When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, two recent releases have caught the attention of audio enthusiasts: the Marshall Emberton III at $169.99 and the Bose SoundLink Flex at $119.99. Both launched in early 2024, bringing fresh features to an increasingly competitive market. Let's dive into what makes each speaker unique and help you decide which best fits your needs.
Portable speakers have evolved significantly over the past few years. Today's models aren't just about playing music - they're about delivering high-quality sound in any environment while offering features like water resistance, long battery life, and smart device integration.
The core technology has matured, with improvements in Bluetooth connectivity (now featuring version 5.3 in the Marshall), better battery efficiency, and more sophisticated sound processing. These advances mean better audio quality and reliability than ever before.
The Marshall Emberton III and Bose SoundLink Flex take notably different approaches to sound delivery. The Marshall employs what they call "True Stereophonic" technology - essentially a 360-degree sound system that projects audio in multiple directions. This creates an immersive experience that's particularly effective in group settings or outdoor spaces.
The Bose takes a more traditional approach with directional sound but includes their proprietary PositionIQ technology, which automatically adjusts the equalizer (EQ) settings based on the speaker's orientation. This means whether you stand it up, lay it flat, or hang it from its utility loop, the sound remains consistently balanced.
In terms of audio performance:
Here's where we see a significant difference. The Marshall Emberton III boasts an impressive 32-hour battery life - a substantial improvement over its predecessor. It also features quick charging, providing 6 hours of playback from just 20 minutes of charging.
The Bose SoundLink Flex offers 12 hours of battery life, which is respectable but not exceptional. Both use USB-C charging, but the Marshall's superior battery life makes it particularly appealing for extended outdoor use or weekend trips.
Both speakers feature IP67 ratings, meaning they're:
The Marshall maintains its classic amplifier-inspired design, while the Bose opts for a sleeker, more modern aesthetic. The Bose is slightly more portable, weighing less and featuring a more compact form factor.
Recent tech improvements are evident in both models:
Marshall Emberton III:
Bose SoundLink Flex:
Having tested both speakers in various scenarios, here's how they perform in specific situations:
The Marshall's 360-degree sound makes it ideal for backyard gatherings or beach trips. Its longer battery life means you won't need to worry about charging during extended outings.
The Bose excels in indoor environments where its directional sound and stronger bass response create a more intimate listening experience. Its PositionIQ technology really shines when placing the speaker in different positions around your home.
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, the Bose's superior bass response makes it a better option for enhancing TV audio in a pinch. However, for serious home theater applications, you'd be better served by dedicated soundbars or surround sound systems.
The Marshall Emberton III justifies its higher price point through:
The Bose SoundLink Flex offers excellent value through:
Choose the Marshall Emberton III if:
Choose the Bose SoundLink Flex if:
Both speakers represent significant improvements over their predecessors, but they serve slightly different needs. The Marshall Emberton III is the premium choice for those prioritizing battery life and versatile sound distribution, while the Bose SoundLink Flex offers excellent value and superior bass response in a more compact package.
For my money, the Marshall's exceptional battery life and 360-degree sound make it worth the extra investment, particularly for outdoor use. However, if you're primarily using the speaker for personal listening or want to save some money, the Bose is an excellent choice that doesn't compromise on sound quality.
| Marshall Emberton III | Bose SoundLink Flex |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial Investment | |
| $169.99 (premium pricing) | $119.99 (better value) |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 32 hours (industry-leading) | 12 hours (standard for category) |
| Sound Distribution - Impacts group vs personal use | |
| 360° True Stereophonic (better for groups) | Directional with PositionIQ (optimized for individual) |
| Bass Response - Affects music enjoyment | |
| Moderate bass, balanced sound | Stronger bass, particularly good for EDM |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 rated (fully waterproof) | IP67 rated (fully waterproof) |
| Size & Weight - Affects portability | |
| 6.3 x 2.7 x 3 inches, 1.5 lbs (larger) | 5.9 x 2.1 x 2.1 inches, 1.3 lbs (more compact) |
| Bluetooth Version - Impacts connection quality | |
| 5.3 LE (latest tech, future-proof) | 4.2 (older but reliable) |
| App Features - Determines customization | |
| Basic app, limited EQ options | Advanced app with full EQ control |
| Charging Speed - Convenience factor | |
| 20 min charge = 6 hours playback | Standard USB-C charging |
| Special Features - Added value | |
| Future Auracast support, premium build | Voice assistant integration, Party Mode |
While neither is designed specifically for home theater, the Bose SoundLink Flex performs better as a TV speaker due to its stronger bass response and directional audio. However, for proper home theater sound, we recommend a dedicated soundbar or surround system instead of the Marshall Emberton III or Bose.
The Marshall Emberton III significantly outperforms with 32 hours of battery life, compared to the Bose SoundLink Flex's 12 hours. This makes the Marshall better for extended use without charging.
Both speakers have IP67 waterproof ratings, but the Marshall Emberton III has advantages outdoors with its 360-degree sound and longer battery life. The Bose SoundLink Flex is more portable but better suited for personal listening.
The Bose SoundLink Flex delivers stronger bass and clearer vocals, while the Marshall Emberton III offers better 360-degree sound distribution. Sound preference depends on your listening style - Bose for personal listening, Marshall for groups.
The Marshall Emberton III costs $169.99, while the Bose SoundLink Flex is priced at $119.99, making the Bose more budget-friendly by $50.
The Marshall Emberton III will support Auracast technology for multi-room audio through a future update. The Bose SoundLink Flex can be paired with other Bose speakers through Party Mode.
The Bose SoundLink Flex is more compact and lighter at 1.3 lbs, compared to the Marshall Emberton III's 1.5 lbs and larger size, making the Bose easier to carry.
The Bose SoundLink Flex has better voice assistant integration, while the Marshall Emberton III offers basic voice control functionality through connected devices.
The Bose SoundLink Flex offers more comprehensive app features including full EQ control, while the Marshall Emberton III has more basic app functionality with limited customization.
Yes, both the Marshall Emberton III and Bose SoundLink Flex have IP67 ratings, making them equally waterproof and dustproof.
The Bose SoundLink Flex performs better for movie audio due to its stronger bass response and clearer dialogue reproduction compared to the Marshall Emberton III, though neither is ideal for home theater use.
The Marshall Emberton III features newer Bluetooth 5.3 LE technology, while the Bose SoundLink Flex uses Bluetooth 4.2, making the Marshall more future-proof for connectivity.
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 - bgr.com - androidcentral.com - crutchfield.com - goodhousekeeping.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com - bestbuy.com - group.marshall.com - bose.com - bose.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - projectorscreen.com - assets.bose.com - boselatam.com - adorama.com - bose.com
