Short answer: the Sony SRS-XB20. It ranks #94 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $129; the Marshall Emberton III ranks #99 and costs $129.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Sony SRS-XB20: IPX5 rated pill shape slides easily into a bag. The tradeoff: Sounds thin at higher volumes.
On the Marshall Emberton III side: 30 hour battery life - among the best in its class; a 20 min quick-charge gives 4 hours. Set against that: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
Buy the Sony SRS-XB20. 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 12 hours for the Sony SRS-XB20.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB20 | Marshall Emberton III | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 | $129.99 |
| Ranked | #94 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #99 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 32 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 590 g | 1.5 lbs / 673 g |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Output Power | 20W | 20W |
| Drivers | 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 2" full-range cone drivers + 2x 2" passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 62Hz |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SRS-XB20: $129
Pros: IPX5 rated pill shape slides easily into a bag. 12 hour battery life.
Cons: Sounds thin at higher volumes. Bass falls away quickly.
Full Sony SRS-XB20 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (SongPal) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Output Power | 20W |
| 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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Marshall Emberton III vs Bose SoundLink Color II
- Marshall Emberton III vs Marshall Emberton II
- Marshall Emberton III vs Yamaha True X Speaker 1A
- Marshall Emberton III vs Sony SRS-XB30
- Marshall Emberton III vs Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4
- Marshall Emberton III vs Beats Pill 2024
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- Marshall Emberton III vs Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen