In the world of portable Bluetooth speakers, finding the perfect balance between size, sound quality, and durability can be challenging. The Marshall Willen II in elegant Cream color aims to deliver the iconic Marshall sound experience in a compact, go-anywhere package. This second-generation speaker builds on the success of its predecessor while introducing meaningful upgrades that music enthusiasts will appreciate.
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Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a casual listener, or someone who values both style and substance in audio equipment, the Marshall Willen II deserves your attention. Let’s dive deep into what makes this pocket-sized powerhouse stand out in an increasingly crowded market of portable speakers.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Marshall Willen II |
| Color | Cream |
| Playtime | 17+ hours |
| Water/Dust Rating | IP67 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Weight | 0.31 kg (0.68 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 101.6 × 100.5 × 40.4 mm |
| Special Features | Fastening strap, Built-in microphone |
| Charging | USB-C |
| Price Range | $99-$119 |
Marshall Signature Sound Experience
The Marshall Willen II continues the brand’s legendary audio heritage with its carefully tuned sound profile. Despite its compact dimensions, this speaker delivers the balanced signature sound that Marshall is famous for, with noticeably improved bass response compared to the original Willen.
The speaker houses a single 2-inch full-range driver and two passive radiators that work together to create an immersive listening experience. The engineering team at Marshall has fine-tuned the audio output to ensure clarity across different music genres:
- Clear highs that bring vocals and high-frequency instruments to life
- Well-defined mids that ensure guitars and keyboards cut through the mix
- Harder hitting bass that provides surprising depth for a speaker of this size
What’s particularly impressive is how the Willen II maintains sound integrity even at higher volumes, with minimal distortion when pushed to its limits. While it won’t replace larger speakers for serious listening sessions, it outperforms many competitors in its size category.
Extended Battery Life for All-Day Listening
One of the standout features of the Marshall Willen II is its impressive 17+ hours of portable playtime on a single charge. This represents a significant improvement over the original Willen’s 15-hour battery life, making it even more suitable for extended outdoor adventures or day-long gatherings.
The actual battery performance varies depending on several factors:
| Volume Level | Approximate Battery Life |
|---|---|
| 50% volume | 17-19 hours |
| 75% volume | 14-16 hours |
| 100% volume | 10-12 hours |
The speaker charges via USB-C, with a full charge taking approximately 3 hours from empty. A quick 20-minute charge provides about 3 hours of playtime at moderate volume levels, perfect for when you’re in a hurry.
Rugged Design for Adventurous Lifestyles
The Marshall Willen II doesn’t just sound good—it’s built to last. With an IP67 dust and waterproof rating, this speaker can handle almost any environment you throw at it:
- Waterproof: Can be submerged in 1 meter (3 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes
- Dustproof: Completely protected against dust ingress
- Shock-resistant: Durable silicone exterior absorbs impacts and bumps
This level of protection means you can confidently take the Willen II to the beach, pool, hiking trails, or even use it in the shower without worry. The speaker’s robust build quality ensures it can withstand the rigors of active use while maintaining its elegant appearance.
The cream color variant offers a sophisticated aesthetic that stands out from the typical black portable speakers on the market, though it may show dirt more easily than darker colors. The signature Marshall logo prominently displayed on the front grille adds a touch of classic rock heritage to the modern design.
Versatile Mounting Options
The Marshall Willen II features an innovative rubber fastening strap that significantly enhances its versatility. This thoughtful design element allows for multiple positioning and mounting options:
- Stand it upright on flat surfaces
- Lay it horizontally for stability on uneven surfaces
- Hang it from hooks, branches, or tent poles
- Secure it to bicycle handlebars, backpack straps, or other objects
The strap is sturdy yet flexible, maintaining its elasticity even after extended use and exposure to the elements. This versatility makes the Willen II truly adaptable to various environments and use cases, from shower singing sessions to mountain biking adventures.
Hands-Free Communication
With its built-in microphone, the Marshall Willen II functions as more than just a music player. The integrated mic enables:
- Hands-free phone calls
- Voice assistant access (Siri, Google Assistant)
- Conference calls when needed
The microphone quality is respectable for a portable speaker, with clear voice pickup in quiet to moderately noisy environments. While not designed to replace dedicated conferencing equipment, it performs admirably for casual calls and quick voice commands.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Marshall Willen II utilizes Bluetooth 5.1 technology, offering:
- Stable connection up to 30 feet (10 meters)
- Low latency for video watching
- Quick pairing with remembered devices
- Compatibility with both iOS and Android devices
The speaker supports the standard SBC codec but lacks higher-resolution options like aptX or AAC. For most listeners and use cases, this won’t be noticeable, especially given the speaker’s size and intended use scenarios.
The Willen II can also connect to compatible Marshall speakers through the Marshall Bluetooth app, allowing you to create a multi-room audio system or stereo pair with another Willen II unit.
Comparison with Similar Portable Speakers
| Feature | Marshall Willen II | JBL Flip 6 | Bose SoundLink Micro | Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $99 | $129 | $119 | $99 |
| Battery Life | 17+ hours | 12 hours | 6 hours | 14 hours |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 | IP67 | IP67 | IP67 |
| Special Features | Fastening strap, Built-in mic | PartyBoost, Built-in mic | Tear-resistant strap, Built-in mic | Outdoor Boost mode, Floats in water |
| Sound Quality | Balanced with enhanced bass | Punchy bass, clear mids | Balanced, surprisingly deep bass | 360° sound, good bass |
| Size | Compact, pocket-sized | Medium, cylindrical | Ultra-compact | Small, rounded |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.55 kg | 0.29 kg | 0.42 kg |
As the comparison shows, the Marshall Willen II offers the best battery life among its competitors while maintaining a competitive price point. Its unique combination of Marshall’s signature sound, extended playtime, and versatile mounting options makes it stand out in the crowded portable speaker market.
Real-World Performance Scenarios
Outdoor Adventures
The Willen II truly shines during outdoor activities. Its water and dust resistance make it perfect for:
- Beach days and pool parties
- Hiking and camping trips
- Picnics and outdoor gatherings
The speaker’s fastening strap allows secure attachment to backpacks, tents, or tree branches, ensuring your soundtrack follows you wherever you go.
Home Use
Despite being designed for portability, the Willen II performs admirably as a home speaker:
- Kitchen companion while cooking
- Bathroom speaker for shower concerts
- Bedroom nightstand for ambient music
Its compact size means it fits almost anywhere, while still delivering room-filling sound that belies its dimensions.
Travel Essential
For travelers, the Willen II offers several advantages:
- Minimal space in luggage
- Long battery life covering multiple days
- Durability against travel hazards
- Universal USB-C charging compatibility
Whether you’re in a hotel room, vacation rental, or hostel, the Willen II provides a significant audio upgrade over built-in smartphone speakers.
User Experience and Controls
The Marshall Willen II features an intuitive control scheme centered around a multi-directional joystick on top of the speaker:
- Press: Play/pause music or answer/end calls
- Forward/backward: Skip tracks or navigate playlists
- Up/down: Adjust volume
- Long press: Power on/off or activate Bluetooth pairing
Additional LED indicators provide visual feedback on battery level and connection status. The physical controls are responsive and offer satisfying tactile feedback, working reliably even with wet hands—a thoughtful design choice for a waterproof speaker.
Battery Performance Deep Dive
The impressive 17+ hour battery life of the Marshall Willen II deserves a closer look:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 2600 mAh |
| Standby Time | Up to 100 hours |
| Charging Port | USB-C |
| Full Charge Time | ~3 hours |
| Quick Charge | 20 minutes for 3 hours playback |
| Battery Indicator | LED display |
The longevity of the battery means less frequent charging and more uninterrupted listening time. For weekend trips or day-long excursions, a single charge is typically sufficient, eliminating the need to carry power banks or search for outlets.
Marshall Bluetooth App Integration
The Marshall Bluetooth app enhances the Willen II experience with additional features:
- EQ adjustments: Fine-tune bass, mids, and treble to your preference
- Firmware updates: Keep your speaker current with the latest improvements
- Stereo pairing: Connect two Willen II speakers for true stereo sound
- Device management: Control multiple Marshall speakers from one interface
While the app isn’t required for basic operation, it unlocks the full potential of the speaker and allows for a more personalized listening experience.
Environmental Considerations
Marshall has taken steps to make the Willen II more environmentally friendly:
- 70% recycled plastic in the exterior construction
- PVC-free materials throughout
- Reduced packaging with recycled and recyclable materials
- Energy-efficient components that maximize battery life
These efforts reflect the brand’s growing commitment to sustainability without compromising on the premium quality and durability that Marshall is known for.
Value Proposition
At its price point of $99-$119, the Marshall Willen II represents excellent value when considering:
- Premium brand heritage
- Extended battery life
- Superior build quality
- Versatile mounting options
- Waterproof/dustproof construction
- Balanced sound profile with enhanced bass
While there are cheaper options available, few match the Willen II’s combination of features, sound quality, and build materials at this price point.
Conclusion
The Marshall Willen II Bluetooth Portable Speaker in Cream successfully delivers on its promises, offering the legendary Marshall sound signature in a remarkably compact, durable package. With its extended 17+ hour battery life, IP67 waterproof rating, versatile mounting options, and hands-free functionality, it’s an impressive all-rounder that punches well above its weight class.
What sets the Willen II apart from competitors is the thoughtful balance of features—nothing feels superfluous or missing. Marshall has clearly refined the original Willen based on user feedback, addressing key areas like battery life and bass response while maintaining the distinctive style and quality the brand is known for.
For anyone seeking a portable speaker that combines style, substance, and surprising sound in a pocket-sized package, the Marshall Willen II deserves serious consideration. It’s not just a speaker; it’s a versatile companion ready to provide the soundtrack to your adventures, no matter where they take you.
Call to Action
Ready to experience the legendary Marshall sound wherever you go? The Marshall Willen II Bluetooth Portable Speaker in Cream is available now at authorized retailers and Marshall’s Amazon website. Take your music anywhere with confidence, knowing you have 17+ hours of playtime and waterproof durability on your side. Elevate your listening experience today and discover why Marshall continues to set the standard for portable audio excellence.