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- Best overall: Marshall Willen II Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Best budget: JBL Clip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Best premium: Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen)
- Best for poolside use: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Marshall Willen II is the compact, rugged pick, with 17-plus hours of rated battery life and IP67 protection.
- Beats Pill+ offers up to 12 hours of battery life but lacks a stated water-resistance rating.
- Beats Pill (2024) is the stronger Beats alternative for longer listening, with up to 24 hours of battery life and IP67 protection.
- JBL Clip 5, Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen), Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 and Sony ULT FIELD 1 suit different portable-speaker priorities.
- Compare condition, included accessories, battery health and return terms when shopping for a Black Friday 2026 speaker.
Marshall Willen II and Beats Pill+ are compact Bluetooth speakers with different strengths: Marshall offers IP67-rated durability and a built-in mounting strap, while Beats Pill+ is a larger legacy speaker rated for up to 12 hours of playback. For Black Friday 2026 shoppers, the right choice depends on portability, weather protection and whether buying an older model makes sense.
We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback for these two speakers and five alternatives. The short version: choose Marshall Willen II for a small, outdoor-ready speaker; choose Beats Pill+ only when its older design and condition suit your needs. The newer Beats Pill, JBL Clip 5, Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen), Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 and Sony ULT FIELD 1 broaden the options.
How We Picked
- Compared manufacturer-listed battery life, water and dust protection, charging connections and wireless specifications.
- Prioritized clearly stated features that change everyday use, including mounting straps, floating designs, speakerphone functions and USB-C charging.
- Used owner feedback and published reviews to identify recurring strengths and limitations, without treating individual listening impressions as universal results.
- Included compact speakers at different sizes and feature levels so shoppers can compare alternatives beyond the two main models.
- Considered long-term practicality, especially model age, stated durability and the importance of checking condition and return terms.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Battery life | Water and dust rating | Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marshall Willen II Portable Bluetooth Speaker | Small, rugged everyday carry | 17+ hours | IP67 | 5.3 |
| Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker | Buyers seeking the older Beats Pill+ design | Up to 12 hours | No stated rating | 4.2 |
| Beats Pill Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2024) | Longer-lasting portable Beats audio | Up to 24 hours | IP67 | 5.3 |
| JBL Clip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker | Clipping a speaker to a bag | Up to 12 hours | IP67 | 5.3 |
| Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) | Premium portable sound and placement flexibility | Up to 12 hours | IP67 | 5.3 |
| Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker | Poolside listening and floating use | Up to 14 hours | IP67 | Not stated |
| Sony ULT FIELD 1 Portable Wireless Speaker | Bass-forward portable listening | Up to 12 hours | IP67 | 5.3 |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Marshall Willen II Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The Marshall Willen II Portable Bluetooth Speaker is the best compact outdoor speaker for buyers who want rugged protection and a carry-friendly design, with 17-plus hours of rated battery life.
Best for: Small, rugged everyday carry
- Battery life
- 17+ hours
- Water and dust rating
- IP67
- Bluetooth
- 5.3
- Full-range driver
- 2 inches
- IP67 protection against dust and water
- Built-in strap attaches to bags and handlebars
- USB-C charging
- Small body cannot match larger speakers for room-filling sound
Is the Marshall Willen II Portable Bluetooth Speaker worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Marshall Willen II Portable Bluetooth Speaker is worth considering for buyers who value a compact build, IP67 protection and a rated 17-plus-hour battery. The Marshall Willen II Portable Bluetooth Speaker's strap adds practical carry options for walks, cycling and outdoor listening.
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#2
Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker
The Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker is the best legacy Beats pick for buyers who want a simple stereo speakerphone design, with up to 12 hours of rated battery life.
Best for: Buyers seeking the older Beats Pill+ design
- Battery life
- Up to 12 hours
- Bluetooth
- 4.2
- Charging port
- Lightning
- Speakerphone
- Built-in
- Simple portable stereo-speaker format
- Built-in speakerphone
- Two units support stereo pairing
- Older model with Lightning charging
- No stated water-resistance rating
Is the Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker suits buyers who specifically want its older design and speakerphone, but it is less practical for wet or dusty use because no water-resistance rating is stated. Check battery condition, included charging accessories and return terms.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Beats Pill Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2024)
The Beats Pill Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2024) is the best Beats choice for buyers prioritizing longer battery life and weather protection, with up to 24 hours of rated playback.
Best for: Longer-lasting portable Beats audio
- Battery life
- Up to 24 hours
- Water and dust rating
- IP67
- Bluetooth
- 5.3
- Charging port
- USB-C
- Long rated playback time
- IP67 protection
- USB-C audio and charging features
- Larger than ultra-compact clip-on speakers
Is the Beats Pill Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2024) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Beats Pill Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2024) is a strong choice for buyers who want up to 24 hours of rated battery life, IP67 protection and USB-C. The Beats Pill Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2024)'s newer features make it a more practical Beats comparison than the older Pill+.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
JBL Clip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The JBL Clip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is the best clip-on option for travelers who want a compact speaker with an integrated carabiner, rated for up to 12 hours of playback.
Best for: Clipping a speaker to a bag
- Battery life
- Up to 12 hours, plus 3 hours with Playtime Boost
- Water and dust rating
- IP67
- Bluetooth
- 5.3
- Charging port
- USB-C
- Integrated carabiner for carrying
- IP67-rated design
- Playtime Boost adds a rated 3 hours
- Compact size limits bass depth compared with larger speakers
Is the JBL Clip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The JBL Clip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is worth considering for travelers who want an integrated carabiner, IP67 protection and up to 12 hours of rated playback. Playtime Boost adds a stated 3 hours when the feature is enabled.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen)
The Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) is the best premium compact pick for buyers who want a larger, flexible listening setup, with up to 12 hours of rated battery life.
Best for: Premium portable sound and placement flexibility
- Battery life
- Up to 12 hours
- Water and dust rating
- IP67
- Bluetooth
- 5.3
- Charging port
- USB-C
- IP67 protection and floating design
- Position-aware audio processing
- Can pair with compatible Bose speakers
- Larger and heavier than pocket-sized picks
Is the Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen) is a good fit for buyers seeking a more substantial portable speaker with IP67 protection, a floating design and up to 12 hours of rated battery life. The Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen)'s second-generation model adds updated connectivity.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is the best floating speaker for poolside buyers, with IP67 protection and up to 14 hours of rated battery life.
Best for: Poolside listening and floating use
- Battery life
- Up to 14 hours
- Water and dust rating
- IP67
- Bluetooth range
- 40 metres
- Outdoor feature
- Outdoor Boost mode
- Designed to float in water
- IP67-rated construction
- Outdoor Boost mode for open-air listening
- No USB-C audio input
Is the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is worth considering for poolside and outdoor use because it floats, carries an IP67 rating and is rated for up to 14 hours of battery life. Outdoor Boost helps tailor playback for open spaces.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Sony ULT FIELD 1 Portable Wireless Speaker
The Sony ULT FIELD 1 Portable Wireless Speaker is the best compact bass-focused pick for buyers who want a dedicated ULT sound mode, with up to 12 hours of rated battery life.
Best for: Bass-forward portable listening
- Battery life
- Up to 12 hours
- Water and dust rating
- IP67
- Bluetooth
- 5.3
- Charging port
- USB-C
- ULT button enables a bass-focused sound mode
- IP67-rated design
- Includes a carrying strap
- Bass mode is not a priority for every listener
Is the Sony ULT FIELD 1 Portable Wireless Speaker worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sony ULT FIELD 1 Portable Wireless Speaker suits listeners who want a compact speaker with a dedicated bass-focused mode, IP67 protection and up to 12 hours of rated playback. The Sony ULT FIELD 1 Portable Wireless Speaker's strap supports easier carrying between locations.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Marshall Willen II vs Beats Pill+: which speaker is better?
Marshall Willen II is the better choice for rugged portability, while Beats Pill+ suits buyers who prefer its older speakerphone-focused design and up to 12 hours of rated battery life. Marshall’s Willen II is rated IP67 and lasts for 17-plus hours, giving it a clear advantage for outdoor use and longer rated playback.
Beats Pill+ has a flatter, larger body and a built-in speakerphone, but no water-resistance rating is stated and the speaker uses Lightning charging. Buyers comparing these products should also consider the newer Beats Pill (2024), which offers IP67 protection, USB-C and up to 24 hours of rated playback. For most shoppers weighing durability and current features, Marshall Willen II or Beats Pill (2024) is the more straightforward shortlist.
What is the difference between Marshall Willen II and Beats Pill+?
Marshall Willen II has an IP67 rating, Bluetooth 5.3 and 17-plus hours of rated battery life; Beats Pill+ has Bluetooth 4.2 and up to 12 hours of rated playback. The Marshall model is smaller and includes a strap for attaching it to a bag or other gear.
Beats Pill+ is a legacy model with a built-in speakerphone and Lightning charging. The absence of a stated water-resistance rating makes it a less suitable pick for wet settings. Marshall Willen II also uses USB-C, and its dust and water protection is an important practical distinction. Both provide portable Bluetooth playback, but their age, charging connections and durability ratings point to different kinds of buyers.
Is Marshall Willen II worth choosing for Black Friday 2026?
Marshall Willen II is worth shortlisting for Black Friday 2026 if a compact IP67-rated speaker and 17-plus hours of rated battery life match your priorities. Its built-in strap gives it an everyday carry advantage over speakers that need a separate clip or case.
The speaker’s small cabinet makes portability its clearest strength, not maximum volume or deep bass. Buyers who value stronger room-filling output should compare larger options such as Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) or Beats Pill (2024). Check the listed model generation, charging accessories and return policy before choosing a listing, especially when comparing different Willen versions.
Is Beats Pill+ still a good speaker to buy?
Beats Pill+ remains a reasonable fit for buyers who specifically want its speakerphone, familiar design and up to 12 hours of rated playback. The model’s age matters: Lightning charging and the lack of a stated water-resistance rating limit its convenience beside newer portable speakers.
A Black Friday 2026 comparison should include Beats Pill (2024) as well as Marshall Willen II. The newer Beats model has IP67 protection, USB-C and a 24-hour rated battery claim, while Marshall offers a smaller form and strap. For a Pill+ listing, verify the speaker’s condition, battery performance, included cable and seller return terms before making a decision.
Which portable Bluetooth speaker alternatives should shoppers compare?
JBL Clip 5, Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen), Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 and Sony ULT FIELD 1 each add a different useful feature to a Black Friday 2026 speaker comparison. JBL Clip 5 attaches to a bag, Bose offers a floating IP67-rated design, WONDERBOOM 4 floats and Sony includes a bass-focused ULT mode.
Rated battery life ranges from 12 hours on JBL Clip 5, Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) and Sony ULT FIELD 1 to 14 hours on WONDERBOOM 4. Marshall Willen II reaches 17-plus hours, and Beats Pill (2024) reaches up to 24 hours by manufacturer rating. Treat battery figures as published estimates; listening level and use affect actual playback.
Buying Guide
Choose protection that matches where you listen
IP67-rated Marshall Willen II, Beats Pill (2024), JBL Clip 5, Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen), Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 and Sony ULT FIELD 1 offer stated dust and water protection. Beats Pill+ has no stated water-resistance rating, so it is a less suitable choice for poolside or wet conditions.
Compare rated battery life, not just speaker size
Beats Pill (2024) leads this group at up to 24 hours, followed by Marshall Willen II at 17-plus hours and Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 at up to 14 hours. Manufacturer ratings are estimates rather than guarantees; volume and usage influence real-world playback.
Check charging and connection details
USB-C is listed for Marshall Willen II, Beats Pill (2024), JBL Clip 5, Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) and Sony ULT FIELD 1. Beats Pill+ uses Lightning. Confirm the exact model and included cable on a product listing before purchase.
Match the speaker’s design to your routine
Pick Marshall Willen II for its strap, JBL Clip 5 for its integrated carabiner, or WONDERBOOM 4 for floating use. Consider Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) or Beats Pill (2024) when a larger speaker body better fits your listening space.
Inspect legacy listings carefully
Beats Pill+ is an older model, so assess listing details rather than relying on the product name alone. Check condition, battery health information, charging accessories, seller reputation and return terms, particularly when comparing it with newer IP67-rated speakers.
FAQ
Is Marshall Willen II better than Beats Pill+?
Marshall Willen II is the better pick for rugged portability, with IP67 protection and 17-plus hours of rated battery life. Beats Pill+ offers a built-in speakerphone and up to 12 hours of rated playback, but uses Lightning and has no stated water-resistance rating.
How long does Marshall Willen II battery last?
Marshall rates Willen II for more than 17 hours of battery life. Actual playback depends on volume and usage, so treat the manufacturer figure as a guide rather than a guaranteed duration. USB-C is the listed charging connection.
How long does Beats Pill+ battery last?
Beats rates Pill+ for up to 12 hours of playback. Battery performance on an older unit depends on its condition and charging history, so buyers should check seller details and return terms when considering a used or stored listing.
Is the newer Beats Pill better than Beats Pill+?
Beats Pill (2024) has up to 24 hours of rated playback, IP67 protection and USB-C, compared with up to 12 hours and Lightning on Beats Pill+. Beats Pill+ retains its built-in speakerphone, but the newer model offers more current practical features.
Which portable speaker has the longest battery life in this guide?
Beats Pill Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2024) has the longest stated battery life in this guide, rated for up to 24 hours. Marshall Willen II follows with more than 17 hours. Manufacturer ratings vary with volume and use.
Which speaker is best for poolside use?
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 is the most pool-oriented pick because it floats and carries an IP67 rating. Marshall Willen II, Beats Pill (2024), JBL Clip 5, Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) and Sony ULT FIELD 1 also list IP67 protection.