Short answer: the Marshall Emberton III for better sound quality, the Dayton Audio Boost for the lower price, though neither ranks well in its class. The Marshall Emberton III ranks #126 of 179 medium speakers, rated 2.7/5, at $179.99. The Dayton Audio Boost ranks #153, rated 2.4/5, at $29.98, $150.01 cheaper. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 179 medium speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the EarFun Uboom L instead, ranked #2 at $49.79.
The Marshall Emberton III is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. A tough waterproof speaker with Marshall styling and a very long battery, plus quick charging. Its bass reaches about 62Hz before falling 10dB, against 87Hz for the Dayton Audio Boost. It is rated for 32 hours of battery against 6 for the Dayton Audio Boost. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Dayton Audio Boost lacks. The tradeoff: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
The Dayton Audio Boost is the lighter option. A small, cheap soda can sized waterproof speaker with stereo pairing, microSD playback and an aux input. At 0.9 lbs (426 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Marshall Emberton III at 1.5 lbs (673 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the Marshall Emberton III lacks. Watch for: Some midrange peaks, treble slightly rolled off.
Buy the Marshall Emberton III if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Dayton Audio Boost if the price matters more than sound quality.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Emberton III | Dayton Audio Boost | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $29.98 |
| Ranked | #126 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #153 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz | 87Hz |
| Battery Life | 32 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) | - |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (673 g) | 0.9 lbs (426 g) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) | 3.5” x 3.5” x 4.3” (88.9 x 88.9 x 109.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2” full-range cone drivers + 2x 2” passive radiators | 2x 1.5” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) | No |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | 70W RMS |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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