Short answer: the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom. It ranks #87 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $79; the Marshall Emberton III ranks #99 and costs $129.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Marshall Emberton III gets right: 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.
What the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom offers: IP67 rated and floats. Set against that: Not stereo, barely any bass, recessed treble.
One note: the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom is discontinued, but it still ranks #87 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom. 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 Ultimate Ears Wonderboom.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Emberton III | Ultimate Ears Wonderboom | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 | $79 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #99 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #87 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 32 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 673 g | 0.9 lbs / 425 g |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| 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 | 2x 1.6" active drivers + 2x 1.8" x 2.6" passive radiators |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) | No |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| Output Power | 20W | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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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 |
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- Links
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Ultimate Ears Wonderboom: $79 Discontinued
Pros: IP67 rated and floats. Compact, light, and simple to use.
Cons: Not stereo, barely any bass, recessed treble. Dip at 9khz. Low mid bass distortion. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear. Discontinued.
Full Ultimate Ears Wonderboom review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 1.6" active drivers + 2x 1.8" x 2.6" passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs / 425 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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