The portable Bluetooth speaker market has matured significantly in recent years, offering options ranging from tiny, rugged companions to premium audio powerhouses. Today we're comparing two distinct approaches: the ultra-portable Ultimate Ears MINIROLL ($49.99) and the premium Marshall Stockwell II ($129.99).
These speakers represent two different philosophies in portable audio. The MINIROLL, released in 2023, embraces the "go anywhere" mentality with its tiny form factor and robust durability. The Stockwell II, launched in 2019, takes a more traditional approach, focusing on sound quality and classic Marshall styling.
The MINIROLL is remarkably compact at just 279 grams - lighter than many smartphones. Its cylindrical design includes a clever silicone strap for attaching to bags, bikes, or belt loops. The speaker uses recycled materials (40% post-consumer plastic) while maintaining professional build quality.
The Stockwell II pays homage to Marshall's amplifier heritage with its metal grille and leather-style accents. At 1.38kg, it's substantially heavier but still portable enough for regular transport. The analog control knobs aren't just for show - they provide genuine bass and treble adjustment, something rare in portable speakers.
Despite its tiny size, the MINIROLL packs impressive volume capabilities:
The Stockwell II delivers more refined audio:
The MINIROLL showcases newer technology with Bluetooth 5.3 and advanced codecs (AAC, SBC, LC3). Its PartyUp feature uses Auracast technology to connect multiple speakers - potentially unlimited according to Ultimate Ears. While this sounds impressive, real-world testing typically shows diminishing returns after connecting 4-6 speakers due to synchronization challenges.
The Stockwell II uses slightly older Bluetooth 5.0 but includes multi-host functionality for switching between two devices. Its analog inputs provide flexibility for non-Bluetooth sources - particularly useful for home theater applications where wireless latency might be problematic.
Here's where use cases really diverge:
MINIROLL:
Stockwell II:
The Stockwell II leads with 20 hours of playback and quick-charging capability (6 hours from 20 minutes of charging). The MINIROLL manages 12 hours, which is still impressive given its size. Both use USB-C charging, though the MINIROLL notably doesn't include a cable (part of their sustainability initiative).
In home environments, the Stockwell II's superior audio quality becomes apparent. Its larger drivers and more sophisticated amplification system produce richer mids and clearer highs. For home theater use, the analog input and adjustable EQ make it more versatile, though neither speaker is ideal as a primary home theater solution due to their mono/virtual stereo design.
The MINIROLL excels outdoors where its durability and portability shine. Its outdoor mode helps combat wind and ambient noise, while the waterproof design means you don't have to worry about weather. The Stockwell II produces better overall sound but requires more careful handling outdoors.
At $49.99, the MINIROLL offers exceptional value for:
The $129.99 price point delivers:
Consider these key questions:
The MINIROLL and Stockwell II excel in different scenarios, making direct comparison challenging. The MINIROLL represents the latest in ultra-portable speaker technology, while the Stockwell II delivers a more traditional, premium audio experience.
For most users, the decision will come down to intended use. If you need something incredibly portable that can handle abuse, the MINIROLL is an excellent choice at a great price point. If you're more concerned with sound quality and don't mind the extra size and weight, the Stockwell II's superior audio capabilities justify its higher price tag.
Remember that both speakers can handle basic music playback well - the differences become apparent at the extremes of their capabilities. Consider your typical use case carefully, and choose based on where you'll use the speaker most often rather than edge cases.
| Ultimate Ears MINIROLL ($49.99) | Marshall Stockwell II ($129.99) |
|---|---|
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and ease of transport | |
| 122.67 x 105 x 48.15mm, 279g (truly pocket-sized) | 180 x 161 x 70mm, 1.38kg (compact but substantial) |
| Sound Output - Determines volume and audio quality | |
| Single 45.6mm driver + passive radiator, 86-87 dBC max | Dual 5W tweeters + 10W woofer, 80 dB @ 1m |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use | |
| 12 hours (adequate for most uses) | 20 hours + quick charge (6 hours from 20min charge) |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (fully waterproof/dustproof, submersible 1m) | IPX4 (splash resistant only) |
| Bluetooth Version & Range - Affects connection quality | |
| Bluetooth 5.3, 40m range, AAC/SBC/LC3 codecs | Bluetooth 5.0, 30m range, SBC codec |
| Special Features - Adds functionality beyond basic playback | |
| PartyUp unlimited speaker pairing, outdoor mode, hookable strap | Analog EQ controls, multi-host connection, 3.5mm input |
| Build Materials - Affects durability and premium feel | |
| 40% recycled plastic, silicone strap, rugged design | Metal grille, vegan leather, premium analog knobs |
| Sound Customization - Control over audio output | |
| No EQ adjustments, fixed sound profile | Manual bass/treble controls, True Stereophonic sound |
| Warranty & Support - Protection for investment | |
| 2-year limited hardware warranty | 1-year standard warranty |
| Environmental Impact - Sustainability considerations | |
| 40% post-consumer recycled plastic, eco-friendly packaging | Standard materials, traditional packaging |
The Marshall Stockwell II ($129.99) is better suited for home theater use due to its 3.5mm analog input, which reduces audio lag compared to Bluetooth. However, neither the Stockwell II nor the MINIROLL ($49.99) is ideal as a primary home theater speaker due to their mono/virtual stereo design.
The MINIROLL costs $49.99, while the Stockwell II is priced at $129.99, representing an $80 difference. The price gap reflects differences in size, audio quality, and feature set.
Yes, but with different capabilities. The MINIROLL is fully waterproof (IP67) and designed for outdoor use with a special outdoor mode. The Stockwell II is only splash-resistant (IPX4) and better suited for controlled environments like patios or decks.
The Marshall Stockwell II offers superior battery life with 20 hours of playback and quick-charging capability. The MINIROLL provides 12 hours, which is still reasonable for its compact size.
The MINIROLL is significantly more portable at 279g with a built-in strap for easy carrying. The Stockwell II weighs 1.38kg and is more of a transportable speaker than a truly portable one.
The Stockwell II delivers superior sound quality with better bass response, clearer mids, and adjustable EQ. The MINIROLL focuses on volume output for its size but can't match the Stockwell II's audio fidelity.
Both can connect to multiple devices, but differently. The Stockwell II offers multi-host functionality for two devices, while the MINIROLL can connect to two source devices and link with multiple MINIROLL speakers through PartyUp mode.
The MINIROLL is more durable with its IP67 rating and drop resistance up to 1.2 meters. The Stockwell II has good build quality but isn't designed for rough handling.
Both speakers work with smart TVs via Bluetooth, but the Stockwell II offers better TV connectivity through its 3.5mm input, which reduces audio lag. The MINIROLL relies solely on Bluetooth connection.
The MINIROLL offers better Bluetooth range at 40 meters compared to the Stockwell II's 30-meter range. Both provide stable connections within typical home use distances.
The Stockwell II features physical knobs for adjusting bass and treble. The MINIROLL doesn't offer sound customization beyond its automatic outdoor mode.
The MINIROLL comes with a 2-year limited hardware warranty, while the Stockwell II includes a 1-year standard warranty. Both brands have good reputations for customer support.
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: techradar.com - businesswire.com - bestbuy.com - stuff.tv - ultimateears.com - target.com - youtube.com - ultimateears.com - ultimateears.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
