When it comes to premium portable Bluetooth speakers, the Marshall Emberton II ($99.99) and JBL Charge 5 ($139.99) represent two different approaches to solving the same problem: delivering great sound on the go. Let's dive into what makes each speaker unique and help you decide which one best fits your needs.
The portable speaker market has evolved significantly in recent years, with manufacturers focusing on durability, sound quality, and battery life. Both these speakers launched in 2022, representing the latest in portable audio technology. They've inherited years of engineering improvements in areas like driver design, battery efficiency, and water resistance.
Before we compare specific features, let's understand what makes a great portable speaker:
The Marshall Emberton II takes a distinctly different approach than the JBL Charge 5 when it comes to design philosophy.
The Emberton II continues Marshall's tradition of classic amp-inspired aesthetics. At 0.7 kg, it's notably lighter than its competitor. The brass-colored control knob and iconic script logo give it a premium feel that's at home in any setting. The speaker uses 50% post-consumer recycled plastic, showing Marshall's commitment to sustainability.
The Charge 5 (0.96 kg) features JBL's more modern, sporty design language. It's larger but includes features like the power bank capability that justify its size. The exposed passive radiators at the ends are both functional and visually striking, showing off the speaker's acoustic engineering.
Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance, meaning they can handle submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
Here's where things get interesting, and the speakers show their different priorities.
The Emberton II's True Stereophonic technology (which creates a wider soundstage by processing the stereo signal in a special way) makes it excellent for near-field listening, like on a desk or small room.
The Charge 5's separate tweeter (for high frequencies) and larger woofer (for mid and low frequencies) allow it to produce more dynamic range and volume, though it might sound more directional than the Emberton II's 360° design.
Both speakers have made significant improvements over their predecessors in battery technology.
The Marshall Emberton II claims 30+ hours of playback, though real-world testing typically shows around 20 hours. Its quick-charge feature provides 4 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge, which is particularly useful for last-minute situations.
The JBL Charge 5 offers 20 hours of playback and includes power bank functionality to charge other devices. While it doesn't have quick-charging, the ability to charge your phone in a pinch might be more valuable for many users.
Both speakers use Bluetooth 5.1, offering improved range and stability over older versions. However, they approach additional features differently:
Let's break down how these speakers perform in different situations:
The Emberton II shines in indoor settings. Its 360° sound works well in small to medium-sized rooms, and the balanced sound signature is perfect for background music or focused listening.
The Charge 5 has a clear advantage outdoors. Its higher volume capability and stronger bass make it better suited for outdoor gatherings where sound needs to travel further and compete with ambient noise.
The Emberton II's smaller size and weight make it more travel-friendly. However, the Charge 5's power bank feature could make it more useful on long trips, despite its larger size.
The Marshall Emberton II at $99.99 represents excellent value for:
The JBL Charge 5 at $139.99 justifies its higher price for:
Consider these questions to make your choice:
Both speakers represent excellent value in their respective niches. The Marshall Emberton II excels as a personal audio device with style and portability, while the JBL Charge 5 shines as a more powerful, feature-rich option for social situations.
Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, but both speakers deliver impressive performance for their size and price point. They represent the current state of the art in portable Bluetooth speakers, with features and sound quality that would have been impossible just a few years ago.
| Marshall Emberton II | JBL Charge 5 |
|---|---|
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and ease of transport | |
| 2.68 x 6.30 x 2.99 inches, 0.7 kg (1.5 lbs) | 8.7 x 3.76 x 3.67 inches, 0.96 kg (2.11 lbs) |
| Price - Value consideration for features offered | |
| $99.99 (Better value for personal use) | $139.99 (Premium for additional features) |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended outdoor use | |
| 30+ hours claimed (20 hours real-world), 20-min quick charge for 4 hours playback | 20 hours, no quick charge but includes power bank function |
| Sound Output - Determines volume capability and sound coverage | |
| Two 2" full-range drivers with passive radiators, 360° sound | 52x90mm woofer, 20mm tweeter, dual passive radiators, directional |
| Water Resistance - Essential for outdoor durability | |
| IP67 (waterproof up to 1m for 30 min) | IP67 (waterproof up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Connectivity Features - Affects versatility and usage scenarios | |
| Bluetooth 5.1, Stack Mode, multi-host connection | Bluetooth 5.1, PartyBoost, power bank function |
| Sound Customization - Allows tailoring to personal preference | |
| Marshall app with basic EQ presets | JBL app with detailed graphic EQ |
| Maximum Volume - Important for outdoor and group settings | |
| Moderate volume, better for personal/indoor use | Higher max volume, ideal for outdoor gatherings |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality beyond basic audio | |
| Quick charge capability, True Stereophonic sound | Power bank function, PartyBoost speaker linking |
| Best Use Case - Primary intended usage scenario | |
| Personal listening, desktop use, travel | Outdoor gatherings, parties, beach/pool use |
The JBL Charge 5 ($139.99) performs better as a home theater supplement due to its higher volume output and stronger bass response. However, neither speaker is ideal as a primary home theater speaker - they're designed for portable use rather than dedicated home audio.
The Marshall Emberton II ($99.99) offers excellent value, especially for personal listening. Its premium build quality, 360° sound, and compact design justify the price point for users prioritizing portability and style.
The Marshall Emberton II claims 30+ hours (though typically achieves 20 hours in real use) and offers quick charging. The JBL Charge 5 provides 20 hours and includes power bank functionality for charging other devices.
Both speakers feature IP67 water resistance, but the JBL Charge 5 is better suited for outdoor use due to its louder maximum volume and stronger bass output. The Marshall Emberton II works better for personal outdoor listening.
The JBL Charge 5 delivers more powerful sound with stronger bass, while the Marshall Emberton II offers more balanced, natural audio reproduction. Sound preference often depends on personal taste and intended use.
Yes, both models support multi-speaker connectivity. The Marshall Emberton II uses Stack Mode, while the JBL Charge 5 uses PartyBoost to connect multiple compatible speakers.
The Marshall Emberton II is significantly more portable at 0.7 kg compared to the JBL Charge 5 at 0.96 kg. Its smaller size makes it easier to pack and carry.
While both can be used for movies, neither is optimized for home theater use. The JBL Charge 5 performs better for movie audio due to its stronger bass response and higher volume capability.
Both speakers can connect to smart TVs via Bluetooth, though you may experience slight audio lag. For serious TV viewing, dedicated home theater speakers are recommended over portable Bluetooth speakers.
The JBL Charge 5 delivers stronger bass thanks to its larger drivers and dual passive radiators. The Marshall Emberton II offers more balanced bass that's less powerful but potentially more accurate.
Neither speaker is designed for surround sound systems. While both can pair with additional speakers of the same model, they're not intended for true home theater surround sound setups.
The Marshall Emberton II at $99.99 offers better value for personal use and portability, while the JBL Charge 5 at $139.99 justifies its higher price with additional features like power bank functionality and higher volume output.
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 - outeraudio.com - youtube.com - soundguys.com - howtogeek.com - jbl.com - abt.com - youtube.com - harmanaudio.com - homedepot.com - bhphotovideo.com - dxomark.com
