Short answer: the Marshall Willen II. It ranks #11 of 62 small speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $129.99 and is still sold new; the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 ranks #57 (rated 2.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Marshall Willen II is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. More balanced than the first Marshall Willen, no sharp treble. Its bass reaches about 70Hz before falling 10dB, against 120Hz for the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2. It is rated for 17 hours of battery against 10 for the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2. It is rated IP67, while the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 has no water resistance. Watch for: Not that deep of bass.
The Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 is the lighter choice. Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. At 0.6 lbs (250 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Marshall Willen II at 0.8 lbs (360 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the Marshall Willen II lacks. Watch for: Huge lack of bass.
Buy the Marshall Willen II. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Willen II | Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #11 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #57 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70Hz | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 17 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (360 g) | 0.6 lbs (250 g) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Drivers | 2” (51mm) full-range with dual passive radiators | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75”) full-range drivers |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 1.7” x 3.9” (99 x 43 x 99 mm) | 5.5” x 3” x 1” (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 10W | 8W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | - |
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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 Willen II: $129.99 Amazon $129.99 eBay
Older model: the Marshall Willen (ranked lower, rated 3.8/5). See every Marshall Portable Speakers generation.
Same family: the Marshall Emberton III (larger model, rated 2.7/5), the Marshall Middleton II (larger model, rated 4.1/5), the Marshall Stockwell III (larger model, rated 3/5) and the Marshall Kilburn III (larger model, rated 3.8/5).
Pros: More balanced than the first Marshall Willen, no sharp treble. Measured bass extension of 70Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not that deep of bass. Fairly low max output vs pricier speakers; midrange can sound a bit congested at volume. No aux input.
Full Marshall Willen II review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 10W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70Hz |
| Battery Life | 17 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 1.7” x 3.9” (99 x 43 x 99 mm) |
| Drivers | 2” (51mm) full-range with dual passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (360 g) |
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Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2: $100 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. Metal grille with a faux-leather back and a small kickstand. 8-10 hour battery life. Measured bass extension of ~120Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Huge lack of bass. Sounds very thin and tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 8W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 3” x 1” (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75”) full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (250 g) |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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