Enjoying long afternoons at the beach or by the pool with my group of friends is one of the activities I love the most. And if we can accompany it with high quality music, it’s even better! For this reason, I am always on the lookout for the top brands and models of portable speakers to keep up with the latest technology available. Today, I am pleased to present you with a fascinating comparison: Marshall vs Bose.
Both brands are widely recognised in the field of sound technology, and with good reason. The excellence of their speakers places them among the best rated on the market. However, the question arises as to how to make a decision between them and determine which one best suits my needs. In this comparison, I will show you the main differences and similarities between the two brands – I invite you to pay close attention to find out which of these speakers is the perfect choice for you!
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Marshall vs Bose: Origin of each brand
Marshall is a British brand of amplifiers and sound equipment, founded in 1962 by Jim Marshall. Initially, the company focused on manufacturing electric guitar amplifiers and became an iconic brand in the music world, especially in the rock scene. Marshall amplifiers gained popularity among renowned musicians and bands due to their distinctive sound quality and ability to produce a powerful, distinctive tone.
Over time, Marshall diversified its product line and ventured into the wireless speaker market. The brand sought to maintain its reputation for sound quality and the classic design that has characterised its amplifiers. Marshall wireless speakers offer a vintage look and feel and a high-fidelity audio experience, with the convenience of modern wireless connectivity.
Bose Corporation is an American electronics and audio company founded in 1964 by Amar G. Bose, an engineer and researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Initially, Bose focused on research into audio enhancement techniques and noise cancellation technology. Its first major product was the 901 loudspeaker system, launched in 1968, which gained recognition for its innovative approach to sound reproduction through direct reflection and manipulation of the acoustic environment.
Over the years, Bose has become a leading brand in the audio and speaker system market, and has expanded its portfolio to include wireless speakers and other portable audio devices. Bose wireless speakers are known for their crisp sound quality and stylish design, as well as the incorporation of advanced technologies to enhance the user’s listening experience.
Marshall vs Bose: Why do they stand out?
As you know, features vary from model to model. However, both brands have a number of general defining qualities that set them apart from each other.
Marshall: speaker strengths
Let’s start by looking at some of the key features common to Marshall wireless speakers:
- Long battery life: Many Marshall speaker models feature rechargeable batteries that offer extended battery life, making them ideal for outdoor use or for carrying from place to place without worrying about power.
- Vintage design: Marshall wireless speakers often have a distinctive, vintage design, inspired by the brand’s famous guitar amplifiers. They feature classic details such as the cloth grille, analogue controls and the Marshall logo, making them visually appealing and easily recognisable.
- High-quality sound: Marshall is known for its focus on sound quality, and this is reflected in its wireless speakers. These speakers typically deliver clear and powerful audio reproduction, with good bass response and excellent sound separation.
Bose speaker qualities
Now, we highlight the main features that Bose speakers share:
- Exceptional sound power: Bose is widely recognised for its focus on sound quality. Their wireless speakers typically deliver clear, balanced and immersive sound, with deep and powerful bass reproduction.
- Sleek and compact design: Bose wireless speakers tend to have a modern and attractive design, with high-quality finishes. In addition, many models are compact and portable, making them ideal for use on the move or in tight spaces.
- Noise-cancelling technology: Some Bose speaker models may include noise-cancelling technology, which allows unwanted ambient noise to be reduced or eliminated, providing a more immersive and focused listening experience.
Marshall vs Bose: The two most in-demand wireless speakers
To find out more exactly what the main differences are between Marshall and Bose wireless speakers, we look at two of their most iconic models to see for ourselves:
Marshall Killburn II
This is one of Marshall’s most sought-after speakers because of its good value for money, among other things. First of all, it stands out for its classic design, which reminds us of the American style of the 50s and 60s and takes us straight back to that era. However, it is one of the most powerful of the brand, mainly due to the presence of three amplifiers. One of them is 20 watts, designed for bass, and the other two are 8 watts specifically for treble. The result is a multidirectional sound of good quality and maintaining the necessary difference between the highest and lowest tones.
If we look at the battery life, we can use them for more than 20 hours on a single charge. And if the battery runs out, they only take 2.5 hours to recharge. However, if you need them urgently, the quick charge means that they can provide 3 hours of playback in 20 minutes. On the other hand, they are IPX2 rated, which means you can take them to the pool, but it’s best to keep them out of the way so they don’t get wet.
They have a range of up to 10 metres, so you don’t have to worry about being too close to be able to hear them well. And while they don’t have WiFi, they do offer Bluetooth connectivity up to version 5.0.
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Bose SoundLink Micro
This speaker is smaller than the Marshall, but no less interesting for that. In fact, its lightness is one of its great qualities, because it allows us to carry it anywhere without any problems. Of course, being smaller, the battery has a smaller capacity, and its maximum autonomy is about 6 hours. This is fine for me, because I don’t usually use them for longer, but if you have a business where you want to play music constantly, the Marshall is the best option.
The good thing about the Bose, among other things, is its high sound power despite its smaller size. In practice, it has nothing to envy to the sound of the Marshall. It is even equipped with a microphone, allowing you to sync it with your smartphone to amplify the sound.
What’s more, it’s IP67 rated. Not only is this much more waterproof than the Marshall, but it is also resistant to dust ingress. In this sense, it is more suitable for taking to the beach than the previous model. And the range is almost the same, with a range of 9 metres. Finally, it is more comfortable to carry thanks to the clip with which we can attach it to our backpack.
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Marshall vs Bose: Our final conclusion
Now that you know how the two companies differ, it’s time to decide which one designs the perfect wireless speakers for you. As we always say, everyone has their own preferences based on their needs and aesthetic tastes, so our choice doesn’t have to be the same or better than yours. In fact, either brand ensures a good quality wireless speaker.
However, we’d go more for Bose. While Marshall has some very good qualities, and we love the design, the sound power and technology that Bose has is hard to beat. And, considering that the main use we make of these speakers is to play music, the sensations that the Bose transmits are more powerful than those of the Marshall.
I also like the fact that it has such a high resistance to dust and water, because I use the speaker more outdoors, and its performance and tolerance is better than that of the rival speaker. Finally, it’s cheaper, which is logical considering it’s smaller.
That said, if you’re looking for a portable speaker more suited to outdoor use, the Bose SoundLink Micro seems like a better choice. But if you’re looking for one to blend in with indoor spaces, I’d probably go for the Marshall. It’s up to you!