain and brief water submersion.
The Marshall Willen II with its 38W driver typically produces louder, clearer sound than the Soundcore Boom 2 SE with its 30W output. The Marshall also maintains better sound quality at higher volumes.
Yes, both speakers use Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity. The Marshall Willen II offers multi-host functionality for seamless switching, while the Soundcore Boom 2 SE supports standard Bluetooth device switching.
Despite its smaller size, the Marshall Willen II produces clearer, more defined bass thanks to its superior driver and dual passive radiators. The Soundcore Boom 2 SE offers decent bass but can't match the Marshall's precision.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE supports PartyCast 2.0, allowing connection with up to 100 compatible Soundcore speakers. The Marshall Willen II will support Auracast in a future update for multi-speaker connectivity.
The Marshall Willen II is more compact at 4" square and 2" deep, making it more portable. The Soundcore Boom 2 SE is larger but includes a convenient carrying strap.
While neither is ideal for primary movie audio, the Marshall Willen II performs better for film content due to its wider frequency response and better clarity. The Soundcore Boom 2 SE can work but may struggle with complex movie soundtracks.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE at $79.99 offers better value for casual users who prioritize basic functionality and longer battery life. The Marshall Willen II at $119.99 justifies its higher price through superior sound quality and build.
Both work well as computer speakers, with the Marshall Willen II offering better near-field listening quality. The Soundcore Boom 2 SE performs adequately but lacks the Marshall's audio precision for desktop use.
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 - gzhls.at - youtube.com - techradar.com - support.soundcore.com - digitaltrends.com - trustedreviews.com - soundguys.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
