Short answer: the Sonos Roam 2. It ranks #94 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $179. The Marshall Emberton II ranks #126, rated 2.7/5, at $114, $65 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Marshall Emberton II is the longer-running, tougher option. A tough waterproof speaker with Marshall styling, a very long battery and quick charging. It is rated for 30 hours of battery against 10 for the Sonos Roam 2. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Sonos Roam 2. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Sonos Roam 2. The tradeoff: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
The Sonos Roam 2 is the better-sounding, lighter option. A small Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with water resistance, Alexa built in and Sonos multiroom support. At 0.9 lbs (429 g) it weighs much less than the Marshall Emberton II at 1.5 lbs (700 g). It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Marshall Emberton II lacks. The tradeoff: Exact same sound quality as the original Sonos Roam.
Buy the Sonos Roam 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $65 you would save on the Marshall Emberton II does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A tough waterproof speaker with Marshall styling, a very long battery and quick charging.
A small Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with water resistance, Alexa built in and Sonos multiroom support.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Emberton II | Sonos Roam 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $114.00 | $179.00 |
| Ranked | #126 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #94 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Sonos S2 App |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) | - |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (700 g) | 0.9 lbs (429 g) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) | 2.4” x 6.6” x 2.4” (62 x 168 x 60 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 1x ~45mm racetrack mid-woofer + 1x tweeter + 2x passive radiators |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | - | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | - | Amazon Alexa (Sonos Voice Control also built in) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Sonos Roam 2: