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.

Personally I really enjoy being at home, doing my daily activities and chores while listening to music or podcasts. I also enjoy listening to my favorite music while taking a shower. The truth is, I can’t conceive life without music, and having a portable speaker to take it with me is invaluable.
This compact Marshall Willen II speaker offers a pleasant sound experience, plus it has a design reminiscent of an electric guitar amplifier.
In the box comes the speaker with its usb-c charging cable and a user manual and safety information.
If there is something I constantly look for in the products I consume, it is that they are easy to use. I think of my parents and I wonder if they would be able to use this type of product. I consider this to be one of those devices that are very simple to use for almost anyone with a smartphone.
Something that stands out from the start is the electric guitar sound that the speaker emits when turning on, connecting to a device and turning it off, it is a detail that I simply love.
The process is simple: there is a power button that is pressed for a few seconds to start the speaker, right next to it a bluetooth button that when pressed for a few seconds activates the pairing mode, in the bluetooth settings of the device to which the speaker will be connected the WILLEN II speaker is chosen from the list, in a moment the speaker is paired with the device and ready to use, you can play music on the speaker now.
Next to the power and bluetooth buttons is the bluetooth led indicator, the microphone and the 5-bar battery indicator. The truth is that everything is simple and easy to understand. On the front on the upper right side, there is a small gold joystick that serves to increase and decrease the volume, move to the next song or go back to the previous one, and pressing inward play and pause. On the back there is a rubber strap that can be removed from one end to be able to place the speaker in some places like tubes or something similar where you can hold the speaker, plus the design allows it. In my case I have placed it on tripods, boom arms, the shower, etc. I consider this a very useful feature.
In terms of performance, I think it fulfills its purpose impeccably, although the fact that it is a relatively small device makes it lack a bit of presence at certain frequencies. While the app has some configuration options such as eq presets and battery care, I think it falls a little short in terms of customization. The sound quality is great, there is a balance that makes what is played sound even and loud. The microphone is heard quite well and in calls the sound is loud and clear.
Something that I consider one of its strongest points is the battery, with a percentage of 75% I was able to listen to music for several hours for a few days until it reached 17%, after connecting the speaker to the charger in less than two hours it was fully charged.
This speaker is dust and water resistant, which allows it to be used in different types of weather and environments, even in the shower.
In short, this Marshall Willen II bluetooth speaker features good sound, a great design, a battery that lasts long enough, microphone for making and receiving calls, a strap to hold the device etc. It also has an incredible design. The price is right and I can definitely recommend it.

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.

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!