Short answer: the Minirig 4. It ranks #7 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $229.95. The Marshall Emberton III ranks #125, rated 2.7/5, at $179.99, $49.96 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Marshall Emberton III is the tougher option. A tough waterproof speaker with Marshall styling and a very long battery, plus quick charging. It is rated IP67 against Splash resistant for the Minirig 4. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Minirig 4. The catch: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
The Minirig 4 is the better-sounding pick. A small, long lasting speaker that gets loud and can add a matching subwoofer, with a 30 hour battery. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Marshall Emberton III lacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Marshall Emberton III lacks. Watch for: Calls itself splash resistant and has no official water rating.
Buy the Minirig 4. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $49.96 with the Marshall Emberton III does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A tough waterproof speaker with Marshall styling and a very long battery, plus quick charging.
A small, long lasting speaker that gets loud and can add a matching subwoofer, with a 30 hour battery.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Emberton III | Minirig 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $229.95 |
| Ranked | #125 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #7 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 32 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) | - |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (673 g) | 1.2 lbs (550 g) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | Splash resistant |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) | 4” x 2.9” (101.6 x 73 mm) (diameter x height) |
| Drivers | 2x 2” full-range cone drivers + 2x 2” passive radiators | 70mm custom driver |
| TWS | No | Yes (Bluetooth or cable) |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | Pointing up |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | 50W |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Aux Latency | - | 0ms |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 60ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 106dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 18kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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