Short answer: the Marshall Stockwell II. It ranks #11 of 105 large speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5) at $226 and is still sold new; the JBL Xtreme 2 ranks #60 (rated 3.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Xtreme 2’s replacement, the JBL Xtreme 5, is rated 4.6/5 at $349.99.
The Marshall Stockwell II is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. Possibly the most natural sounding Marshall speaker, with excellent off-axis sound. Its bass reaches about 44Hz before falling 10dB, against 54Hz for the JBL Xtreme 2. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Xtreme 2. At 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Xtreme 2 at 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg). The catch: Not very loud, and the added DSP reverb may annoy purists.
The JBL Xtreme 2 is the tougher choice. Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. It is rated IPX7 against IPX4 for the Marshall Stockwell II. It links with other speakers (Connect+ up to 100 speakers), which the Marshall Stockwell II cannot. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Marshall Stockwell II. Watch for: External AC power brick for charging.
Buy the Marshall Stockwell II. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the JBL Xtreme 2 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Stockwell II | JBL Xtreme 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $226.00 | $199.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #11 of 105 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 105 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 50ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
| App | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 6.3” x 2.8” (180 x 161 x 70 mm) | 11.3” x 5.4” x 4.2” (287 x 137 x 107 mm) |
| Drivers | 3” woofer, 2x 2” fullrange tweeters | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | 40W RMS |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Marshall Stockwell II compares with other leading options:
- Marshall Stockwell II vs Vifa Helsinki
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Marshall Stockwell II
- Marshall Stockwell II vs Tribit Stormbox Lava
- Brane X vs Marshall Stockwell II
- Marshall Stockwell II vs Minirig 4 with subwoofer
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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 Stockwell II: $226.00 Amazon $226.00 eBay
Newer model: the Marshall Stockwell III, ranked lower, rated 3/5, released Jun 2026. It adds power bank charging, app control, adjustable EQ and AAC. Water resistance goes from IPX4 to IP55. See every Marshall Portable Speakers generation.
Pros: Marshall Stockwell II uses 3” woofer, 2x 2” fullrange tweeters. Its 1.4 kg, claimed 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX4 protection, aux input, up to 96dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Possibly the most natural sounding Marshall speaker, with excellent off-axis sound. Measured bass extension of 44Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 44Hz specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Not very loud, and the added DSP reverb may annoy purists.
Full Marshall Stockwell II review and specifications →
| Released | May 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 50ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 6.3” x 2.8” (180 x 161 x 70 mm) |
| Drivers | 3” woofer, 2x 2” fullrange tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Marshall Stockwell III vs II - sound test More from Oluv’Sone →
- Oluv Patreon: Marshall Stockwell III vs Stockwell II
- Alan Ross Reviews: Marshall Stockwell 2 Review and huge sound test! - vs JBL Charge 5! 💯 More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Marshall Emberton vs Marshall Stockwell 2 - little guy goes louder?? 🤓
- Alan Ross Reviews: Marshall Stockwell 2 vs Soundcore Motion Boom and Motion Plus! expensive is better?
- Alan Ross Reviews: Marshall Stockwell 2 vs Denon 250bt - little and large? 🙈
- Alan Ross Reviews: Dali Katch G2 high end audio takes on the entire world of bluetooth speakers! 👌👋
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JBL Xtreme 2: $199.99 Discontinued Amazon $199.99 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Xtreme 5, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5, released Apr 2026.
Older model: the JBL Xtreme (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5). See every JBL Xtreme generation.
Pros: Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. IPX7 water-resistant. Amazing real-world battery: ~20 hours at 75dB (vs 15hr claim). USB-A port charges other devices. Optional carry strap. Measured bass extension of 54Hz (-10dB).
Cons: External AC power brick for charging. Boosted bass. Treble harsh at high volumes. Discontinued.
Full JBL Xtreme 2 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 40W RMS |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 5.4” x 4.2” (287 x 137 x 107 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Xtreme 3 vs JBL Xtreme 2 and Xtreme 1 - review and sound test More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: W-King D8 speaker review 50 watts power against JBL xtreme 2 and soundcore Motion plus
- Alan Ross Reviews: W-King X10 vs JBL Xtreme 3, Xtreme 2 and Xtreme 1! Xtreme Review 🤓
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony xb43 JBL Xtreme 2 W-King d8 Dockin D Fine
- Ezekielo: JBL Xtreme 2 vs Sonos Move with Sound Comparison
- HT Sound: Devialet Mania VS JBL Xtreme 2 - 60% Vol (Listen with headphones)
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