Marshall Middleton II specifications and in-depth review

Marshall Middleton II

Manufacturer: Marshall

The Marshall Middleton II is a portable speaker built around the brand's signature audio heritage, offering a solid combination of durability and wireless convenience in a compact enclosure measuring 230 × 110 × 98 mm and weighing 1,800 g. Its IP67 ingress protection rating means it can handle full submersion up to one meter, making it a suitable option for outdoor and wet environments without the need for extra protective accessories.

On the technical side, the Middleton II runs four drivers delivering a combined output of 320W across a frequency range of 45 Hz to 20,000 Hz, supplemented by a passive radiator for low-end reinforcement. Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint support for up to two devices keeps wireless connectivity flexible, with a stated range of 60 meters and AAC codec support. Battery life is rated at 30 hours with a 3-hour charge time via USB Type-C, and the unit can also function as a power bank for charging external devices. A sleep timer, voice prompts, and battery level indication round out the feature set.

Pros
  • IP67 rating with a 1-meter waterproof depth makes it well-suited for outdoor and wet environments
  • 30-hour battery life allows extended use between charges, with a relatively short 3-hour recharge time
  • Four-driver stereo setup with a passive radiator covers a broad frequency range from 45 Hz to 20,000 Hz
  • Can charge external devices by functioning as a power bank
  • Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint support for two simultaneous devices and a 60-meter wireless range
  • Includes a sleep timer and voice prompts for added everyday convenience
Cons
  • No wireless charging support — wired connection is required to recharge the battery
  • Lacks aptX, LDAC, and all other high-resolution Bluetooth codecs, with only AAC available
  • No 3.5mm audio jack or AUX input, limiting wired audio source options
  • Does not support stereo pairing with a second unit
  • Weighing 1,800 g, the physical weight may reduce portability comfort over longer carry distances
  • No NFC pairing or fast pairing, making initial Bluetooth setup slightly less convenient
Who is this for?

This speaker is a strong fit for users who frequently take their audio outdoors, thanks to its IP67 waterproof rating and 1-meter submersion tolerance, which make it reliable around water, rain, or dusty environments. The 30-hour battery life suits people who need extended playback without access to a power source, and the added power bank functionality is practical for day trips or travel where charging options are limited. Those who regularly switch between two Bluetooth source devices will also benefit from the built-in multipoint pairing support across a 60-meter wireless range.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who prioritize high-resolution audio streaming will find this speaker limiting, as it supports only the AAC codec with no aptX, LDAC, or aptX Adaptive available. It is also not well-suited for those looking to build a multi-speaker stereo setup, since stereo pairing with a second unit is not supported. At 1,800 g and without a included travel bag, it may also be less appealing to users who need a lightweight, easily portable speaker for activities like hiking or commuting where minimizing carry weight is a priority.

Design:

Ingress Protection (IP) rating IP67
volume 2479.4 cm³
has a neodymium magnet
control panel placed on a device
water resistance Waterproof
travel bag is included
has a touch screen
has RGB lighting
has a detachable cable
is a neckband speaker
has a remote control
weight 1800 g
waterproof depth rating 1 m
height 110 mm
width 230 mm
thickness 98 mm

The Marshall Middleton II carries an IP67 rating, confirming full waterproof protection with a submersion depth tolerance of up to 1 meter, and its water resistance classification reflects that same standard. The unit measures 230 × 110 × 98 mm with a total volume of 2,479.4 cm³ and weighs 1,800 g, giving it a substantial but portable physical profile. It uses a neodymium magnet and features an on-device control panel for direct playback management. The speaker does not include a travel bag, touch screen, RGB lighting, detachable cable, or remote control, nor is it a neckband-style design.

Sound quality:

has stereo speakers
has a subwoofer
highest frequency 20000 Hz
lowest frequency 45 Hz
audio output power 4 x 80W
Has a passive radiator
number of microphones 1
has a noise-canceling microphone
sound pressure level 97 dB/mW
has a magnetic shielding

The Marshall Middleton II features stereo speakers driven by four 80W drivers for a combined output of 320W, covering a frequency range from 45 Hz to 20,000 Hz, with a passive radiator assisting low-frequency reproduction in the absence of a dedicated subwoofer. The speaker reaches a sound pressure level of 97 dB/mW and does not include magnetic shielding. For voice and call functionality, it carries a single microphone, though noise cancellation is not supported on that mic.

Power:

Battery life 30 hours
charge time 3 hours
has a battery level indicator
has a rechargeable battery
has a removable battery
has wireless charging

The Marshall Middleton II is equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery rated for 30 hours of playback, with a full charge taking 3 hours. A battery level indicator keeps the remaining charge visible at a glance. The battery is not removable and the speaker does not support wireless charging, so power must be supplied through a wired connection.

Connectivity:

multipoint count 2
Bluetooth version 5.3
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has an AUX input
has aptX Lossless
has LDAC
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX HD
has aptX
has aptX Low Latency
has AAC
has AirPlay
has Chromecast built-in
has Auracast
has Bluetooth LE Audio
maximum Bluetooth range 60 m
supports Wi-Fi
USB ports 1
Has USB Type-C
has a 3.5mm male connector
has an external memory slot
is DLNA-certified
supports Ethernet
has a microphone input

The Marshall Middleton II connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3 with a maximum range of 60 meters and supports multipoint pairing with up to two devices simultaneously. The only supported audio codec over Bluetooth is AAC; aptX in all its variants, LDAC, LE Audio, and Auracast are not available. For wired connectivity, the speaker includes one USB Type-C port but no 3.5mm audio jack socket, no AUX input, and no 3.5mm male connector. It does not support Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Chromecast, DLNA, Ethernet, NFC pairing, external memory, or microphone input.

Features:

Can be used wirelessly
supports a remote smartphone
has fast pairing
has voice commands
Has a radio
Has voice prompts
works as a power bank
has a sleep timer

The Marshall Middleton II operates fully wirelessly and supports remote control via a smartphone, while voice prompts provide audio feedback during use. It also functions as a power bank, allowing it to charge external devices, and includes a sleep timer for scheduled playback shutoff. Fast pairing, voice commands, and a built-in radio are not part of the feature set.

Miscellaneous:

supports pairing for stereo sound

The Marshall Middleton II does not support stereo pairing, meaning it cannot be linked with a second unit to create a two-speaker stereo configuration.

Final Verdict

The Marshall Middleton II is a well-specified portable speaker built for users who prioritize durability and endurance over audio codec versatility. Its IP67 waterproof rating combined with 30 hours of battery life makes it one of the more capable options for sustained outdoor use, and practical additions like the power bank function and multipoint Bluetooth pairing add genuine day-to-day utility. Those seeking high-resolution wireless audio or a lightweight carry experience will find certain limitations, but for listeners who need a rugged, long-lasting speaker that handles demanding environments without compromise, the Middleton II delivers a focused and reliable feature set.

Popular Comparisons

Marshall Middleton II
Marshall Middleton II
VS
Harman Kardon Aura Studio 4
Harman Kardon Aura Studio 4
Marshall Middleton II
Marshall Middleton II
VS
Marshall Kilburn III
Marshall Kilburn III
Marshall Middleton II
Marshall Middleton II
VS
JBL Flip 7
JBL Flip 7
Marshall Middleton II
Marshall Middleton II
VS
Bose SoundLink Max
Bose SoundLink Max
Marshall Middleton II
Marshall Middleton II
VS
JBL Boombox 4
JBL Boombox 4
Marshall Middleton II
Marshall Middleton II
VS
LG XBoom Bounce
LG XBoom Bounce
Marshall Middleton II
Marshall Middleton II
VS
JBL Charge 6
JBL Charge 6