Short answer: the Marshall Emberton II, if you are buying new. The Bose Soundlink Mini 2 ranks higher than it (#72 vs #127 of 175 medium speakers, 3.4/5 vs 2.7/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Marshall Emberton II is still sold new at $144.99.
The Bose Soundlink Mini 2 is the better-sounding pick. Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. ~10 hour battery life; can pair to two devices at once and remembers up to 8. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Marshall Emberton II lacks. The catch: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers.
The Marshall Emberton II is the longer-running, tougher choice. 30 hour battery life: among the best in its class; a 20 min quick-charge gives 4 hours. It is rated for 30 hours of battery against 10 for the Bose Soundlink Mini 2. It is rated IP67, while the Bose Soundlink Mini 2 has no water resistance. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Bose Soundlink Mini 2 lacks. Watch for: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
Buy the Marshall Emberton II new; the Bose Soundlink Mini 2 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Mini 2 | Marshall Emberton II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $184.00 Discontinued | $144.99 |
| Ranked | #72 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #127 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | 62Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) | 1.5 lbs (700 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 2x 33mm fullrange | 2x 2” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 2” x 2.3” (180 x 51 x 58 mm) | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Power Input | Micro-USB or charging cradle | USB-C |
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 80ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Amplifier Power | - | 20W |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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 Mini 2: $184.00 Discontinued Amazon $184.00 eBay
Older model: the Bose Soundlink Mini (ranked lower, rated 3.4/5). See every Bose SoundLink Mini generation.
Pros: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. ~10 hour battery life; can pair to two devices at once and remembers up to 8. Measured bass extension of ~58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers. Upper treble rolled off. Bass is 2db less boosted than the Bose Soundlink Mini. Bass doesn’t go as deep as others. Failures of the mainboard are common. Discontinued.
Full Bose Soundlink Mini 2 review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 2” x 2.3” (180 x 51 x 58 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 33mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Micro-USB or charging cradle |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Marshall Emberton II: $144.99 Amazon $144.99 eBay
Newer model: the Marshall Emberton III, ranked higher, rated 2.7/5, released Aug 2024. It adds built-in mic.
Older model: the Marshall Emberton (ranked lower, estimated 2.6/5). See every Marshall Portable Speakers generation.
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 →
| Released | May 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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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