When it comes to portable audio, few names carry as much weight as Marshall. Today we're comparing two very different approaches to portable sound - the Marshall Tufton ($399) and the newer Marshall Willen II ($119). While they share the same iconic Marshall styling, these speakers target distinctly different uses and users.
Modern portable speakers have evolved far beyond simple battery-powered units. Today's premium options offer features like multi-directional sound (where audio is projected in multiple directions for better room coverage), advanced water resistance, and smart device connectivity. The key is finding the right balance of portability, sound quality, and durability for your specific needs.
The Tufton, released in 2019, represents Marshall's take on a powerful party speaker. It's built like a miniature concert amp, complete with analog control knobs and that signature Marshall grille. In contrast, the Willen II, launched in late 2023, embodies modern portable design with its compact form factor and advanced features like Auracast support (a new Bluetooth technology that allows multiple speakers to receive the same audio stream with perfect sync).
The physical difference between these speakers is stark. The Tufton weighs in at 10.8 pounds - about the same as a bowling ball. It's meant to be portable in the sense that you can move it from room to room or take it to outdoor gatherings, but it's not something you'd casually toss in a backpack. The Willen II, at just 0.79 pounds, is truly pocket-portable and includes a clever rubber strap for mounting to bike handlebars or backpack straps.
The Tufton employs a sophisticated 3-way speaker system, meaning it has dedicated drivers for high, mid, and low frequencies. This separation allows each driver to focus on its specific frequency range, resulting in clearer, more detailed sound. Key specs include:
In practice, this translates to room-filling sound with impressive clarity and bass response that can handle everything from classical to electronic dance music. The Tufton particularly shines at outdoor gatherings where its powerful output can overcome ambient noise.
The Willen II takes a different path, using a single 2-inch full-range driver supported by two passive radiators (unpowered speakers that respond to air pressure from the main driver to enhance bass response). While this might sound limited, Marshall's engineers have done impressive work within these constraints:
The sound signature focuses on clarity and presence rather than raw power, making it ideal for personal listening or small group settings.
Weather resistance has become increasingly important for portable speakers, and these models show how standards have evolved:
This difference reflects their intended uses - the Tufton is designed for occasional outdoor use with some weather protection, while the Willen II is built for adventure.
Both speakers offer impressive battery life:
The Willen II's slightly shorter battery life is offset by its more efficient charging and lower power requirements.
The four-year gap between these products' releases shows in their technical capabilities. The Willen II includes several modern features:
The Tufton, while lacking these newer features, compensates with its superior audio capabilities and traditional control scheme that many users prefer over touch controls.
At $399, the Tufton represents a significant investment. However, its powerful output and versatility as both an indoor and outdoor speaker help justify the price for users who need its capabilities. The $119 Willen II offers excellent value for personal use, especially considering its advanced features and durability.
In testing, the Tufton excels in:
The Willen II stands out for:
Choose the Tufton if:
Choose the Willen II if:
Both speakers excel in their intended roles, but they serve distinctly different purposes. The Tufton is a powerful, room-filling speaker that can handle parties and outdoor events, while the Willen II is a versatile personal audio companion built for modern, active lifestyles. Your choice should ultimately depend on how you plan to use the speaker most often and whether the additional power of the Tufton justifies its higher price and reduced portability.
| Marshall Tufton | Marshall Willen II |
|---|---|
| Price - Investment vs Value | |
| $399 (premium tier pricing) | $119 (mid-range pricing) |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and placement options | |
| 13.8" x 9.1" x 6.4", 10.8 lbs (party/home speaker) | 4" x 4" x 1.7", 0.79 lbs (truly portable) |
| Audio System - Determines overall sound quality | |
| 3-way system with dedicated woofer, mids, tweeters | Single 2" driver with dual passive radiators |
| Power Output - Affects volume and sound clarity | |
| 80W total (3 Class D amplifiers) | 10W (single Class D amplifier) |
| Frequency Response - Range of reproducible sound | |
| 40-20,000 Hz (fuller bass response) | 75-20,000 Hz (limited low end) |
| Battery Life - Time between charges | |
| 20+ hours, 4 hours from 20min charge | 17+ hours, 5.5 hours from 20min charge |
| Water Resistance - Outdoor usability | |
| IPX2 (light rain protection) | IP67 (fully waterproof, submersible) |
| Bluetooth Version - Connection quality and features | |
| 5.0 (30ft range) | 5.3 LE (100ft range, Auracast support) |
| Extra Features - Additional functionality | |
| Analog EQ controls, multi-host pairing | Mounting strap, app EQ control, voice calls |
| Best Use Case - Primary intended purpose | |
| Large rooms, outdoor parties, home audio | Personal listening, travel, active lifestyle |
The Marshall Tufton is better for large spaces and parties with superior sound quality, while the Marshall Willen II is better for personal use and travel due to its compact size and durability.
The Marshall Tufton costs $399, while the Marshall Willen II is $119, making it $280 less expensive.
The Tufton offers slightly better battery life at 20+ hours, compared to the Willen II's 17+ hours, though both provide all-day listening.
The Tufton delivers superior sound quality with its 3-way speaker system and 80W output, compared to the Willen II's single driver design.
The Tufton delivers substantially better bass with its dedicated woofer and 40Hz low-end response, compared to the Willen II's 75Hz limitation.
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 - youtube.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - trustedreviews.com - crutchfield.com - eriksonconsumer.com - youtube.com - runbazaar.com - marshall.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
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