Short answer: the Soundcore 2. It ranks #106 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.0/5, at $29.99; the Marshall Emberton II ranks #127, rated 2.7/5, and costs $144.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Soundcore 2 is the lighter pick. At 0.7 lbs (318 g) it weighs much less than the Marshall Emberton II at 1.5 lbs (700 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the Marshall Emberton II lacks.
The case for the Marshall Emberton II: 30 hour battery life: among the best in its class; a 20 min quick-charge gives 4 hours. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Soundcore 2 lacks. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The catch: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
Buy the Soundcore 2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Marshall Emberton II and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore 2 | Marshall Emberton II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $144.99 |
| Ranked | #106 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #127 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (318 g) | 1.5 lbs (700 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm fullrange | 2x 2” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 6.6” x 1.9” x 2.2” (168 x 47 x 56 mm) | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 12W | 20W |
| App | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 62Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 80ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Soundcore 2 compares with other leading options:
- Soundcore 2 vs EarFun Uboom L
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs Soundcore 2
- Soundcore Motion+ vs Soundcore 2
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore 2
- Soundcore 2 vs Minirig 4
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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
Soundcore 2: $29.99 Amazon $29.99 eBay
Newer model: the Soundcore 3, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Jan 2021. It adds app control and adjustable EQ, but drops the aux input. See every Soundcore 2 and 3 generation.
Pros: Soundcore 2 uses 2x 38mm fullrange. Its 318 g, claimed 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX7 protection, aux input and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use.
Cons: Its 70Hz to 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) specification points to limited deep-bass reach for the cabinet size. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment.
Full Soundcore 2 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 12W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.6” x 1.9” x 2.2” (168 x 47 x 56 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (318 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Marshall Emberton II: $144.99 Amazon $144.99 eBay
Newer model: the Marshall Emberton III, ranked higher, rated 2.7/5, released Aug 2024. It adds built-in mic.
Older model: the Marshall Emberton (ranked lower, estimated 2.6/5). See every Marshall Portable Speakers generation.
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 →
| Released | May 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| 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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- Passione Speaker: Bass Test Marshall Emberton 2 vs Emberton 3
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