Short answer: the Tribit Stormbox. It ranks #93 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $68; the Marshall Emberton II ranks #100 and costs $159.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Marshall Emberton II: 30 hour battery life, among the best in its class; a 20 min quick-charge gives 4 hours. The catch: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
On the Tribit Stormbox side: IPX7 water resistant, dual pairing for stereo setup, excellent battery life (20 hours), instant on/off buttons, 97dB max volume. Watch for: Muffled sounding, treble dips from 5khz-12khz.
Buy the Tribit Stormbox. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Marshall Emberton II and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Marshall Emberton II is rated for 30 hours versus 20 hours for the Tribit Stormbox.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Emberton II | Tribit Stormbox | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.99 | $68 |
| Ranked | #100 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #93 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz | 52Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms | 166ms |
| Max Volume | 88dB | 97dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 700 g | 1.2 lbs / 535 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) | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.7" (180 x 68 x 68 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2" full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 45mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) | No |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | - |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Output Power | 20W | 20W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Latency | - | 0ms |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Marshall Emberton II: $159.99 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.
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Tribit Stormbox: $68 Amazon
Pros: IPX7 water resistant, dual pairing for stereo setup, excellent battery life (20 hours), instant on/off buttons, 97dB max volume
Cons: Muffled sounding, treble dips from 5khz-12khz. Listening from the front is the worst frequency response, lay it down facing up with xbass off for the smoothest response. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear.
Full Tribit Stormbox review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 52Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 166ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.7" (180 x 68 x 68 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 97dB |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Output Power | 20W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 535 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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