When it comes to portable audio, few brands command as much respect as Marshall and Bose. Today, we're comparing the Marshall Emberton II ($169) and the Bose SoundLink Micro ($99), two popular but distinctly different approaches to portable sound.
The portable speaker market has evolved significantly in recent years, with manufacturers focusing on three key areas: sound quality, durability, and battery life. Modern speakers need to deliver room-filling sound while being tough enough to survive outdoor adventures and lasting long enough for extended use.
The Marshall Emberton II hit the market in May 2022, bringing significant upgrades over its predecessor, including improved battery life and the introduction of Stack Mode for multi-speaker setups. Meanwhile, the Bose SoundLink Micro has been a stalwart in the ultra-portable category, focusing on maximum portability without sacrificing sound quality.
The Emberton II showcases Marshall's audio expertise with its True Stereophonic system - a clever way of creating immersive 360-degree sound using two 2-inch full-range drivers and passive radiators. This technology helps the speaker project sound evenly in all directions, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings where people are spread out.
In contrast, the SoundLink Micro uses Bose's proprietary digital signal processing to squeeze impressive sound from its smaller form factor. While it can't match the Emberton II's raw power, it delivers surprisingly robust bass and clear mids for its size.
Here's where things get interesting. The Emberton II weighs 0.7kg (1.5 lbs) and has a classic Marshall amp-inspired design. It's portable, but you'll definitely feel it in your bag. The SoundLink Micro, at just 0.31kg (0.68 lbs), is nearly invisible in a backpack and includes a tear-resistant strap for mounting on bikes or bags.
This is perhaps the most significant differentiator. The Marshall Emberton II boasts an impressive 30+ hours of playback time and supports quick charging - 20 minutes gets you 4 hours of play time. The Bose SoundLink Micro manages about 6 hours, which might be sufficient for day trips but could leave you wanting more during extended outings.
Both speakers feature IP67 ratings, meaning they're:
This level of protection is impressive and means both speakers can handle rain, poolside splashes, or even accidental dunking.
In actual use, the Emberton II excels in outdoor settings where its powerful output and long battery life make it perfect for beach days or camping trips. The True Stereophonic sound really shines in open spaces, creating an impressive soundstage that belies its size.
The SoundLink Micro, while not as powerful, proves incredibly versatile. Its mounting system and compact size make it perfect for bike rides or hikes, while the speakerphone functionality adds practical value for those working remotely or taking calls on the go.
At $169, the Marshall Emberton II represents solid value for those prioritizing sound quality and battery life. The Stack Mode feature also adds future expansion possibilities, potentially justifying the higher initial investment.
The Bose SoundLink Micro at $99 offers excellent value for those prioritizing portability and versatility. While it may not match the Emberton II's sound output or battery life, its lower price point and additional features make it a compelling choice for many users.
Consider the Emberton II if you:
Go for the SoundLink Micro if you:
Both speakers represent different philosophies in portable audio. Marshall's approach with the Emberton II focuses on premium sound and battery life, while Bose's SoundLink Micro emphasizes versatility and portability. As technology continues to advance, we're likely to see these differences narrow, but for now, they serve distinct user needs effectively.
Remember, the best speaker is the one that fits your specific needs. Consider how and where you'll use it most often, and choose accordingly. Both options deliver impressive performance within their respective design priorities, making either a solid choice for the right user.
| Marshall Emberton II | Bose SoundLink Micro |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial Investment | |
| $169 (premium pricing) | $99 (more budget-friendly) |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended outdoor use | |
| 30+ hours, 20min quick charge = 4 hours | 6 hours, no quick charge feature |
| Size/Weight - Impacts true portability | |
| 0.7 kg (1.5 lbs), 160x68x76mm | 0.31 kg (0.68 lbs), 98x98x35mm |
| Sound Output - Affects volume and sound quality | |
| 20W with True Stereophonic, dual 2" drivers | Single driver, smaller output (unspecified watts) |
| Water/Dust Protection - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 rated (waterproof up to 1m) | IP67 rated (waterproof up to 1m) |
| Special Features - Added functionality | |
| Stack Mode, app EQ control, multi-speaker pairing | Built-in speakerphone, voice assistant, mounting strap |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection quality | |
| Bluetooth 5.1, 10m range | Bluetooth 4.2, 9m range |
| Charging Port - Convenience factor | |
| Modern USB-C | Older Micro USB |
| Sound Customization - Sound tailoring options | |
| Three EQ presets via app | No EQ settings available |
| Extra Functionality - Additional use cases | |
| Multi-speaker pairing for stereo/party modes | Speakerphone, voice assistant integration |
The Marshall Emberton II is better suited for home theater use due to its higher power output (20W) and True Stereophonic sound. While neither speaker is ideal as a primary home theater speaker, the Emberton II's Stack Mode feature allows pairing multiple units for better surround sound capabilities than the Bose SoundLink Micro.
The Marshall Emberton II offers significantly better battery life with 30+ hours compared to the Bose SoundLink Micro's 6 hours. This makes the Emberton II more suitable for extended viewing sessions without needing to recharge.
Both speakers can connect to TVs that have Bluetooth capability. The Marshall Emberton II offers better range with Bluetooth 5.1, while the Bose SoundLink Micro uses the older Bluetooth 4.2 standard, which may result in slightly higher latency.
The Bose SoundLink Micro is more portable at 0.31kg compared to the Marshall Emberton II at 0.7kg. The SoundLink Micro also includes a built-in strap for easy mounting and carrying.
The Marshall Emberton II delivers superior sound quality with its 20W output and True Stereophonic system compared to the Bose SoundLink Micro. The Emberton II offers fuller, room-filling sound that's better for home entertainment.
Both the Marshall Emberton II and Bose SoundLink Micro feature IP67 ratings, making them equally waterproof and dustproof. They can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
The Marshall Emberton II offers Stack Mode for connecting multiple speakers, making it possible to create a basic surround sound setup. The Bose SoundLink Micro doesn't offer this functionality.
At $99, the Bose SoundLink Micro offers better value for portable use, while the $169 Marshall Emberton II provides better value for home entertainment due to its superior sound quality and features.
The Bose SoundLink Micro includes a built-in speakerphone and voice assistant integration, making it suitable for video calls. The Marshall Emberton II doesn't include these features.
Both speakers will work with any Bluetooth-enabled smart TV, but the Marshall Emberton II's Bluetooth 5.1 provides better connectivity than the Bose SoundLink Micro's Bluetooth 4.2.
The Marshall Emberton II delivers stronger bass response with its dual 2" drivers and passive radiators, compared to the Bose SoundLink Micro's smaller single driver configuration.
The Marshall Emberton II offers app control with EQ presets, while the Bose SoundLink Micro has basic Bluetooth control but no dedicated app features.
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 - rtings.com - mygolfspy.com - youtube.com - cnet.com - bose.com - bose.com - alwayswander.info - target.com - bose.com - bose.com
