Short answer: the Soundcore 3. It ranks #62 of 157 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $59.99; the Marshall Emberton III ranks #115, rated 2.7/5, and costs $129.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Soundcore 3 is the better-sounding, lighter choice. Identical in acoustic design and performance to the retailer variant Soundcore Select 2. At 0.8 lbs (372 g) it weighs much less than the Marshall Emberton III at 1.5 lbs (673 g).
The Marshall Emberton III is the longer-running pick. 30 hour battery life: among the best in its class; a 20 min quick-charge gives 4 hours. It is rated for 32 hours of battery against 24 for the Soundcore 3. Watch for: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
Buy the Soundcore 3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Marshall Emberton III and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore 3 | Marshall Emberton III | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $129.99 |
| Ranked | #62 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #115 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz | 62Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 32 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (372 g) | 1.5 lbs (673 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.2” x 2.3” (174 x 57 x 59 mm) | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 20W |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm (1.5”) titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 2” full-range cone drivers + 2x 2” passive radiators |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Strap | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Power Bank | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Soundcore 3 compares with other leading options:
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- Soundcore Motion 300 vs Soundcore 3
- Soundcore Motion+ vs Soundcore 3
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore 3
- Minirig 4 vs Soundcore 3
Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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 3: $59.99 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Soundcore 2 (ranked lower, rated 3/5).
Pros: Soundcore 3 uses 2x 38mm (1.5”) titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators. Its 372 g, claimed 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX7 protection, up to 99dB and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Identical in acoustic design and performance to the retailer variant Soundcore Select 2. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 60Hz specification.
Full Soundcore 3 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.2” x 2.3” (174 x 57 x 59 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm (1.5”) titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (372 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Marshall Emberton III: $129.99 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Marshall Emberton II (ranked lower, 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. Not really any different from the Emberton II except having the treble turned down a little bit.
Full Marshall Emberton III review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz |
| Battery Life | 32 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (673 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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