Short answer: the Marshall Middleton II, if you are buying new. The B&O Beoplay A2 active ranks higher than it (#16 vs #31 of 105 large speakers, 4.4/5 vs 4.1/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Marshall Middleton II is still sold new at $329.99.
Middleton II brings the bigger low end and a more complete feature set. Its measured bass extension reaches 38Hz, and it offers stereo playback, IP67 protection, a 30-hour claimed battery, 5-band app EQ, aux input, USB-C power-bank output, and Marshall Stack multi-speaker pairing. Its tuning is not neutral: boosted bass can obscure the midrange, and the response has notable irregularities through the mids.
The A2 active favors slimness and broad coverage over bass weight. Its True360 arrangement projects from both sides, and its 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) chassis includes a carry strap, USB-C charging, aux input, power-bank capability, and stereo pairing with a second A2 Active. It is not stereo on its own, lacks a stated IP rating, and is no longer available new.
Buy the Marshall Middleton II for the much deeper bass, stereo playback, outdoor protection, and longer claimed battery life.
Buy the B&O Beoplay A2 active only if its unusually thin two-sided design and used-market availability matter more than modern durability and bass performance.
If water resistance matters to you, the Marshall Middleton II at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the B&O Beoplay A2 active at no water resistance.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A 1.1 kg portable speaker with True360 sound from both sides, a carry strap and a long 22 hour battery.
eBay
A 1.8 kg IP67 portable speaker with very deep bass for its size (38Hz at -10dB), a 30-hour rated battery and a power bank output.
Amazon $329.99 Marshall $329.99 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 17, 2026 at 6:04 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beoplay A2 active | Marshall Middleton II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $400 Discontinued | $329.99 |
| Ranked | #16 of 105 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #31 of 105 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (5 band) |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 10.1” x 5.6” x 1.7” (256 x 142 x 44 mm) | 9.1” x 3.9” x 4.3” (230 x 98 x 110 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 3” fullrange woofers, 2x 0.75” tweeters + 2x 3” passive radiators | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 0.625” tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 60W | 80W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (carry strap) | Yes (detachable strap) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 38Hz |
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