Marshall Emberton II vs JBL Flip 5: Which Portable Speaker Deserves Your Money?

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, two popular options stand out in 2023: the Marshall Emberton II at $169 and the JBL Flip 5 at $79.99. Let's dive into what makes each speaker unique and help you decide which best fits your needs.

The Evolution of Portable Speakers

The portable speaker market has evolved significantly since the JBL Flip 5 launched in 2019. When the Marshall Emberton II arrived in 2022, it brought several technological improvements that showcase how far we've come. Most notably, battery life has nearly tripled, and sound processing has become more sophisticated.

Sound Quality: The Most Important Factor

Marshall Emberton II's Approach

The Emberton II employs what Marshall calls "True Stereophonic" - a fancy term for their 360-degree sound technology. In practice, this means the speaker uses two 2-inch drivers and passive radiators to create an impressively wide soundstage. What's a soundstage? Think of it as how well you can hear different instruments positioned in space - like being able to tell the guitarist is on the left and the vocalist is center-stage.

The sound signature is notably balanced, with clear mids (where vocals and most instruments live) and controlled highs. However, it does have limitations with deep bass, especially at higher volumes where some audio compression becomes noticeable.

JBL Flip 5's Sound

The Flip 5 takes a different approach with its racetrack-shaped driver (an oval design that helps fit more speaker into a smaller space). While it doesn't offer the same wide soundstage as the Emberton II, it delivers punchy bass at moderate volumes and maintains clarity better at maximum volume.

Battery Life and Charging

This is where we see the biggest technological leap between these generations of speakers:

• Emberton II: 30+ hours of playback, with a game-changing quick-charge feature (20 minutes gives you 4 hours of playback)
• Flip 5: 12 hours of playback with standard USB-C charging

The Emberton II's battery life is transformative for real-world use. You can take it on a weekend camping trip without worrying about charging, while the Flip 5 might need daily charging during heavy use.

Build Quality and Durability

Both speakers are well-built, but there are important distinctions:

Marshall Emberton II

• IP67 rating (can handle both dust and water submersion)
• Premium materials including metal grille and silicone exterior
• 50% post-consumer recycled plastic construction
• Weighs 1.5 pounds

JBL Flip 5

• IPX7 rating (water-resistant but not dust-rated)
• Durable fabric covering
• Rubber housing for impact protection
• Weighs 1.2 pounds

Connectivity and Smart Features

The Emberton II shows its newer heritage with Bluetooth 5.1, supporting connection to two devices simultaneously. This is particularly useful when sharing DJ duties at a party. The companion app offers EQ presets, though notably lacks a full graphic equalizer.

The Flip 5 uses older Bluetooth 4.2 technology but includes JBL's PartyBoost feature for connecting multiple compatible speakers. While this sounds great in theory, it only works with other recent JBL speakers, limiting its real-world usefulness.

Real-World Performance

After extensive testing, here's how they perform in different scenarios:

Outdoor Use

Both speakers handle outdoor environments well, but the Emberton II's True Stereophonic sound creates a more immersive experience in open spaces. The Flip 5's more focused sound projection can be advantageous in windy conditions.

Indoor Listening

In smaller rooms, both speakers perform admirably. The Emberton II's wider soundstage makes it more suitable for background music during gatherings, while the Flip 5's stronger directional sound works well for personal listening.

Home Theater Use

Neither speaker is ideal for home theater use due to potential audio lag and lack of proper stereo separation. However, if you must use one, the Emberton II's better stereo imaging makes it the superior choice.

Value Proposition

The value equation changes dramatically depending on pricing:

Marshall Emberton II:

• At full price ($169): Premium pricing requires justification through features
• On sale ($99): Becomes a compelling value proposition
• Premium features: Extended battery life, better sound quality, dual-device connectivity

JBL Flip 5:

• Consistent pricing around $79.99
• Solid baseline features
• Proven reliability
• More accessible price point

How to Decide

Choose the Marshall Emberton II if:

• You need extended battery life
• Sound quality is your top priority
• You value premium build quality
• You find it on sale around $99
• You frequently share speaker control with others

Choose the JBL Flip 5 if:

• You're working with a tighter budget
• Basic durability meets your needs
• 12 hours of battery life is sufficient
• You prefer simpler operation
• You might want to connect multiple JBL speakers later

Looking Forward

The portable speaker market continues to evolve, with newer models pushing boundaries in battery life and sound quality. The Marshall Emberton II represents the current state of the art, while the JBL Flip 5 remains a solid budget choice despite its age.

Both speakers excel in their respective price brackets, but the decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you can find the Emberton II on sale, it offers exceptional value. However, the Flip 5's lower price point makes it an enduring choice for budget-conscious buyers who still want quality sound.

Remember: The best speaker is the one that fits your specific use case and budget while delivering the features you'll actually use.

Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices

JBL Flip 5 Portable Speaker Deals and Prices