Short answer: the Marshall Kilburn II. It ranks #42 of 97 large speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $279 and is still sold new; the Soundcore Trance ranks #92 (rated 2.1/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Marshall Kilburn II is the better-sounding, lighter pick. 20W Class D amp + dual 8W tweeters. At 5.5 lbs (2.49 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Soundcore Trance at 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg). The catch: Boosted upper bass, not very detailed, not as deep bass as competitors, upper mids peak.
The Soundcore Trance is the tougher option. 80W power with up to 105dB output and BassUp technology. It is rated IPX7 against IPX2 for the Marshall Kilburn II. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Marshall Kilburn II lacks. The catch: Hugely recessed midrange and treble.
Buy the Marshall Kilburn II. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Soundcore Trance is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Kilburn II | Soundcore Trance | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.00 | 49 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #42 of 97 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #92 of 97 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX2 | IPX7 |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.49 kg) | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes |
| Power Bank | No | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 36W | 80W |
| Dimensions | 9.6” x 6.4” x 5.5” (243 x 162 x 140 mm) | 7” x 7” x 13.3” (179 x 177 x 339 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 4” (102mm) woofer + 2x 20mm dome tweeters | 1x 133mm woofer, 1x 51mm tweeter |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (Manufacturer specified) | 97dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | No |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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More worthwhile head-to-heads for Marshall Kilburn II:
- Marshall Kilburn II vs Vifa Helsinki
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Marshall Kilburn II
- Tribit Stormbox Lava vs Marshall Kilburn II
- Marshall Kilburn II vs Brane X
- Marshall Kilburn II vs Minirig 4 with subwoofer
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
Marshall Kilburn II: $279.00 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Marshall Kilburn III, ranked higher, rated 3.8/5.
Pros: 20W Class D amp + dual 8W tweeters. 20+ hour battery with quick-charge (20 min charges 3 hours of play). Rugged design with leather handle and reinforced corners, IPX2 rated. Thrives with rock music. Bluetooth 5.0 with 30ft range. Measured bass extension of ~58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Boosted upper bass, not very detailed, not as deep bass as competitors, upper mids peak. Very low IPX2 water rating. AC charging
Full Marshall Kilburn II review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 36W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.6” x 6.4” x 5.5” (243 x 162 x 140 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 4” (102mm) woofer + 2x 20mm dome tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX2 |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.49 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Soundcore Trance: 49 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Soundcore Rave Party 2, rated 3.1/5 (also discontinued).
Pros: 80W power with up to 105dB output and BassUp technology. 18 hours claimed battery life. IPX7 waterproof rating with custom beat-driven LED lighting. Built-in USB power bank to charge mobile devices. Soundcore app provides customizable EQ and Party Mode linking. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Hugely recessed midrange and treble. Discontinued retail variant; superseded by Soundcore Rave Neo 2 and Rave Party 2.
Full Soundcore Trance review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 80W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7” x 7” x 13.3” (179 x 177 x 339 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 133mm woofer, 1x 51mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | 97dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons