Short answer: the JBL Grip. It ranks #99 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $99.95; the Marshall Emberton II ranks #127, rated 2.7/5, and costs $144.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The JBL Grip is the better-sounding, lighter choice. Ambient light on the back with settable themes. At 0.8 lbs (385 g) it weighs much less than the Marshall Emberton II at 1.5 lbs (700 g). Watch for: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
The Marshall Emberton II is the longer-running pick. 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 14 for the JBL Grip. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Grip. The catch: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
Buy the JBL Grip. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Marshall Emberton II and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Grip | Marshall Emberton II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.95 | $144.99 |
| Ranked | #99 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #127 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | 62Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) | 1.5 lbs (700 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange | 2x 2” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 20W |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Strap | Yes (strap) | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 80ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | No |
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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
JBL Grip: $99.95 Amazon $99.95 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. Measured bass extension of ~68Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip. Not as much clarity as higher ranked speakers, rolled off highs and wavy midrange
Setup: EQ from Oluv in his post can help it a bit but still isn’t very neutral
Full JBL Grip review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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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