The portable Bluetooth speaker market in 2024 spans from ultra-compact travel companions to premium audio solutions that happen to be transportable. The Marshall Willen ($59.99) and Morel BIGGIE ($299) represent opposite ends of this spectrum, each making different compromises to serve distinct user needs.
When Marshall released the Willen in 2022, they focused on creating an exceptionally portable and durable speaker. Meanwhile, Morel's brand new BIGGIE (released early 2024) takes aim at audio enthusiasts who want better sound quality in a still-transportable package.
The physical difference between these speakers is striking. The Willen is genuinely pocket-sized at just 0.79 pounds, while the BIGGIE weighs in at 5.7 pounds - about the weight of a large laptop. This size difference isn't just about portability - it fundamentally affects what each speaker can achieve in terms of sound reproduction.
The Willen uses a single 2-inch full-range driver paired with two passive radiators (which are like unpowered speakers that move in response to air pressure, helping enhance bass). This is a clever design for such a small speaker, but physics limits what it can achieve.
The BIGGIE employs a two-way speaker design with a dedicated 1-inch soft dome tweeter (for high frequencies) and 4-inch woofer (for mid and low frequencies), each powered by their own amplifier (15W and 45W respectively). This separation of frequencies allows each driver to specialize in its range, producing clearer, more detailed sound.
The Willen performs admirably for its size, producing clear mids and highs that work well for podcasts and most music genres. However, physics constraints mean bass response is limited - you won't feel the thump in bass-heavy tracks.
The BIGGIE delivers significantly more sophisticated sound reproduction. Its two-way design and larger drivers create a proper soundstage (the spatial placement of instruments and vocals), making it easier to hear individual elements in complex recordings. The bass response extends down to 40Hz (compared to the Willen's 100Hz), meaning you'll actually hear the lowest notes in songs.
Both speakers use Digital Signal Processing (DSP) - specialized audio computers that adjust the sound in real-time - but the BIGGIE's implementation is more advanced, helping maintain sound quality at different volumes.
The Willen's IP67 rating means it's fully dustproof and can survive submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This level of protection makes it ideal for beach trips, pool parties, or hiking.
The BIGGIE lacks water resistance certification, reflecting its focus on sound quality over ruggedness. While it's well-built, it's best kept away from water and excessive dust.
Both speakers feature Bluetooth 5+ technology, but there are meaningful differences:
The BIGGIE's extended range and TWS capability make it more suitable for whole-home audio setups. You could place two BIGGIEs in opposite corners of a large room for proper stereo imaging - something the Willen's Stack Mode can't achieve.
The Willen excels here. Its rugged design, compact size, and water resistance make it perfect for:
The BIGGIE shines in home settings:
Its superior sound quality and stereo pairing make it a viable alternative to entry-level bookshelf speakers, especially in apartments or rooms where permanent speaker installation isn't practical.
For frequent travelers, the Willen's compact size and durability make it an easy choice. It fits in any bag and withstands the rigors of travel. The BIGGIE, while transportable, requires more deliberate packing and care.
At its current price (down from $119.99 launch), the Willen offers exceptional value for:
The higher price reflects:
Since the Willen's 2022 release, we've seen improvements in Bluetooth codec support and battery efficiency, though Marshall has maintained the original design. The BIGGIE benefits from newer Bluetooth 5.3 technology and is Auracast-ready (a future feature allowing multiple people to listen to the same audio source).
Choose the Marshall Willen if:
Choose the Morel BIGGIE if:
Both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The Willen makes an excellent outdoor companion, while the BIGGIE serves as a more serious music reproduction device that you can occasionally move around.
For most users, the decision comes down to intended use rather than direct comparison - these speakers solve different problems. The Willen is the clear choice for outdoor enthusiasm and travel, while the BIGGIE better serves those seeking quality home audio with occasional portability.
Remember that the Marshall Willen and Morel BIGGIE represent opposite ends of the portable speaker spectrum. Your ideal choice depends entirely on how you plan to use it and what aspects of audio performance matter most to you.
| Marshall Willen | Morel BIGGIE |
|---|---|
| Price - Current market positioning | |
| $59.99 (Originally $119.99) | $299.00 |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and sound capabilities | |
| 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.7 inches, 0.79 lbs | 7 x 7 x 4.5 inches, 5.7 lbs |
| Driver Configuration - Determines sound quality and clarity | |
| Single 2" full-range driver with dual passive radiators | Two-way: 1" soft dome tweeter + 4" woofer |
| Amplification - Affects volume and sound quality | |
| 10W total power | 60W total (45W woofer + 15W tweeter) |
| Frequency Response - Range of reproducible sound | |
| 100-20,000 Hz (limited bass) | 40-20,000 Hz (fuller bass response) |
| Battery Life - Time between charges | |
| 15+ hours, 3-hour charge time | 20 hours, 2-hour charge time |
| Quick Charge Capability - Convenience for short notice use | |
| 20 min charge = 3 hours playback | 20 min charge = 4 hours playback |
| Bluetooth Range - Affects placement flexibility | |
| 30 feet (Bluetooth 5.1) | 165 feet (Bluetooth 5.3) |
| Water Resistance - Outdoor usability | |
| IP67 (fully waterproof) | No water resistance rating |
| Multi-Speaker Features - Expandability options | |
| Stack Mode (mono only) | True Wireless Stereo (proper L/R channels) |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality | |
| Built-in mic, rubber strap mount, app EQ control | USB-C power output, Auracast-ready, 3.5mm input |
| Best Use Case - Primary intended scenario | |
| Outdoor activities, travel, rugged portable use | Home audio, indoor listening, audiophile portable |
The Morel BIGGIE offers superior sound quality with its two-way speaker design, while the Marshall Willen excels in portability and durability. The "better" choice depends on your needs - BIGGIE for sound quality, Willen for outdoor use.
The Marshall Willen costs $59.99 (reduced from $119.99), while the Morel BIGGIE is priced at $299. The price difference reflects their different target markets and capabilities.
The Morel BIGGIE offers 20 hours of playback, slightly more than the Marshall Willen's 15+ hours. Both feature quick charging capabilities, with the BIGGIE providing 4 hours from a 20-minute charge versus the Willen's 3 hours.
The Marshall Willen has IP67 waterproof rating and can be submerged in water. The Morel BIGGIE has no water resistance rating and should be kept away from water.
The Marshall Willen is clearly better for outdoor use with its waterproof design, compact size, and rugged construction. The Morel BIGGIE is primarily designed for indoor use.
The Marshall Willen is ultra-portable at 3.9 x 3.9 x 1.7 inches and 0.79 lbs. The Morel BIGGIE is considerably larger at 7 x 7 x 4.5 inches and 5.7 lbs.
The Morel BIGGIE delivers superior sound quality with its two-way speaker design and 60W amplification. The Marshall Willen sounds good for its size but can't match the BIGGIE's audio performance.
Yes, both support multi-speaker connection. The Morel BIGGIE offers True Wireless Stereo for proper left/right channel separation, while the Marshall Willen has Stack Mode for mono sound multiplication.
The Morel BIGGIE has superior Bluetooth range at 165 feet compared to the Marshall Willen's 30-foot range.
The Marshall Willen is ideal for travel due to its compact size, durability, and waterproofing. The Morel BIGGIE is less suitable for frequent travel due to its larger size.
The Marshall Willen includes a built-in microphone for calls, while the Morel BIGGIE does not have this feature.
The Morel BIGGIE delivers significantly better bass response, reaching down to 40Hz compared to the Marshall Willen's 100Hz lower limit. The BIGGIE's larger woofer and cabinet size allow for fuller, deeper bass reproduction.
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: rtings.com - ldlc.com - crutchfield.com - bestbuy.com - techgadgetscanada.com - manuals.plus - youtube.com - myxprs.com - bhphotovideo.com - target.com - aplaze.com - avstore.in - theabsolutesound.com - ecoustics.com - crutchfield.com - techradar.com - crutchfield.com - tpdhifi.com - audioxpress.com - nlp.stanford.edu - eisa.eu - muzix.eu
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