When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the competition between Marshall Emberton III at $159 and JBL Charge 5 at $140 represents an interesting choice in the premium portable audio segment. Let's dive into what makes each speaker unique and help you decide which one best fits your needs.
The portable speaker market has come a long way from basic battery-powered units with mediocre sound. Today's premium speakers offer sophisticated audio processing, robust water resistance, and battery life that was unimaginable just a few years ago.
The Emberton III, released in 2024, represents Marshall's latest iteration of their compact speaker line, while the Charge 5, introduced in 2021, continues JBL's successful series of outdoor-friendly speakers. Both manufacturers have focused on different priorities, resulting in distinct experiences for users.
The Emberton III introduces "True Stereophonic" technology, which creates a 360-degree soundstage using two 2-inch full-range drivers and passive radiators. This means you'll hear balanced sound regardless of where you place the speaker in a room. The speaker also features "Dynamic Loudness" - an intelligent system that adjusts frequency response based on volume level, ensuring music sounds full even at lower volumes.
The Charge 5 takes a more traditional approach with a separate woofer and tweeter configuration. Its 52x90mm woofer and 20mm tweeter combination, paired with dual passive radiators, delivers JBL's signature sound - punchy bass and crisp highs. This setup generally produces higher maximum volume levels compared to the Emberton III, though sometimes at the expense of clarity at peak volumes.
In practical use, these different approaches yield noticeable results:
Battery technology has seen significant improvements in recent years:
This difference reflects each product's intended use case - the Emberton III prioritizes extended listening sessions, while the Charge 5 offers more versatility with its power-sharing capability.
Both speakers feature robust construction:
Modern Bluetooth speakers have evolved beyond simple audio playback:
When considering value, it's important to look beyond just price:
The Emberton III at $159 offers:
The Charge 5 at $140 provides:
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, they can serve as supplementary audio solutions:
The Emberton III's 360-degree sound makes it an interesting option for casual TV viewing in smaller rooms, while the Charge 5's stronger bass response might better suit action movies or gaming sessions. However, for dedicated home theater use, purpose-built soundbars or speaker systems would be more appropriate.
Both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The Marshall Emberton III represents a more refined, future-focused approach with its superior battery life and balanced sound profile. The JBL Charge 5 offers excellent value with its versatile features and robust outdoor performance.
Your choice should ultimately depend on your primary use case: Choose the Emberton III for premium indoor listening experiences, or opt for the Charge 5 if you need a versatile outdoor performer with power bank capabilities.
For most users, the Charge 5's value proposition makes it the safer choice, but if you prioritize sound quality and battery life over raw volume and versatility, the Emberton III's premium features justify its higher price point.
| Marshall Emberton III | JBL Charge 5 |
|---|---|
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability and placement options | |
| 6.3" x 2.7" x 3", 0.67 kg (more compact and portable) | 8.7" x 3.7" x 3.7", 0.96 kg (larger but still manageable) |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use without charging | |
| 32 hours, 20-min fast charge for 6 hours | 20 hours, no fast charging |
| Sound Output - Determines volume and audio quality | |
| Two 2" full-range drivers with passive radiators, 360° sound | 52x90mm woofer + 20mm tweeter, directional sound with stronger bass |
| Water/Dust Protection - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 rated (waterproof/dustproof) | IP67 rated (waterproof/dustproof) |
| Connectivity - Affects future compatibility and features | |
| Bluetooth 5.3 LE, Auracast ready | Bluetooth 5.1, PartyBoost for multiple speakers |
| Special Features - Additional functionality beyond basic audio | |
| App with EQ presets, Dynamic Loudness adjustment | Power bank function, PartyBoost speaker linking |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $159 (premium price for refined features) | $140 (better value for raw performance) |
| Ideal Use Case - Where each speaker performs best | |
| Indoor listening, small gatherings, balanced audio | Outdoor events, parties, situations needing more volume |
| Maximum Volume - Important for larger spaces | |
| Moderate (optimal for small to medium rooms) | Louder (better for outdoor use and larger spaces) |
| Power Output - Affects overall sound capability | |
| Not specified (focuses on balanced sound) | 40W RMS (30W woofer + 10W tweeter) |
| Charging Port - Convenience factor | |
| USB-C with fast charging | USB-C, standard charging |
The JBL Charge 5 performs better for home theater use due to its stronger bass response and higher volume output. However, neither speaker is ideal as a primary home theater solution - they're better suited as supplementary speakers for casual TV viewing or temporary setups.
The Marshall Emberton III costs $159, while the JBL Charge 5 is priced at $140, making the JBL about $20 less expensive.
The Marshall Emberton III offers superior battery life with 32 hours of playback, compared to the Charge 5's 20 hours. The Emberton III also features fast charging, providing 6 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge.
Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance, but the JBL Charge 5 is better suited for outdoor use due to its louder volume and stronger bass. The Emberton III works better in controlled outdoor settings.
The Marshall Emberton III offers more balanced, refined sound with 360-degree coverage, while the JBL Charge 5 delivers more powerful, bass-heavy audio. For critical listening, the Emberton III is superior, but the Charge 5 projects better in larger spaces.
The JBL Charge 5 offers PartyBoost for connecting multiple JBL speakers. The Emberton III will support Auracast in the future through an update, but it's not currently available.
The Marshall Emberton III is more portable at 0.67kg and smaller dimensions, while the JBL Charge 5 is larger at 0.96kg. Both are considered portable, but the Emberton III is notably more compact.
While both can be used for casual movie watching, the JBL Charge 5 performs better due to its stronger bass response and higher volume capability. However, neither speaker is a replacement for a proper soundbar or home theater system.
The Marshall Emberton III offers a dedicated app with EQ presets and firmware updates. The JBL Charge 5 has simpler controls without an app requirement.
Only the JBL Charge 5 can function as a power bank to charge other devices. The Emberton III doesn't offer this feature.
The Marshall Emberton III is ideal for small rooms due to its 360-degree sound distribution and balanced audio profile. The Charge 5 might be overkill in very small spaces.
The JBL Charge 5 offers better value with its lower price and additional features like power bank functionality. However, the Marshall Emberton III justifies its higher price with superior battery life and more refined sound quality.
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 - techradar.com - outeraudio.com - youtube.com - soundguys.com - howtogeek.com - jbl.com - abt.com - youtube.com - harmanaudio.com - homedepot.com - bhphotovideo.com - dxomark.com
