Short answer: the Marshall Emberton II for better sound quality, the Soundcore Flare 2 for the lower price. The Marshall Emberton II ranks #100 of 136 medium speakers at $144.37. The Soundcore Flare 2 ranks #105 at $80, $64.37 cheaper.
What the Marshall Emberton II offers: 30 hour battery life - among the best in its class; a 20 min quick-charge gives 4 hours. Watch for: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
The case for the Soundcore Flare 2: Try Alan Ross’s EQ for it. The tradeoff: Rolled off treble.
Buy the Marshall Emberton II if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Soundcore Flare 2 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Soundcore Flare 2. It ranks near the bottom of the 136 medium speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Marshall Emberton II is rated for 30 hours versus 12 hours for the Soundcore Flare 2.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Emberton II | Soundcore Flare 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $144.37 | $80 |
| Ranked | #100 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #105 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms | 80ms |
| Max Volume | 88dB | 99dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 700 g | 1.3 lbs / 600 g |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Dimensions | 6.3" x 2.7" x 3" (160 x 68 x 76 mm) | - |
| Drivers | 2x 2" full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) | Yes |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | Pointing up |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| Output Power | 20W | 20W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Marshall Emberton II: $144.37 Amazon
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.
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 →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Max Volume | 88dB |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Output Power | 20W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 700 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
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Soundcore Flare 2: $80 Amazon
Pros: Try Alan Ross’s EQ for it
Cons: Rolled off treble. Thuddy bass. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear.
Full Soundcore Flare 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Drivers | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 20W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 600 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons