‘Sound so good that it almost defies belief’: after testing JBL and Marshall’s mid-sized speakers head-to-head, this is the model I’d buy

JBL Charge 6 next to the Marshall Middleton II.

JBL Charge 6

The JBL Charge 6 is more of an upgrade than it might at first appear. It's an engaging and enjoyable portable speaker, and represents excellent value for money, even though it's pricier than the smaller Flip 7. A great balance between big, beefy speaker power and actually being able to carry the thing everywhere.

Pros

• Incredibly durable and IP68-rated
• USB-C audio passthrough
• Easy multi-speaker pairing with Auracast

Cons

• Downmixes stereo sound to mono
• Marshall’s speaker is more powerful
• Doesn’t have a mic

Marshall Middleton II

The Marshall Middleton II is a success in many of the key areas, boasting exceptional stereo sound, admirable build quality, eye-catching looks, and wonderful protection against the elements. It doesn’t quite find the happy medium between the Marshall Emberton’s portability and the Kilburn III’s raw power, but still, it’s a great-sounding, attractive model.

Pros

• Excellent stereo sound
• Tantalizing retro-style design
• Built-in mic for hands-free calling

Cons

• Heftier than the Charge 6
• Costs a lot more too
• Slightly inferior waterproofing