Marshall Middleton II review

Sound

Drivers on different faces help the Middleton serve people around a table or small gathering. Separate bass and treble controls allow quick changes without opening the app. The compact enclosure still sets limits on deep bass and output for a crowd.

RTINGS found a broadly balanced presentation and unusually consistent sound from different listening angles. Some frequency peaks made particular voices or instruments less even, while higher levels introduced bass compression. That supports it as a flexible small-group speaker with moderate expectations about maximum volume.¹

Connectivity

The added microphone is a useful difference from the original Middleton. It lets the speaker handle calls from a connected phone, while multipoint simplifies moving between two regular source devices. These features make sense for a speaker that sometimes sits beside a laptop or on a worktable.

The analog input provides a wired alternative. USB-C is documented for charging and power output, so it should not be treated as a digital audio connection. A wired source can also be useful when Bluetooth video timing is distracting, although the cable becomes another item to carry.

Battery & charging

RTINGS measured 10.8 hours under its test conditions, compared with Marshall's thirty-plus-hour claim. The result is still enough for many shorter outings, but it gives a much more cautious basis for planning a full day without power.¹

Marshall lists a three-hour recharge and a twenty-minute top-up that can provide five hours under its rating conditions. The USB-C port can also charge a phone. That is a useful fallback, provided the reduced reserve for music is acceptable. Battery-preservation settings offer another choice about charging behavior over time.

Design

The supplied strap helps with carrying a body that fits in a bag but is too heavy to forget about. It is easier to take along than a larger handled speaker, while a smaller single-driver model remains more convenient for long walks.

IP67 provides dust protection and limited immersion resistance. That makes the Middleton more comfortable around water than the IP54 Kilburn III. Keep the connector dry before charging. Marshall describes the battery as replaceable, which gives it a path to continued use as the original pack ages.

Alternatives

The Kilburn III offers physical knobs and a longer manufacturer runtime claim of fifty-plus hours, but weighs 2.8 kilograms and has the lower IP54 rating. The Middleton is the better fit when carrying and water exposure are more important, while the Kilburn favors extended listening around the home.

Verdict

The Middleton II is a useful all-round portable speaker for a small audience. Its microphone, analog input and broad coverage earn their place. Buy it with realistic battery expectations and it is easier to appreciate the flexibility the compact design provides.