When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, there's a fascinating battle happening in the $80-120 price range. Today, we're comparing the premium-positioned Marshall Willen ($119.99) against the feature-packed Soundcore BOOM 2 ($79.99), two speakers that take notably different approaches to portable audio.
Modern portable speakers have evolved significantly from the tinny, battery-hungry devices of the past. Today's speakers pack impressive audio technology into durable, water-resistant shells while offering battery life that can last through multiple parties. The key is finding the right balance of features for your specific needs.
The Marshall Willen follows a minimalist approach, measuring just 4 x 3.96 x 1.59 inches and weighing 310g (about as heavy as a can of soup). This compact size means it easily slips into a bag or even a large pocket. Since its release in mid-2022, it's remained one of the most portable premium speakers available.
In contrast, the Soundcore BOOM 2, released in late 2023, embraces a larger form factor to deliver more powerful sound. While still portable, it's designed to be carried by its strap rather than pocketed. This size difference directly impacts their use cases - the Willen is perfect for personal listening or small gatherings, while the BOOM 2 can handle larger outdoor spaces.
The technical specifications tell an interesting story here. The Willen's 10W output might seem modest compared to the BOOM 2's 80W, but raw power numbers don't tell the whole story. However, in real-world use, the difference is significant:
Both speakers use different approaches to sound reproduction:
Marshall Willen:
Soundcore BOOM 2:
The Willen excels at reproducing acoustic music, podcasts, and vocal-heavy content. Its balanced sound signature means you'll hear details in complex musical passages, though bass-heavy genres like EDM might feel lacking.
The BOOM 2's more powerful output and enhanced bass make it better suited for parties and bass-heavy music genres. While it might not match the Willen's clarity on subtle details, it delivers a more engaging experience for most popular music.
Battery technology has improved significantly in recent years, and both speakers showcase this:
Marshall Willen:
Soundcore BOOM 2:
The BOOM 2's longer battery life comes with a trade-off in charging time, but the addition of power bank functionality adds versatility for outdoor use.
Both speakers use Bluetooth 5.1+ technology, but implement it differently:
Willen:
BOOM 2:
The Willen's IP67 rating means it's fully dustproof and can handle submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The BOOM 2's IPX7 rating covers water resistance but not dust protection. Both are plenty durable for regular outdoor use, but the Willen has a slight edge for beach trips or dusty environments.
The Marshall Willen positions itself as a premium portable speaker, justifying its higher price through superior build quality, better water/dust resistance, and more refined sound. Its compact size and excellent call quality make it versatile for both personal and professional use.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 offers impressive value at its lower price point, providing more raw power, longer battery life, and party-focused features like the light show and multi-speaker connectivity. Its built-in power bank adds practical utility for outdoor adventures.
Choose the Marshall Willen if you:
Choose the Soundcore BOOM 2 if you:
The Willen is the better choice for personal use and situations where audio quality and portability matter most. The BOOM 2 excels in social settings and outdoor use where volume and bass impact are priorities. Both represent strong values in their respective niches, making the final choice more about use case than absolute quality.
| Marshall Willen | Soundcore BOOM 2 |
|---|---|
| Price - Primary consideration for value comparison | |
| $119.99 (premium positioning) | $79.99 (better value per feature) |
| Power Output - Determines maximum volume and sound projection | |
| 10W (suitable for personal/small group) | 80W (room-filling, outdoor capable) |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 15 hours (3-hour charge time) | 24 hours (5.5-hour charge time) |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and convenience | |
| 4 x 3.96 x 1.59 in, 310g (ultra-portable) | Significantly larger (party-oriented size) |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Important for outdoor durability | |
| IP67 (fully dustproof, water submersible) | IPX7 (water resistant, not dustproof) |
| Sound Profile - Affects music enjoyment and versatility | |
| Balanced mids/highs, limited bass (better for acoustic/vocal) | Strong bass, powerful output (better for parties/EDM) |
| Additional Features - Adds functionality beyond basic audio | |
| Multi-host pairing, superior call quality | Built-in power bank, LED light show, 100+ speaker pairing |
| Driver Configuration - Determines sound characteristics | |
| Single 2" driver + dual passive radiators | Dual tweeters + dedicated subwoofer |
| Frequency Response - Shows bass capability | |
| 100-20,000 Hz (limited low end) | 45-20,000 Hz (deeper bass extension) |
| Quick Charge Capability - Convenient for last-minute use | |
| 20 min charge = 3 hours playback | No quick charge feature |
The Soundcore BOOM 2 is better for outdoor gatherings due to its louder 80W output and longer 24-hour battery life. However, the Marshall Willen has better dust protection with its IP67 rating, making it more suitable for beach use.
The Marshall Willen offers clearer, more balanced sound quality with better mids and highs. The Soundcore BOOM 2 provides stronger bass and louder volume but slightly less refined audio detail.
The Marshall Willen costs $119.99, while the Soundcore BOOM 2 is priced at $79.99, making it $40 less expensive.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 offers 24 hours of playback compared to the Marshall Willen's 15 hours, though the Willen charges faster and has quick-charge capability.
Yes, both speakers have built-in microphones, but the Marshall Willen offers superior call quality and clarity compared to the Soundcore BOOM 2.
The Marshall Willen is significantly more portable at 310g and 4 x 3.96 x 1.59 inches, while the Soundcore BOOM 2 is larger and designed for room-filling sound.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 can connect with up to 100+ compatible speakers using PartyCast 2.0. The Marshall Willen doesn't offer multi-speaker pairing.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 is better for parties with its higher volume output, stronger bass, LED light show, and ability to connect multiple speakers. The Marshall Willen is better suited for personal or small group listening.
Both are water-resistant, but the Marshall Willen has IP67 rating (dustproof and water-submersible), while the Soundcore BOOM 2 has IPX7 rating (water-resistant but not dustproof).
The Soundcore BOOM 2 delivers stronger bass with its dedicated subwoofer and 45Hz low-end frequency response. The Marshall Willen has more modest bass with a 100Hz low-end limit.
Only the Soundcore BOOM 2 features a built-in power bank function to charge other devices. The Marshall Willen doesn't offer this feature.
The Soundcore BOOM 2 offers better value with more features at $79.99, but the Marshall Willen justifies its higher $119.99 price with premium build quality and superior portability.
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 - soundcore.com - audioholics.com - community.anker.com - trustedreviews.com - soundcore.com - manuals.plus - soundcore.com - youtube.com - community.anker.com - soundandvision.com
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