Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Clip 5 ranks #21 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $79.95; the Marshall Emberton II ranks #105 of 144 medium speakers by sound quality at $159.99.
The case for the JBL Clip 5: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. Watch for: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features.
Why pick the Marshall Emberton II: 30 hour battery life - among the best in its class; a 20 min quick-charge gives 4 hours. Watch for: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
Buy the JBL Clip 5 at $79.95 if you want a small speaker. Buy the Marshall Emberton II at $159.99 if you want a medium speaker instead.
There is a real battery-life gap here: the Marshall Emberton II is rated for 30 hours, the JBL Clip 5 only 12 hours.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 5 | Marshall Emberton II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.95 | $159.99 |
| Ranked | #21 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #105 of 144 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Yes |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (285 g) | 1.5 lbs (700 g) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 5.3” x 1.8” (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 7W | 20W |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2”) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 2x 2” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in carabiner) | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 62Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 80ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
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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
JBL Clip 5: $79.95 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Older models: the JBL Clip 4 (rated 3.4/5), the JBL Clip 3 (rated 2.7/5) and the JBL Clip (rated 2.7/5).
Pros: JBL Portable app adds custom EQ. Wider carabiner and thicker back padding than the Clip 4. IP67 rated. Auracast support for pairing multiple JBL speakers.
Cons: Generally more of the same from the Clip series in terms of sound but with more features. Basically about the same as the Clip 4.
Full JBL Clip 5 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 7W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 5.3” x 1.8” (86 x 134.5 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x ~50mm (2”) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 95Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (285 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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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