These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The Marshall Middleton ranks #33 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $257.52; the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen ranks #37 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $159.
The Marshall Middleton is the longer-running pick. A waterproof stereo speaker with very deep bass for its size, a long battery, a power bank and a detachable strap. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. The tradeoff: 5db dip at 1.7kHz and 6.3kHz.
The Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen is the lighter option. A small, rugged waterproof speaker with clear, well balanced mids, app EQ, aptX Adaptive and stereo pairing with a second unit. At 1.3 lbs (586 g) it weighs much less than the Marshall Middleton at 4 lbs (1.8 kg). It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Marshall Middleton lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Marshall Middleton lacks. The tradeoff: One Flex remains mono and cannot deliver genuine low-bass rumble; RTINGS also found the elevated treble can turn hi-hats and other high-frequency detail piercing.
Buy the Marshall Middleton at $257.52 if you want a large speaker. Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen at $159 if you want a medium speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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
| Marshall Middleton | Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $257.52 | $159.00 |
| Ranked | #33 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #37 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | - |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) | 1.3 lbs (586 g) |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (3 band) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 9.1” x 3.7” x 4.3” (230 x 95 x 109 mm) | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 0.625” tweeters + 2x passive radiators | 60mm full-range driver with passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | Yes (built-in loop) |
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