Short answer: the Xiaomi Sound Party. It ranks #20 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $149.99; the Marshall Emberton III ranks #125, rated 2.7/5, and costs $179.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Xiaomi Sound Party is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. A versatile outdoor speaker with warm, balanced sound, fully waterproof build, long battery life, a phone charging port and a handy retractable handle. Its bass reaches about 54Hz before falling 10dB, against 62Hz for the Marshall Emberton III. Watch for: The sound evidence is mixed rather than universally glowing.
The Marshall Emberton III is the lighter pick. A tough waterproof speaker with Marshall styling and a very long battery, plus quick charging. At 1.5 lbs (673 g) it weighs much less than the Xiaomi Sound Party at 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg). It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Xiaomi Sound Party. The catch: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
Buy the Xiaomi Sound Party. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Marshall Emberton III and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A versatile outdoor speaker with warm, balanced sound, fully waterproof build, long battery life, a phone charging port and a handy retractable handle.
A tough waterproof speaker with Marshall styling and a very long battery, plus quick charging.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Xiaomi Sound Party | Marshall Emberton III | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 | $179.99 |
| Ranked | #20 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #125 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | 62Hz |
| Battery Life | 26 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 32 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (3 presets via app) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect, up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/3A) | No |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 10” x 3.6” x 3.6” (255 x 92 x 92 mm) | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm woofers (35W total) + 2x 15mm tweeters | 2x 2” full-range cone drivers + 2x 2” passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs (1200 g) | 1.5 lbs (673 g) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W | 20W |
| Power Input | USB-C (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/2A) | USB-C |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | No |
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