Marshall has long been known for blending iconic design with bold sound, but its first ultra-compact Bluetooth speaker, the Marshall Willen, left some audiophiles underwhelmed. Enter the Marshall Willen II — a compact, rugged speaker that doesn’t just look the part but finally sounds like a Marshall should.
In this deep-dive, we unpack the real-world performance of the Willen II and compare it head-to-head with its predecessor to see if it’s worth the upgrade.
🎧 Design: If It Ain’t Broke, Polish It
Visually, the Willen II sticks close to the winning Marshall formula. The vintage-inspired design with gold accents, rubberized edges, and leather-textured body remains untouched — and that’s a good thing. It still screams rock ‘n’ roll chic.
What’s new? The front metal grille is now more flush with the frame, lending a more premium, clean finish. It’s also slightly wider and 50g heavier, but that contributes to its improved stability and sound resonance.
Notable design enhancements:
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Redesigned control panel with a dedicated power button (no more joystick-only power-on).
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Same intuitive joystick navigation remains for volume and playback.
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IP67 water and dust resistance stays, making it shower- and pool-party-proof.
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Handy rubber strap loop for attaching to backpacks or handlebars.
🔉 Sound Quality: From Tinny to Terrific
The most dramatic leap forward comes in the sound department.
Where the original Willen sounded tinny and top-heavy — especially lacking in bass — the Willen II finally delivers a balanced, full-bodied experience. The difference is immediate and undeniable:
What’s Improved:
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Frequency Response: 75Hz – 20kHz (vs. 100Hz – 20kHz in Willen)
→ Now handles deeper bass tones with ease. -
Power Output: 38W vs. just 10W in the original
→ More headroom, more confidence at higher volumes. -
Sound Tuning: Warmer low-mids, cleaner highs, and more presence
→ It sounds natural, lively, and fun, without ear fatigue.
While the treble detail has softened slightly, the overall tone is much more listenable and enjoyable. Compared to the JBL Clip 5, the Willen II still holds its own at higher volumes and doesn’t distort as easily — something its predecessor struggled with.
🎶 Perfect use cases: Podcasts, acoustic tracks, lo-fi, and casual listening. Even good enough for outdoo hangs.
🔋 Battery Life: More Juice, Faster Top-ups
Marshall boosts battery endurance without adding much bulk:
| Feature | Willen | Willen II |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 15 hours | 17 hours |
| Fast Charging (20 min) | 2.5 hours playtime | 5.5 hours playtime |
That’s nearly double the quick-charge efficiency in the Willen II. Ideal for last-minute getaways or spontaneous hikes.
Plus, a new battery management system in the app allows for:
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Reduced max charge (to extend battery lifespan)
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Slower charge rate at high temps
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Sustainability-focused options
📱 Features & Connectivity: More Smart, Less Gimmick
Bluetooth has also been improved, going from a solid connection to state-of-the-art:
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Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio & Auracast (pending update)
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Supports multi-point audio streaming in the future
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Still lacks AptX codec, but performance doesn’t suffer
The Marshall app remains minimal but user-friendly. The only major gripe: the equalizer still offers just three presets (Signature, Press, Voice) with no custom tuning. A missed opportunity.
🎙️ Hands-Free Use & Mic Quality
Willen II retains a built-in microphone for calls. It’s nothing revolutionary but works well for quick voice chats. Marshall also maintains one USB-C port for charging — no frills, just function.
⚖️ Marshall Willen vs. Marshall Willen II: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Willen I | Willen II |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Output | 10W, tinny sound | 38W, rich & balanced |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz–20kHz | 75Hz–20kHz |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 + LE Audio |
| Fast Charging (20 mins) | 2.5 hrs playback | 5.5 hrs playback |
| Battery Life | 15 hours | 17 hours |
| Equalizer | 3 presets only | Same (no manual) |
| App Features | Basic | Adds battery management |
| Weight | ~310g | ~360g |
✅ Verdict: Should You Buy the Willen II?
Absolutely — if sound and battery are your priorities.
The Marshall Willen II is a worthy upgrade that corrects nearly all the pain points of its predecessor. It combines rugged design, premium build, and meaningfully upgraded sound in a form factor that fits your palm.
If you’re a Marshall fan or want a pocket-sized speaker with personality, the Willen II is your go-to. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and design is less of a factor, the JBL Clip 5 remains a compelling, more affordable alternative.
🛒 Who Is It For?
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Urban commuters looking for a style statement with substance.
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Backpackers and bikers needing a rugged, waterproof speaker.
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Podcast listeners & casual music lovers wanting rich midrange sound.
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Marshall fans who want compact without compromise.
