Short answer: the Tribit Xsound Surf. It ranks #79 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $26; the Marshall Emberton III ranks #99 and costs $129.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
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 catch: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
On the Tribit Xsound Surf side: Rugged rubberized frame with a metal grille. Watch for: Bass doesn’t go as deep as others, strange midrange peaks.
Buy the Tribit Xsound Surf. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Marshall Emberton III and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Marshall Emberton III is rated for 32 hours versus 10 hours for the Tribit Xsound Surf.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Emberton III | Tribit Xsound Surf | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 | $26 |
| Ranked | #99 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #79 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 32 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) | - |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 673 g | 1 lbs / 440 g |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 6.3" x 2.7" x 3" (160 x 68 x 76 mm) | 7" x 2.2" x 2.1" (178 x 57 x 54 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2" full-range cone drivers + 2x 2" passive radiators | 40W: 2x drivers with passive radiator |
| TWS | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) | Yes |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Likely Yes (based on Tribit pattern) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | - |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Output Power | 20W | 12W RMS |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | aptX HD, aptX Lossless, LDAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Marshall Emberton III: $129.99 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. Not really any different from the Emberton II except having the treble turned down a little bit.
Full Marshall Emberton III review and specifications →
| 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 |
| Output Power | 20W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 673 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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Tribit Xsound Surf: $26
Pros: Rugged rubberized frame with a metal grille. About 20% louder than the XSound Go at the same volume. IPX7 rated, USB-C charging, and pairs with a second Surf for stereo.
Cons: Bass doesn’t go as deep as others, strange midrange peaks
Full Tribit Xsound Surf review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | aptX HD, aptX Lossless, LDAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Likely Yes (based on Tribit pattern) |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7" x 2.2" x 2.1" (178 x 57 x 54 mm) |
| Drivers | 40W: 2x drivers with passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 12W RMS |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 1 lbs / 440 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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