JBL Grip vs Marshall Emberton III

Short answer: the JBL Grip. It ranks #99 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $69.95; the Marshall Emberton III ranks #126, rated 2.7/5, and costs $129.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.

The JBL Grip is the better-sounding, lighter pick. Ambient light on the back with settable themes. At 0.8 lbs (385 g) it weighs much less than the Marshall Emberton III at 1.5 lbs (673 g). Watch for: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.

The Marshall Emberton III is the longer-running choice. 30 hour battery life: among the best in its class; a 20 min quick-charge gives 4 hours. It is rated for 32 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 III and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

Related Speaker Comparisons

More top alternatives to JBL Grip:

• JBL Grip vs EarFun Uboom L
• Soundcore Motion 300 vs JBL Grip
• Soundcore Motion+ vs JBL Grip
• Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Grip
• JBL Grip vs Minirig 4

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.

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

The Two Speakers In Full

JBL Grip: $69.95 Amazon $99.95 B&H Photo Video $69.95 Lowest 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
  • Official JBL Grip Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Oluv Patreon: JBL Grip - listening test More from Oluv’Sone →
  • M1MTechChannel: Welche JBL Partybox ist die BESTE ? Alle Partyboxen im Vergleich | 2026 More from M1MTechChannel →
  • Speaker Fan: JBL Flip 6 VS JBL Flip Essential 2 VS JBL Grip Loudness Test - Which Is Louder?
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • JBL Grip vs Sony ULT Field 1
  • JBL Grip vs Tronsmart Mirtune S100
  • JBL Grip vs KEF Muo gen2
  • JBL Grip vs Treblab HD77
  • JBL Grip vs Sonos Roam
  • JBL Grip vs Tribit Xsound Go
  • JBL Grip vs Sonos Roam 2
  • JBL Grip vs Tronsmart Mirtune C3
  • See all 139 comparisons

Marshall Emberton III: $129.99 Amazon $129.99 Lowest Marshall $179.99 eBay

Older models: the Marshall Emberton II (ranked lower, rated 2.7/5) and the Marshall Emberton (ranked lower, rated 2.6/5). See every Marshall Portable Speakers generation.

Same family: the Marshall Willen II (smaller model, rated 4/5), the Marshall Middleton II (larger model, rated 4.1/5), the Marshall Stockwell III (larger model, rated 3/5) and the Marshall Kilburn III (larger model, rated 3.8/5).

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. Not really any different from the Marshall Emberton II except having the treble turned down a little bit.

Full Marshall Emberton III review and specifications →

Released	Aug 2024 (2 years ago)
Amplifier Power	20W
App	Yes
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	62Hz
Battery Life	32 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
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
Party Mode	Yes (Marshall Stack)
Power Bank	No
Power Input	USB-C
Stereo	Yes
Strap	No
TWS	No
Weight	1.5 lbs (673 g)

• Links
  • Official Marshall Emberton III Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Danny Pops: Should you get the Marshall Emberton III? I’ll be very honest… More from DannyPops →
  • CEONTHEMAKING: Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd Gen VS Marshall Emberton III - What’s NEW?? More from CEONTHEMAKING →
  • Passione Speaker: Bass Test Marshall Emberton 2 vs Emberton 3
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • Marshall Emberton III vs Bose SoundLink Color II
  • Marshall Emberton III vs Marshall Emberton II
  • Marshall Emberton III vs Yamaha True X Speaker 1A
  • Marshall Emberton III vs Sony SRS-XB20
  • Marshall Emberton III vs Teufel Rockster Go
  • Marshall Emberton III vs Sony SRS-XB30
  • Marshall Emberton III vs Tribit Stormbox
  • Marshall Emberton III vs Soundcore Flare 2
  • See all 141 comparisons