Customer Ratings & Reviews

I'll admit I was drawn to this Bluetooth speaker just by the name and reputation that Marshall has in the music industry. The Marshall Middleton II is a premium Bluetooth speaker that is meant to be seen as much as it's heard with the iconic Black with brass finish, classic logo, and design reminiscent of its popular amp. This is the second iteration in the Middleton series with substantial upgrades including battery life, better audio, better hardware controls, and a user replaceable battery that ensures a long life. After spending time with the Middleton II, I can tell you it's easily one of the best Bluetooth speakers available. - Unboxing/Design/Build The boxing is minimalist, clean, and focused. There's the speaker, USB-C charging cable, and a canvas carrying strap. The speaker feels durable and has a good feel and weight to it. It weighs about 4 pounds and dimensions are about 4.5 x 9 x 4" so it's very easy to move around or carry with you. It has the classic Marshall design. The controls are the highlight of the design, in my opinion. There's a multi-directional knob that lets you play, pause, skip, and control the volume with a flat brass joystick. I like the fact that there are actual raised treble and bass buttons that you can adjust on the unit itself. It's really convenient when you're listening to a song and you can make easy adjustments for each song right on the unit itself. I listen to a variety of music, and some songs will sound a little flat without an EQ adjustment. Continuing with the design, there's a power and Bluetooth button, and also a batter indicator. This is great to monitor your battery power and how long you need to charge. - Specs & Features - This is what stands out to me. First of all, there's 80 watts of power. I don't know of any Bluetooth speaker with this much power. It's durable too. With its IP67 rating, you can drop the speaker in 1 meter/3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. This means it's more than just a poolside speaker. It can also serve as a phone charger, so if you're streaming from your phone and it's about dead, just plug it in to your speaker and you can keep the music going. There's a built-in microphone to take phone calls which is a nice option depending on who's calling you. Another nice feature is when you're running out of battery, 20 minutes of charge time gives you about 5 more hours of play. Lastly, an impressive feature is the user replaceable battery. Most speakers will have significant battery degradation in about 2 to 3 years. With a user replaceable battery, this anxiety is solved. Just replace the battery and you can live on with your original investment. There's even a battery indicator that lights up on the control panel. I haven't seen this feature before but it's very convenient. - More Specs & Features - -4 pounds -30+ hours of battery -3.5 mm Aux port -Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio -Mic for calls - Performance - Connection - Pairing is instant. The Bluetooth 5.3 LE connection is solid. I didn't witness any stuttering. The microphone is a great addition. I tested a few phone calls and voices are clear and it's more than suitable for phone calls or even working from the home office. Sound - The Middleton II sound is big. The speaker produces an energetic, clear, and wide sound that can fill a room or a backyard with rich sound. The bass is immediately apparent. I listened to one of my favorite rock songs and the low end was impressive, not distorted like some of speakers I've heard. Pro Tip: The 360 sound is meant to fill the room and you have to treat it as such. If you're sitting a foot away from the speaker it's not going to sound as good as 10 feet away. The DSP is pushing the sound out to fill the room or space, so it's not meant to sit right by you. Max volume is very loud and still clear but the bass does drop a bit. DSP seems like it dials things back a bit to protect the sound from getting distorted. App - (On my iphone there were 2 Marshall apps, make sure you select the right one with the silver logo.) The app gives you more options for customization. This is where you can setup your custom EQ. On the unit you have bass & treble adjustments, but on the app you can make more detailed adjustments with the 5 Level EQ. You can also save your custom EQ settings. You can receive firmware updates through the app, manage broadcast settings for Auracast, and also turn on battery preservation, to take care of the battery by limiting max charge, or avoiding charging in certain weather conditions. Battery Life - This speaker is definitely in the 30+ hour range. I used it for days for an hour or 2 at a time, and I felt like the battery indicator was barely moving. The 20-minute charge for 5 hours of battery comes in very handy too. It can get you through the afternoon or evening if necessary. - Pros/Cons - *Pros* *Powerful sound that fills the room *30+ hours of battery life *User replaceable battery *Bass, Treble raised buttons for easy adjustments *Battery level is always displayed *Built-in Mic for phone calls *Auracast compatible for multi speaker sessions *3.5mm Aux port gives flexibility *Suggestions/Needs Improvement* *Could be a little more rugged for outdoor use *Charging does take about 4 hours for a full charge The Marshall Middleton II delivers great sounds, has a class leading battery (that's also replaceable), and has the IP67 rating you need to take it anywhere. There are no compromises, I highly recommend it. Marshall delivers an impressive, premium Bluetooth speaker with a host of features you need.

## Design The speaker is larger than I expected and is getting close to party speaker territory, but it's still portable enough to bring to a party or a game. The speaker is a little over 4 inches high, 9 inches wide, just under 4 inches deep, and weighs slightly over 4 pounds. The speaker does appear to be durable as it is surrounded in a removable silicone sleeve. It's also rated IP67 dustproof and waterproof. Across the top of the speaker, you'll find the indicators and controls: battery level LEDs, the microphone, as well as the power button, Bluetooth button, up and down buttons for both the treble and bass, and a multifunctional control for play, pause, skip, rewind, and volume up and down. I question combining commonly used features such as play, pause, skip, rewind, volume up and down into one button, yet separating out dedicated controls for the bass and treble. I personally would have preferred to have dedicated buttons for play, pause, and the volume as I probably won't mess with the bass and treble nearly as often. Plus, if I ask someone unfamiliar with the speaker to turn it down, they will likely go for the bass or treble control as they look more like volume controls compared to the multifunctional button. On the back of the speaker, you'll find a USB-C charging port (which can both receive power and provide power to your phone, for example) and a 3.5 mm audio input jack. ## Sound Quality The bass performance is definitely one of the headlining features of this Marshall Middleton II Bluetooth speaker. It's sure to annoy your neighbors at high volumes, and if you find it to be too much, you can easily back it off using the bass control on the top of the speaker (no need to fire up the app to adjust the EQ). The app allows you to finely tune the EQ settings, install firmware updates, and enable some battery preservation features, which include limiting the maximum charge to 95%, limiting the battery to slow charging, and lowering the charging speed if the speaker is too warm. It's nice to see these features built-in to the speaker so you don't need to worry about "babying" the battery. Marshall also states that this speaker has a 360-degree True Stereophonic feature to make it feel like music is coming at you from multiple directions. I can't say I've really noticed this feature, but the speaker does get loud enough to bounce off the walls and hit you from all directions while using it indoors. The speaker definitely gets loud, making it ideal for outdoor events, but it can also be used for comfortable indoor listening at lower volumes. Music sounds absolutely great coming from this speaker, as you would expect from Marshall. ## Battery Life The Marshall Middleton II speaker can achieve up to 30 hours of playback time on a full charge. It can also be used as a power bank to charge your phone or other devices. The USB-C port on the back can be used to both charge the speaker as well as other devices from the speaker. ## Summary The Marshall Middleton II Bluetooth speaker is durable with its removable silicone sleeve and IP67 dust-proof and waterproof rating. However, the multifunctional control button can make accessing commonly used functions a tad more difficult, and its size and weight make it less travel-friendly. Still, with this larger size comes impressive sound quality and bass performance, and up to 30 hours of battery life.

Right out of the box I loved the classic concert speaker vibes. It goes so well right next to my guitar or my vintage vinyl record player which has the same tactile finish and grill. This speaker is built like a tank, and it is top-quality. At almost 4 lbs., it does weigh a bit more than others, but still manages to be portable. The thick hand strap is much appreciated. Also, the speaker is rated IP67, so even heavy rain or dust won’t be any problem. I prefer tactile controls, and this speaker does not disappoint. While some buttons are not all that visible, especially in the dark, I got used to their location quickly. The control knob is fairly intuitive as well. To complement the overall look, the volume and battery levels are displayed via an old-school LED bar -nice! Featuring Bluetooth 5.3, the speaker connected easily with my Android phone and my iOS tablet (multipoint). It does not automatically switch between devices, though. I was able to place the speaker away from my devices almost anywhere in my medium-size apartment without connection issues. The speaker can also be connected via a 3.5mm cable (not included), which is great since I often play vinyl records on my semi-portable player. The battery life is outstanding. I played music at different volumes for 4 days for about 6-8 hours in my office, which would be around 24-32 hours of playtime. Just in case, 20 minutes on charge adds 5 hours. Using a 65W charger (I can’t believe one is not included), the speaker does take approximately 2.5 hours to recharge from empty in my experience. Battery life is impacted if the USB-C port is used for charging a phone. The audio quality is on par with the looks. While sound preferences are subjective, I found whatever I listened to quite enjoyable. The speaker has plenty of impactful bass and even some of that subwoofer quality. The midrange retains its place, making vocals and rhythm instruments come forward. The treble has a sparkling quality without being too bright or harsh. I did notice that the best sound is right in front of the speaker, although the “True Stereophonic: 360°” feature makes for decent listening from any angle. The dual 10-WATT twitters and 30-WATT passive radiators produce very loud sound with minimal distortion. Just in case, the unit has bass/treble controls on the speaker itself, which is quite convenient, but you can manage the EQ through its companion app, which I recommend downloading. And to top it all, the Middleton II doubles as a hands-free conference speaker/microphone, which works rather nicely in a small room or when speaking close to it. The classic design, strong build quality, varied features, and surprising sound do come at a premium price. However, in my opinion it is totally worth it.

I am a huge fan of Marshall Speakers due to its acoustic and aesthetic brilliance. I have been using a Marshall Emberton and I have been really happy with its sound and performance. I wanted a bigger speaker for a larger area, and decided to get a Middleton II model. I only realized what I have been missing after listening to Middleton. The sound is super rich and the clarity is brilliant. It has an amazing BASS especially for a portable model. The overall sound output is super loud and crystal clear. This has 4 built-in speakers with a tweeter and a woofer. The black leather with a golden knob and Marshall font gives it a brilliant visual appeal. The speaker supports Multipoint connectivity where multi devices can be connected. Just pause on a device and play from another device; as simple as that. Marshall advertises a 30+ hour battery life. I couldn’t verify it non-stop, but after a single full charge, it lasts for many days with avg daily usage. So the battery life is excellent. It takes about 3 hours to charge from 0 to 80. The speaker can also be used as a power bank which could be handy at dire times. This speaker has a built-in microphone and can be used as a speaker phone. The mic quality is so good and picks up conversation even from a distance making it useful for a group call with large group of people gathered around the table. The speaker also has a 3.5mm jack which is always good to have as I have realized, it comes in handy at unexpected times. Speaker has a IP67 rating meaning it is 100% protected against dust and sand, and as per Marshall it can withstand for 30 minutes under 1 m of water. The true highlight of the Middleton model is its True Stereophonic sound providing a 360 degree sound experience. It sounds brilliant from wherever you are listening from within the room. Although portable, the speaker is slightly heavy and big but the band makes it easy to carry around. The knob on the speaker not only elevates its visual appeal, but can control Volume, Play/Pause, Track Selection. This speaker has a dedicated Bass and Treble controller. The light type battery indicator serves multi-purpose and serves as an indicator for all controls – volume, bass and treble. The supporting app helps keep the firmware updated. There was an update instantly after setup. Speaking of setup, it was a breezy process. The phone auto detects the speaker and prompts to install the app. App provide various other sound settings, but I personally prefer the default Marshall one. To summarize, Marshall devices elevates the overall listening experience and the power of Middleton II takes it to a different level. It has been a pleasure listening to music in this speaker and I absolutely recommend this to anyone looking to experience quality music.

Marshall makes some very good speakers, from portable to pro-sized floor models, and has for 60 years. The Marshall Middleton 2 isn’t cheap, but it gives you some great sound for that price, with some improvements over the last model. At just under 4 inches deep, by around 9 inches wide and approximately 4 inches high, and weighing around 4 pounds, it’s not pocketable or something you’d likely carry in an average backpack, but with it’s included strap, it’s still portable enough. The black color keeps it subtle, with only the front logo letters and power button in a bronze-ish tone. The controls on top are also black, blending in. With an IP rating of IP67, the Middleton 2 can handle short submersions in water, and resists dust. The battery now can keep going for more than 30 hours depending on settings, more than the previous model. A new microphone on the front allows you to use the speaker for phone calls if needed. I’ve tried this a few times and while the people I’m talking to can tell I’m on a speakerphone of some sort, they’ve all said so far, that I’m coming in clear. The Bluetooth range is approx. 33 feet depending on walls, but you’ll most likely be using this much closer. You can even charge your phone with a charging bank on the back. Sound wise, the Middleton 2 is very good. With 360 sound it’s better than many sound bars on TVs that I’ve tried. So far, it’s worked flawlessly on my phone, tablet, and even was able to connect to my television and crank out sound that’s better than a sound bar that I have been using. The control knob on top and power button allow you to power it on/off and a small Bluetooth button connects to applicable devices. I haven’t had any issues with connectivity so far at all. Bass and Treble controls along with the Bluetooth and power buttons allow you to use the speaker without an app, but the Marshall app does give you more features and control, so they recommend it. A battery LED lets you know your battery status. No bugs in the app so far. A 3.5 mm Audio input is also available on the back next to the USB-C charging port if needed. A charging cable is included. My one complaint – the textured body of the Marshall collects dust like a magnet! It does provide great grip, but dust will collect quickly on the body, and it’s texture makes it hard to wipe off. Not enough of an issue to knock points off, but it’s a bit irritating. This being the only complaint though. Otherwise, the Middleton 2 though a bit up there in price, is still worth the money if you want top sound quality. Recommended.

The moment I unboxed the Marshall Middleton 2, I instantly fell in love. The rugged, solid build immediately sets it apart from most portable speakers I’ve used. It has that signature Marshall rock-and-roll aesthetic, matte black, brass-toned accents, and that classic logo that just oozes vintage appeal with modern attitude. The weight of the speaker alone tells you this is a premium-quality device. It’s not your flimsy travel speaker, it’s a true performer meant for those who care about sound as much as style. This isn’t my first Marshall, I already own the smaller sibling in the lineup and I was excited to see what this bigger model could do.The acoustics are absolutely phenomenal. The Middleton 2 delivers deep, resonant bass that hits hard without overwhelming the mids, allowing vocals and instruments to stay crisp and clear. It’s a rich, full sound that fills the entire room with immersive audio. When those deep low frequencies kick in, the bass rumbles cleanly and powerfully, something you usually only get from much larger speakers. I tested it during a 13-hour overnight shift, placing it next to an old radio that’s been holding down the breakroom for years and the Marshall completely outperformed it in every way. By the end of the shift, the battery was still going strong with plenty of life left, which says a lot about its excellent endurance. The controls are intuitive with tactile press buttons and a smooth tilt knob that lets you fine-tune your volume and EQ on the fly. It’s simple but very satisfying to use. Another awesome feature that’s easy to overlook is the built-in power bank function. You can plug your phone in and charge directly from the speaker. That’s a major bonus for long outdoor sessions or workdays where your phone battery might be running low. The included carrying strap is a nice touch and definitely helps given the speaker’s heft. Depending on how you feel about portability, the weight can be either a pro or con. It’s not feather-light, but the sturdiness makes it worth it. If I had to point out one small downside, it would be the charging cable. Marshall included a standard rubber-coated USB-C cable, which works fine, but I would’ve loved to see a braided premium cable, something that matches the speaker’s build quality. It’s a minor gripe in an otherwise stellar package. All in all, the Marshall Middleton 2 is an absolute powerhouse in the portable speaker category. It combines premium craftsmanship, amazing sound, long battery life, and bonus features like the built-in phone charger all wrapped up in that unmistakable Marshall style.

I received the Marshall portable speaker and it came nicely packaged. Included in the box is the unit, a Quick Start Guide, a heavy duty hand strap which I immediately placed through the slot and a USB-c charging cable. There is no charger so you must use your own. I started charging and once done was ready to try it out. I already had the Marshall app on my iPhone so I simply had to add this one to my account. It was found right away and there was a firmware update that got installed. The app has an Equalizer to fine tune for your personal sound. Included is a LISTEN TO BROADCAST (Beta), BATTERY PRESERVATION to extend the life of your product by limiting the charge to 95% but you have the option to choose more - STANDARD-MEDIUM or MAX settings. I decided to leave it on Standard. There is a setting for Temperature that lowers the charging speed if the temp is outside the ideal range to prolong the battery lifespan. Next the app offers a timeout so the speaker turns off after being unused for the selected time. I left it at the 10 minute selection but you can go all the way up to a 55 minute delay. On the Equalizer I left it at the original Marshall #1 sound as that was the best for my my listening. Otherwise you can choose #2 and access the 5 band custom Equalizer with 160 Hz, 400 Hz, 1 KHz, 2.5 KHz and 6.25 KHz settings. The app is very simple to use and the speaker responds promptly. Now on to the sound! WOW it's truly incredible. I connected my iPhone first via Bluetooth and what a delight it was to listen to! I enjoy the fact you can set the bass and treble right from the top of the speaker. The round brass disc controls the volume plus had a forward and reverse. There is an internal microphone so you can use this speaker to make calls. I called a couple friends and they said I sounded great and so did they. I then proceeded to connect it to my Mac computer and the sound was awesome on my various programs, including TV apps. It has some weight to it but was still easily held by me when moving by holding onto the strap, although I usually leave it on my desk. It measures 9" wide x 4.25" high x 4" deep and weighs a little over 3 pounds. The battery life is exceptionally good which of course is a real plus. I must say this speaker is absolutely fantastic! It's well made with quality materials, waterproof if you need it outdoors and the sound is out of this world perfect. Rich and full - just like it should be. The Marshall is right up there with the best in my opinion - one of the favorites I own. A purchase well worth the price. You won't be disappointed because I'm sure not!!

This speaker is hands down, pound for pound, the best-sounding Bluetooth speaker I’ve ever owned. It genuinely rivals a much larger portable speaker I bought years ago that cost almost three times as much. The audio is crystal clear and sharp, and it stays that way as you turn the volume up. The range is phenomenal. It gets so much louder than you would expect a speaker this size to. You can adjust the EQ on the speaker itself or inside the Marshall app, but I haven’t needed to touch anything because it sounds so balanced out of the box. Durability and Portability - This part impressed me the most, because I’ve absolutely put this thing through the wringer over the past week. We just bought a new home, and what started as “let’s repaint one room” has somehow become repainting the entire interior. This speaker has been with me through sanding, painting, mudding, and spackling, and it still looks and works great. The rubberized body cleans up really easily too. The attached strap is way more useful than I expected. It lets you hang or prop the speaker basically anywhere. One whole day I hung it from the stair rail because there wasn’t a single safe surface left in the room. Battery Life - Marshall claims 30 hours, but I honestly feel like that’s an understatement. I’m pretty sure I’ve already hit 30 hours of playtime, and the battery is still sitting above 25 percent. Bluetooth Issues - This is the only reason it isn’t getting 5 stars from me. I’ve updated the firmware, updated my phone (iPhone 17 Pro Max), and tried every trick I can think of, but the speaker still has intermittent Bluetooth dropouts. What’s weird is that it’ll work perfectly for an hour, then suddenly cut out 20 times in a 10 minute span, then go right back to normal. I’m using it in an empty house with zero Bluetooth congestion, and none of my other devices have this problem, so it’s definitely the speaker. I’m hoping Marshall pushes another firmware update, because everything else about this speaker is nearly perfect. Overall - This is an outstanding Bluetooth speaker with incredible sound, great battery life and durability. If the Bluetooth issues gets fixed, it would easily be the best portable speaker I’ve ever used.

Marshall always delivers quality and superior products. I have yet to be disappointed. This speaker is built like any of their other speakers but in an “almost” pint sized package. Its sound is boomtastic. It’s clear, precise and loud. I mean I didn’t think it could produce such big sound, in this smaller package. I have 3 much larger Marshall speakers throughout my home and their headphones. So I understand Marshall’s quality and sound reproduction pretty good. Nothing is lost with this speaker. Don’t get me wrong, It’s portable but not the portable I was expecting. My only mistake was not reading the size of the speaker. I did see the pictures for it, but somehow still ignored it, lol. I thought this would be a nice little almost pocket sized lightweight speaker I could throw in a backpack or hang over my handlebars or wrist when my family and I go biking, scooter riding or for a walk, but boy did I underestimate the size and weight, lol. It’s not too big that I can’t throw it into a bag, but the weight is substantially heavier than the hand sized speakers my husband uses during our power walks and bike rides. So I probably would refrain from bringing it along for that. But it is great for park outings, or more stationary settings in which bringing a much larger party speaker isn’t necessary or inaccessible. It’s quite shocking, how good it sounds and how loud it gets, in such a good way. There is a weird quirk about it that bothered me at first, until I figured it out, but it’s not a huge problem. If I was watching or listening to a video or a music app and my phone was open to that app I couldn’t lower or turn up the volume from the speaker, only from my phone could I control the volume. If I clicked out of the app or had my phone on standby/black screen while the music or sound from the video playing in the background, I could operate the sound from the speaker. Not a biggie but very interesting. You can take calls on the speaker which is great. I didn’t get any bad feedback about quality of calls. We were able to hear each other just fine. The controls are interesting as well, but fun. I like the gold game controller knob it’s different from the switches and knobs that are on my other Marshall speakers. The buttons I don’t think will get much use are the bass and treble control. Once I set it, I forget it. I do like that I can clearly see the battery level on the top of speaker My fave features on this is that it is waterproof and dust proof. I like to be outside gardening and building things. Im currently building our fence and so this has already made its debut outdoors with me. Instead of putting our party speaker on the deck or wearing my headphones for hours. I can easily bring this outdoors and give my poor ears a break. It’s already a bit dirty but it’s super easy to clean. Also, as with everything these days, there’s an app. You don’t need it to operate or setup the speaker. But if you want to fine tune some things you can use it. I have other Marshall speakers and headphones so I’m familiar with the app, but I can tell you that I never use the app once I’ve adjusted my sound settings. There’s not much to do on the app. All in all, I would definitely recommend getting this sound buster. If you don’t have the space for their larger speakers but love or want to experience Marshall sound, get this. It’s really great.

If you’re in the music industry, the name Marshall is synonymous with high quality sound and you see it on stage at just about every live venue. The brand resonates with the core of all musicians as, since their inception in the industry, it represents the raw, unfiltered sound we’re all searching for. For decades, they have produced some of the best quality audio products in mainly large form for stage performers however, thankfully for those that can’t always tote around all the heavy, high-end equipment you’ll see being hauled out of tour trailers and buses, they have solidly planted themselves in the everyday consumer industry to appeal to a larger audience to provide all of us a taste of that raw, unadulterated sound. That business model continues to hold true with the second generation of their Middleton portable Bluetooth speaker line, respectfully the Middleton II which was designed for music lovers who appreciate both style and performance. This speaker promises to deliver powerful sound in a rugged, compact package. Even before opening the box, you can tell this portable speaker is going to be the real deal sporting heavy duty packaging equipped to handle the weight of the over four-pound speaker. They did not skimp of the build of this speaker as it was made with similar materials and looks as their larger products and their vintage-inspired aesthetics featuring the classic textured grille, gold accents, and the iconic Marshall script logo. The speaker is robust and durable with an IP67 rating making it dustproof and water-resistant which is perfect for outdoor use or travel. The controls are intuitively placed on the top panel, allowing easy access to the power and Bluetooth buttons, volume, play/pause, and even convenient treble and bass adjustments. It comes equipped with a sturdy carrying strap making it is easy to tote around however, as I previously stated, it is quite heavy and larger in comparison to other portable speakers. After a full charge and downloading the Marshall smartphone application, I was ready to rock out and test how tolerant the neighbors were of my loud music choices. The Middleton II produces rich, full, clear audio with deep bass, crisp mids, and sparkling highs, maintaining clarity even at higher volumes. The 360° True Stereophonic sound technology is a form of multidirectional audio that makes your music hit from all angles and was designed so you can hear the music no matter where you’re standing. The Middleton II offers a stable Bluetooth connection and supports multipoint pairing, allowing two devices to be connected simultaneously. The speaker also features a built-in microphone for hands-free calls and voice assistant functionality. For those who prefer wired connections, there’s a 3.5mm aux input available. This generation includes a substantial upgrade in battery performance claiming up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge using the provided USB-C cable. The speaker can also be used as a power bank to charge your devices which is another added perk. As an avid audiophile, I am impressed with the Marshall Middleton II as it delivers exceptional sound, rugged durability, and distinctive style. My only concern is with its portability; it’s not the speaker I would grab for traveling or vacation on an airplane because of its size and weight. Considering the sound quality, battery life and comes from a leader in the sound industry, I think it’s well worth the investment in comparison to other speakers for around the house use or to throw in the car or camper for a road trip. I would definitely recommend it to anyone in the market as a great sounding speaker option at an affordable price.

I previously had a Marshall Stockwell 2 and I loved it. It sounded great, had fantastic styling, awesome features and a nice durable build quality. After several years of listening, sometimes in challenging environmental conditions, it is still going strong and sounds superb to this day. I recently decided to try this Middleton 2 and I see that Marshall has not lost a step when it comes to producing outstanding portable Bluetooth speakers. This Middleton 2 speaker is phenomenal. It has a warm rich sound and tight clean sounding bass with good resonance. The overall sound quality belies the speaker’s small size and can easily fill a room with great sounding music at enjoyably loud volumes. I also love the brass tone accented retro styling. Marshall speakers not only look good, but they are built like a tank. Like the Stockwell 2, this Middleton 2 is a solid slab of technological brilliance. Marshall Bluetooth speakers may be a little on the heavy side, but they aren’t overly heavy and they still have great portability. Packed inside that dense package is outstanding quality. The Stockwell is still going strong with zero issues after over six years of daily moderate use. That is a strong testament to the build quality and reliability and makes me optimistic that I will get many years of listening pleasure out of the Middleton 2 as well. Manual onboard controls include power and Bluetooth buttons, rockers for bass and treble, and a snazzy brass toned music/phone control knob. A handy durable carrying strap is also included. The speaker has a built-in microphone that allows it to be used as a speakerphone. The mic works well and voices are clear and clean sounding during use. A Marshall Bluetooth companion app is available for download from the app stores. I can manage speaker settings and adjust sound through the app when needed. I’m using the iOS version which has been stable so far. Connectivity is terrific. I have no issues whenever I’m streaming over Bluetooth from my phone. It maintains a consistent reliable connection with no random dropouts or disconnects. Even when I roam from room to room on the same floor, there is no loss of connectivity. The Middleton can remember up to eight previous Bluetooth connections. Battery life is impressive and there is a handy and highly visible LED battery meter on the top of the speaker. It helps me monitor battery life to ensure the speaker doesn’t unexpectedly run out of juice while listening. There are also battery saver options in-app to help maximize battery life. A USB-C charging cable is included but no wall charger. I charge by plugging the cable into a low wattage USB charging port on my power strip. Marshall suggests not using fast chargers because they can prematurely erode battery life. Many may know Marshall more for their guitar amps, but they also make some of the best sounding high quality portable speakers. The tradeoff for the excellent sound quality and durability is a little extra weight, but it is well worth it. The weight is negligible and the speaker still has excellent portability. This Middleton 2 speaker can handle any genre I throw at it, and thankfully so because I have wildly eclectic musical tastes. My typical playlist usually contains some mixture of reggae, pop, R&B, rock, hip hop, K-pop, funk, and both classic and contemporary jazz. The Middleton effortlessly handles any type music I throw at it. When necessary, sound can be further fine-tuned using the EQ within the app. It’s a versatile little speaker.

When unpacking, at almost 4 pounds, you really notice the weight of the speaker. Looking it over, the build is solid, look and feel is excellent. The silicone sleeve around the speaker adds a soft feel and is removable for cleaning. Included is a nice carry strap and booklet. The internal speakers are neodymium drivers. Two 3” woofers, two 0.6” tweeters, and two passive radiators. Woofers are driven by two 30 watt class D amps, and the tweeters are driven by two 10 watt class D amps. A sound level of 87db and a frequency range of 50 to 20Khz. The cabinet is sealed, water and dust proof, and stereo sound output. On the top there is a power button, blue tooth button, bass / treble level controls; and a control button for volume, playback, phone, etc. And, there is a ten level led display that shows volume, bass / treble and charge levels. On the back is a 3.5mm aux input port, and a USB C port for charging the speaker. The USB C port can even provide output power to charge a phone, etc. The speaker can be used for music, streaming, and as a speakerphone. There is an app that can be downloaded for updates etc. The battery is stated to last up to 30 hours, but I am sure that will depend on volume levels. Pairing with the computer was straight forward and quick. I ran through a number of different types of music – rock, jazz, and classical. Then used with streaming and videos. Playback was in stereo, and boosting the bass and treble a bit brought out the speaker's full audio capabilities. The sound output was full, with clear highs and solid lows. I did notice a roll off in the lowest frequencies. But 3 inch woofers can only move so much air. However, I could actually feel the entire cabinet vibrate with the bass notes. To me, it seemed that when using the speaker further away detracted from the perceived bass. Placing closer, the bass was more solid and pronounced. Overall, the sound is a dynamic addition that can be used with computer, tablet, phone, etc. Brings movies and videos alive. Also, when when streaming a movie, the blue tooth latency was almost nonexistent. But at 87db, I wouldn't think this would be good “party room” speaker. If not using a sound bar or surround sound receiver, this can be a nice addition for movies, videos, music, and it's portable from room to room / device to device. However, it is on the expensive side....

Introduction If you’re tired of portable speakers that sound thin or feel fragile, the Marshall Middleton II is a breath of fresh air. It arrives with the confidence of a brand steeped in pro audio, but it doesn’t act like a showroom piece—this one is built to be used. From the first unboxing you get the sense that Marshall didn’t just shrink a studio speaker; they rethought what portable audio should be. First Impressions Unboxing feels luxurious. The speaker’s weight and finish signal durability without being bulky, and the controls are satisfyingly tactile. It looks clean and understated, but every design choice seems aimed at making the speaker easier to live with day to day. Design and Durability This is a speaker you won’t baby. The waterproof and dustproof build makes it easy to toss in a bag for the beach, the trail, or just moving around the house. The minimalist styling keeps things simple while the physical buttons and well-placed controls make quick adjustments intuitive and pleasant. Sound Performance Where it really wins is sound. For its size the Middleton II delivers rich, balanced audio that captures detail across genres. Vocals are clear, mids are present, and the bass has enough punch to satisfy without overwhelming. The onboard tuning options let you shape the sound on the fly, so it adapts whether you’re listening to acoustic singer-songwriter tracks or bass-forward electronic music. Connectivity and Battery Pairing is painless and switching between devices is smooth thanks to reliable Bluetooth performance. The battery life is a highlight at over 20 hours, which removes the usual recharge anxiety. Charging via USB Type-C is convenient even if it’s not the fastest; the accurate battery level readout is a welcome, practical touch that beats vague LED indicators. Features and Value Stack Mode is a standout for anyone who wants to scale up sound for gatherings—link a few speakers and the listening experience opens up. The Middleton II is versatile enough for outdoor adventures and solid enough for more professional or worksite use. Considering the combination of sound quality, ruggedness, and features, it represents strong value for anyone who wants a portable speaker that behaves like a serious audio device. Conclusion The Marshall Middleton II isn’t just another portable speaker; it feels like a thoughtfully designed audio companion. If you want something that sounds great, survives real-world use, and gives you useful features without fuss, this one’s worth a close look. Recommended!

It’s good at what is supposed to do, and it looks good while doing it. I love the look of it, from the rough but soft skin around the outside to the buttons on the top that can be hard to see but once you know the speaker easy enough to feel out to the gold colored Marshall emblem on the front to let the world know its not just any speaker. The handle is well built along with the rest of it and none of it feels cheap. The USB C is for charging it or for charging your phone on the go and the Aux has zero delay into it, I plugged my violin into it just to see if the delay existed that exists in a lot of other portable battery speakers was there, and I am happy to see I could not perceive a delay at all. Not that that is what you are looking for in this speaker, but I couldn’t help but test it. The microphone sounds like you are in a bathroom on the other side of the call but it is completely intelligible and clear within 3 to 5 feet but does start to break up once you’re around ten feet away. I love the Bass and Treble controls on the top as well as the light bar that tells you the audio level, treble, or bass depending on which one you are adjusting. The center button is nice to use and allows you to skip forward, skip back, play, pause, and adjust the volume. The Bluetooth button is only need for pairing but I like that it is separate as it is easier for people to intuitively know how to connect to it as I tend to just say connect to it and play your tunes instead of trying to be the DJ. For the size and portability of this speaker and what it is geared to do I think it sounds amazing. The 360 sound actually works really well and is really impressive. Overall, this hits on everything I need out of a speaker and everything that I could want out of a speaker like this as well. I’m not worried about the weather with the IP rating and I’m not overly worried about it falling off a counter or char with the soft out shell and the sturdiness of it.

The Marshall Middleton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a stylish speaker with classic Marshall looks that is very convenient to use when desiring portable sound. It features an impressive 30 hours of battery life; this enables uninterrupted playback of playlists throughout the weekend without the need for recharging. However, recharging does take quite a bit of time as it took me 4 hours to recharge it fully. Its enhanced quad-speaker array delivers deep bass and refined detail at high volumes, powered by True Stereophonic multi-directional technology for immersive audio in any environment. I put the speaker through its paces by playing a wide variety of songs from my iPhone, from rap to rock to classical. In all genres, the sound was crisp and vibrant. The newly integrated microphone facilitates hands-free calls so you can have drink in hand while listening to music and take phone calls on the speaker. Rated IP67, the Middleton II is fully waterproof and dustproof, making it ideal for outdoor adventures or poolside gatherings. Top-panel tactile controls and the Marshall Bluetooth App provide easy bass and treble adjustments. You can also utilize the speaker as a power bank to recharge devices via USB-C and also connect via auxiliary input. This is a premium portable speaker that is sure to impress both audiophiles and casual listeners

If you have ever grown up in the garage band era then you are very familiar with Marshall and their product line. You get the same vintage feel your used to and remember from your youth with the same sound quality packed in to a smaller device. Out of the box you kind of get everything you need to get you started. I wanna start with my first gripe and that is the fact that no charging block is included. You get the usb-c cable but no charging block to connect it to. Normally this is not a big deal since i have a bunch of them with a bunch of different voltage outputs. But the reason it became a big deal was because this device is very sensitive to the voltage coming in. Out of the 6 different plugs i had only one worked and it was the one with the lowest voltage setting. All others would not charge the unit at all. I even updated to the latest firmware to see if this would solve the problem and nope, it sure didn't. Once i found the correct usb block that would work it then took almost three hours to charge to a full state from a 20% charge level. So ok, i'll look past this minor inconvenience, except there were more problems to be had. After a connecting via bluetooth the unit had trouble streaming music off my phone through Spotify. Once i finally was able to establish a solid connection and play music incomes problem number three. The bluetooth signal is weak, and let me clarify what i mean by that exactly. Distance wise you can stream easily up to 20 feet however if this speaker is near any other devices putting out signals it is easily interrupted. My music would keep cutting out when in my office which contains a wireless keyboard and mouse. The minute i left the room with it, no problems. The music literally sounded like a old discman that would skip CDs if you moved it too hard. I am praying and hoping this gets fixed with future updates because the sound quality is awesome. The 360 sound is a true 360 with speakers on all four corners. Sound quality is clear and unobstructed by any other notes over powering another. Honestly if not for the sound quality this would not be a good buy.I am holding on to the hope that they will fix the connection and charging issues. If they do then this is a easy buy, but from the current version i have i would say be aware of some issues that are being currently experienced. One thing i have to really give credit to on this speaker is the bass quality. The bass quality on this speaker hits perfectly for those of you that like hip hop or rap. The bass can be felt out of this little speaker but it comes in clean with no distortion what so ever. Anyways if you interested just wait till you are sure these problems are fixed first.

INTRODUCTION: While this is not my first high-end Bluetooth speaker, it is my first time using a product from Marshall. I had high expectations for the Marshall Middleton II because everyone on social media seems to have a similar Marshall speaker. This is one of the trendiest brands in the audio space, but the Marshall Middleton II manages to live up to the hype. While not perfect, this speaker will appeal to both audiophiles and the casual listener. DESIGN: The Marshall Middleton II has that classic, semi-retro, rock ‘n’ roll, imitation amp design that all Marshall speakers are famous for. I love the aesthetic of the Marshall Middleton II. The device feels premium the moment you take it out the box, and speaking of the box, Marshall also put thought into the box’s design opting to continue its rock ‘n’ roll theme to it too. The speaker comes in two colors: cream and black (black & brass to be more exact), and while the cream is more visually attractive, the black is the better option for avoiding any staining, dirt marks or scuff marks which will matter to you if you choose to take the speaker outside. Regardless of what color you choose, either option will be stunning. It’s just a great looking speaker, period. The material the speaker is made of is waterproof, which I can confirm is accurate. I take this speaker into the bathroom with me as I am showering and washing my hair, and it handled accidental water splashes and heavy mist just fine. You will appreciate it being waterproof if you take this on a beach trip or play it by the swimming pool. More importantly, the sound quality is very good. Marshall claims the Middleton II uses what they refer to as “360° True Stereophonic sound,” or multidirectional audio, and while I didn’t run any fancy tests on this feature, I can say I am satisfied with how this speaker projects sound. It really fills up my living room and pushes the sound to every nearby room on the same floor. The more elevated the speaker is, the better the sound output is, the better the sound is distributed throughout the area, so I prefer to sit it on a shelf, counter or high-top table. The Middleton II also doesn’t distort bass, guitar nor drums. There are physical controls on the device that control the level of bass and treble for when you need to alter them. While you can do the same within Marshall’s app, I personally prefer using physical buttons on my devices that work independently of an app. Regarding power, the woofer amps are 30 watts, and the maximum volume is 90 decibels. The Marshall Middleton II also has a built-in microphone, which I doubt I will ever use, but may come in handy for hands free phone calls at outdoor events, such as barbecues and beach picnics. PROS: The Marshall Middleton II goes into pairing mode quicker than my other Bluetooth portable speaker (from a competitor). I am not sure why that is because I’m pairing it with the same two devices that I used with the competition. The Middleton II pairs almost immediately, even when pairing the speaker to an audio source for the first time. Additionally, the Marshall Middleton II can be paired to multiple devices at the same time. So can my speaker from a competitor; but unlike that speaker, the Marshall Middleton II pairs to multiple devices seamlessly. Unlike my other speaker, the Marshall Middleton II doesn’t struggle to maintain connection to both devices while playing only one, doesn’t struggle to find the devices I want to connect to, and stays connected to both devices so long as neither audio source goes into sleep mode. It’s super easy to do, and you can alternate between audio sources without issue. Battery life is also good. I’ve used it two to four hours a day for at least 4 days out of the week, and my battery life is currently at 62%. You will need to charge this immediately following purchase though, as it only has 25% battery life straight out the box. Marshall claims you can get up to 30 hours of run time on this speaker, but realistically, especially playing at the louder volumes like I do, I will probably get closer to 20-25 hours of run time. CONS: This is the heaviest portable speaker I’ve used in this category or genre of Bluetooth speakers. It is not remotely small. Yes, I can hold it in one hand, but I can’t hold it comfortably; and while I am a woman, I don’t have small hands. Maybe the discomfort comes from its wide, boxy square shape. As a result, I don’t feel comfortable taking this on the go which completely defeats the purpose of having a portable speaker. I feel its weight cancels out its portability factor. The Marshall Middleton II does come with a nylon wrist strap to help aid in traveling with it that looks durable, but I still do not feel comfortable holding this speaker by the strap alone. The speaker weighs four pounds, so it’s not a light portable speaker, and it will be tedious for packing/traveling. Carry it outside with caution. Personally, I think this speaker may be too fancy for outdoor activities, and I am also clumsy, so this will solely be used indoors for me. One thing that irritates me is if my audio source is paused for more than five minutes, the Marshall Middleton II will disconnect from it and sometimes even power off. My other speaker will last up to 20 minutes before completely disconnecting and powering off. Fortunately, the speaker pairs quickly with my phone and tablet, but it still really bothers me that it disconnects that quickly. I don’t know if this problem is just on my device, or if all Marshall Middleton speakers work like this. Maybe it is a way of conserving the battery. CONCLUSION: Tiny quirks and size issues aside, the Middleton II is a great speaker that comes packed with power, great audio, and good looks. It looks attractive in anyone’s office, living room, or on a shelf. The Middleton II isn’t just trendy nor is it all beauty over function; the Middleton II delivers a rich enjoyable audio experience that will keep you choosing it over your other Bluetooth speakers. It’s just great sound, period. I recommend it as a gift to music lovers in your life; specifically, those that will appreciate its retro rocker design.

The Marshall Middleton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a nice speaker with a rugged waterproof and dustproof design. The speaker comes well packed with a quick start guide with instructions. The speaker is fairly easy to figure out without the manual. However, the manual has more details of the features the speaker provides. My only gripe is that the font is extremely small. I could barely read it because the font is way too small to read for most people. The speaker comes with a carrying strap. The carrying strap is extremely difficult to install. The instructions say to push the strap through the opening upwards. I never could get it to slide through upwards. I decided to slide it opposite of what the instructions say. I decided to slide it through the opening downwards. Doing to works, but the strap looks different than what’s illustrated in the manual. The speaker has some weight to it. It’s one you will carry and place it on a table or surface while in use. It’s to a speaker you will be throwing in your bag due to its weight. When I connected the speaker to my iPhone it prompted me to download the Marshall app. Two different apps appeared for me to download. One with a gray background and white colored M, and the other with a black background and gold colored M. The gray and white one is the one that works. The black and cold one doesn’t appear to be supported for this speaker. The app allowed me to create custom EQ settings. You can also increase the bass and treble using the hardware buttons on top of the speaker. The multifunction buttons allow you to play/pause, play previous and next track, and adjust the volume. The audio quality of the speaker sounds really good. I got a compliment of how well it sounds. The speaker also has a 3.5mm aux jack in the back for connecting to devices that support a line connection. Overall, the speaker is a solid choice for playing music in a small to medium sized room.

Wow - where do I start? This speaker is in a class all by itself for its size. You can read all the specs, so I won't take up space repeating them. It is all about the sound, and this thing is far and away the best sounding speaker in its class. The bass is tight, not boomy, the midrange and highs are crisp, and the app allows you to switch between several pre-sets and your own equalizer settings. It is true stereo sound with speakers on both ends and facing forward. It looks great with the black and brass, and it is hefty in weight. It comes with a hand strap, but I can't imagine myself ever using it as it is heavy enough to find a spot to sit it down. I ran it continuously for 12 straight hours, and the battery still had almost 3/4 charge. It took almost 4 hours to recharge with a 20-watt charger, so clearly, it has a large capacity battery. They claim it is two-way charging so you can use the battery to charge other USB-C devices. It does not come with a charger or a cable - you supply your own. It came from Marshall with about a 10% charge, so be sure to charge it prior to first use. They claim it is waterproof with an IP 67 rating, but I am not sure I will put that claim to the test. A small surprise is that it comes with a microphone, so you can use it to take phone calls. I have not tried that yet, so can't comment on that capability. It has a 3.5 MM port for wired connection, but I have not tried this either, as the Bluetooth is capable of everything I would use it for. Marshall is synonymous with high quality, durable, and dependable equipment, and this small speaker certainly appears to be capable of continuing that legacy.

I have been a super fan of the Marshall speakers since the first Stanmore which is now in my wife's office. I've owned and gifted the Marshall series more than any other speaker company. The Middleton II is my first of that series and it doesn't disappoint. I sounds like a speaker three times it's size and has a style that is effortlessly cool. If you want a simply outstanding home speaker that is also small enough, and water/dust resistant enough to be portable, look no further than the Middleton II. Tack on the fact that it can also act as a charger for your phone, and it has now become my go-to recommendation to friends and I plan on buying another one for one of my friends this holiday season. So what do I like? Let me count the ways... 1. Sound: What we are all here for. The Middleton II gets LOUD and does it without distortion (at least at any level that I could listen to without blowing out my eardrums). It is also tuned nicely with the 'Marshall Classic' EQ. It's perfect for rocking out, listening to country, dance music, and lots of other upbeat music. You get a second preset that you can dial in for other music such as jazz, classical, vocal that could use a bit of tweaking to maximize their particular signatures. 2. Size: Just about perfect. Big enough to pack the hardware to really sing but small enough to be unobtrusive in your home and easily portable to the beach or park. 3. Battery: My Middleton II came at almost 0% battery and it charged up to full in almost exactly 2 hours on a high speed charger (seeming to average about 27w draw). I have been playing it for at least 8 hours and my app says the speaker is at 87% battery! Granted that has been at low volume, but that is because I have it at almost the lowest setting I can have it and it STILL fills my office with music! That's how powerful this speaker is! The Marshall claim of 30+ hours of playtime is heavy on that 'plus' side! 4. Style: Timeless and classic. How can you go wrong with device that looks like those amp and speaker stacks of the artists we adore? You can't. No silly LED effects and no wasted space, just a pure music sound machine. What could Marshall improve on the Middleton II? I'm not going to say that I don't like these things they are just personal wishes that if they instituted them on the model III, I'd buy it in an instant and give this one to my favorite nephew. 1. Volume: Ok, yeah I know, I'm getting old, but MAN does this thing get LOUD even at low levels. It can sometimes make it hard to 'dial it in' for your given location, especially if it is small or you don't want to disturb others. I have my phone volume at may 15-20% and the Middleton is on the single line at the bottom of the scale and it is perfectly loud enough for an office. I would actually like a bit more control over the volume than really good at the bottom and 'Oh my god my ears are bleeding!' at anything over half-way. 2. Hand Strap: While the Middleton II is nicely portable, it is NOT a speaker for just holding in your hand on a wrist strap. The smaller speakers down from here? Yes, but the Middleton II is the size that needs a strap that goes from one side to the other like the Stockwell or Kilburn. Even if we're only on the short side (though that would mess putting it down). I took the strap off even though I will be taking this out and about, because I can't see myself ever using it as intended. 3. Button Labels: Again, I'm old so my eyes aren't the best and sometimes it has been hard to see the body color labels on the Middleton. I don't know if they are any easier to see on the other colors but I've always preferred the black color for nostalgia and covering up dust/dirt/scuffs. Maybe some of the gold color as an inlay? I don't know, maybe this is just me but I'm betting not. TLDR: My new go-to recommendation for friends and family for the best portable speaker, hands down. Power, sound, and style for miles! No drawbacks, just some nice to haves for the next iteration. LOVE my new Middleton II.