Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. It ranks #11 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $395. The Marshall Emberton II ranks #126, rated 2.7/5, at $114, $281 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Marshall Emberton II is the longer-running pick. A tough waterproof speaker with Marshall styling, a very long battery and quick charging. It is rated for 30 hours of battery against 18 for the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. The catch: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
The B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen is the better-sounding, louder option. A premium waterproof puck speaker with balanced sound, a built in strap, and a long battery for travel. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 93dB at full volume, against 88dB for the Marshall Emberton II. At 1.2 lbs (558 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Marshall Emberton II at 1.5 lbs (700 g). It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Marshall Emberton II lacks.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $281 saving on the Marshall Emberton II is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A tough waterproof speaker with Marshall styling, a very long battery and quick charging.
A premium waterproof puck speaker with balanced sound, a built in strap, and a long battery for travel.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Emberton II | B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $114.00 | $395.00 |
| Ranked | #126 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #11 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz | 58Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms | 90ms |
| Maximum SPL | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) | - |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (700 g) | 1.2 lbs (558 g) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) | 5.2”W x 5.2”D x 1.8”H (133 x 133 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 3.5mm aluminium driver + 0.75 inch silk dome tweeter |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | Pointing up |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | 60W total (2x 30W Class D) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Strap | No | Yes (built-in strap) |
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