When Ultimate Ears MINIROLL ($79.99) launched in September 2024, it marked a shift toward more sustainable, ultra-compact speakers. Just a month earlier, Marshall released their Willen II ($119.99), building on their audio heritage while embracing modern features. Both products represent the latest in portable audio technology, but they take notably different approaches to solving similar problems.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have become essential gadgets for many of us. They need to balance several competing factors: sound quality, size, durability, and battery life. The physics of audio reproduction means smaller speakers generally struggle with bass response and overall volume - but modern engineering and clever design can help overcome these limitations.
The latest generation of speakers uses advanced digital signal processing (DSP) and carefully tuned passive radiators (unpowered speakers that respond to air pressure from the main driver) to create fuller sound from tiny enclosures. This technology has advanced significantly even in the past few years.
The MINIROLL uses a single 45.6mm active driver paired with one passive radiator. This setup prioritizes volume and bass impact over absolute clarity. In testing, it can get surprisingly loud for its size, reaching 86-87dB - enough to fill a medium-sized room.
The Willen II takes a different approach with its 2-inch (50.8mm) driver and dual passive radiators. This configuration delivers more balanced sound with better clarity in the mid-range frequencies (where vocals and most instruments live). It can hit 88dB, slightly louder than the MINIROLL, but more importantly, it maintains better composure at higher volumes.
In practical use, these differences become clear:
Both speakers feature robust construction with IP67 water and dust resistance. This rating means they can survive submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes - perfect for pool parties or unexpected rain.
The MINIROLL emphasizes ultimate portability:
The Willen II focuses on versatility:
Both speakers use Bluetooth 5.3, but implement it differently:
MINIROLL:
Willen II:
Battery life has seen significant improvements in recent years:
The Willen II's quick-charge feature is particularly impressive - 20 minutes of charging provides 5.5 hours of playback, perfect for last-minute adventures.
Both speakers excel outdoors but in different ways:
MINIROLL strengths:
Willen II advantages:
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, they can serve as decent auxiliary speakers:
The $40 price difference between these speakers represents different priorities:
MINIROLL at $79.99 offers:
Willen II at $119.99 delivers:
Consider these key factors when choosing:
Both speakers support Auracast, a new technology that will enable better multi-speaker setups and public audio sharing. This future-proofing suggests both companies are committed to long-term support and feature updates.
The MINIROLL and Willen II represent different philosophies in portable audio. The MINIROLL emphasizes simplicity and portability while maintaining good performance. The Willen II offers more features and better sound quality at a higher price point.
For most users, the decision will come down to priorities: If maximum portability and value are key, the MINIROLL is an excellent choice. If sound quality and features matter more, the additional investment in the Willen II is worthwhile.
Both speakers demonstrate how far portable audio has come, offering impressive performance in increasingly compact packages. They represent different sweet spots in the market, and either one could be the right choice depending on your specific needs.
| Ultimate Ears MINIROLL | Marshall Willen II |
|---|---|
| Price - Core consideration for value assessment | |
| $79.99 (better value for basic needs) | $119.99 (premium features justify cost) |
| Sound Output - Determines room-filling capability | |
| 86-87 dB, bass-heavy signature | 88 dB, more balanced with better clarity |
| Driver Configuration - Impacts sound quality and depth | |
| Single 45.6mm driver + one passive radiator | 2-inch driver + two passive radiators |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use | |
| 12 hours standard playback | 17+ hours + quick charge (20min = 5.5hrs) |
| Size & Weight - Affects portability | |
| 122.67 x 105 x 48.15mm, 279g (more compact) | 100.5 x 100.5 x 43.4mm, 360g (slightly larger) |
| Durability Rating - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 waterproof/dustproof | IP67 waterproof/dustproof |
| Bluetooth Range - Impacts usability | |
| 40 meters, Bluetooth 5.3 | 100 meters, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Control Features - Affects user experience | |
| Basic controls, no app support | App with EQ, built-in mic, extensive controls |
| Multi-Speaker Support - Expandability options | |
| PartyUp mode via Auracast | Stack Mode via Auracast |
| Special Features - Additional value considerations | |
| Eco-friendly design (40% recycled materials) | Quick charge, hands-free calls, EQ customization |
| Warranty Coverage - Long-term value protection | |
| 2-year limited warranty | 2-year limited warranty |
The Marshall Willen II ($119.99) is better suited for home theater use due to its clearer mid-range frequencies and better dialogue reproduction. However, neither the Willen II nor the Ultimate Ears MINIROLL ($79.99) are primarily designed for home theater applications.
The Ultimate Ears MINIROLL costs $79.99, while the Marshall Willen II is priced at $119.99, representing a $40 difference. The price premium for the Willen II includes better sound quality and additional features.
While both speakers can be paired with multiple units, neither is ideal for dedicated surround sound. They lack the specialized wireless protocols and low latency needed for proper home theater surround applications.
The Marshall Willen II offers superior battery life at 17+ hours, compared to 12 hours for the MINIROLL. The Willen II also includes quick-charging capability.
The Ultimate Ears MINIROLL is more portable, weighing 279g compared to the Willen II's 360g. The MINIROLL also has a slightly more compact design for easier carrying.
While both speakers can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability, they're not ideal for this purpose due to potential audio lag. For TV sound, dedicated soundbars or home theater speakers are recommended.
The Marshall Willen II offers better overall sound quality with clearer mids and more balanced audio, while the MINIROLL provides stronger bass response but less refined sound.
Yes, both speakers support multi-speaker pairing through Auracast technology. This allows for wider sound coverage in larger spaces.
For basic use, the MINIROLL at $79.99 offers better value. However, if you need better sound quality and additional features, the Willen II's $119.99 price point is justified.
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 - 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
