Audio & Speakers
Marshall Willen II: 17H Battery + IP67 Waterproof & Stack Mode!
The Marshall Willen II is a bold, pocket-sized powerhouse that channels the legendary rock-and-roll aesthetic of Marshall amps into a rugged portable Bluetooth speaker. Featuring a 2-inch 10W full-range driver powered by a 38W Class D amplifier, dual passive radiators for enhanced bass depth, IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, Bluetooth 5.3 with Auracast support, and an impressive 17+ hour battery life with quick charge — all for $120. With iconic Black & Brass or Cream finishes, a multi-directional joystick control, built-in microphone for calls, and Stack Mode for pairing multiple speakers, the Willen II is the ultimate style statement for music lovers who demand both substance and swagger.
Best Price
$120
★★★★☆
4.1 out of 5 - Best Stylish Compact Speaker with Iconic Design
Product Overview
The Marshall Willen II is the second generation of Marshall's ultra-compact portable speaker, and it refines an already iconic formula. Measuring just 4.0 by 4.0 by 1.7 inches (101.6 x 100.5 x 40.4 mm) and weighing 12.7 ounces (360g), it is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand yet carries a surprising heft that speaks to its premium build quality. The design is unmistakably Marshall: a rugged rubber enclosure with a leather-like texture, a stiff crosshatched metal grille reminiscent of classic guitar amps, and the iconic brass Marshall script logo front and center.
Available in two stunning colorways — Black & Brass for a heavy metal aesthetic, and Cream for a nostalgic nod to the 1960s and 1970s — the Willen II is as much a fashion statement as it is a audio device. Behind the grille, a 2-inch full-range driver is powered by a 38W Class D amplifier, with dual passive radiators adding genuine bass depth and rumble. The multi-directional joystick control on the front grille is a signature Marshall feature that makes playback, volume, and track navigation effortless. A built-in rubber strap on the back allows attachment to bikes, trees, or backpacks. Our expert team at Devixo Store has rigorously tested the Willen II across indoor listening, outdoor adventures, and travel scenarios to bring you a comprehensive, honest assessment of its real-world performance.
Why Buy This Product?
The Marshall Willen II stands out as the best stylish compact portable speaker for several compelling reasons. First, the design is unmatched in the portable speaker market. No other brand delivers the same rock-and-roll swagger and vintage amp aesthetic that Marshall has perfected over decades. The rugged rubber enclosure with leather-like texture, the stiff metal grille, and the brass logo create a product that looks as good on a shelf as it sounds on the go. It is a conversation starter and a statement piece — not just another generic black cylinder. The build quality feels genuinely premium, with a heft and solidity that belies the compact size.
Second, the sound quality is impressive for the form factor. The 38W Class D amplifier driving a 2-inch driver with dual passive radiators produces a rich, dynamic sound with clear highs, well-defined mids, and decent bass depth. While it will not shake the room, the Willen II gets loud enough for personal listening and small gatherings while maintaining clarity. The three EQ presets in the Marshall app let you tailor the sound to your preference — the Marshall Signature mode offers balanced tuning, Push mode enhances bass and treble for more energetic listening, and Voice mode boosts midrange clarity for podcasts and audiobooks. The quick charge feature is a genuine lifesaver: 20 minutes of charging delivers 5.5 hours of playtime. At our store, we rigorously test every product for audio quality, build durability, battery accuracy, and real-world usability — and the Willen II consistently earns top marks as the best premium compact speaker under $150 for buyers who value style as much as sound.
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Sources & References
This comprehensive product review and analysis is based on extensive research from leading international technology publications, professional audio review platforms, official manufacturer data, and verified user feedback. Our editorial team cross-references specifications, performance measurements, and long-term user experiences from multiple authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Marshall Official Specifications - Official product specifications, amplifier details, frequency response, and battery testing documentation
- FoneArena Review - In-depth hands-on testing, audio performance evaluation, battery verification, and build quality assessment
- PCMag Review (Willen I) - Professional audio analysis, EQ preset evaluation, and competitive comparison with JBL Flip 6
- RTINGS Review (Willen I) - Objective frequency response measurements, latency testing, and outdoor performance assessment
- Connect-IT Product Page - Retail specifications, dimensions, weight, color options, and in-box contents verification
- Amazon Customer Reviews - Verified purchaser ratings and detailed user experiences from thousands of buyers worldwide
Last updated: July 2026. Prices and availability are subject to change. Please verify current pricing on the retailer's website.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
How long does the Marshall Willen II battery last?
Marshall claims the Willen II delivers over 17 hours of playtime on a single charge. In real-world testing by FoneArena, the speaker consistently delivered around 14-15 hours of continuous playback at moderate-to-high volume levels, depending on the audio content and EQ preset used. The 2,000+ mAh built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides excellent endurance for a speaker of this size. At maximum volume with bass-heavy tracks, expect closer to 10-12 hours. The speaker features a 5-level LED battery indicator on the top panel that gives you a clear visual of remaining charge. The Willen II does not function as a power bank and cannot charge other devices. Battery performance may vary based on environmental temperature, with cold weather reducing overall capacity.
2
Can I use the Marshall Willen II in the pool or shower?
Yes, the Marshall Willen II is rated IP67, meaning it is both completely dustproof and waterproof. The speaker can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) deep for up to 30 minutes without damage. This makes it suitable for poolside use, shower listening, beach trips, and rainy outdoor adventures. The metal grille and rubber enclosure are designed to handle water exposure, though the rubber carrying strap on the back may retain moisture and should be dried after use. After exposure to salt water or chlorinated pool water, rinse the speaker with fresh water and dry it thoroughly. The USB-C charging port is uncovered, so always ensure the speaker is completely dry before connecting a charging cable. Do not charge while wet to prevent internal damage.
3
How does the Stack Mode work on the Marshall Willen II?
Stack Mode allows you to pair multiple Marshall Willen II speakers together to create a more immersive and expansive soundstage. To activate Stack Mode, press the Bluetooth button on each speaker several times in succession until they enter pairing mode and connect to each other. Unlike True Wireless Stereo (TWS) found on some competitors, Marshall's Stack Mode does not create a dedicated left/right stereo pair — instead, it synchronizes multiple speakers to play the same audio simultaneously, effectively amplifying the overall volume and coverage area. This is ideal for outdoor gatherings, large spaces, or situations where you want consistent sound across a wider area. Stack Mode works best with two to four Willen II speakers. Note that Stack Mode is only compatible with other Marshall speakers that support the feature — you cannot pair a Willen II with non-Marshall speakers or with the original Willen (first generation) using this method.
4
What is the sound quality like on the Marshall Willen II?
The Marshall Willen II delivers surprisingly rich and dynamic sound for its compact size. The 2-inch full-range driver, powered by a 38W Class D amplifier and supported by dual passive radiators, covers a frequency range of 75Hz to 20kHz. The sound signature is classic Marshall: warm, balanced, and articulate. Vocals and lead instruments are clear and present in the mix, with well-defined mids that make podcasts and vocal-heavy music shine. The highs are crisp without being harsh, and the passive radiators add a genuine sense of bass depth and rumble that exceeds expectations for a speaker this small. However, deep sub-bass (below 75Hz) is naturally limited by the physical constraints of the compact enclosure. At maximum volume, the DSP prevents distortion by slightly compressing the dynamic range, which is a smart trade-off. The 88 dB SPL output at 1 meter is loud enough for personal listening and small gatherings. For the size, the audio performance is exceptional and maintains Marshall's reputation for quality sound tuning.
5
Can I use the Marshall Willen II for phone calls?
Yes, the Marshall Willen II features a built-in microphone for hands-free speakerphone calls. The microphone is located on the top panel of the speaker, near the Bluetooth pairing button and status LED. Call quality is good for a compact speaker — your voice comes through clearly to the caller, with reasonable clarity at arm's length. A single push of the multi-directional joystick answers or ends a call, while a double push rejects an incoming call. The built-in mic also captures a bit of lower-frequency presence, making voices sound fuller and more natural than on many competing compact speakers. For casual calls in quiet environments, the Willen II performs admirably. However, in noisy outdoor settings or at distances greater than 3 feet, the caller may have difficulty hearing you clearly. The speaker does not support voice assistant activation (Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa) through the microphone.
6
Does the Marshall Willen II support the Marshall Bluetooth app?
Yes, the Marshall Willen II is fully compatible with the Marshall Bluetooth app, available for free on both Android (Google Play Store) and iOS (Apple App Store). The app provides several useful features: three EQ presets that let you switch between Marshall Signature (balanced sound), Push (enhanced bass and treble for more energetic listening), and Voice (boosted midrange for podcasts and audiobooks). The app also displays the current battery percentage, provides firmware update notifications, and allows you to manage Stack Mode when pairing multiple speakers. However, the app is fairly basic compared to competitors — there is no fully adjustable custom EQ, only the three presets. You cannot create your own EQ curves or adjust individual frequency bands. The app interface is clean and intuitive, reflecting Marshall's minimalist design philosophy. Firmware updates through the app ensure your speaker stays current with the latest features and performance improvements.
7
What audio codecs does the Marshall Willen II support?
The Marshall Willen II supports Bluetooth 5.3 with the LC3 codec and the standard SBC codec. It does not support higher-quality codecs such as AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, or LDAC. The LC3 (Low Complexity Communication Codec) is a next-generation Bluetooth audio codec designed for low-power, high-efficiency audio transmission with improved quality over SBC at similar bitrates. LC3 is particularly beneficial for battery life and connection stability. SBC is the universal Bluetooth codec supported by all devices, ensuring 100% compatibility across smartphones, tablets, and computers. While audiophiles may prefer AAC for Apple devices or aptX for Android, the difference is minimal on a mono speaker of this size. The 2-inch driver and 10W output power are not capable of resolving the subtle improvements that advanced codecs provide. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection with an effective range of approximately 10 meters (30 feet) indoors and up to 30 meters in open outdoor areas. The frequency response covers 75Hz to 20kHz.
8
Can I connect the Marshall Willen II via a wired connection?
No, the Marshall Willen II does not have a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack and does not support wired audio connections. It is a purely wireless Bluetooth speaker. The only physical port is the USB-C charging port on the left side of the speaker, which is exclusively for charging the internal battery. This design choice keeps the speaker as compact, simple, and waterproof as possible — eliminating the aux port removes a potential point of water ingress and reduces internal complexity. To play audio, you must connect a Bluetooth-enabled device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or MP3 player. If you need a wired connection for devices without Bluetooth, you will need to either use a Bluetooth transmitter or choose a different speaker that includes an aux input, such as the Tribit StormBox Mini. The USB-C port does not support USB audio playback or power bank functionality. Marshall includes a USB-C to USB-C charging cable in the box.
9
How do I control playback and volume on the Marshall Willen II?
The Marshall Willen II features one of the most intuitive control systems in the portable speaker market. The signature multi-directional joystick control is located on the front grille in the upper right corner. This brass-colored knob allows you to: push up to increase volume, push down to decrease volume, push left to skip to the previous track, push right to skip to the next track, and press the center to play or pause. A single push answers or ends a phone call, while a double push rejects an incoming call. On the top panel, you will find the Bluetooth pairing button, a status LED, a 5-level battery life meter (both red), and the power button (hold to turn on/off). The joystick is a refreshing alternative to the confusing double-press and triple-press gestures found on many competing speakers. The controls are straightforward, tactile, and easy to operate even with wet hands or while wearing gloves. There is no dedicated voice assistant button.
10
What is the difference between the Marshall Willen II and the original Willen?
The Marshall Willen II brings several meaningful upgrades over the original Willen (first generation). The most significant improvement is battery life — the Willen II delivers 17+ hours compared to the original's 15 hours, and adds quick charge capability (20 minutes of charging provides 5.5 hours of playtime), which the original lacked. The Willen II upgrades from Bluetooth 5.1 to Bluetooth 5.3, adding Auracast support for next-generation broadcast audio and improved connection stability. The amplifier has been upgraded from a standard Class D to a more powerful 38W Class D amplifier, resulting in slightly louder, more dynamic sound. The design has been refined with a more robust rubber strap and improved build quality, though the overall aesthetic remains true to Marshall's iconic amp-inspired look. The Willen II is also slightly heavier (360g vs. 310g) due to the larger battery and upgraded internals. Both speakers share the same IP67 rating, 2-inch driver, dual passive radiators, and Stack Mode functionality. The original Willen has been discontinued and replaced by the Willen II in Marshall's lineup. For new buyers, the Willen II is the clear choice.
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