I did not expect this Marshall speaker to rival pricier Bose and Sonos models like this

jul / 2025

There’s a sea of Bluetooth speakers to swim in, and, believe it or not, choosing the right one isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. Some are better suited for particularly messy or rugged outdoor activities, some serve as a piece of home decor more than anything else, some are smarter, and some are better than the rest at reproducing sound.

Also: Why I prefer this $180 Fender speaker over competing models by Sony and Bose

Thus, anyone like me, who doesn’t need a portable speaker that can survive the apocalypse or summon their phone’s virtual assistant, is likely looking for a speaker that sounds great, can handle a few tumbles, and looks good doing it. 

Enter the Middleton II, Marshall’s latest portable speaker. I spent a few weeks with it, supplying the soundtrack to my chill outdoor hangouts with my dad, solo jam sessions in my office, and late nights celebrating my friend’s bachelorette party. This speaker has seen some things, and here’s how it went.

The Middleton II is the second generation of Marshall’s midsize portable speaker, debuting with the company’s 360-degree True Stereophonic sound, which promises clear audio regardless of the speaker’s position. Inside are two three-inch woofers, two .6-inch tweeters, and two passive radiators.

Also: I replaced my Bluetooth JBL speaker for this Bose model, and it’ll be hard to give it up

Like many of the company’s speakers, the Middleton II is wonderfully tuned and offers an array of EQ settings to tailor the sound to your liking. Even with two woofers and added passive radiators, the Middleton II’s bass response doesn’t overpower the speaker’s sound profile while delivering the big bass most people prefer.

I listened to plenty of 2010s rap while the Middleton II was in charge of entertaining a bachelorette outing by the pool. The Middleton II’s bass response is better controlled than the JBL Charge 6, and vocals and instrumentals are clearer than the Bose SoundLink Plus. It’s a better option for people who prefer a more balanced sound profile, even when they’re outdoors and not listening as intently. 

The Middleton II’s big bass response is one of its most prominent strengths, and its handling of the bass is what makes it stand out from its competitors. Unlike many of its counterparts, you can toggle bass and treble EQ with buttons on the speaker instead of opening the companion app. Even with the speaker’s bass maxed out, it’s incredibly deep but hardly rattles the Middleton II or the surface you place it on. 

I wasn’t worried about the Middleton II being passed around a group of rowdy girls and plenty of liquids —  the pool being the liquid, obviously. According to Marshall, the speaker boasts an IP67 rating and can survive being submerged in up to approximately three feet (one meter) of water for up to 30 minutes.

Also: I’m bringing this portable JBL speaker to all my summer festivities – here’s why

The Middleton II’s improved 30-hour battery life kept the poolside music going all day, and a 20-minute charging interlude promises three more hours of playtime. Thanks to its USB-C reverse charging capabilities, it was also the designated poolside phone charger.

Back at my house, the Middleton II rested in my office while I worked, or on the counter while I cooked. It sports Marshall’s distinctive retro design, characterized by a metal speaker grille, vinyl casing, and golden brass embellishments. Like all of Marshall’s speakers, the Middelton II serves equally as a speaker and a piece of decor.

Marshall fitted the Middleton II with an internal microphone, allowing users to talk into the speaker during phone calls while their phone is connected to the speaker. I used it while taking a call from my dad, and although he could hear me well enough, I had to stand close by the speaker for the best results. 

Also: Marshall’s first soundbar rocks as a mainstream alternative – Here’s my take

The Middleton II now has Bluetooth LE Audio and supports the LC3 Bluetooth codec, which promises lower power consumption, Bluetooth Auracast compatibility, and more stable wireless connections.

ZDNET’s buying advice

The Marshall Middleton II‘s classic and stylish design, coupled with its portability, durable build, enjoyable sound, and in-app personalization features, makes it a wonderful option for people looking for a high-performing portable speaker for indoor and outdoor use. Sound-wise, the Middleton II is more balanced and clear than its JBL and Bose counterparts, more rugged than its comparable competitors from Sonos, and provides more battery life than its competitors from Sony.

Although the JBL Charge 6 and Bose SoundLink Plus have similar durability ratings and reverse USB-C charging capabilities, they’re $130 and $61 cheaper, respectively. The Middleton II bests both in the sound and battery life departments, and has a less sporty look.