Short answer: the Ultimate Ears Boom 3. It ranks #89 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $109; 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 Ultimate Ears Boom 3 side: Rich and warm bass without muddying mix, crisp highs, excellent 15-hour battery life, stable Bluetooth connectivity, IP67 rated and floats, rugged fabric shell, can pair up to 150 speakers via PartyUp. Watch for: Not stereo, barely any bass, recessed treble.
Buy the Ultimate Ears Boom 3. 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 15 hours for the Ultimate Ears Boom 3.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Emberton II | Ultimate Ears Boom 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.99 | $109.00 |
| Ranked | #100 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #89 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz | 91Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms | - |
| Max Volume | 88dB | 87dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 700 g | 1.3 lbs / 608 g |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 4.2 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Dimensions | 6.3" x 2.7" x 3" (160 x 68 x 76 mm) | 7.2" x 2.9" (184 x 73 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2" full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 2" active drivers + 2x 2" x 4" passive radiators |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) | Yes (via app) |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| Output Power | 20W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
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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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Ultimate Ears Boom 3: $109.00 Amazon
Pros: Rich and warm bass without muddying mix, crisp highs, excellent 15-hour battery life, stable Bluetooth connectivity, IP67 rated and floats, rugged fabric shell, can pair up to 150 speakers via PartyUp
Cons: Not stereo, barely any bass, recessed treble. You can tell from the micro USB that they are just feeding you the same crap hardware over and over, this is inexcusable for a product released in 2021. Lots of mentions of failing batteries on amazon. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear.
Full Ultimate Ears Boom 3 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 91Hz |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.2" x 2.9" (184 x 73 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2" active drivers + 2x 2" x 4" passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (via app) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 87dB |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 608 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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