Short answer: the Marshall Emberton II for battery life, the Sony SRS-XB20 for price, though neither ranks well in its class. The Emberton II runs 30 hours, among the best in its class, with a 20 min quick-charge good for 4 hours, though it has a strange unnatural echo-like coloration and bass not as deep as competitors. The Sony is IPX5 rated with 12 hours and costs $15.99 less, but sounds thin at higher volumes as its bass falls away quickly. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 157 medium speakers; for better sound, the Earfun Uboom L ranks #1 at $49.79.
Buy the Marshall Emberton II if you want one new; the Sony SRS-XB20 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB20 | Marshall Emberton II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 Discontinued | $144.99 |
| Ranked | #110 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #116 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) | 1.5 lbs (700 g) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Dimensions | 7.8” x 2.7” x 2.7” (198 x 68 x 69 mm) | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| App | Yes (SongPal) | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | 20W |
| Drivers | 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 2” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 62Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 80ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Strap | - | No |
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How Sony SRS-XB20 compares with other leading options:
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- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Sony SRS-XB20
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- JBL Flip 6 vs Sony SRS-XB20
Prices on this page were last checked October 3, 2026 at 10:26 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SRS-XB20: $129 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 1, ranked higher, rated 3.1/5.
Pros: Sony SRS-XB20 uses 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators. Its 590 g, claimed 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX5 protection, aux input and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use.
Cons: No EQ adjustment. Sounds thin at higher volumes. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB20 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (SongPal) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.8” x 2.7” x 2.7” (198 x 68 x 69 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Marshall Emberton II: $144.99 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Marshall Emberton III, ranked higher, rated 2.7/5.
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. Measured bass extension of 62Hz (-10dB).
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.
Full Marshall Emberton II review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (700 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Marshall Emberton vs Marshall Stockwell 2 - little guy goes louder?? 🤓 More from alanrossreviews →
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- Alan Ross Reviews: Marshall Emberton vs JBL Flip 5 & Soundcore Boost - true stereophonic 🤓
- Passione Speaker: Bass Test Marshall Emberton 2 vs Emberton 3
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