Short answer: the Sonos Roam 2. It ranks #94 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $179; the Marshall Emberton III ranks #125, rated 2.7/5, and costs $179.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Marshall Emberton III is the longer-running, tougher choice. A tough waterproof speaker with Marshall styling and a very long battery, plus quick charging. It is rated for 32 hours of battery against 10 for the Sonos Roam 2. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Sonos Roam 2. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Sonos Roam 2. The tradeoff: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
The Sonos Roam 2 is the better-sounding, lighter pick. A small Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with water resistance, Alexa built in and Sonos multiroom support. At 0.9 lbs (429 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Marshall Emberton III at 1.5 lbs (673 g). It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Marshall Emberton III lacks. The tradeoff: Exact same sound quality as the original Sonos Roam.
Buy the Sonos Roam 2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Marshall Emberton III and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
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 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with water resistance, Alexa built in and Sonos multiroom support.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Emberton III | Sonos Roam 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $179.00 |
| Ranked | #125 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #94 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Sonos S2 App |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 32 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) | - |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (673 g) | 0.9 lbs (429 g) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) | 2.4” x 6.6” x 2.4” (62 x 168 x 60 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2” full-range cone drivers + 2x 2” passive radiators | 1x ~45mm racetrack mid-woofer + 1x tweeter + 2x passive radiators |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | - | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | - | Amazon Alexa (Sonos Voice Control also built in) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
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