Marshall Willen Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Black and Brass

Both are IP67 rated, have a built-in microphone and use one 2-inch driver with two passive radiators in mono. Going by Marshall's figures, the first Willen is a little smaller at 40.4 mm deep against 43.4 mm and weighs 310 g against 360 g. Playtime is 15+ hours against 17+, 20 minutes of charging gives 3 hours instead of 5.5, and a full charge takes 3 hours instead of 2.5. It uses Bluetooth 5.1 with a stated range of 10 m, where the Willen II has 5.3 LE with up to 100 m, and it reaches 82 dB against 88 dB and goes down to 100 Hz instead of 75 Hz. The first Willen has Stack Mode, which the Willen II does not. Marshall has since followed it with the Willen II, announced in 2024.

Yes. The Willen has a built-in microphone on its top panel, so it works as a speakerphone for calls from a connected phone. Push the control knob once to answer or end a call and twice to reject it. Pressing the Bluetooth button during a call moves the audio between the speaker and your phone. It has no voice assistant of its own.

Marshall rates it at 15+ hours per charge, so expect less when you play it loud. Charge it from a USB power source with the included USB-C cable: a full charge takes 3 hours, and 20 minutes gives about 3 hours of play. The 5-segment indicator on top shows the charge level and animates while charging. Marshall advises avoiding fast chargers where possible and not charging it in places at 45°C or hotter, such as a parked car.

Yes. It is rated IP67, so it is dust tight and has been tested to keep working after 30 minutes under 1 m of water. Let it dry completely before you connect the charging cable. For cleaning, the silicone sleeve and strap come off and can be wiped with a cloth slightly damp with isopropyl alcohol, and Marshall suggests a dry, soft brush or cotton swab for the grille.

Yes. Triple press the Bluetooth button on the main speaker to start a Stack session, then double press the Bluetooth button on each speaker you want to add. Play music from the phone connected to the main speaker, and set the volume on each speaker separately. Marshall says Stack Mode is only available on the Emberton II, the first Middleton and the first Willen; they can be mixed, though the same model gives the best sound. The Willen II cannot join.