Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM vs Marshall Willen II: Which Portable Speaker Is Right For You?

Portable Bluetooth speakers have become essential companions for music lovers, but choosing between options can be tricky. Today we're comparing two recent releases: the Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM ($249.99) and the Marshall Willen II ($119.99), which take notably different approaches to portable audio.

Understanding Today's Portable Speakers

Before diving into specifics, let's talk about what matters in a portable speaker. Sound quality is obviously crucial, but it's really about balancing multiple factors: volume output, audio clarity, bass response, battery life, durability, and portability. The relative importance of each depends entirely on how you plan to use your speaker.

Modern portable speakers have come a long way in recent years. Better driver technology, advanced digital signal processing (DSP), and improved battery efficiency mean even compact speakers can deliver impressive sound. Both of our contenders showcase these advances, albeit in different ways.

Size and Portability: A Tale of Two Approaches

The EVERBOOM and Willen II represent opposite ends of the portable speaker spectrum. The EVERBOOM stands 8.1 inches tall and weighs 2.12 pounds - about the size of a large water bottle. In contrast, the Willen II is remarkably compact at just 4 inches square and weighing only 0.79 pounds - closer to a smartphone's size.

This size difference fundamentally shapes how you'll use each speaker. The Willen II's ultra-portable design makes it perfect for throwing in a bag or attaching to a bike with its built-in rubber strap. The EVERBOOM requires more deliberate packing but delivers substantially more powerful sound.

Sound Performance Deep Dive

Volume and Power Output

Here's where the physical size difference really shows its impact. The EVERBOOM packs two 56.6mm active drivers and two passive radiators, enabling it to reach 90 dBC - loud enough to fill a medium-sized room or outdoor space. The Willen II, with its single 2-inch driver and passive radiators, tops out at 88 dB. While that 2 dB difference might seem small, it's actually quite noticeable in practice.

Having tested both speakers, the EVERBOOM clearly wins for group settings. It maintains clarity at higher volumes, while the Willen II starts to show strain when pushed to its limits. However, for personal listening or small gatherings, the Willen II's output is perfectly adequate.

Sound Quality and Character

The speakers' audio signatures are quite different:

The EVERBOOM features 360-degree sound projection, meaning it sounds consistent from any angle. Its larger drivers and cabinet size enable noticeably stronger bass response, making it excellent for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop or EDM. The speaker uses digital signal processing to maintain balanced sound even at high volumes.

The Willen II produces more directional sound with an emphasis on mid-range frequencies. This makes it particularly good for vocal-heavy music and podcasts. While it can't match the EVERBOOM's bass response, it delivers surprisingly clear and detailed sound for its size.

Feature Sets and Technology

Both speakers showcase interesting technical innovations. The EVERBOOM's PartyUp feature lets you connect multiple Ultimate Ears speakers together, creating a synchronized audio system. It also includes an "Outdoor Boost" mode that adjusts the EQ for better outdoor sound projection.

The Willen II brings some impressive tech of its own, including Auracast support - a new Bluetooth feature that enables broadcasting to multiple compatible speakers with better quality than traditional Bluetooth connections. It also incorporates Bluetooth LE Audio, which should provide better battery efficiency and audio quality once more devices support it.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery technology has improved significantly in recent years, and both speakers demonstrate this. The EVERBOOM offers 20 hours of playback, while the Willen II provides 17 hours. However, the Willen II includes quick-charging capability - 20 minutes of charging delivers 5.5 hours of playback, which can be incredibly convenient.

In real-world use, both speakers easily last through multiple days of normal listening. The quick-charge feature of the Willen II can be a lifesaver though, especially when traveling.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance ratings, meaning they can handle submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. They're equally well-suited for pool parties or beach days. The build quality of both is excellent, with the EVERBOOM using recycled materials in its construction and the Willen II featuring Marshall's signature rugged design.

Value Proposition and Price Comparison

At $249.99, the EVERBOOM sits in the premium portable speaker category. Its price reflects its larger size and more powerful sound output. The Willen II at $119.99 offers excellent value for those prioritizing portability over maximum volume.

The price difference is substantial, but so are the use cases. The EVERBOOM's higher price brings significantly more powerful sound and better bass response, while the Willen II delivers impressive performance for its size at a more accessible price point.

How to Decide

The choice between these speakers really comes down to your primary use case:

Choose the EVERBOOM if:

• You frequently host gatherings or outdoor events
• Bass-heavy music is your preference
• Maximum volume output is important
• You have space for a larger speaker
• Budget isn't your primary concern

Choose the Willen II if:

• Portability is your top priority
• You mainly listen alone or in small groups
• You prefer vocal-heavy music or podcasts
• You want a more affordable option
• Quick-charging capability matters to you

Final Thoughts

Both the EVERBOOM and Willen II excel in their respective categories. The EVERBOOM is the clear choice for those needing room-filling sound and stronger bass, while the Willen II offers impressive performance in an ultra-portable package at a lower price point.

For home theater use, neither speaker is really optimal - they're designed for portable use rather than home theater integration. If that's your primary use case, you'd be better served by dedicated home theater speakers.

Remember, the "better" speaker is the one that best fits your specific needs. Consider how and where you'll use it most often, and choose accordingly. Both speakers represent significant improvements over their predecessors and showcase the current state of portable audio technology.

Ultimate Ears EVERBOOM Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices

Marshall Willen II Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices