Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen. It ranks #19 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $399. The Marshall Emberton II ranks #126, rated 2.7/5, at $114, $285 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The case for the Marshall Emberton II: A tough waterproof speaker with Marshall styling, a very long battery and quick charging. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen. Watch for: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
The B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen is the better-sounding, lighter choice. A premium waterproof puck speaker with good sound, a long battery, and a battery you can swap, built to last. 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. The tradeoff: Distorts easier than the 2nd gen with deeper bass.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $285 saving on the Marshall Emberton II is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A tough waterproof speaker with Marshall styling, a very long battery and quick charging.
A premium waterproof puck speaker with good sound, a long battery, and a battery you can swap, built to last.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Emberton II | B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $114.00 | $399.00 |
| Ranked | #126 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #19 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 88dB (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” x 1.8” x 5.2” (133 x 46 x 133 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 82.5mm woofer, 15mm 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 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Strap | No | Yes (built-in strap) |
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