When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, finding the right balance of sound quality, portability, and features can be tricky. Let's compare the newer Marshall Emberton III ($169.99) with the established Bose SoundLink Micro ($99.99) to help you make an informed choice for your specific needs.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly over the past few years, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what's possible in increasingly compact packages. These devices now offer impressive sound quality, longer battery life, and better durability than ever before. The key is finding the right mix of features for your specific needs.
The most significant recent developments include:
The Marshall Emberton III, released in late 2023, represents the latest iteration of Marshall's popular portable speaker line. It brings several meaningful improvements over its predecessor, including better battery life (now 32 hours) and more refined sound quality. The newest model also adds features like a built-in microphone for calls and Auracast support (coming via future update), which lets you broadcast audio to multiple compatible speakers.
The Bose SoundLink Micro has been around longer but remains popular for its ultra-portable design and Bose's renowned sound engineering. While it hasn't received recent updates, its core feature set - including IPX7 waterproofing and a tear-resistant strap - continues to serve its target market well.
The Emberton III employs True Stereophonic technology, which creates a 360-degree soundstage using two 2-inch full-range drivers and two passive radiators. In practical terms, this means you get consistent sound quality regardless of where you place the speaker. The sound signature is well-balanced, with noticeable improvements in bass response compared to previous models.
A unique feature is Dynamic Loudness, which automatically adjusts the speaker's tonal balance based on volume level. This means you get fuller sound even at lower volumes - particularly useful for background music or nighttime listening.
Bose takes a different approach, optimizing the SoundLink Micro for clear, detailed sound in close-range listening situations. While it can't match the Emberton III's volume or bass response, it excels at delivering clean, articulate audio for personal listening. The speaker uses custom-designed transducers and passive radiators to maximize sound quality from its tiny frame.
This is perhaps the most striking difference between these speakers. The Emberton III offers an impressive 32 hours of playback and includes fast charging - 20 minutes gets you 6 hours of listening time. This makes it particularly suitable for weekend trips or extended outdoor use.
The SoundLink Micro provides about 6 hours of battery life, reflecting its focus on ultra-portable use cases. While this might seem limited, it's actually quite reasonable given its tiny size and weight.
Both speakers offer excellent protection against the elements:
In practical terms, both can handle rain, splashes, and even brief submersion. The main difference is the Emberton III's additional dust protection, which might matter if you frequently use it in sandy environments.
The Emberton III features Bluetooth 5.3 LE, which provides better range and stability compared to the SoundLink Micro's Bluetooth 4.2. The upcoming Auracast support will also add broadcasting capabilities, though this requires compatible devices to receive the broadcast.
Both speakers offer companion apps for additional controls:
While the Marshall Emberton III costs $70 more than the SoundLink Micro, it offers significantly more capability as a primary speaker. The extended battery life alone might justify the difference for many users. However, if ultra-portability is your primary concern, the SoundLink Micro's lower price point makes it an attractive option.
Consider these key questions:
Choose the Marshall Emberton III if:
Choose the Bose SoundLink Micro if:
Both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The Marshall Emberton III offers more flexibility and better overall performance, while the Bose SoundLink Micro delivers impressive sound in an ultra-portable package. Your choice should ultimately depend on how you plan to use the speaker most often and whether the additional features of the Emberton III justify its higher price for your specific needs.
Remember that both speakers come from respected brands with proven track records in audio equipment, so you can expect good build quality and reliability regardless of which you choose. The main consideration should be matching the speaker's capabilities to your specific needs and use cases.
| Marshall Emberton III ($169.99) | Bose SoundLink Micro ($99.99) |
|---|---|
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and sound capabilities | |
| 6.3" x 2.7" x 3", 1.5 lbs | 3.87" x 3.87" x 1.37", 0.68 lbs |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use without charging | |
| 32 hours, 20-min quick charge for 6 hours | 6 hours, standard charging |
| Sound Output - Determines volume and sound quality | |
| 2x 2" full-range drivers + 2 passive radiators, 360° sound | Single full-range driver + passive radiator, directional sound |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (waterproof and dustproof) | IPX7 (waterproof only) |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection stability and range | |
| 5.3 LE with Auracast support coming | 4.2, standard features |
| Special Features - Added functionality beyond basic playback | |
| Built-in mic, Dynamic Loudness, EQ via app | SimpleSync, Party Mode, built-in strap |
| Maximum Volume - Important for group listening | |
| Higher max volume, maintains clarity | Lower max volume, best for personal listening |
| Charging Port - Convenience factor | |
| Modern USB-C | Older Micro-USB |
| Sound Signature - Affects listening experience | |
| Balanced with stronger bass, room-filling sound | Clear mids, limited bass, focused sound |
| Value Proposition - What you get for the money | |
| Higher price but more capable as primary speaker | Better value for ultra-portable needs |
The Marshall Emberton III ($169.99) offers notably better sound quality for movies and TV due to its True Stereophonic 360° sound and stronger bass response. While neither speaker is designed primarily for home theater use, the Emberton III's room-filling sound makes it a better choice for casual TV viewing compared to the more personally-focused Bose SoundLink Micro ($99.99).
The Marshall Emberton III offers significantly longer battery life at 32 hours, compared to just 6 hours on the Bose SoundLink Micro. The Emberton III also features quick charging, providing 6 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge.
Yes, both speakers are waterproof. The Marshall Emberton III has an IP67 rating (waterproof and dustproof), while the Bose SoundLink Micro has an IPX7 rating (waterproof). Both are safe for bathroom use and can handle steam, splashes, and even brief submersion.
Both are good for outdoor use, but serve different purposes. The Marshall Emberton III is better for group listening and longer events due to its superior battery life and louder volume. The Bose SoundLink Micro is better for personal outdoor activities like hiking or biking due to its ultra-compact size and built-in strap.
Neither speaker is ideal for TV connection as they only offer Bluetooth connectivity. While you can connect them to Bluetooth-enabled TVs, you may experience audio lag. For TV sound, we recommend dedicated soundbars or home theater speakers instead.
The Marshall Emberton III delivers notably better bass response thanks to its larger drivers and dual passive radiators. The Bose SoundLink Micro offers decent bass for its size but can't match the Emberton III's low-end performance.
The Bose SoundLink Micro is significantly more portable, weighing just 0.68 lbs compared to the Marshall Emberton III at 1.5 lbs. The Micro's smaller size and built-in strap make it easier to carry and attach to bags or bikes.
The Marshall Emberton III includes a built-in microphone for calls and video conferences. The Bose SoundLink Micro doesn't have this feature, making the Emberton III a better choice for communication needs.
The Bose SoundLink Micro offers better value if you prioritize ultra-portability and personal listening. However, the Marshall Emberton III justifies its higher price with better sound quality, longer battery life, and more features.
The Marshall Emberton III will support Auracast for multi-speaker connectivity through a future update. The Bose SoundLink Micro supports Party Mode for connecting multiple Bose speakers through the Bose Connect app.
The Marshall Emberton III offers better sound quality for movie watching, but the Bose SoundLink Micro might be more practical for personal bedtime viewing due to its smaller size and focused sound projection.
Both speakers use Bluetooth connectivity, but the Marshall Emberton III has newer Bluetooth 5.3 technology, potentially offering better range and stability compared to the Bose SoundLink Micro's Bluetooth 4.2. However, neither is an ideal primary TV speaker solution.
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 - rtings.com - mygolfspy.com - youtube.com - cnet.com - bose.com - bose.com - alwayswander.info - target.com - bose.com - bose.com
