The Marshall Willen is a compact, ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker designed for adventurers and podcast lovers who prioritize rugged durability and the iconic Marshall sound in a go-anywhere package.

This pint-sized powerhouse, released in 2022, delivers surprising audio quality for its size, making it an ideal companion for everything from backyard barbecues to wilderness excursions.

Its robust build, featuring an IP67 dust and water-resistance rating, means it can withstand splashes, dirt, and even a quick dunk, while the integrated, multi-directional control knob offers intuitive operation.

What sets the Willen apart in a crowded portable speaker market is its commitment to the classic Marshall aesthetic and sonic signature, scaled down without sacrificing quality or resilience.

It’s a testament to how far portable audio has come, offering a perfect blend of style, substance, and grab-and-go convenience.

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Feature/Product	Marshall Willen	JBL Flip 6	Sonos Roam	Bose SoundLink Flex	Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3	Anker Soundcore Flare 2	Sony SRS-XB100
Form Factor	Ultra-compact, square	Cylindrical	Compact, triangular	Compact, rectangular	Spherical	Cylindrical	Compact, cylindrical
Water/Dust Resistance	IP67	IP67	IP67	IP67	IP67	IPX7	IP67
Battery Life Approx.	15 hours	12 hours	10 hours Wi-Fi/Bluetooth	12 hours	14 hours	12 hours	16 hours
Charging	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C / Wireless	USB-C	Micro-USB	USB-C	USB-C
Key Features	Marshall sound, strap, Stack Mode	Powerful sound, PartyBoost	Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, automatic Trueplay	Strong bass, built-in loop	360° sound, floatable	360° sound, LED lights, PartyCast	Compact, powerful bass
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.1	Bluetooth 5.1	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 4.2	Bluetooth 5.0	Bluetooth 5.3
App Support	Marshall Bluetooth App	JBL Portable App	Sonos App	Bose Connect App	Boom & Megaboom App	Soundcore App	Sony Podcast Center
Price Range	Mid-range	Mid-range	Premium	Mid-range	Entry-level	Entry-level	Entry-level

Table of Contents

The Marshall Willen: Portability Meets Punch

The Marshall Willen isn’t just another compact Bluetooth speaker. it’s a statement.

It embodies Marshall’s legendary rock-and-roll heritage in a form factor small enough to fit in your palm, yet robust enough to tackle the rigors of outdoor life.

For anyone who appreciates classic design coupled with modern durability, the Willen presents a compelling package.

It’s designed for simplicity and immediate gratification, allowing you to connect and play your tunes without fuss, wherever you are.

Design and Build Quality: A Mini Amplifier Aesthetic

One of the most striking aspects of the Marshall Willen is its undeniable Marshall DNA. From the moment you unbox it, you’re greeted with that iconic amplifier grille, the signature brass multi-directional control knob, and the sturdy, textured vinyl finish. It’s a design language that immediately resonates with fans of the brand and evokes a sense of quality and heritage. JBL PartyBox 110

Iconic Look: The Willen proudly displays the classic Marshall script logo, a black grille with white piping, and a textured finish reminiscent of their full-sized guitar amplifiers. This attention to detail elevates it beyond a generic portable speaker.
Rugged Construction: Beyond aesthetics, the Willen is built like a tank. It boasts an IP67 dust and water-resistance rating, meaning it’s completely protected against dust ingress and can withstand immersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for beach trips, poolside relaxation, or even a rainy camping excursion.
Integrated Strap: A clever addition is the built-in rubber strap on the back. This isn’t just for looks. it’s highly practical. You can use it to attach the Willen to a backpack, a bike handlebar, or even hang it from a tree branch, ensuring your podcast is always within reach and securely positioned.
Intuitive Controls: The gold multi-directional control knob on the front isn’t just for show. It acts as your primary interface for power on/off, play/pause, skip tracks, and volume control. This physical, tactile control is far more satisfying and precise than fumbling with small buttons.

Sound Performance: Big Sound from a Small Package

For its compact size, the Marshall Willen delivers a remarkably full and balanced sound profile. While it won’t shake the foundations like a larger speaker, it offers a surprisingly rich audio experience for its dimensions, staying true to Marshall’s reputation for powerful sound.

Signature Marshall Sound: The Willen is tuned to deliver a characteristic Marshall sound – clear highs, articulate mids, and a respectable amount of bass for its size. It performs particularly well with rock, pop, and electronic podcast, where its dynamic range shines.
Single Full-Range Driver: Inside, the Willen features a single 2-inch full-range driver paired with two passive radiators. This setup is optimized to maximize output and bass response within its small footprint.
Clarity at Volume: One of its strengths is its ability to maintain clarity even when pushed to higher volumes. You don’t get the distortion often found in smaller speakers, making it suitable for small gatherings or personal listening.
Placement Matters: Like any speaker, placement can influence sound. Setting it on a solid surface or near a wall can help amplify the bass response, creating a more immersive listening experience.

Connectivity and Features: Simplicity and Utility

The Marshall Willen prioritizes straightforward functionality with a focus on ease of use, ensuring you can spend less time fumbling with settings and more time enjoying your podcast.

Bluetooth 5.1: The Willen utilizes Bluetooth 5.1, offering a stable and efficient wireless connection. This means less dropouts and better battery life compared to older Bluetooth versions. The pairing process is quick and hassle-free.
Marshall Bluetooth App: While not strictly necessary for basic operation, the Marshall Bluetooth app provides some useful customization options. Through the app, you can:
- Access firmware updates to keep your speaker optimized.
- Adjust the equalization EQ settings to tailor the sound to your preference. Choose from presets or create your own custom sound profile.
- Monitor the battery level.
Stack Mode: A standout feature for a speaker of this size is Stack Mode. This allows you to connect multiple Willen speakers wirelessly to create a larger, more immersive sound system. It’s a fantastic way to amplify your audio for bigger spaces or parties, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy the podcast. This feature is particularly useful for those who might eventually want to expand their Marshall portable audio ecosystem.
USB-C Charging: The inclusion of a USB-C port for charging is a welcome modern touch, ensuring fast and convenient power-ups with widely available cables.

Battery Life and Charging: Endurance for Your Adventures

A portable speaker is only as good as its battery life, and the Marshall Willen doesn’t disappoint in this crucial aspect, offering ample playtime for most excursions.

15+ Hours of Playtime: Marshall rates the Willen for over 15 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge. In real-world usage, this translates to more than a full day of casual listening or multiple shorter listening sessions throughout a week, depending on volume levels.
Quick Charge Capability: When the battery does run low, the Willen supports quick charging. A 20-minute charge can provide approximately 3 hours of playtime, which is incredibly useful when you need a quick boost before heading out.
Full Charge Time: A complete charge from empty takes around 3 hours, ensuring you’re ready for your next adventure in a reasonable timeframe. The convenience of USB-C means you can likely use the same charger as your phone or other modern devices.

Portability and Versatility: Your Go-Anywhere Companion

The true essence of the Marshall Willen lies in its exceptional portability and adaptability, making it suitable for a wide array of scenarios.

Compact Dimensions: Measuring approximately 101.6 x 100.5 x 40.4 mm 4 x 3.9 x 1.6 inches and weighing just 310 grams 0.68 lbs, the Willen is incredibly compact and lightweight. It easily slips into a small bag, backpack pocket, or even a jacket pocket.
Integrated Strap for Easy Carry: As mentioned, the built-in rubber strap isn’t just for looks. It provides a secure and convenient way to carry the speaker, attach it to various objects, or hang it up to optimize sound dispersion in outdoor settings.
Ideal for Various Environments:
- Outdoor Adventures: Its rugged IP67 rating makes it perfect for hiking, camping, beach trips, and poolside relaxation, where exposure to elements is common.
- Travel: Its small size and long battery life make it an excellent travel companion, whether for road trips or international flights.
- Home Use: Don’t underestimate its utility at home. It can serve as a portable speaker for different rooms, adding background podcast to your kitchen, bathroom, or garage.
Microphone for Calls: The Willen also includes a built-in microphone, allowing you to use it for hands-free calls. While not its primary function, it’s a useful addition for quick conversations without needing to disconnect your phone.

Comparison with Competitors: Standing Out in the Crowd

The portable Bluetooth speaker market is fiercely competitive, but the Marshall Willen carves out its niche by offering a unique blend of style, durability, and sound quality. JBL Charge 5

Vs. JBL Flip 6: The Flip 6 offers a larger soundstage and stronger bass due to its larger drivers and passive radiators. It also has JBL’s PartyBoost for linking speakers. However, the Willen wins on extreme compactness and iconic design. If pure sound output is paramount, the Flip 6 might edge it out, but if style and ultra-portability are key, the Willen shines.
Vs. Sonos Roam: The Sonos Roam is more expensive and offers the added versatility of Wi-Fi connectivity, integrating into a Sonos multi-room system. It also features automatic Trueplay tuning. The Willen is purely a Bluetooth speaker, simpler in its approach. For someone already in the Sonos ecosystem or desiring smart features, the Roam is compelling. For a straightforward, rugged Bluetooth speaker, the Willen offers better value.
Vs. Bose SoundLink Flex: The SoundLink Flex is known for its impressive bass for its size and durable, ergonomic design. It offers Bose’s signature balanced sound. The Willen distinguishes itself with its unique Marshall aesthetic and tactile controls. Both are excellent durable portable speakers, with the choice often coming down to brand preference and specific design appeal.
Vs. Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3: The Wonderboom 3 is a fun, spherical speaker known for its 360-degree sound and ability to float in water. It’s often more affordable than the Willen. While the Wonderboom is playful and rugged, the Willen offers a more refined aesthetic and a distinct sound profile that appeals to those looking for the Marshall signature.
Vs. Anker Soundcore Flare 2: The Flare 2 is an attractive option with 360-degree sound and customizable LED light rings, often at a lower price point. It’s great for adding a visual element to parties. The Willen, however, offers a more premium build and a sound profile focused purely on audio quality without the light show.
Vs. Sony SRS-XB100: The Sony SRS-XB100 is a very compact and affordable speaker that emphasizes extra bass for its size. It’s a great budget-friendly option for those who want punchy sound in a small package. The Willen provides a more balanced sound and a significantly more robust, premium design, justifying its higher price point.

Ideal User Profile: Who Is the Marshall Willen For?

The Marshall Willen isn’t trying to be everything to everyone.

It’s a highly focused product that appeals to a specific user base.

The Adventurous Spirit: Its IP67 rating and rugged build make it perfect for hikers, campers, beach-goers, and anyone who enjoys podcast in unpredictable environments. You don’t have to baby this speaker.
The Style-Conscious Podcast Lover: For those who appreciate classic rock-and-roll aesthetics and want a speaker that looks as good as it sounds, the Willen is an easy choice. It’s a conversation starter.
The Simplicity Seeker: With its intuitive multi-directional knob and no-fuss Bluetooth connectivity, the Willen appeals to users who want to simply connect and play without navigating complex menus or apps.
The Traveler: Its incredibly compact size and long battery life make it an ideal companion for any form of travel, from short trips to extended journeys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Marshall Willen waterproof?

Yes, the Marshall Willen has an IP67 rating, which means it is fully protected against dust ingress and can withstand immersion in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes.

How long does the Marshall Willen battery last?

The Marshall Willen offers over 15 hours of playtime on a single charge. JBL Boombox 2

Can I connect two Marshall Willen speakers together?

Yes, you can connect multiple Marshall Willen speakers together using “Stack Mode” through the Marshall Bluetooth app for a larger sound experience.

Does the Marshall Willen have a microphone for calls?

Yes, the Marshall Willen has a built-in microphone for hands-free calling.

What kind of charging port does the Marshall Willen use?

The Marshall Willen uses a USB-C port for charging.

Is the Marshall Willen good for outdoor use?

Yes, with its IP67 rating and rugged design, the Marshall Willen is excellent for outdoor use, including beaches, pools, and camping.

Can I adjust the sound settings on the Marshall Willen?

Yes, you can adjust the equalizer EQ settings and choose from presets via the Marshall Bluetooth app. JBL Charge 4

How durable is the Marshall Willen?

The Marshall Willen is built with durable materials and features an IP67 rating, making it very rugged and resistant to dust and water.

What is the range of the Bluetooth connectivity for the Marshall Willen?

The Marshall Willen uses Bluetooth 5.1, which typically offers a reliable wireless range of up to 10 meters 30 feet in open spaces.

Does the Marshall Willen come with a charging cable?

Yes, the Marshall Willen typically comes with a USB-C charging cable.

Is the Marshall Willen heavy?

No, the Marshall Willen is very lightweight, weighing approximately 310 grams 0.68 lbs.

What are the dimensions of the Marshall Willen?

The Marshall Willen measures approximately 101.6 x 100.5 x 40.4 mm 4 x 3.9 x 1.6 inches. IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf

How do I turn on/off the Marshall Willen?

You turn the Marshall Willen on and off using the multi-directional control knob on the front of the speaker.

Can I skip tracks using the controls on the Marshall Willen?

Yes, you can skip tracks next/previous using the multi-directional control knob.

Is there an app for the Marshall Willen?

Yes, there is a Marshall Bluetooth app available for the Willen, which allows for firmware updates, EQ adjustments, and battery monitoring.

How long does it take to fully charge the Marshall Willen?

A full charge from empty takes approximately 3 hours.

Does the Marshall Willen support quick charging?

Yes, a 20-minute charge can provide approximately 3 hours of playtime. Bose SoundLink Mini II Special Edition

Is the Marshall Willen good for bass?

For its compact size, the Marshall Willen delivers surprisingly good bass, thanks to its passive radiators, but it won’t rival larger speakers.

Can I use the Marshall Willen while it’s charging?

Yes, you can use the Marshall Willen while it is connected to a power source and charging.

What is Stack Mode on the Marshall Willen?

Stack Mode allows you to wirelessly connect multiple Marshall Willen speakers to create a larger, synchronized audio experience.

Does the Marshall Willen float in water?

No, while it is waterproof IP67, the Marshall Willen is not designed to float.

Is the built-in strap on the Marshall Willen removable?

No, the integrated rubber strap on the back of the Marshall Willen is built-in and not designed to be removed. Google Home Max

What colors does the Marshall Willen come in?

The Marshall Willen typically comes in classic Black & Brass, and sometimes in a Cream finish. Availability may vary by region.

Does the Marshall Willen support aptX or other high-quality Bluetooth codecs?

No, the Marshall Willen primarily uses the standard SBC codec, focusing on universal compatibility and stable connection for portable use.

Is the Marshall Willen a smart speaker?

No, the Marshall Willen is a dedicated Bluetooth speaker and does not have built-in smart assistant capabilities like Alexa or Google Assistant.

Does the Marshall Willen have a 3.5mm auxiliary input?

No, the Marshall Willen does not have a 3.5mm auxiliary input. it relies solely on Bluetooth for audio input.

How does the Marshall Willen compare to the Marshall Emberton?

The Willen is smaller and more portable than the Emberton, making it even more “grab-and-go.” The Emberton generally offers a larger soundstage and more robust bass due to its larger size and dual drivers, while the Willen prioritizes ultimate compactness and ruggedness. Denon Home 350

Is the Marshall Willen loud enough for a party?

For a small gathering or personal listening, it’s sufficiently loud.

For a larger party or outdoor event, you might consider using “Stack Mode” with multiple Willen speakers or opting for a larger speaker.

How do I check the battery level of the Marshall Willen?

You can check the battery level on the Marshall Bluetooth app or by observing the battery indicator lights on the speaker itself.

Is the Marshall Willen worth it?

For its combination of iconic Marshall design, extreme portability, rugged durability IP67, and surprisingly strong sound for its size, the Marshall Willen is a compelling option and generally considered worth it for those seeking a premium, go-anywhere Bluetooth speaker.

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Marshall Willen