You may prefer either the Bose SoundLink Flex or Marshall Willen, which are both portable Bluetooth speakers with different strengths. The Bose, in contrast to the Marshall, offers support for voice assistants via your smartphone, and it reproduces a more refined bass that fans of electronic dance music may appreciate. The Marshall has EQ presets that help you control its sound, though it doesn’t have a similar bass response to the Bose. In order to know more about Marshall Willen vs Bose Soundlink Flex, let’s dive into the following parts of this article on Digimigia.
Overview of Marshall Willen vs Bose Soundlink Flex
The Marshall Willen is an ultra-portable, on-the-go speaker that is the most compact model in Marshall’s current Bluetooth speaker lineup. The Willen uses 10 watts of power to drive a single 2′′ full-range driver, assisted by two passive radiators. Despite not being able to crank up the volume with a speaker of this size it is difficult to resist its rock n’ roll appeal. The multidirectional control button is conveniently recessed into the front of the speaker grill, while a red LED displaying battery life is also present at the top. With an IP67 protection rating, it is suitable for a day at the beach, and thanks to the handy strap, you can easily attach it to a backpack or hang it up at camp.
The Bose SoundLink Flex is a great hiking or shower companion and delivers playback that distinguishes vocals from instruments. Nevertheless, it possesses certain drawbacks, such as the difficulty in distinguishing buttons and the absence of a headphone jack. Nonetheless, this is a commendable option for individuals seeking rugged and boisterous adventure. The Bose SoundLink Flex weighs only 589g, despite its robust construction. However, it may add additional bulk for rigorous mountaineering activities.
Compare Marshall Willen and Bose Soundlink Flex
Let’s compare some features of Marshall Willen vs Bose Soundlink Flex in the following part in order to know which one is better to our requirements:
Sound Quality
Marshall Willen’s sound is definitely best when using the Marshall setting. However, if you desire a greater bass and select Press in the application, the midrange and vocal gradually diminish, resulting in an overly thin sound. You can make the bass stronger by turning down the speaker. However, the small speaker can still produce good bass. The soundstage is clear enough to enjoy jazz or classical music, but if you turn the volume up too much, the clarity of the soundstage also goes down. The Willen is best when it’s near the listener, but you wouldn’t choose it for a summer party.
The sound quality of the SoundLink Flex is a bit polarizing. Due to the inability to alter it through an EQ, the sound is relatively flat. The speaker lacks the epic peaks and lows that I have come to appreciate in other Bluetooth speakers, which may not be suitable for all users. During outdoor testing, the SoundLink Flex produced an exceptionally clear sound. If you are in need of something that sounds decent outside, this could be a good purchase.
Battery Life
Marshall advertises 15 hours of playback with the Willen in his advertisement. Nevertheless, in our standardized testing, which is intended to replicate real-world usage, the Willen lasted for only 11 hours and 4 minutes. This is a disappointing outcome, however, it suffices to thoroughly enjoy Black Sabbath’s Master of Reality for approximately 19 and a half times on repeat or for a few afternoons spent at the park with friends while listening to music.
Bose says that the SoundLink Flex can last up to 12 hours on a fully charged battery. The Bose SoundLink Flex lasted 11 hours and 59 minutes when played continuously with a maximum volume of 75dB (SPL) This means that Bose’s battery life is accurate and the speaker can last a day at the beach or on a long hike in the mountains.
Price
Both Marshall Willen and Bose Soundlink Flex are nearly in the same price. However, at a cost of Marshall Willen is from $120 to $179, this may be somewhat costly. We would say that if you could find this speaker on sale for under $100, then it might be more worth the money.
Which One is Better, Marshall Willen or Bose Soundlink Flex?
Is Marshall better than Bose? Marshall’s Willen speaker is a small travel companion that is easy to take out. It’s almost perfect as a speaker on the patio, in the park,
on the boat, or when you travel. The battery is strong and can withstand the weather. On the other hand, the Bose SoundLink Flex is also a good outdoor Bluetooth speaker that can be carried easily and has good sound. However, The Bose Soundlink Flex will deliver a more emotional and detailed sound experience. Bose Flex also stands out thanks to its powerful bass, especially with vibrant music.
Conclusion
If you value sound quality, Bose Soundlink Flex is a superior choice compared to Willen. The speaker exhibits excellent sound quality across multiple genres and provides a superior user experience. Nonetheless, if your primary requirement is a compact and convenient speaker to carry while jogging or cycling, with acceptable sound quality, Marshall Willen vs Bose Soundlike flex according to Digimigia remains a suitable option.