Short answer: the KEF Muo gen2. It ranks #97 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $249.99. The Marshall Emberton III ranks #126, rated 2.7/5, at $129.99, $120 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The KEF Muo gen2 is the better-sounding choice. KEF seemed to have fixed the rolled off treble and overall balance. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Marshall Emberton III lacks. Watch for: Lacking deeper bass.
The Marshall Emberton III 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 32 hours of battery against 24 for the KEF Muo gen2. Watch for: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
Buy the KEF Muo gen2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $120 with the Marshall Emberton III does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Muo gen2 | Marshall Emberton III | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.99 | $129.99 |
| Ranked | #97 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #126 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 32 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX Adaptive up to 48 kHz 24 bit | SBC |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (740 g) | 1.5 lbs (673 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 1x 58x117mm racetrack woofer, 1x 20mm tweeter | 2x 2” full-range cone drivers + 2x 2” passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 3.2” x 2.3” (216 x 82 x 59 mm) | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 20W |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 62Hz |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Strap | - | No |
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- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs KEF Muo gen2
- Denon Envaya DSB-250BT vs KEF Muo gen2
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
KEF Muo gen2: $249.99 Amazon $249.99 eBay
Pros: KEF seemed to have fixed the rolled off treble and overall balance
Cons: Lacking deeper bass. Very thuddy bass. Appears to be the exact same hardware but with updated tuning. Bass distorts as volume increases, and the claimed 43Hz extension is really only audible at low listening volumes, with a few seconds of lag after volume changes. Loses most of its bass off-axis. Customer reviews are mixed, ranging from praise for detail at low volume to complaints of a boxy, hollow sound.
Full KEF Muo gen2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 40W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX Adaptive up to 48 kHz 24 bit |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 3.2” x 2.3” (216 x 82 x 59 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 58x117mm racetrack woofer, 1x 20mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (740 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Marshall Emberton III: $129.99 Amazon $129.99 eBay
Older models: the Marshall Emberton II (ranked lower, rated 2.7/5) and the Marshall Emberton (ranked lower, estimated 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
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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