Short version: Marshall released the Middleton II in mid-2025. It looks almost the same as the Middleton we reviewed, but the battery goes from 20+ to 30+ hours, and it adds a built-in mic, phone charging over USB-C and LE Audio. Buy the II if you’re buying new. Save with the original if you find it discounted, since it’s still a great-sounding, waterproof speaker.
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The Middleton is what happens when a guitar amp company makes a backpack-friendly speaker: brass knobs, rubber armor and sound that fills a backyard. The II keeps the look and fixes the small annoyances. Here’s what changed, based on Marshall’s support pages and published coverage (we didn’t test them hands-on).
Marshall Middleton II vs Middleton: what changed
| Spec | Middleton (2023) | Middleton II (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 20+ hours | 30+ hours |
| Water and dust | IP67 | IP67 |
| Charge your phone | Not listed | Yes, from the rear USB-C |
| Built-in mic | No | Yes |
| LE Audio | Not listed | Supported |
| Sound tweaks | Not compared | Deeper bass, cleaner at full volume, dedicated bass and treble buttons |
| Size | 109 x 230 x 95 mm | 110 x 230 x 98 mm |
Specs from Marshall’s Middleton support page, Marshall’s Middleton II support page, Notebookcheck’s Middleton II report. Checked October 2026.
What matters in real use
- 10 more hours is a whole extra weekend. A camping trip no longer needs a midweek charge.
- It doubles as a power bank. Topping up a phone from the speaker is handy at the beach or on a trail.
- Same toughness. IP67 means rain, sand and the occasional drop in the pool are fine on both.
- The mic is a bonus, not the reason. Speakerphone calls work, but most people buy this for music.
Who should buy which
- Buy the Middleton II for long trips, tailgates and anyone who forgets to charge things.
- Save with the original Middleton if it’s on sale. It’s still loud, rugged and waterproof.
- Need party-level volume? See our JBL PartyBox Ultimate comparison.
Gift it to: the guitar player, the camper, or the friend whose phone speaker has been the party soundtrack for too long.
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