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 93 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 $330.
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.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beoplay A2 active | Marshall Middleton II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $400 Discontinued | $330 |
| Ranked | #16 of 93 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #31 of 93 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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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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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The Two Speakers In Full
B&O Beoplay A2 active: $400 Discontinued eBay
Pros: B&O’s True360 sound from both sides. Customizable sound via Beoplay app. 22 hour battery (improved from original A2). Stereo pairing with a second A2 Active. Splash/dustproof, USB-C charging. ~1.1 kg with carry strap.
Cons: Not stereo. Discontinued and no longer sold new.
Full B&O Beoplay A2 active review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 60W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.1” x 5.6” x 1.7” (256 x 142 x 44 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 3” fullrange woofers, 2x 0.75” tweeters + 2x 3” passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (carry strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
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Marshall Middleton II: $330 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Marshall Middleton (ranked lower, rated 4/5).
Pros: Very deep bass for the size/weight. Measured bass extension of 38Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass boosted which drowns out the midrange. Dip around 200Hz, peak at 1kHz, dipped at 1.6kHz. Strange frequency response through the mids.
Full Marshall Middleton II review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 80W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.1” x 3.9” x 4.3” (230 x 98 x 110 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 0.625” tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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