Short answer: the Marshall Willen for better sound quality, the JBL Clip for the lower price. The Marshall Willen ranks #14 of 47 small speakers at $120. The JBL Clip ranks #35 at $50, $70 cheaper.
What the JBL Clip gets right: Very compact and light (5.3 oz) with an integrated carabiner. The tradeoff: Quite a lack of bass.
What the Marshall Willen offers: Exceptionally clear vocals for a mono speaker. Set against that: Not that deep of bass.
One note: the JBL Clip is discontinued, but it still ranks #35 of 47 small speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the JBL Clip if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Marshall Willen if sound quality matters more than the price.
If battery life is a priority, the Marshall Willen is rated for 15 hours versus 5 hours for the JBL Clip.
If water resistance matters to you, the Marshall Willen at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Clip at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip | Marshall Willen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $50 Discontinued | $120 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #35 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #14 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes (integrated 3.5mm cable) | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~95Hz | 75Hz |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | AC Wall Wart | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs / 158 g | 0.7 lbs / 309 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Output Power | 7W RMS | 10W |
| Dimensions | 5.4" x 3.8" x 1.8" (137.2 x 96.5 x 45.7 mm) (Clip 3, original JBL Clip dimensions not available) | 4" x 1.5" x 4" (101 x 39 x 101 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.57" (40mm) driver | 2" (51mm) full-range with dual passive radiators |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
| Max Volume | - | 88dB |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Clip: $50 Discontinued
Pros: Very compact and light (5.3 oz) with an integrated carabiner. Has its own built-in 3.5mm aux cable, so you don’t need to carry one separately.
Cons: Quite a lack of bass. Mids are a little hollow. Discontinued.
Full JBL Clip review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes (integrated 3.5mm cable) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~95Hz |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.4" x 3.8" x 1.8" (137.2 x 96.5 x 45.7 mm) (Clip 3, original JBL Clip dimensions not available) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1.57" (40mm) driver |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 7W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Wall Wart |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs / 158 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Marshall Willen: $120 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Exceptionally clear vocals for a mono speaker. Solid, durable build with IP67 water/dust resistance. Extremely compact - fits in a back pocket.
Cons: Not that deep of bass. A bit of a sharp treble. Discontinued.
Full Marshall Willen review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 75Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4" x 1.5" x 4" (101 x 39 x 101 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2" (51mm) full-range with dual passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 88dB |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 10W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 309 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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