In the ever-evolving world of portable Bluetooth speakers, two notable contenders have emerged: the premium Marshall Emberton II ($169) and the ultra-portable JBL Clip 5 ($60). While both deliver wireless audio on the go, they take distinctly different approaches to meeting user needs. Let's dive into what makes each unique and help you decide which best fits your lifestyle.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have come a long way since their early days of tinny sound and unreliable connections. Today's speakers pack impressive audio technology into increasingly durable packages, with features like water resistance and extended battery life becoming standard. The market has largely split into two categories: premium audio-focused devices and ultra-portable companions for active lifestyles.
The Marshall Emberton II leads in audio performance, leveraging its larger size to house two 2-inch full-range drivers and passive radiators. These work together with Marshall's True Stereophonic technology (which creates an immersive 360-degree soundstage) to deliver rich, room-filling audio that belies its portable size. Bass response is particularly impressive, with clear definition even at higher volumes.
The JBL Clip 5 takes a different approach, focusing on delivering the best possible sound from an ultra-compact form factor. Its single driver and passive radiator setup produces surprisingly full audio for its size, though it can't match the Emberton II's depth and clarity. However, the Clip 5 includes customizable EQ through its app, allowing users to tune the sound to their preferences - something the Emberton II lacks.
Here's where we see the biggest differentiation between these speakers. The Emberton II weighs 1.5 pounds and takes a traditional rectangular shape, making it portable but definitely noticeable in a bag. Its premium build quality includes metal grilles and high-grade silicone, giving it a substantial feel that inspires confidence.
The Clip 5, true to its name, weighs just 0.63 pounds and features an integrated carabiner clip that's proven incredibly useful in real-world use. You can attach it to backpack straps, tent poles, bike handlebars - pretty much anywhere you need music. This versatility makes it an exceptional companion for outdoor activities.
Battery technology has improved significantly in recent years, and both speakers benefit from these advances. The Emberton II boasts an impressive 30+ hours of playback time, with a quick-charge feature providing 4 hours of play from just 20 minutes of charging. This makes it extremely practical for weekend trips or extended outdoor sessions.
The Clip 5 offers 12 hours of playback (expandable to 15 with its Playtime Boost feature), which is quite good considering its compact size. Both speakers use USB-C charging, with full charges taking about 3 hours.
Both speakers carry IP67 ratings, meaning they're both dustproof and waterproof (submersible up to 1 meter for 30 minutes). This is a significant improvement over earlier models that only offered water resistance. You can confidently use either speaker by the pool, at the beach, or in dusty environments without worry.
The Emberton II uses Bluetooth 5.1 and can connect to two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between sources. It also features Stack Mode, allowing you to connect multiple Marshall speakers together for bigger sound - though you'll need to stay within the Marshall ecosystem.
The Clip 5 employs Bluetooth 5.3, the latest version, offering improved connection stability and range. It supports Auracast, JBL's multi-speaker pairing technology, and provides more flexible EQ control through its companion app.
Having tested both speakers extensively, here's how they perform in various scenarios:
The Marshall Emberton II excels here, filling rooms with rich, balanced sound that works well for both background music and focused listening sessions. Its True Stereophonic technology creates an impressively wide soundstage that makes it feel like a much larger speaker.
The JBL Clip 5 shines in outdoor settings, where its clip design and lighter weight make it incredibly versatile. While it can't match the Emberton II's volume or bass response, it produces clear, enjoyable audio that's perfect for hikes, bike rides, or beach days.
For travel, each speaker has its advantages. The Clip 5's smaller size and innovative mounting options make it ideal for lightweight travel and adventure sports. The Emberton II's superior sound quality and longer battery life make it better suited for extended trips where audio quality is paramount.
At nearly triple the price, the Emberton II needs to justify its premium positioning. For audiophiles and those prioritizing sound quality, it delivers with superior audio performance, longer battery life, and premium build quality. The Stack Mode feature also adds value for those planning to expand their speaker system over time.
The Clip 5 offers exceptional value, delivering good sound quality, durability, and unmatched portability at a more accessible price point. Its versatile design and app-based features make it a compelling choice for active users who prioritize convenience and flexibility over absolute audio quality.
Consider these key factors when making your choice:
Both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The Marshall Emberton II is the clear choice for those prioritizing audio quality and battery life, willing to pay a premium for better sound. The JBL Clip 5 is perfect for active users wanting a capable, ultra-portable speaker that won't break the bank.
Remember: the "best" speaker is the one that fits your specific needs and use cases. Consider how and where you'll use it most often, and choose accordingly. Both speakers represent significant improvements over their predecessors and stand as excellent choices in their respective categories.
| Marshall Emberton II | JBL Clip 5 |
|---|---|
| Price - Total cost consideration | |
| $169 (premium pricing) | $60 (budget-friendly) |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and ease of use | |
| 3.4 x 6.3 x 2.7 inches, 1.5 lbs (substantial but manageable) | 3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches, 0.63 lbs (ultra-portable) |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use away from power | |
| 30+ hours (class-leading) | 12-15 hours (adequate for most uses) |
| Audio Configuration - Determines sound quality and coverage | |
| Dual 2" drivers + passive radiators with True Stereophonic | Single driver + passive radiator |
| Water/Dust Protection - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (fully dustproof and waterproof) | IP67 (fully dustproof and waterproof) |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection quality and range | |
| 5.1 (stable, modern connection) | 5.3 (latest version, slightly better range) |
| Special Features - Additional functionality | |
| Stack Mode for multi-speaker pairing, quick charge (4hrs in 20min) | Built-in carabiner clip, app-based EQ control, Auracast support |
| Build Quality - Affects durability and premium feel | |
| Premium materials with metal grille and silicone exterior | Durable plastic with integrated metal clip |
| Sound Performance - Overall audio experience | |
| Rich, room-filling sound with strong bass response | Good clarity but limited bass, optimized for personal listening |
| Charging Port - Convenience factor | |
| USB-C (3 hours to full charge) | USB-C (3 hours to full charge) |
The Marshall Emberton II is significantly better for home theater use due to its True Stereophonic sound and more powerful drivers. While neither speaker is designed as a primary home theater speaker, the Emberton II's superior bass response and room-filling sound make it a better choice for casual movie watching or as a supplementary speaker.
The Marshall Emberton II costs $169, while the JBL Clip 5 is priced at $60. The $109 difference reflects the Emberton II's superior sound quality and battery life.
The Marshall Emberton II offers significantly longer battery life at 30+ hours compared to the JBL Clip 5's 12-15 hours. For extended listening sessions, the Emberton II is clearly superior.
Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance ratings, making them equally suitable for outdoor use. However, the JBL Clip 5 has an advantage with its integrated carabiner clip for easier mounting and transport.
The Marshall Emberton II delivers superior sound quality with its dual 2" drivers and passive radiators. It provides fuller bass, better clarity, and more room-filling sound compared to the JBL Clip 5's single driver setup.
Yes, both can be paired with additional speakers. The Marshall Emberton II uses Stack Mode to pair with other Marshall speakers, while the JBL Clip 5 uses Auracast to connect with other JBL speakers.
The JBL Clip 5 is significantly more portable at 0.63 pounds with an integrated clip design, compared to the Marshall Emberton II at 1.5 pounds. The Clip 5 is designed specifically for maximum portability.
While both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability, the Marshall Emberton II is better suited for TV audio due to its superior sound quality and stereo separation. However, neither is an ideal primary TV speaker solution.
Yes, both the Marshall Emberton II and JBL Clip 5 use standard Bluetooth connectivity that works with any Bluetooth-enabled device, including both iPhone and Android devices.
Both speakers feature identical IP67 ratings and robust construction. The JBL Clip 5 may handle drops better due to its lighter weight, while the Marshall Emberton II features more premium materials.
The JBL Clip 5 offers better value for casual users at $60, while the Marshall Emberton II at $169 justifies its higher price for those prioritizing sound quality and battery life.
While both speakers offer some multi-speaker pairing capabilities, neither is ideal for true multi-room audio setups. For home theater or multi-room applications, dedicated home audio solutions would be more appropriate than either the Marshall Emberton II or JBL Clip 5.
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 - howtogeek.com - soundguys.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - gymcaddy.net - jbl.com - mm.jbl.com - soundguys.com - th.jbl.com - hu.harmanaudio.com
