Battle of the Portable Speakers: Marshall Emberton III ($169.99) vs JBL Clip 4 ($49.99)

In the ever-evolving world of portable audio, two distinctly different approaches to solving the portable speaker challenge have emerged. Today, we're comparing the premium Marshall Emberton III with the ultra-portable JBL Clip 4 to help you understand which might better suit your needs.

The Portable Speaker Landscape in 2023

Portable Bluetooth speakers have come a long way from their early tinny-sounding predecessors. Modern speakers pack impressive audio technology into increasingly durable and compact forms. The key advances we're seeing in 2023 include better battery life, improved water resistance, and more sophisticated audio processing that helps small speakers sound bigger than they should.

Both speakers in our comparison launched in 2023, with Marshall's offering representing their third generation of the Emberton line and JBL's fourth iteration of their popular Clip series. Each takes a notably different approach to portable audio, which makes this comparison particularly interesting.

Sound Quality: A Tale of Two Philosophies

The Marshall Emberton III implements what they call "True Stereophonic" technology - essentially creating a 360-degree soundstage that helps the speaker sound great regardless of its orientation. In testing, this proves particularly effective in small to medium-sized rooms, where the sound seems to fill the space more naturally than traditional directional speakers.

Its audio signature leans toward what you'd expect from Marshall - clear mids, detailed highs, and just enough bass to keep things interesting without overwhelming the mix. The speaker uses dual 2-inch drivers paired with passive radiators (which are like speakers without their own power that move in response to the powered speakers, helping create better bass response).

The JBL Clip 4, by contrast, focuses on personal listening. Its single driver setup prioritizes vocal clarity and mid-range performance - perfect for podcasts and personal music listening, but less suited for filling a room. The bass response is present but notably limited compared to the Emberton III, which is expected given its much smaller size.

Battery Life and Charging

Here's where we see one of the biggest differentiators. The Emberton III boasts an impressive 32-hour battery life - a significant improvement over its predecessor's 20 hours. Even more impressive is its fast-charging capability, providing 6 hours of playback from just 20 minutes of charging.

The Clip 4's 10-hour battery life, while respectable for its size, can't compete with the Emberton III's endurance. However, for its intended use case as a personal portable speaker, 10 hours is typically sufficient for a few days of regular use.

Both speakers use USB-C charging, which is a welcome modern standard. The Emberton III takes about 3 hours for a full charge, while the Clip 4 requires roughly the same time - though it's charging a much smaller battery.

Durability and Design

Both speakers feature IP67 ratings, meaning they're both dust-proof and can handle being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. This is particularly impressive for the Emberton III, given its more premium positioning.

The design philosophies couldn't be more different:

• The Emberton III embraces Marshall's classic amp aesthetic, with a robust metal grille and rubberized housing that weighs in at 1.5 pounds
• The Clip 4 takes a more modern approach with its ultra-portable design and integrated carabiner, weighing just 0.53 pounds

Connectivity and Smart Features

The Emberton III includes Bluetooth 5.3 with LE (Low Energy) support, setting it up for future features like Auracast (a technology that will allow broadcasting to multiple compatible speakers). It also supports connecting to two devices simultaneously, which is handy for switching between your phone and laptop.

The Clip 4 uses Bluetooth 5.1, which provides reliable connectivity but lacks some of the newer features. However, it does offer impressively low audio latency, making it great for watching videos without noticeable audio delay.

Real-World Performance

Having tested both speakers in various scenarios, here's how they perform in different situations:

Home Use

• Emberton III: Excels as a small room speaker, with enough volume and bass to provide enjoyable background music or focused listening
• Clip 4: Better suited as a desk speaker or for personal listening while moving around the house

Outdoor Activities

• Emberton III: Great for picnics, beach days, or backyard gatherings where its extra volume and battery life shine
• Clip 4: Perfect for hiking, biking, or any activity where weight and attachment options matter more than absolute sound quality

Travel

• Emberton III: Works well for hotel rooms or vacation rentals, but its weight might be a consideration for packed bags
• Clip 4: Ideal for travel due to its minimal weight and ability to clip onto bags

Value Proposition

The Marshall Emberton III at $169.99 represents a significant investment compared to the JBL Clip 4 at $49.99. However, the value equation isn't as simple as comparing price tags.

The Emberton III delivers:

• Superior sound quality with room-filling capability
• Triple the battery life
• Future-proof features like Bluetooth 5.3 LE
• Premium build quality

The Clip 4 offers:

• Ultimate portability
• Adequate sound for personal use
• Robust clip design
• Great value for basic portable audio needs

How to Decide

Consider these key questions:

1. What's your primary use case?
   • Small gatherings or room-filling sound → Emberton III
   • Personal listening on the go → Clip 4
2. How important is portability?
   • Need ultra-portable → Clip 4
   • Can handle 1.5 pounds for better sound → Emberton III
3. What's your budget sensitivity?
   • Want the best portable sound regardless of cost → Emberton III
   • Need good value for basic portable audio → Clip 4
4. How important is battery life?
   • Need multiple days without charging → Emberton III
   • Daily charging is fine → Clip 4

Conclusion

Both speakers excel in their intended use cases. The Marshall Emberton III stands out as a premium portable speaker that doesn't compromise on sound quality or battery life, making it ideal for those who prioritize audio performance and are willing to pay for it. The JBL Clip 4 shines as an ultra-portable option that delivers impressive value for personal listening needs.

Remember: The best speaker is the one that fits your specific needs and use cases. Don't just buy the more expensive option assuming it's better - consider how you'll actually use it and choose accordingly.

Marshall Emberton III Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices

JBL Clip 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Deals and Prices