I really like the new Marshall Villain II. Yes, those are some big words to start a review with, but I have my reasons for saying so. This new Bluetooth speaker from Marshall is beautiful, compact, lightweight, and delivers a balanced sound, working smoothly between highs and mids, and hitting the treble just right. In fact, it’s one of the best portable – like really portable – Bluetooth speakers you can buy right now. However, its price is Rs 12,499.

Now, if you’re a Marshall fan, or aspire to own Marshall speakers, you might also think this is affordable when looking at the typical prices of Marshall products – but if you look at the alternatives in general, So you may be able to get a more affordable option too. For example, you can get the JBL Go 4 Ultra, which costs around Rs 4,000 and is just as compact – it might even be lighter. But here’s the thing, if you can spend the money, we’d still recommend Martial Villain II, and here’s why. But before I discuss the ‘why and what’ about the speaker, let’s take a look at its specifications.

The Villain II features a classic martial design. It is dust and waterproof with an IP67 rating, which means the device can handle accidental water splashes or even a dip in a pond. The Villain II comes with a microphone, so you can take calls on speaker. Its body is square. And like I said it’s quite portable. Its thickness is 10.05 cm, height is 4.34 cm and weight is 0.36 kg. It has a flexible strap at the back that can be used to hold the device. Or you can detach one end and tie it to your belt or to a table or chair.

short but tough

The design is one of the highlights of Villains II – and full marks for it. I reviewed the black version. Its design is similar to traditional Marshall speakers – a leather finish with a grille on the front and the Marshall logo in matte gold. While you’ll typically see compact speakers made in a rectangular shape, the Villain II’s square construction makes it much more portable. In fact, I keep the device in my pocket while traveling.

Despite being lightweight, you don’t see Marshall making any compromises with the build quality of the speaker. It feels sturdy and has an IP68 rating, which means good overall durability.

I like my black version, but after using it for about 10 days, I think the other cream colored version might be a better choice. This is because the black finish attracts a lot of dust. While the rest of the speaker’s body is easy to clean, the grill is a bit tricky.

As far as controls are concerned, there is a Type-C port on the left side. At the top, you’ll find controls like the power button, Bluetooth pairing, microphone, and a battery indicator (which uses a red LED). When you look at the device, you will notice that there is no dedicated pause or volume button on it. The Villain II has a small joystick on the top corner of the grille. This lets you pause, play, control volume or skip a track.

While the small button adds a touch of style, it can be a little tricky to use, as it’s partially embedded in the body of the Villain II. Pausing or playing music is simple, but taking it to the side can be a little tricky – especially for people with long nails or thick fingers (no offense intended).

Other than that, Villain II has a pretty cool design. It matches the signature Marshall feel and attracts attention wherever you go.

seem right

Talking about being a headturner, the sound of the speaker gets a lot of credit for it. The Marshall Villain II delivers a balanced sound. I heard many hit songs, including die with a smile by Bruno Mars and a lot of Coldplay songs – I had to somehow compensate for not going to a Coldplay concert. In the last 10 days, speakers were used in all the house parties at my place. And during this time I found that the speaker sounds just right, no matter what genre of music you’re listening to. However it lacks a bit of bass. I would also like to see more equalizer controls in the app. But the default sound output is pleasant.

The volume is also decent, especially for casual listening. However, in a crowded room, you may find yourself wanting a higher volume option.

Battery is another highlight. Ever since I got this device, I charge it every weekend just once on Friday and that lasts me the whole weekend. Of course, I didn’t play for 42 hours straight, but it didn’t last less than 15 hours. I think it could have used an hour more, but I think 15 hours of playtime on a single charge is still pretty good. The charging speed of the Villain II is also quite fast, it turns on in about two hours.

Martial Villain II review: should you buy it?

If you want to experience the Marshall signature sound without spending the signature Marshall price tag, the Villain II is a speaker to consider. And if you’re in the market for something compact and portable, you’ve really hit the jackpot with the Villain II.

The speakers offer a small structure without compromising on sound. It is lightweight, easy to carry and fits easily in a handbag or pocket. The sound is great, the battery life is long and the app offers a little extra control.

However, if you are someone who likes bass-heavy music, Villain II may not be the right choice for you. Speakers may also not be the right choice for loud house parties with large crowds.

As far as price goes, it’s certainly not cheap, but it also offers an experience that cheaper options from brands like Bolt or Boat don’t.