Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Bose Soundlink Micro 2 ranks #18 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $129; the Marshall Emberton II ranks #105 of 144 medium speakers by sound quality at $159.99.
The case for the Bose Soundlink Micro 2: IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. The tradeoff: Lack of clarity.
What the Marshall Emberton II does well: 30 hour battery life - among the best in its class; a 20 min quick-charge gives 4 hours. The tradeoff: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 at $129 for a small speaker, or the Marshall Emberton II at $159.99 for a medium speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro 2 | Marshall Emberton II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.00 | $159.99 |
| Ranked | #18 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #105 of 144 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (329 g) | 1.5 lbs (700 g) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 4.1” x 4.1” x 1.7” (104 x 104 x 43 mm) | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator | 2x 2” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 62Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 80ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 20W |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Bose Soundlink Micro 2 compares with other leading options:
- Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Minirig Mini 2 vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Tribit Stormbox Micro vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Micro 2: $129.00 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Bose Soundlink Micro (rated 3.5/5).
Pros: IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. Compact fabric strap for clipping to bags/bikes - replaces the 1st-gen’s hook clip, which was prone to breaking. USB-C charging. Surprisingly good bass when mounted outdoors, like on a bike.
Cons: Lack of clarity. Overly boosted bass that causes some thudding, and can overdrive/distort at higher volumes - worse in this regard than the 1st-gen model. Overly boosted treble, turn down bass and treble in the EQ. Falls clearly behind the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 on bass depth, cleanliness, and loudness.
Full Bose Soundlink Micro 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1” x 4.1” x 1.7” (104 x 104 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (329 g) |
- Links
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Marshall Emberton II: $159.99 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Marshall Emberton III, rated 2.7/5.
Pros: 30 hour battery life - among the best in its class; a 20 min quick-charge gives 4 hours. IP67 rated, durable rubbery build using 50% recycled plastic. Measured bass extension of 62Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear. Not very loud.
Full Marshall Emberton II review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (700 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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