Short answer: the JBL Grip. It ranks #75 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $99.95; the Marshall Emberton III ranks #99 and costs $165.04, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL Grip offers: Ambient light on the back with settable themes Watch for: 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
What the Marshall Emberton III offers: 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. Watch for: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear. Not very loud. Not really any different from the Emberton II except having the treble turned down a little bit.
Buy the JBL Grip. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Marshall Emberton III and costs less, which settles it without a real tradeoff to make.
If battery life is a priority, the Marshall Emberton III is rated for 32 hours versus 14 hours for the JBL Grip.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Grip | Marshall Emberton III | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.95 | $165.04 |
| Ranked | #75 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #99 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 32 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | 62Hz |
| 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 / 673 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange | 2x 2" full-range cone drivers + 2x 2" 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) | - |
| Output Power | 16W | 20W |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| Built in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | USB-C |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Aux Input | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 27, 2026 at 10:09 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 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Ambient light on the back with settable themes
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 →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 16W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs / 385 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Marshall Emberton III: $165.04 Amazon eBay
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.
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. Not really any different from the Emberton II except having the treble turned down a little bit.
Full Marshall Emberton III review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz |
| Battery Life | 32 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.3" x 2.7" x 3" (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2" full-range cone drivers + 2x 2" passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Output Power | 20W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 673 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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