Customers have good things to say about the Willen II Portable Bluetooth Speaker, particularly its sound quality, battery life, and portability. The speaker's design is also praised for its classic aesthetic, while the bass is noted for being smooth. Additional features such as its waterproof capabilities, convenient strap, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity contribute to its positive reception.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
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Pros mentioned:
Bass, Battery life, Design
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Marshall speaker review
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I recently got the Marshall Willen 2 speaker, and it has been a game-changer for me—especially since my car speakers stopped working. I wasn’t sure how a portable Bluetooth speaker would hold up as a replacement for in-car audio, but honestly, this little device blew me away.
Design:
The first thing you notice is the classic Marshall design—it’s compact, rugged, and has that signature rock-and-roll vibe. It’s small enough to fit in my car cup holder or on the dashboard, but it feels solid and durable. Plus, the rubber strap on the back makes it super convenient to attach to things, whether I’m using it in the car or outdoors.
Sound Quality:
For its size, the sound is incredible. The bass is surprisingly punchy, and the mids and highs are crisp. It fills my car with sound easily, and I don’t feel like I’m compromising too much compared to regular car speakers. Of course, it’s not going to replace a proper car audio system, but it holds its own pretty well. It’s also great for podcasts and audiobooks during long drives—voices come through clear and natural.
Battery Life:
The battery life has been another huge plus. It lasts around 15 hours on a full charge, so I don’t have to worry about recharging it often, even with daily use. I keep a charging cable in the car just in case, but I rarely need it.
Portability:
One of the best things about the Willen 2 is its versatility. I use it in my car most of the time, but it’s perfect for taking to the park, using at home, or even on road trips. It’s waterproof and dustproof (IP67), so I don’t stress about where I’m using it.
Connectivity:
Connecting via Bluetooth is quick and seamless. It remembers my devices, so I just get in the car, and it pairs instantly. The controls on the speaker are intuitive, with a nice multi-directional knob for volume and playback.
Final Thoughts:
The Marshall Willen 2 has been a lifesaver for me. It’s not just a portable speaker—it’s become my go-to sound solution for both my car and daily life. If you’re in a situation like me where your car speakers aren’t working, or if you just want a versatile, stylish speaker with excellent sound quality, this is 100% worth it. It’s compact, powerful, and totally worth the investment.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
★★★★★
I absolutely love this speaker! Small but powerful, with clear, warm sound that feels much bigger than its size. The 360° audio works perfectly indoors and outdoors. Classic Marshall design, rugged build, and waterproof — I can take it anywhere. Battery life easily lasts over 30 hours. Totally worth it!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Design, Portability, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
awesome ❤️
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
great sound quality. very handy. sleek design. my new bestfriend. i carry it on my runs.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Th Little Speaker That Could
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I love this speaker. It delivers the goods and then some. I put it by my pillow and listen to TV without waling eveyine else up. I grab it to fo go to the beach for a few hours, and sometimes I grab it in case I impulsively decide to eat lunch outdoors and want to hear some tukes. Value for money this is better than the Sonos Roam (which i love for other reasons) or the little round Sony portable which lacks “oomph.” I loke the Retro design of rhe Willen II but most of all i love the sound. If you van buy it in sale, or on Open Box at Best Buy, so much the better. But even at full price, it’s a great product.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Design, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
The compact size as well as sound quality.
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The speaker is well made!!!a rugged design that also delivers quality sound as well as killer features.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Really amazing little portable speaker .. loved it .. works perfectly .. easy to carry .. highly recommend it
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Versatile Marshall Bluetooth Speaker
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Love my Marshall Willen II speaker - it's small but mighty. easy to use. With great sound and unobtrusive, it's great for travel and waterproof! Super value for the price!
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Marshall Willen II is an upgraded speaker that replaces the original Marshall Willen. It is a tiny speaker for use on the go that is sure to outperform your expectations. Measuring only 4"W x 4"H x 1-3/4"D & weighing a feather light 0/68 lbs., this speaker is designed to carry your favorite tunes anywhere.
The sound quality is amazing from such a small speaker! Willen II contains a 10 watt amplifier, one 2" full range driver & two passive radiators. Frequency response is: 75-20,000 Hz.
My favorite feature is the front mounted joystick control. It is recessed behind the rubberized housing that protects the front speaker.
JOYSTICK CONTROLS:
Play,
Pause,
Skip Tracks
Adjust the Volume
Included with WILLEN II is a USB-C charging cable.The built-in Li-ion rechargeable battery keeps tunes rocking for up to 17 hours. This is very convenient, as virtually every cell phone & tablet use USB-C, so you probably have a USB-C charger handy. A built-in microphone allows hands-free phone calls. Bluetooth 5.3 has amazing range & establishes connection instantly by pressing the Bluetooth button, then confirming it on your phone.
A free Marshall Bluetooth app, available from the Apple App Store or Google Play offers basic equalization settings & charging parameters. A rubber mounting strap, located on the rear of the speaker, allows for easy tethering.
CONCLUSION:
Marshall Willen II is rated at IP67 dust & waterproof; it is built tough to withstand submerging in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes & earns my highest recommendation!
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is probably the 7th or 8th portable speaker I have had. I have small portable speakers to larger ones. They all have their place and uses, and this one is no different but looks much more elegant.
I love the style and look of this speaker. The materials look to be premium and would look nice in an office, living room, or any other place. The rubber wrapped around the speaker is made to look like leather. This rubber seems pretty thick and should help protect the speaker if it is ever dropped. I also liked that the rubber provided some grip and isn't slick. The speaker grill looks really nice and the Marshall logo in the center is a nice dark gold color. Overall, this speaker really looks like a Marshall AMP, but is could be displayed anywhere as it looks very nice. The power on and off sound is also a nice touch as it sounds like a guitar strum. Really nice that Marshall took the time to make the startup sounds something similar to what their amps would be used for instead of a generic power on/off sound.
The controls on top are for power, Bluetooth pairing (also has an indicator light), battery indicator, and a microphone. The front of the speaker has a four-way joystick to adjust for volume, play/pause, skip forward or backward, receive/end a call, and also reject a call. I mostly used the control knob for skipping songs or adjust the volume. The control knob is super easy to use, and I liked that it looks nice, but was still convenient to use.
The strap seems pretty durable and attached strongly to different objects around my house. The speaker is a little bigger than I expected, but the strap is so helpful and very much welcomed to have to secure it to different things when using. My plan is to attach it to my bike or use for kayaking since it can be securely attached and not have the fear of losing it.
Sound quality is on par with other speakers. Vocals are clear and bass is strong but not overpowering. You can use the app to make some adjustments to the sound, but you cannot adjust the EQ like you can with Marshall headphones. I only used this speaker with apple IOS, so maybe the app for android is different. However, I wish I could make more tweaks to the EQ like you can with their line of headphones, but this is not a deal breaker as the overall sound quality is very nice even at higher levels.
This has turned into one of my favorite portable speakers. I really love that it comes with its own built-in strap to attach onto a bike, kayak, etc. The sound quality is really good, but this speaker just looks super nice and makes for a great conversation piece while playing music. This speaker will sit out on my shelf instead of being put away like my other Bluetooth speakers.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is a handheld size BT speaker with iconic Marshall amp looks. It’s got a strap on the back that is great for using on a bike or attaching to your back pack / bag strap. I use it also to attached to a bar in the shower for my morning get up and go tunes.
Sound is decent and it has 3 EQ settings: Main/Marshall default, “Push” for bass boost and a heavier sound (my preference), and a Voice enhanced mode for pod casts or using for phone calls. I found it a bit quiet except on its loudest volume settings, but this is made to be more of a smaller space speaker for a single room or small area of listening and not be an “amp”.
Battery preservation mode - This is an interesting and unique feature that I haven’t seen before in a BT speaker. It’s settings that allow you to try and maximize the battery life through preservation settings. Limiting maximum charge to 95%, lowers the charging speed if temp gets too high while charging, and an option to limit charging speed to prolong battery lifespan. Time will tell, but I’m hopeful that these settings will ensure long life of the speaker.
Battery life itself is impressive with 17+ hours of battery life.
It’s also dust and waterproof if you take it to the pool or beach and then quick rinse off to clean.
Note that it doesn’t have a linking feature to pair with another speaker, but supports the new upcoming Auracast BT music feature (but I don’t believe that is widely available yet as of this review September 2024). Think Screencast/Air Play for BT audio.
Marshall app is easy to use and connect to speaker for enhance features like EQ and firmware updates.
Overall a nice speaker for smaller spaces or listening to music on the go.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Marshall are legends for the amps they make, being used by rock stars from The Who to Hendrix at Woodstock to Van Halen to AC/DC and up to modern times with Green Day. These things are iconic and the Willen portable bluetooth speaker resembles a tiny amp like you’d see at a concert. Black rugged rubber texture is protective and grippy but textured to resemble the synthetic leather surrounding the full size amps, which is really cool and adds to the miniaturized style. The front has the criss crossing mesh and the brass Marshall logo as well as a brass control knob, the look of this thing is just off the charts amazing! On the back of the speaker is a strap that you can use to attach it so you can hang it out of the way but enjoy the sound. And that sound…it’s huge! The loudness you can get from this little thing is irresponsible! I don’t see any reason this couldn’t be used to great effect at a small to medium gathering where the conversation is secondary to the music. All of the controls are done through the knob on the front, its both pushable and directional so that you can power it on or off by pushing and holding it in or you can turn volume up and down by bumping it up and down or fast forward by holding left or right or skipping forward or backward by tapping left or right. There’s a built-in microphone so you can take calls on the speaker as well, and in that case you’d push the knob once to answer the call or push twice to reject the call. It’s a neat way of keeping the controls contained within the aesthetic. Of course it’s not all retro style, there are LEDs along the top to see the power indicator and battery level and a USB-C port to charge it up on the side. It’s listed as IP67 rated but like most expensive electronics I didn’t dunk it in a bucket of water or bury it in the yard to test it, but Marshall is a name I’d trust and I have no reason to suspect it’s not up to a little rain or dust if you take it outside. Battery level is also listed as able to last 15 hours and I know it lasted at least six while I was doing work around the house last weekend and the battery level was still at two bars, again even if the number isn’t quite right you’ll get a solid day of use out of it without having to plug into anything.
So bottom line, if you’re a music lover and want something a little flashier than your typical bluetooth speaker this is a fabulous option! The amp style is enough for me to love it but the detachable strap, water resistance, long battery, and ability to destroy eardrums make it my new favorite speaker to clip on my tool box when I’m fixing the car or repairing the house. I don’t know that any of its features are things you won’t be able to find on other brands, models, or speakers but I can say that you’re not going to have a speaker this cool and this long lasting.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I'm really impressed with the Marshall Willen II speaker. Despite its small size, it's incredibly powerful and lightweight. It's perfect for entertaining me for hours, and I love that it can be placed anywhere in the house without taking up much space. I enjoy listening to music in the shower and while doing the dishes, and I can easily place it near the sink without worrying about it getting wet because it's waterproof. After almost a week of use, the battery is still going strong, and I haven't needed to charge it yet. The control knob on the front of the speaker is a great feature, allowing me to adjust the volume, skip songs, and even answer phone calls with the built-in mic. The built-in strap on the back makes it easy to hang it anywhere.
Once the speaker is on, it connects to my Bluetooth device without any issues. The app is okay, but I don't think it's necessary unless you want to customize the EQ presets or the battery preservation settings. Other than that, there's not much else to play around with.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Marshall Willen II in Cream is an outstanding portable speaker. It combines the iconic, retro Marshall design with surprisingly big sound for its compact size. The audio is clear and balanced, with a satisfying amount of bass. It's built for adventure with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, and the 17+ hour battery life means the music keeps playing all day long. A truly excellent choice for anyone who wants great sound in a durable, stylish package.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Portability, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
MARSHALL IS THE GOAT!!!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
just got this as a gift from my girlfriend, she knows i love music, and needed something portable on the go! marshall did an amazing job with the willen ll!!! the willen ll is louder than my jbl flip 6 and i can actully take it everywhere with its built in strap! the play/pause/playback/foward/v+andv- is all in a small gold shift knob making it convenient to switch anything very fast, thank you to my girlfriend, and thank you marshall!!!
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Solid for as small as this speaker is.
Has good sound and great battery life, is compact and travels easily. Well designed with a hang-on strap on the back for attaching to backpacks, etc.
I'd buy this again.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Overall, this speaker has exceeded my expectations and I believe it's great. I'm not an audiophile and can't speak to that, but for my use case the speaker is fantastic. I've been using it in a teaching setting and was amazed in terms of how loud the speaker can get and still sound great. I'd say that at mid volume the speaker can cover a relatively large room and the small size makes it easy to carry across campus. The sound is also great and I'm even discovering sound elements in videos that I've shown in the past (documentaries, etc.) that I hadn't even realized were there. The device itself feels and looks top notch so overall I highly recommend.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
As a long-time fan of Marshall and their impeccable attention to detail, I was excited to try out the Marshall Willen II Portable Bluetooth Speaker, and it certainly did not disappoint. Marshall has always impressed me with their iconic aesthetic, which mirrors the look of their legendary guitar amplifiers, and the Willen II fits perfectly into that lineup. Not only does it look fantastic, but it delivers on functionality and sound quality, making it a standout choice for anyone in need of a portable speaker.
Specs and Features:
- Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3
- Battery Life: Up to 17 hours of playtime on a single charge
- Charging Time: Fully recharges in about 2.5 hours
- Durability: IP67 dust and water-resistant rating (submerge it in 1 m (3 ft) of water for up to 30 minutes)
- Weight: 0.83lbs
- Dimensions: 3.96” x 3.96” x 1.71”
- Controls: Multi-directional control knob, play/pause, skip tracks, Bluetooth pairing
- Built-in Strap: Allows easy attachment to bikes, backpacks, and more
- Marshall App Support: Includes a few EQ presets but no custom EQ
- Microphone: Built-in mic for hands-free calling
My Personal Take:
As a Marshall enthusiast, I’m incredibly pleased with what they’ve done with the Willen II. It perfectly complements their existing portable speaker lineup, and its design is simply spot-on. I love how it maintains the signature Marshall aesthetic, giving it that iconic amplifier look with the brushed brass accents and the textured rubberized body.
What I Loved:
- Iconic Marshall Design: There’s something timeless about the way Marshall designs their speakers, and the Willen II is no exception. From its guitar amp-like appearance to the premium materials used (rubber, metal, and brushed brass metal), this little speaker feels like a high-end product. It’s rugged, stylish, and perfectly portable.
- Portability and Versatility: This speaker is incredibly portable and versatile. I especially love the strap on the back, which allows me to easily attach it to my bike's handlebars when I’m cruising through the park with my kids. It’s equally great for hikes, camping trips, and just about any outdoor activity. The Willen II is also waterproof and dustproof, which means it can handle showers, poolside parties, or trips to the beach without worry. I mean, this thing can be submerged in 3 ft of water for up to 30 minutes!!
- Sound Quality: Despite its small size, this speaker gets LOUD. It’s impressive how much sound it can produce—perfect for both intimate settings and larger outdoor spaces. While the bass isn’t quite as deep as I’d like on some tracks with heavy drops, it still packs a punch, and overall the sound is clear, well-rounded, and capable of handling a wide range of genres. The speaker truly bumps, and I find myself wanting to carry it everywhere.
- Shower Game Changer: Speaking of versatility, the Willen II has completely transformed my shower routine. The waterproof design means I can bring it in the bathroom and have a full-on rockstar moment while belting out tunes. The volume and sound quality hold up well even in the steamy environment, and it makes showering an immersive experience. Become the Rockstar you want to be!
- Ease of Use: The control layout is intuitive. The multi-directional knob allows for easy control of volume, track skipping, and play/pause, while the Bluetooth pairing was smooth and hassle-free with my phone. The Marshall app works well with this speaker too, offering a few EQ presets to match your preference (though I do wish there was a custom EQ option).
A Few Minor Criticisms:
- Bass Performance: While the Willen II performs exceptionally well in most aspects, the bass could use a bit more depth, especially on tracks that have those big bass drops. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, but I do notice it occasionally when listening to bass-heavy music.
- No Custom EQ in App: The Marshall app works great for quick EQ adjustments, but it doesn’t allow for any custom EQ tweaking. Having that extra bit of customization would be a nice touch for those who want to fine-tune the sound to their liking.
Final Verdict:
Marshall has absolutely nailed it once again with the Willen II Portable Bluetooth Speaker. This little powerhouse is the perfect companion for all kinds of adventures, from casual park outings and bike rides to more rugged camping trips and poolside hangs. The build quality is exceptional, the sound is impressive for its size, and it looks like a mini guitar amp—which, let’s be honest, is just cool.
While it could benefit from a bit more bass depth and a custom EQ option, these are small nitpicks in an otherwise outstanding speaker. It’s easily my new go-to for just about everything—whether I’m hiking, camping, cruising on bikes with my kids, or singing my heart out in the shower. If you’re a fan of Marshall or just want a premium portable speaker, the Willen II is a fantastic choice.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great sound, looks awesome. feels nice in your hand too. Have had it for weeks and use it when making dinner and eating for like an hour or two a day and it still is on its initial charge.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A flexible, small, impressive personal speaker
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Marshall’s latest update to the Willen line of speakers represents a refinement of the previous model which is an ultra small, portable bluetooth speaker. I’d classify this type of speaker as a personal area speaker, as it’s quite small, at smaller than a 4”x4”x2”. Despite its small size, it includes a 2” full range driver along with 2 passive radiators to help improve bass and presence despite it being volumetrically so small. Can it live up to its promise of great sound everywhere?
The box it comes in is just as small as the device, only slightly larger. Inside this box is the Willen II. Cutely, it looks like a miniature Marshall guitar amp, with an all black enclosure with vinyl style textured casing, Marshall’s signature weave on the driver side and even small but on brand Marshall brass logo and multi-function joystick adoring the front. Around back you’ll find the rubberized strap that offers you a convenient way to attach this small speaker to a bike, pole, fence, or other object. Around top you’ll find the power and bluetooth buttons, along with a couple LED lights to inform you of the battery level and bluetooth pairing. I love this touch, as it leaves the joystick with one job, and does not require you to memorize how to turn on or off, enter pairing mode, or whatever. The LEDs are a sorely missing feature in many modern devices, and the battery LEDs give me Thinkpad vibes, which is always a good thing. Around on the left side is a USB-C port for charging.
Overall build quality matches what you’d expect from the Marshall name. The device feels solid in the hand. The plastic based casing seems fairly durable, and it’s all black color seems like it would hide blemishes you would expect an outdoor life oriented speaker to receive or time. The rubberized strap has a notch that seems like it would hold up for a while, but I would assume eventually wear out. Luckily there is a commitment to spare parts, and authorized repair services stated on the website. While these could end up being empty promises, the support section for the Willen II does exist; so hopefully spare parts will appear once the product has been in circulation for a while. I do expect the strap to need replacing after a couple years.
The Willen II boasts a microphone and allows you to take calls on it. This feature is hit or miss on a lot of speakers, but for a personal area speaker, it’s a great feature.
After you initially connect the speaker to your phone, you should be prompted to download the Marshall Bluetooth app. This app helps access a few extra features and manage software updates. The biggest items of interest are the battery preservation, which offers 4 settings to help lengthen the lifetime of the lithium battery found in the device. Each setting progressively turns on features, starting with limiting max charge to 95%, limiting charge speed when temperature of the device is too high, and finally overly limiting charging speed. I love that these features are built in to the firmware and its a good focus on sustainability.
The other big feature you get in the app is the equalizer, which really only exposes 3 presets: Marshall, Push, and Voice. Marshall has a bit of a more mellow bass heavy that some might find a bit muddy sounding. The Push setting is more of a traditional v-shaped ‘powerful’ EQ. Voice cuts the bass down quite a bit, making it a good setting for higher volume applications. After carrying the device around for several hours, I landed on the Push as my daily driver. The extra clarity from the treble was needed for me to enjoy most of my music. However, there was definitely some music that the Marshall EQ setting kept the sound super mellow, so your mileage may vary.
Sound wise, as I hinted, the speaker tries to be really bass heavy for its sound volume. First, the sound out of this speaker is limited. A Macbook Pro definitely gives it a run for its money on volume alone, so don’t expect to party with this speaker. You’ll definitely be happy with it strapped to your bike, or a fence with a couple friends while you're out and about. It’s too big to really strap on for a run or other exercise, but for outdoor work or other personal sound applications its perfectly fine. With its 2 passive radiators, it certainly is making the most of the tiny enclosure. You can even see one of the radiators through the holes on the back of the speaker. If you don’t know, passive radiators are unpowered drivers that take the place of ports, and when matched properly can help produce better bass response without using any additional power. Marshall’s engineering prowess is on display, as the local area of the speaker produces a pretty impressive bass response. I’d argue its a bit overtuned, but the masses prefer that bass. I would really love to see a fully customizable 3-5 band EQ in the app someday. Perhaps a firmware update someday could add that.
Speaking of firmware updates, there is a pretty big feature slated to make it to the speaker in the future called Auracast. Auracast is supposed to be local area broadcasting to allow other speakers, headphones, and devices to stream audio from a single source. While there are tons of possible applications of this technology, it essentially offers an extensible and open way of pairing multiple speakers together.
Overall, the Marshall Willen II is an excellent personal speaker. If your expectations of volume are in check, it offers great battery life, build quality, features, and promises of repairability and longevity. Its lightweight, boasts some impressive sound for a 3-10’ listening distance, offers a speakerphone capability, and adjustable sound. The price is a bit steep, but you really do feel like you're getting a quality product.