Short answer: the Marshall Emberton III, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #104 of 144 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 2.7/5, at $160.03. The Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 ranks #143, rated 2.0/5, at $69.99, $90.04 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 144 medium speakers, and the Earfun Uboom L, ranked #1 at $49.79, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The case for the Marshall Emberton III: 30 hour battery life - among the best in its class; a 20 min quick-charge gives 4 hours. The tradeoff: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
Why pick the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2: Tank-like build quality - reviewers have frozen it, dropped it, and buried it in sand with no issues. The catch: Barely any bass, “pathetic sounding” said Jay’s Reviews of the line generally.
Buy the Marshall Emberton III. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $90.04 saving on the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Emberton III | Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $160.03 | $69.99 |
| Ranked | #104 of 144 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #143 of 144 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 32 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) | - |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (673 g) | 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) | 8.6” x 4.2” x 4.6” (218 x 107 x 117 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2” full-range cone drivers + 2x 2” passive radiators | 4.5” (114mm) woofer |
| TWS | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) | - |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Power Bank | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | 10W |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | Yes (mounting clip) |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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 III: $160.03 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Marshall Emberton II (rated 2.7/5).
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. Not really any different from the Emberton II except having the treble turned down a little bit.
Full Marshall Emberton III review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz |
| Battery Life | 32 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2” full-range cone drivers + 2x 2” passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (673 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Marshall Emberton III vs Marshall Emberton II
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Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2: $69.99 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 3, rated 2/5.
Pros: Tank-like build quality - reviewers have frozen it, dropped it, and buried it in sand with no issues. IP67 rated; doubles as a power bank. Universal mounting clip for a bike, kayak, or backpack. Built-in speakerphone with voice-confirmed caller ID.
Cons: Barely any bass, “pathetic sounding” said Jay’s Reviews of the line generally. Gets distorted with a lot of bass. No true wireless stereo pairing between two units, unlike the Lifejacket 3. Only available used now.
Full Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 10W |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.6” x 4.2” x 4.6” (218 x 107 x 117 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.5” (114mm) woofer |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (mounting clip) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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