When you're looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker in 2024, the options can be overwhelming. Let's dive deep into two popular choices: the Marshall Willen ($59.99) and the Soundcore Boom 2 SE ($79.99), breaking down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Portable speakers have evolved significantly in recent years, becoming more than just basic music players. Today's models pack impressive sound quality, rugged durability, and smart features into increasingly compact packages. The key is finding the right balance of these attributes for your specific needs.
The Marshall Willen was released in May 2022, bringing Marshall's iconic amp styling to the ultra-portable segment. Since its release, it's received several firmware updates improving Bluetooth stability and adding new features like Stack Mode for multi-speaker setups.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE hit the market in late 2023, representing Soundcore's latest technology in portable audio. It builds upon previous models with enhanced BassUp 2.0 technology and improved water resistance.
The Marshall Willen delivers surprisingly clear audio from its compact frame, using a single 2-inch driver paired with dual passive radiators. The sound signature emphasizes mids and highs, making it excellent for vocal-heavy music and podcasts. However, physics limits what's possible with bass in such a small enclosure.
The Boom 2 SE takes a different approach, utilizing dual drivers and more powerful amplification (30W total versus the Willen's 10W). The bigger size allows for notably stronger bass response, especially with BassUp 2.0 enabled. This technology uses digital signal processing to analyze and enhance low frequencies in real-time.
In testing similar speakers, the difference between 10W and 30W output is significant - expect the Boom 2 SE to fill larger spaces more effectively. While the Willen can get surprisingly loud for its size, it starts showing strain at maximum volume. The Boom 2 SE maintains cleaner output at higher volumes, making it better suited for outdoor gatherings or larger rooms.
Neither speaker offers true stereo separation alone, but both support pairing with a second unit. The Boom 2 SE's larger drivers create a more expansive sound field, while the Willen produces a more focused, directional output that works well for personal listening.
The size difference between these speakers is substantial:
Marshall Willen:
Soundcore Boom 2 SE:
The Willen's compact size makes it ideal for travel or everyday carry. Its rubber strap allows creative mounting options - I've successfully attached it to bike handlebars and backpack straps. The Boom 2 SE trades ultimate portability for better sound and features, but remains manageable for occasional transport.
Both speakers offer serious water protection, but there are important differences:
The Willen's IP67 rating means:
The Boom 2 SE's IPX7 rating provides:
Real-world battery life typically matches manufacturer claims:
The Willen offers quick charging - 20 minutes provides 3 hours of playback. The Boom 2 SE lacks quick charging but includes power bank functionality to charge other devices, which can be genuinely useful in outdoor scenarios.
Both speakers use Bluetooth 5.0 or later, providing stable connections up to 30 feet indoors. The Boom 2 SE offers slightly better range with Bluetooth 5.3, while the Willen uses 5.1.
The Soundcore app provides more extensive customization, including:
Marshall's app offers basic EQ presets and firmware updates but fewer customization options.
At $59.99, the Marshall Willen delivers:
The Boom 2 SE at $79.99 offers:
Choose the Marshall Willen if:
Choose the Soundcore Boom 2 SE if:
Both speakers represent good value, but the Boom 2 SE offers more features and better sound for the extra $20. The choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs - portability versus sound quality, and whether additional features like power bank functionality matter to you.
For home theater use, neither speaker is ideal - they're designed for portable use rather than home theater integration. If that's your primary use case, consider dedicated bookshelf speakers or a soundbar instead.
Remember, the best speaker is the one that fits your specific needs and use cases. Consider how and where you'll use it most often when making your decision.
| Marshall Willen | Soundcore Boom 2 SE |
|---|---|
| Power Output - Determines maximum volume and sound quality at higher levels | |
| 10W total (single driver) | 30W total (dual drivers + subwoofer) |
| Size - Impacts portability and ease of transport | |
| 4 x 4 x 1.6 inches (ultra-portable) | 8.8 x 3.5 inches (medium-sized) |
| Weight - Affects carrying convenience | |
| 0.68 lbs (pocket-friendly) | 1.5 lbs (bag required) |
| Water/Dust Protection - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (full dust and water protection) | IPX7 (water only, but floatable) |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use | |
| 15 hours + quick charge (20min = 3hrs) | 16 hours (no quick charge) |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality beyond basic audio | |
| Stack Mode, basic EQ presets | PartyCast 2.0, LED light show, power bank, 9-band EQ |
| Sound Characteristics - Core audio performance | |
| Clear mids/highs, limited bass | Fuller range, strong bass with BassUp 2.0 |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection stability and range | |
| 5.1 (30ft range) | 5.3 (100ft range) |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $59.99 (better for portability) | $79.99 (better for sound quality) |
| Best Use Case - Primary intended scenario | |
| Personal listening, travel, outdoor activities | Small gatherings, home use, poolside parties |
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE offers better overall sound quality and features for $79.99, while the Marshall Willen at $59.99 excels in portability. Choose based on your priority between sound quality and portability.
Both speakers offer similar battery life - the Marshall Willen provides 15 hours while the Soundcore Boom 2 SE offers 16 hours. The Willen has quick charging capability, while the Boom 2 SE can charge other devices.
Yes, both the Marshall Willen and Soundcore Boom 2 SE are waterproof. The Willen has IP67 rating (dust and water), while the Boom 2 SE has IPX7 rating (water only) and can float.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE is significantly louder with 30W output compared to the Marshall Willen's 10W output. This makes the Boom 2 SE better for larger spaces and gatherings.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE has notably stronger bass, especially with its BassUp 2.0 technology. The Marshall Willen has limited bass due to its smaller size.
Yes, both support multi-speaker connection. The Boom 2 SE's PartyCast 2.0 can connect up to 100 speakers, while the Willen's Stack Mode supports fewer connections.
The Marshall Willen is significantly more portable at 0.68 pounds and pocket-sized dimensions (4 x 4 inches), compared to the Boom 2 SE's 1.5 pounds and larger size.
Both have companion apps, but the Soundcore app offers more features including 9-band EQ and light show controls. The Marshall app provides basic EQ presets.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE is better for parties with its louder volume, stronger bass, LED light show, and ability to connect multiple speakers.
Yes, both offer good value. The Marshall Willen at $59.99 is excellent for portability, while the Boom 2 SE at $79.99 provides more features and better sound.
Both speakers have built-in microphones for calls, but the Marshall Willen's smaller size makes it more practical for personal call use.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE has better range with Bluetooth 5.3 (up to 100ft), while the Marshall Willen uses Bluetooth 5.1 (up to 30ft).
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 - gzhls.at - youtube.com - techradar.com - support.soundcore.com - digitaltrends.com - trustedreviews.com - soundguys.com
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