The Marshall Middleton Bluetooth Speaker combines iconic design with high-quality audio performance. Designed for music lovers who enjoy style and sound, the Middleton is a compact yet powerful speaker built for any adventure.
Whether heading outdoors or hosting a small gathering, the Middleton has features that make it a top contender in the portable speaker market. In this review, we’ll explore the speaker’s features, sound quality, battery life, and overall performance to help you decide if it’s the right choice.
Quick Highlights
- Bluetooth 5.0
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating
- Impressive sound quality
- Long battery life up to 20 hours
- Compact and portable
See Full Specifications
Marshall Middleton Bluetooth Speaker Release Date
The Marshall Middleton was released in January 2023. It followed the success of its predecessors, the Marshall Stanmore and Marshall Stockwell.
Unboxing
The Middleton comes packaged in a sturdy box with a distinctive Marshall design. Inside, you’ll find:
- The speaker itself
- A power cable
- A 3.5mm auxiliary cable
- A user manual
Pros
- Waterproof and dustproof (IP67 rated), ideal for outdoor adventures.
- Compact and stylish design with Marshall’s iconic logo.
- Removable carrying strap for easy portability.
- Bass and treble controls for personalized sound.
- Dual Bluetooth device pairing and up to 334 feet of Bluetooth range.
Cons
- Heavier than some other portable speakers.
- Battery life of 7+ hours is shorter compared to competitors.
- No impact resistance—avoid drops or rough handling.
Design, Display, and Controls
The Middleton boasts a classic Marshall amplifier-inspired design with a rugged vinyl exterior and a metal grille. The iconic Marshall logo is prominently displayed on the front.
The speaker features a top-mounted control panel with buttons for power, volume, pairing, and playback. There’s no display screen, but the LED indicators provide essential information about battery status, Bluetooth connectivity, and audio input.
Differences Between Sizes and Variants
The Marshall Middleton is part of a family of portable speakers from Marshall. But the Middleton is a compact and portable option; there are larger models like the Marshall Stanmore III and Marshall Stockwell II that offer more powerful sound and extended battery life.
Available Colors
The Marshall Middleton is typically available in:
- Black
- Brown
Features of Marshall Middleton Bluetooth Speaker
The Marshall Middleton Bluetooth speaker features powerful, immersive sound with rich bass and clear highs. It boasts a durable, water-resistant design, making it perfect for outdoor use. With longer battery life, fast Bluetooth connectivity, and a compact, portable build, it combines both convenience and performance. The iconic Marshall aesthetic adds a touch of style, while intuitive controls allow for easy customization of your audio experience.
Here’s a breakdown of various features:
1.  Waterproof and Dustproof
One of the standout features of the Middleton is its IP67 rating. This means it’s dustproof and waterproof, making it perfect for outdoor activities like beach trips or hiking. You can even submerge the speaker in water for up to 30 minutes without damaging it. However, keep in mind that it’s not rated for impact resistance, so dropping it could lead to damage.
2.  Sound Quality
Despite its compact size, the Marshall Middleton delivers impressive sound. The dual-driver setup, including two woofers and two passive radiators, ensures that it produces rich bass, clear mid-tones, and crisp highs. Whether you’re listening to bass-heavy tracks or vocal-rich tunes, the Middleton does a great job providing a balanced audio profile.
For a portable speaker, the soundstage is wide, and the volume output is sufficient for small gatherings. However, it may struggle to fill larger, more open spaces with sound.
3.  Connectivity
With Bluetooth 5.0, the Marshall Middleton offers reliable connectivity with a range of up to 100 meters (330 feet). You can pair it with multiple devices, making it easy to switch between your phone, tablet, or laptop. It also supports multi-device pairing, allowing you to connect up to two devices at once.
4.  Battery Life
The Marshall Middleton offers up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. This makes it suitable for a full day of use, whether you’re out in the backyard or at the beach. Charging is quick and convenient with USB-C, and the speaker can also be used as a portable power bank to charge your other devices, adding extra functionality.
5.  Customization App
While there’s no dedicated app for the Middleton, it can be controlled using your device’s Bluetooth settings.
Price and Availability
The Marshall Middleton is typically priced at $279 on Amazon. It’s widely available online and at authorized retailers.
Marshall Middleton Bluetooth Speaker Comparison
The Marshall Middleton Bluetooth speaker offers a blend of powerful sound and portability, standing out with its deep bass, clear highs, and durable design. Compared to other Marshall speakers, it provides enhanced battery life, improved outdoor performance, and a more rugged build, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
1.    Marshall Middleton vs Marshall Stockwell II
The Marshall Middleton and Marshall Stockwell II are both iconic portable Bluetooth speakers, but they cater to slightly different needs. The Marshall Middleton, released in 2023, is a compact, highly portable speaker designed for outdoor adventures. It boasts an IP67 rating, meaning it’s waterproof and dustproof, making it ideal for activities like hiking or beach trips. The Middleton also offers up to 20 hours of battery life, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and rich sound with dual woofers and passive radiators. However, its battery life is shorter than that of the Stockwell II, and its sound output is not as powerful.
On the other hand, the Marshall Stockwell II is larger and more powerful, offering a broader soundstage and longer battery life of up to 25 hours. It also features an IPX4 rating for water resistance, though it is not as rugged as the Middleton. The Stockwell II delivers more robust sound for larger spaces or louder environments, making it a better choice for those who prioritize power and volume.
Key Features Comparison:
- Portability: The Middleton is more compact and easier to carry.
- Sound Quality: The Stockwell II offers a louder, more expansive sound, while the Middleton provides excellent bass and clarity in a smaller form.
- Battery Life: Stockwell II lasts longer (up to 25 hours) compared to the Middleton (up to 20 hours).
- Water Resistance: Middleton has a superior IP67 rating (submergible), while Stockwell II has an IPX4 rating (splash-proof).
- Customization: Both offer bass and treble controls, but the Middleton is better for on-the-go customization with Bluetooth device pairing options.
1. Design and Portability
Marshall Middleton:
- The Middleton is designed for portability and ease of use. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. Weighing only 2.7 lbs, it’s significantly lighter than the Stockwell II.
- It has a rugged design, with the iconic Marshall vinyl finish and metal grille, and comes with a removable carrying strap for added convenience.
- The Middleton is perfect for those who need a speaker that fits easily into a backpack or can be carried on outdoor adventures.
Marshall Stockwell II:
- The Stockwell II is larger and heavier, weighing about 5 lbs. While still portable, it is bulkier compared to the Middleton.
- Its design follows the same classic Marshall aesthetics with the vinyl finish and metal grille, but it lacks the carrying strap that the Middleton has.
- The larger size means it’s not as easy to throw in a bag or carry casually, but it’s still relatively portable for a larger speaker.
2. Sound Quality
Marshall Middleton:
- Despite its compact size, the Middleton delivers impressive sound quality. It has a dual-driver setup, including two woofers and two passive radiators, producing rich bass, clear mid-tones, and crisp highs.
- While it offers great sound quality for a portable speaker, the audio output is more suited for smaller gatherings or personal listening rather than larger spaces.
- The soundstage is decent for its size, but it’s not as expansive as larger models.
Marshall Stockwell II:
- The Stockwell II, being a larger speaker, offers a more powerful sound. Its larger speakers create a wider soundstage, making it perfect for larger gatherings or spaces that need more volume.
- It delivers stronger bass and clearer vocals, with more room for the sound to fill a larger area.
- The Stockwell II is a great option for users who prioritize loud, powerful audio over portability.
3. Battery Life
Marshall Middleton:
- The Middleton offers up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is solid for a portable speaker. This is enough for a full day of use for most activities like outdoor trips, gatherings, or day-to-day usage.
- It supports USB-C charging, ensuring fast and efficient recharging.
Marshall Stockwell II:
- The Stockwell II offers a longer battery life of up to 25 hours, making it a better option for longer listening sessions or for those who don’t want to recharge frequently.
- It also uses USB-C charging for fast recharges.
4. Water and Durability
Marshall Middleton:
- The Middleton has a superior IP67 rating, making it dustproof and waterproof. This means it can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, which is perfect for activities like beach trips or hiking in the rain.
- However, it does not have impact resistance, so it’s best to avoid rough handling or drops.
Marshall Stockwell II:
- The Stockwell II comes with an IPX4 rating, meaning it is splash-proof and can handle light rain or splashes, but it cannot be submerged in water.
- It’s more resistant to rain and occasional splashes than the Middleton, but it’s not as rugged overall.
5. Connectivity
Marshall Middleton:
- The Middleton features Bluetooth 5.0, which provides a more stable connection and a longer range (up to 330 feet or 100 meters).
- It also supports multi-device pairing, allowing you to connect two devices at once for more flexibility in playback.
Marshall Stockwell II:
- The Stockwell II uses Bluetooth 4.2, which provides a shorter range (around 30 feet). While Bluetooth 4.2 is still reliable, it doesn’t offer the same range or stability as Bluetooth 5.0.
- It also doesn’t support multi-device pairing, so it’s less flexible than the Middleton in this aspect.
6. Price
Marshall Middleton:
- The Marshall Middleton is typically priced around $279, making it a bit more expensive than the Stockwell II, though still affordable for a high-quality Bluetooth speaker.
Marshall Stockwell II:
- The Marshall Stockwell II is priced around $249, making it slightly more budget-friendly compared to the Middleton.
Final Verdict
- Marshall Middleton: Best suited for those who prioritize portability, ruggedness, and waterproofing. It’s perfect for outdoor activities and travel, offering good sound quality and a compact, durable design with the added bonus of Bluetooth 5.0 and long battery life.
- Marshall Stockwell II: Ideal for those who need a more powerful speaker with longer battery life for larger gatherings or home use. While it is larger and not as rugged as the Middleton, its wider soundstage and extended battery life make it a great option for indoor and extended listening.
Who is Better?
- If portability, waterproofing, and compactness are most important, the Marshall Middleton is the better choice.
- If you need a more powerful speaker with extended battery life for larger spaces or longer listening sessions, the Marshall Stockwell II stands out.
Each speaker is great in its own right, but your use case and priorities (portability vs. power) will dictate which one is better suited for you.
Is it Worth Buying the Marshall Middleton Bluetooth Speaker?
Marshall Middleton is a solid choice for those seeking a stylish and portable Bluetooth speaker with good sound quality. Its compact size, rugged design, and IP67 rating make it ideal for outdoor activities and travel. However, if you prioritize maximum power and battery life, you might consider the larger Marshall Stockwell II. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and budget.
Conclusion
The Marshall Middleton Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a great blend of classic Marshall style and modern performance. Whether you’re at home, at the beach, or hiking in the mountains, this speaker offers great sound, rugged durability, and a compact design that makes it easy to carry. While it may not be the best option for those who need maximum power or extreme battery life, it’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a balance of sound quality, portability, and style.
FAQs: Marshall Middleton Bluetooth Speaker: 5 Reasons to Buy
How many watts is the Marshall Middleton speaker?
The exact wattage of the Marshall Middleton speaker is not specified in the provided information. However, considering its size and output, it provides impressive sound for its compact design with dual woofers and passive radiators for a balanced audio profile. If you require a specific wattage figure, you may need to refer to the manufacturer's detailed specifications or user manual.
Can you use the Marshall Middleton in a shower?
Yes, you can use Marshall Middleton in a shower as it has an IP67 waterproof rating, which means it is resistant to water and can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. However, it is important to ensure that the speaker is not exposed to high-pressure water or excessive impact, as the speaker is not designed for continuous direct exposure to water under such conditions.
Does the Marshall Middleton have good bass?
Yes, the Marshall Middleton speaker offers good bass for its size. The speaker features dual woofers and two passive radiators, which contribute to rich bass and a balanced sound profile. While it may not provide the deepest bass found in larger speakers, it still delivers a satisfying low-end response that complements the overall sound.
How long does the Marshall Middleton last?
The Marshall Middleton offers up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, allowing you to enjoy continuous music for long periods without needing to recharge. This makes it ideal for day trips, outdoor activities, or parties where you want to keep the music going for extended durations.
