Compare Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker, 2nd Gen vs Marshall Willen II

Reviewers cite the 10W full-range driver and, in some sources, a 38W amplifier as impressive for the speaker's very small body.

The Marshall app is described as solid, though reviewers focus more on its limited feature depth than reliability problems.

Audio format support is supported by SBC, AAC, aptX and higher-quality Android streaming references.

Audio format support is limited because reviewers note the lack of high-resolution audio support, though they do not frame it as a major issue for this size.

Backward compatibility is weak because multiple reviewers state the second-generation model cannot stereo-pair with the original Flex.

Backwards compatibility is mixed: the lack of wired audio hurts older-device use, and one reviewer notes the older Willen had stack features this version lacks.

Battery life is adequate but not a highlight, with reviewers citing up to 12 hours and much shorter runtime at high volume or in tests.

Battery life is one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers repeatedly reporting about 14 to 17-plus hours depending on volume and use.

Codec support is a meaningful Gen 2 upgrade, with reviewers citing Snapdragon Sound, aptX, SBC and AAC support.

Bluetooth connection stability is praised by several reviewers, with notes on Bluetooth 5.3, Snapdragon Sound, no hiccups and no disconnections.

Bluetooth stability is consistently praised, with reviewers noting stable connections, strong range, and music that does not cut out nearby.

Bluetooth range is only lightly covered, with one spec citing 30 feet and another reviewer saying they could walk a good distance before issues.

Range is a stated strength in the reviews that measured or cited it, ranging from 100 meters to an unusually long 240 meters.

Cabinet construction is praised through metal or steel grille references plus rubberized, silicone or aluminum casing materials.

Build quality is a major strength: reviewers repeatedly describe a robust, dense, rugged speaker with premium-feeling materials.

Charging is a recurring weakness: reviewers repeatedly cite about four hours to recharge, which some call slow or disappointing.

Charging is strong for travel use, especially the repeated claim that about 20 minutes of charging gives roughly five to five and a half hours of playback.

Cohesive presentation is strong overall, with reviewers describing the sound as balanced, full, clear or unexpectedly capable for the size.

The Willen II is consistently described as balanced, clean, warm, and coherent rather than bass-heavy or party-focused.

Controls are mixed: some found them easy, but SoundGuys called the buttons mushy and Android Police found touch operation confusing.

Reviewers like the Marshall joystick control because it feels intuitive, solid, and easier than common multi-press button layouts.

Design and aesthetics are a major consensus strength, with repeated praise for the premium feel, colors, slim body and attractive grille.

Design is one of the broadest points of agreement: reviewers praise the retro Marshall amp look, rock styling, and premium finish.

Detail retrieval is a strength for the size, with reviewers hearing crisp detail, nuance and separated musical layers.

Detail retrieval is repeatedly praised for the size, with clear highs, audible detail, and better instrument texture than expected from a tiny speaker.

Dialogue clarity is supported through the Voice preset, which reviewers describe as useful for podcast and audiobook dialogue.

High-volume behavior is mixed: some reviewers say Bose processing keeps distortion controlled, while others heard clarity drop or distortion at higher volumes.

High-volume behavior is mixed: several reviewers praise clarity and low distortion, while others mention vibration, tinny sound, or limited output.

Durability is strong, with reviewers citing rugged construction, drop-proof claims, solid feel and protection against outdoor abuse.

Only one review directly supports drop durability, saying both tested speakers survived drops without damage.

Dust resistance is strongly supported by repeated IP67 and dustproof references across the reviews.

Dust resistance is consistently supported through the Willen II's IP67 dust and water resistance rating.

Dynamic headroom is supported by TechRadar's bass comments, though the broader evidence suggests dynamics are good for size rather than huge.

Dynamic headroom is respectable but not unlimited; reviewers praise preserved clarity at higher volumes while also noting output limits.

Energy efficiency is only lightly supported, with one reviewer noting effective sleep behavior that avoids unnecessary battery drain.

Energy efficiency is supported by Bluetooth 5.3 comments and its connection to longer battery life and improved connection strength.

EQ customization is one of the clearest upgrades, but reviewers generally describe it as useful while limited to basic bands or presets.

EQ customization is limited: reviewers repeatedly note three presets and the lack of a full custom EQ.

Everyday usability is strong for desks, bedrooms, travel, poolside use and small gatherings thanks to the compact design and easy operation.

Everyday usability is strong for portable, desk, travel, backpack, and outdoor scenarios, though not always for larger group playback.

Float capability is directly praised by multiple reviewers, who note the speaker floats if dropped in water.

Most reviewers describe the sound as balanced, clear or full, with punchy bass for the size but not true party-speaker low end.

Frequency response balance is one of the Willen II's strongest sonic traits, with reviewers describing flat, accurate, balanced tuning.

The fabric loop or strap is useful for bags and hooks, though one reviewer wanted a more flexible loop or included carabiner.

The rear strap is usually praised as handy and discreet, though one review finds it flimsier than the rest of the build.

Home theater integration is limited but present through Bose SimpleSync with compatible Bose smart speakers or soundbars.

Inter-speaker connectivity is supported through Bose speaker linking, stereo mode and party mode, but compatibility limits reduce flexibility.

Inter-speaker connectivity is future-looking rather than fully proven; reviews mention Auracast but also note it was not active or dependable yet.

Latency is mostly described positively for video and streaming, though one reviewer still noticed a minor amount of video latency.

Latency is only lightly supported, but one review credits Bluetooth 5.3 with keeping latency to a minimum.

Reviewers say the Flex 2 gets loud enough for rooms, yards and small outdoor groups, but several note it is not the loudest or best for large spaces.

Maximum loudness splits reviewers: some call it enough for small groups or hit high dB readings, while others find it quiet for the price.

Low-volume performance is only lightly supported, but TechRadar specifically heard clearer vocals at lower volume levels.

The built-in microphone is confirmed for calls and assistant access, though call quality evidence is limited.

The built-in microphone is a useful extra for calls, mentioned positively as a feature absent from some rivals.

Pairing reliability is generally positive when using compatible Bose speakers, though the ecosystem is limited and not backward-compatible with the original Flex.

Multi-speaker pairing reliability is weakly supported and negative, with one reviewer warning not to rely on the promised features.

Multipoint is repeatedly confirmed, letting the speaker connect to two devices or manage multiple sources through the Bose app.

Multipoint support is explicitly mentioned in one overview: it can pair with up to eight devices and be used with two at a time.

Omnidirectional sound is a weakness; Tom's Guide specifically describes strong directionality and a narrow soundstage.

Omnidirectional sound is not a strength; one review notes listening changes when moving around or positioning the speaker differently.

On-device controls are generally useful and complete, but touch-finding and button feel vary by reviewer.

On-device controls are a highlight, especially the joystick for volume, playback, and track changes, plus clear top buttons.

Power-bank support is absent; reviewers explicitly say it cannot charge a phone or other devices.

The Willen II lacks a power-bank function, which reviewers mention as a missing feature compared with some rivals.

Value opinions are mixed: several reviewers say the quality justifies the price or sales help, while others call it expensive or a Bose tax.

Price reactions are mixed: some reviewers call it worth the premium, while others think it is expensive versus louder or cheaper competitors.

Setup receives direct positive support from one reviewer who called it easy to set up and easy to use.

Setup appears simple, with pairing described as quick, painless, and trouble-free in the review that directly addresses it.

The shortcut button can access a phone voice assistant, but reviewers frame this as basic phone-assistant access rather than a full built-in assistant.

Smart features are limited: reviewers mention app controls, shortcuts, Spotify options and voice-assistant access, but repeatedly describe the feature set as lean.

Smart-feature depth is modest: the speaker offers app presets, battery options, mic support, and promised Auracast, but not much more.

Speakerphone quality is only lightly supported, with one reviewer saying the microphone works fine for quick calls but does not sound amazing.

Speakerphone support is functional rather than deeply tested, with reviews noting button call controls and phone-call use.

Status indicators are only lightly covered, with SoundGuys noting a status light above the shortcut button.

Status indicators are clear and useful, especially the LED battery indicators that show remaining charge directly on the speaker.

Stereo and imaging evidence is mixed: two-unit stereo mode can add separation, but the single speaker is directional and not especially wide.

Stereo imaging is limited by the tiny single-speaker form factor, with one review saying instrument separation is not spectacular.

USB-C charging is consistently confirmed, though reviewers also note the port does not provide wired audio or power-bank output.

USB-C charging is consistently confirmed through the included cable, side port, and explicit charging descriptions.

Value for money is mixed but generally acceptable: reviewers praise quality for the price while noting cheaper rivals exist.

Overall value is context-dependent: strong for design, build, battery, and balanced sound, weaker if buyers want maximum loudness per dollar.

Vocals are consistently described as clear, easy to hear or delicate, supporting strong voice clarity for music and spoken content.

Voice and vocal clarity are a repeated strength, with reviewers describing vocals as clear, crystalline, and not muddy.

Water resistance is a major strength: reviewers repeatedly cite IP67 protection or water immersion suitability.

Water resistance is well supported across reviews through the IP67 rating and repeated pool, beach, rain, and outdoor-use comments.

The speaker is widely praised as slim, light and bag-friendly, with reviewers repeatedly saying it is easy to carry or pack.

Weight is still portable, but the Willen II has noticeable heft for its size; reviewers frame that weight as manageable and premium-feeling.

Wired playback is a clear weakness: reviewers repeatedly state there is no 3.5mm jack and USB-C is for charging, not audio.

Wired input is a clear limitation: reviews repeatedly say USB-C is not for wired audio and there is no AUX input.