Short answer: the Tribit Maxsound Plus/Thunderbox Plus. It ranks #21 of 140 medium speakers by sound quality at $79.99; the Marshall Emberton II ranks #103 and costs $155.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Tribit Maxsound Plus V1/V2/Thunderbox Plus offers: Use Xbass mode for flattest frequency response. V1/V2/Thunderbox Plus sound exactly the same. Watch for: Slightly less deep bass than the best in category.
What the Marshall Emberton II offers: 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. Watch for: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear. Not very loud.
Buy the Tribit Maxsound Plus/Thunderbox Plus. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Marshall Emberton II and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Marshall Emberton II is rated for 30 hours versus 20 hours for the Tribit Maxsound Plus/Thunderbox Plus.
Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit Maxsound Plus/Thunderbox Plus | Marshall Emberton II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $155.99 |
| Ranked | #21 of 140 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #103 of 140 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | 62Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 160ms | 80ms |
| Max Volume | 99dB | 88dB |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 595 g | 1.5 lbs / 700 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 2x 44mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 2" full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Output Power | 24W | 20W |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Dimensions | 2.6" x 7.8" x 2.7" (65 x 198 x 68 mm) (2.56 x 7.79 x 2.68 inches) | 6.3" x 2.7" x 3" (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 1, 2026 at 2:15 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
Tribit Maxsound Plus/Thunderbox Plus: $79.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Use Xbass mode for flattest frequency response. Identical driver, tuning, and sound to the Thunderbox Plus and the newer Maxsound Plus V2.
Cons: Slightly less deep bass than the best in category. No true wireless stereo pairing between two units, unlike the V2.
Full Tribit Maxsound Plus/Thunderbox Plus review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 160ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.6" x 7.8" x 2.7" (65 x 198 x 68 mm) (2.56 x 7.79 x 2.68 inches) |
| Drivers | 2x 44mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 24W |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 595 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Marshall Emberton II: $155.99 Amazon eBay
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.
Full Marshall Emberton II review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Max Volume | 88dB |
| 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 / 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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