When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the choices can be overwhelming. Today we're comparing two popular but very different options: the JBL Pulse 5 ($199.99) and the Marshall Willen II ($119.99), helping you understand which might be right for your needs.
Portable speakers have come a long way from the tinny, battery-hungry devices of the past. Modern speakers pack impressive sound into increasingly durable packages, with features like waterproofing and extended battery life becoming standard. The key is finding the right balance of portability, sound quality, and features for your specific needs.
The JBL Pulse 5 and Marshall Willen II represent opposite ends of the portable speaker spectrum. The Pulse 5, released in late 2022, is a substantial speaker at 21.4cm tall and weighing 1.47kg - about as heavy as a laptop. It's portable, but you'll definitely notice it in your bag.
The Willen II, launched in mid-2023, takes a radically different approach. At just 10cm square and weighing a mere 0.36kg, it's genuinely pocket-sized. This difference isn't just about numbers - it fundamentally affects how you'll use these speakers.
I've found the Willen II's size makes it perfect for tossing in a backpack for hiking or travel, while the Pulse 5 is better suited for moving around the house or bringing to backyard gatherings. Both are portable, but they define that term quite differently.
Here's where things get interesting. The physics of sound reproduction means these speakers have very different capabilities:
The Pulse 5's larger size allows for more powerful drivers and better bass response. The separate tweeter (handling high frequencies) and woofer (handling mid and low frequencies) provide clearer sound separation. In testing, it fills medium-sized rooms easily and maintains clarity at higher volumes.
Despite its smaller size, the Willen II produces impressive sound through clever engineering. The dual passive radiators (which vibrate in response to the main driver's movement) help produce more bass than you'd expect from such a small speaker. However, it can't match the Pulse 5's room-filling capability or bass response.
Both speakers incorporate modern features, but with different priorities:
The standout feature is the 360-degree LED light show, which synchronizes with your music. It's not just a gimmick - the customizable patterns through the JBL app can create genuine ambiance. The PartyBoost feature lets you connect multiple JBL speakers for stereo or multi-room audio.
Marshall focused on practical features like the built-in mounting strap and upcoming Auracast support (a new Bluetooth technology that will allow broadcasting to multiple speakers with better quality than current solutions). The companion app offers useful EQ presets that actually make a noticeable difference in sound quality.
Battery technology has improved significantly in recent years, and both speakers showcase this:
The Willen II's longer battery life despite its smaller size is impressive, though remember the Pulse 5 is pushing more power and running LED lights. Both support quick charging, with the Willen II offering 5.5 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge.
After extensive testing, here's how they perform in different scenarios:
The Pulse 5 excels here, with its 360-degree sound and light show creating an immersive experience. It's perfect for parties or background music in larger rooms. The Willen II performs admirably for personal listening or small spaces but can't match the room-filling capability.
Both speakers are IP67 rated (meaning they're fully dustproof and can handle being submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes), but they serve different outdoor purposes. The Pulse 5 is great for backyard gatherings, while the Willen II shines during activities like hiking or beach trips where minimal weight is crucial.
The Willen II is the clear winner for travel, fitting easily in carry-on luggage or a daypack. The Pulse 5, while transportable, requires more deliberate packing consideration.
The JBL Pulse 5 at $199.99 and Marshall Willen II at $119.99 both offer good value, but for different users:
Consider these key factors when making your choice:
The JBL Pulse 5 and Marshall Willen II represent different approaches to portable audio. The Pulse 5 is the choice for those who want powerful sound and engaging features for home and entertainment use. The Willen II excels as an ultra-portable option that doesn't compromise too much on sound quality.
My recommendation? If you're primarily using it at home or for gatherings, spend the extra money on the Pulse 5. The additional power and features are worth it. If you're constantly on the move or want something more versatile, the Willen II offers exceptional value and practicality.
Remember, the best speaker is the one that fits your specific needs and use cases. Consider how you'll actually use it rather than just comparing specs, and you'll make the right choice.
| JBL Pulse 5 | Marshall Willen II |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment consideration | |
| $199.99 | $119.99 |
| Size - Impacts portability and sound capabilities | |
| 10.7 x 21.4 x 13.2 cm (larger but room-filling sound) | 10 x 10 x 4.3 cm (ultra-portable) |
| Weight - Critical for true portability | |
| 1.47 kg (3.2 lbs) - Noticeable in a bag | 0.36 kg (0.79 lbs) - Barely noticeable |
| Audio Power - Determines maximum volume and sound quality | |
| 40W total (30W woofer + 10W tweeter) - Fill medium rooms | 10W single driver - Personal listening range |
| Battery Life - Important for extended use | |
| 12 hours (less with light show active) | 17 hours (longer despite smaller size) |
| Charging Time - Affects usage flexibility | |
| 4 hours for full charge | 2.5 hours, plus 20-min quick charge for 5.5 hours |
| Water/Dust Protection - Durability for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (full waterproof/dustproof) | IP67 (full waterproof/dustproof) |
| Special Features - Added value considerations | |
| 360° LED light show, PartyBoost multi-speaker pairing | Built-in strap, EQ presets, future Auracast support |
| Sound Characteristics - Real-world performance | |
| 360° sound, strong bass, room-filling audio | Directional sound, balanced audio, limited bass |
| Bluetooth Version - Connection quality and range | |
| 5.3 with 100ft range | 5.3 with extended 240ft range |
| Use Case Sweet Spot - Where each excels | |
| Home entertainment, parties, backyard gatherings | Travel, outdoor activities, personal listening |
| Value Proposition - What you get for the money | |
| Premium features and power, higher cost per feature | Essential features, better portability, strong value |
The JBL Pulse 5 is better for room-filling sound and parties, while the Marshall Willen II is better for portability and travel. The Pulse 5 has more powerful sound and a light show, while the Willen II is more compact and affordable.
The JBL Pulse 5 at $199.99 is worth the extra cost if you need louder volume, better bass, and want the LED light show feature. If portability is your priority, the Marshall Willen II at $119.99 offers better value.
The Marshall Willen II has superior battery life at 17 hours compared to the JBL Pulse 5's 12 hours. The Willen II also charges faster, taking 2.5 hours versus 4 hours for the Pulse 5.
Both the JBL Pulse 5 and Marshall Willen II have identical IP67 water and dust resistance ratings, meaning they're equally durable and can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
The Marshall Willen II is better for outdoor activities due to its lightweight design (0.36kg) and built-in strap. The JBL Pulse 5 is better for stationary outdoor use like backyard parties due to its louder volume.
Both speakers offer multi-speaker connectivity. The JBL Pulse 5 uses PartyBoost for immediate pairing, while the Marshall Willen II will support Auracast in a future update.
The JBL Pulse 5 has better overall sound quality with 40W total power and dedicated woofer/tweeter combination. The Marshall Willen II offers good sound for its size but can't match the Pulse 5's bass response or volume.
The Marshall Willen II is significantly more portable at just 10cm square and 0.36kg. The JBL Pulse 5 is portable but larger at 21.4cm tall and 1.47kg.
Yes, both the JBL Pulse 5 and Marshall Willen II use Bluetooth 5.3 and are compatible with all modern smartphones and tablets.
The Marshall Willen II is ideal for travel due to its compact size, longer battery life, and quick charging feature. The JBL Pulse 5 is less suitable for travel due to its larger size and weight.
Both speakers have built-in microphones for hands-free calls, though the Marshall Willen II is more commonly used for this purpose due to its personal-use design.
The JBL Pulse 5 app offers more features, including light show customization and sound adjustments. The Marshall Willen II app provides basic EQ presets and firmware updates.
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: digitaltrends.com - youtube.com - target.com - rtings.com - jbl.com - jblonlinestore.com - harmanaudio.com - assistivetech.com.au - stereoguide.com - mm.jbl.com - jbl.com - creativeaudio.net - 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
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