Short answer: the Marshall Emberton II, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #127 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 2.7/5) at $144.99 and is still sold new; the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 ranks #155 (rated 2.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 175 medium speakers; for better sound, the EarFun Uboom L ranks #2 at $49.79.
The Marshall Emberton II is the better-sounding, longer-running option. 30 hour battery life: among the best in its class; a 20 min quick-charge gives 4 hours. It is rated for 30 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. It is rated IP67 against IPX4 for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 lacks. The tradeoff: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
The Harman Kardon Esquire 2 is the lighter pick. Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. At 0.8 lbs (350 g) it weighs much less than the Marshall Emberton II at 1.5 lbs (700 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the Marshall Emberton II lacks. The catch: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume.
Buy the Marshall Emberton II. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Emberton II | Harman Kardon Esquire 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $144.99 | $200 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #127 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #155 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 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) | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 4.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| TWS | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | 16W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
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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
Marshall Emberton II: $144.99 Amazon $144.99 eBay
Newer model: the Marshall Emberton III, ranked higher, rated 2.7/5, released Aug 2024. It adds built-in mic.
Older model: the Marshall Emberton (ranked lower, estimated 2.6/5). See every Marshall Portable Speakers generation.
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.
Full Marshall Emberton II review and specifications →
| Released | May 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (700 g) |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Harman Kardon Esquire 2: $200 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. Flat, compact design packs easily. USB charge-out for topping off a phone.
Cons: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Drivers | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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