When it comes to premium portable Bluetooth speakers, two standout options have captured the attention of audio enthusiasts: the $99.99 Marshall Emberton II and the $119.99 Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen. Let's dive into what makes each special and help you decide which better suits your needs.
The portable speaker market has evolved significantly in recent years, with manufacturers focusing on durability, sound quality, and smart features. The Marshall Emberton II, released in May 2022, builds upon its predecessor with improved battery life and enhanced sound processing. Meanwhile, the Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen represents Bose's latest iteration of their portable line, incorporating their advanced PositionIQ technology—a feature that automatically adjusts audio output based on the speaker's orientation.
The Emberton II stays true to Marshall's rock and roll roots. Its True Stereophonic technology—a fancy term for their 360-degree sound approach—creates an impressively wide soundstage that fills rooms effectively. The speaker uses two 2-inch full-range drivers and passive radiators (which help produce deeper bass without requiring larger speakers) to deliver powerful sound that especially shines with guitar-driven music and vocal-heavy tracks.
The SoundLink Flex takes a different approach, focusing on clarity and balanced sound reproduction. Its PositionIQ technology ensures consistent audio quality regardless of placement—whether it's standing upright, lying flat, or hanging from its built-in strap. The speaker particularly excels at reproducing subtle details in acoustic music and spoken word content, making it ideal for audiobooks and podcasts as well as music.
Here's where we see a significant difference. The Marshall Emberton II boasts an impressive 30+ hours of playback time, with a quick-charge feature providing 4 hours of playback from just 20 minutes of charging. This makes it particularly suitable for weekend trips or outdoor events where charging opportunities might be limited.
The Bose SoundLink Flex offers 12 hours of playback—still respectable but notably less than the Marshall. However, it includes a clever battery preservation mode that kicks in when the charge drops below 10% and the speaker hasn't been used for three days, helping extend its overall lifespan.
Both speakers feature IP67 ratings, meaning they're:
The Marshall embraces a classic aesthetic with its metal grille and signature logo, while the Bose opts for a modern, minimalist design. The Bose's built-in utility loop provides more mounting options, but the Marshall's more compact size makes it slightly easier to pack.
The Emberton II keeps things relatively simple with Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity and basic app control. Its Stack Mode feature allows connecting multiple Emberton II speakers for expanded sound, though this feature only works with identical models.
The SoundLink Flex offers more advanced features:
Having tested both speakers in various settings, here's how they perform in specific scenarios:
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, the Bose's clearer vocal reproduction makes it a better choice for enhancing TV sound in small rooms or temporary setups. However, for permanent home theater applications, a dedicated soundbar would be more appropriate.
At $99.99, the Marshall Emberton II offers excellent value for those prioritizing battery life and maximum volume. Its ability to maintain quality sound at higher volumes makes it particularly appealing for outdoor use and parties.
The $119.99 Bose SoundLink Flex justifies its higher price through superior technical features and versatility. The built-in microphone, position-sensing audio, and more advanced connectivity options make it a more capable all-around device.
Choose the Marshall Emberton II if you:
Choose the Bose SoundLink Flex if you:
Both speakers represent excellent value in the portable Bluetooth speaker market, each excelling in different areas. The Marshall Emberton II wins on battery life and raw power, while the Bose SoundLink Flex offers more features and balanced sound reproduction. Your choice should ultimately depend on your primary use case and personal preferences for sound signature.
The good news is that both speakers deliver impressive durability and sound quality that will satisfy most users. The decision comes down to whether you prioritize the Marshall's extended battery life and powerful output or the Bose's versatility and balanced audio presentation.
| Marshall Emberton II | Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen |
|---|---|
| Price - Base cost comparison | |
| $99.99 | $119.99 |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 30+ hours, 20-min quick charge for 4 hours use | 12 hours, includes battery preservation mode |
| Weight & Size - Impacts portability | |
| 0.7 kg (1.5 lbs), more compact | 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs), slightly larger but includes strap |
| Durability Rating - Protection from elements | |
| IP67 water/dust resistant | IP67 water/dust resistant |
| Sound Technology - Affects listening experience | |
| True Stereophonic 360° sound, dual 2" drivers | PositionIQ auto-adjusting sound, single driver |
| Bluetooth Version - Connection quality & range | |
| Bluetooth 5.1, 30ft range | Bluetooth 5.3, 30ft range |
| Multi-device Features - Usage flexibility | |
| Stack Mode for connecting multiple units | Party Mode plus speakerphone capability |
| Sound Signature - Different listening preferences | |
| Energetic, rock-focused, stronger treble | Balanced, warm, emphasis on clarity |
| App Features - Control and customization | |
| Basic EQ presets, firmware updates | Advanced positioning optimization, voice assistant |
| Additional Features - Extra value considerations | |
| Quick charge capability, multi-speaker pairing | Built-in strap, Google Fast Pair, speakerphone |
| Use Case Optimization - Best scenario for each | |
| Outdoor events, parties, longer sessions | Daily listening, indoor use, voice calls |
The $119.99 Bose SoundLink Flex performs better for home theater use due to its clearer vocal reproduction and PositionIQ technology that optimizes sound based on speaker placement. While neither is a replacement for a dedicated soundbar, the Bose offers better dialogue clarity than the Marshall Emberton II when used with TV content.
The $99.99 Marshall Emberton II significantly outperforms with 30+ hours of battery life, compared to the Bose SoundLink Flex's 12 hours. The Marshall also features quick charging, providing 4 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge.
Yes, both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance ratings. The Marshall Emberton II and Bose SoundLink Flex can handle rain, splashes, and brief submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
The speakers have different sound signatures. The Marshall Emberton II offers more energetic, louder output ideal for parties, while the Bose SoundLink Flex provides more balanced, refined sound better suited for critical listening.
The $119.99 Bose SoundLink Flex includes a built-in microphone for speakerphone functionality, making it suitable for video calls. The Marshall Emberton II doesn't have this feature.
While the Marshall Emberton II is lighter at 0.7kg, the Bose SoundLink Flex includes a built-in utility loop for easier carrying and mounting options, making it more versatile for portable use despite being heavier at 1.3kg.
Both speakers offer multi-speaker connectivity. The Marshall Emberton II uses Stack Mode to connect multiple Emberton II units, while the Bose SoundLink Flex can pair with other Bose speakers through Party Mode.
The Bose SoundLink Flex performs better for movie watching due to its clearer dialogue reproduction and PositionIQ technology. The Marshall Emberton II is more focused on music playback.
The Bose SoundLink Flex supports voice assistant access through connected devices, while the Marshall Emberton II doesn't offer voice assistant integration.
The Bose SoundLink Flex offers more advanced app features including positioning optimization and voice assistant support. The Marshall Emberton II provides basic EQ presets and firmware updates through its app.
At $99.99, the Marshall Emberton II offers excellent value for those prioritizing battery life and volume, while the $119.99 Bose SoundLink Flex justifies its higher price through additional features and more balanced sound.
The Bose SoundLink Flex is better suited for small rooms due to its balanced sound signature and position-sensing audio adjustment. The Marshall Emberton II might be too powerful for very small spaces, as it's designed for larger areas and outdoor use.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - dreamwaveus.com - crutchfield.com - soundguys.com - gadgets360.com - rtings.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - shop.ash-asia.com - crutchfield.com - gadgetstyler.com - youtube.com - avstore.in - techradar.com - worldwidestereo.com - bose.com - howtogeek.com - bose.com - crutchfield.com - visions.ca - pcrichard.com - staples.com - rtings.com - bose.com - soundguys.com
