Marshall is back with a new version of its mid-sized Bluetooth speaker—the Middleton II. It still rocks the brand’s classic amp-style design, but there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface this time. From longer battery life to better sound and more practical features, the Middleton II builds on the original in ways that make it more travel-friendly and versatile without losing that familiar Marshall vibe.

If you’ve seen the original Middleton, this one will look pretty familiar. It’s got the same retro-inspired styling—textured finish, gold accents, and that unmistakable Marshall logo. Available in black or beige, it’s built to be tossed in a bag and taken just about anywhere.

And it’s not just for looks—it’s also built tough. The Middleton II is IP67 rated, meaning it can handle dust, dirt, and even a full dunk in water (up to a meter deep for 30 minutes). Whether you’re at the beach, hiking in the woods, or just clumsy near the pool, it’s designed to take a few hits without calling it quits.

One of the biggest upgrades here is battery life. The Middleton II now offers over 30 hours of playtime, a noticeable jump from the 20-ish hours the original had. That means more time listening and less time charging—especially handy if you’re taking it on a trip or using it all weekend long.

Need a quick boost? A 20-minute charge will get you enough juice to keep things going. And if your phone’s dying while you’re out, the speaker can double as a power bank thanks to its USB-C port.

“Extending portable playtime is something we put a lot of work into at Marshall, and Middleton II is no exception with its 30+ hours,” said Ebba Gouverneur Regnström, product manager for Marshall Speakers.

“Combine that with improved features such as a built-in microphone for seamless speakerphone calls and a refreshed design that not only looks better but also enhances usability with improved user experience. With support for LE Audio, listeners can also enjoy a more efficient and enhanced listening experience.”

Marshall has also reworked the audio setup inside. The Middleton II now features True Stereophonic sound, a fancy way of saying it plays music in all directions. Instead of blasting forward like most speakers, this one spreads sound evenly around the room, or around your picnic blanket.

Inside, it’s packing two 3-inch woofers and two 0.6-inch tweeters, powered by Class D amps for a total of 80 watts. That breaks down to 30W for each woofer and 10W for each tweeter. Marshall says the result is deeper bass and a better overall sound, even when you crank up the volume.

You also get bass and treble controls right on the speaker, along with app support if you want to fine-tune things further.

One nice change with the Middleton II is the simplified controls. Instead of a bunch of buttons, there’s a single joystick-style knob that handles most tasks—play/pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and even answer calls. It’s intuitive and easy to use without needing to pull out your phone.

Speaking of calls and other secret features, the speaker now has a built-in microphone, so you can use it for hands-free calls. Whether you’re mid-barbecue or just don’t want to hold your phone, this feature adds a little extra convenience.

The Middleton II connects over Bluetooth and also supports LE Audio, a newer version of Bluetooth that’s more efficient and can deliver better sound (if your device supports it). Even if your phone doesn’t use LE Audio yet, it’s good to know this speaker is ready for it when the time comes.

The Middleton II slots right between Marshall’s smaller Emberton and the larger Kilburn III. While the Heston 120 (recent soundbar from Marshall) is clearly meant to stay home, the Middleton II is designed for people on the move. With a carrying strap, rugged build, and long battery life, it’s made to tag along wherever you’re headed.

You can grab the Middleton II now for $329.99 / £259.99 / €299, either from Marshall’s website or other retailers. It officially hits store shelves starting July 15, 2025, and comes in two color options: black or beige.