The portable speaker market has evolved dramatically in recent years, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what's possible in increasingly compact packages. Today, we're comparing two distinctly different approaches to portable audio: the premium Marshall Emberton III ($170) and the ultra-portable JBL Clip 5 ($60).
Portable Bluetooth speakers have become essential gadgets for many of us, serving everything from backyard BBQs to beach days. The key factors that matter most are sound quality, durability, and battery life - but how these elements balance depends entirely on your needs.
The Marshall Emberton III represents a premium approach to portable audio. Released in 2023, it builds on Marshall's heritage in professional audio equipment. At 1.5 pounds, it's not the lightest option, but its solid construction and classic Marshall styling make it feel like a proper piece of audio equipment rather than just another gadget.
In contrast, the JBL Clip 5, launched in 2022, embraces pure portability. Its integrated carabiner clip isn't just a gimmick - it's central to the product's identity, letting you attach it to virtually anything. At just 0.63 pounds, you'll barely notice it's there.
The Emberton III introduces something called "True Stereophonic," which is Marshall's approach to creating immersive 360-degree sound. In practice, this means you get consistent audio quality regardless of where you place the speaker - a significant advantage over traditional directional speakers. The speaker uses two 2-inch full-range drivers and passive radiators to deliver surprisingly deep bass for its size.
The Clip 5 takes a different approach. While it can't match the Emberton III's bass response (physics simply won't allow it in such a small package), JBL has done impressive work with their single driver design. The speaker includes a passive radiator that helps produce more bass than you'd expect from such a compact unit. The sound is more directional, meaning placement matters more, but this can actually be an advantage when clipped to your backpack or bike.
Both speakers offer some impressive technical capabilities:
One of the most significant differences between these speakers is battery life. The Emberton III offers an impressive 32 hours of playback, while the Clip 5 provides 12 hours. However, these numbers tell only part of the story.
The Emberton III's longer battery life means you can use it at higher volumes more often without worrying about recharging. Its fast-charging capability (6 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge) is particularly useful for those "oops, I forgot to charge it" moments.
The Clip 5's 12-hour battery life is still respectable for its size class, and given its intended use case - active outdoor activities - it's usually sufficient for several days of moderate use.
Having tested both speakers extensively, here's how they perform in various scenarios:
The Emberton III shines in indoor settings. Its True Stereophonic sound fills rooms effectively, and the Dynamic Loudness feature ensures music sounds balanced at any volume. It's particularly impressive for its size when playing bass-heavy music or movies.
The Clip 5 performs adequately indoors but doesn't have the same room-filling capability. However, it excels as a personal speaker for desk use or in smaller spaces.
Both speakers handle outdoor use well, but differently. The Emberton III's greater power and bass response make it ideal for beach days or backyard gatherings. The Clip 5's portability and durability make it perfect for hiking, biking, or any activity where every ounce matters.
The price difference between these speakers ($170 vs $60) is significant, but they're targeting different users. The Emberton III offers premium sound quality, extended battery life, and sophisticated audio features. The Clip 5 provides exceptional portability and surprisingly good sound in an incredibly versatile package.
Choose the Marshall Emberton III if:
Choose the JBL Clip 5 if:
Both the Marshall Emberton III and JBL Clip 5 excel in their intended roles. The Emberton III is a premium portable speaker that prioritizes sound quality and battery life, while the Clip 5 is an adventure-ready companion that emphasizes portability and versatility. Your choice should ultimately depend on how you plan to use the speaker most often, rather than just comparing specifications.
Remember that the best speaker isn't necessarily the one with the highest price or the most features - it's the one that best fits your specific needs and use cases. Both of these speakers represent excellent choices within their respective categories, and either could be the perfect choice depending on your priorities.
| Marshall Emberton III | JBL Clip 5 |
|---|---|
| Price - Overall Value Proposition | |
| $170 - Premium pricing reflects audio quality and features | $60 - Excellent value for portable use case |
| Size & Weight - Impacts true portability | |
| 6.3" x 2.7" x 3", 1.5 lbs - Book-sized, still portable | 3.4" x 5.3" x 1.8", 0.63 lbs - Ultra-compact with clip design |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use | |
| 32 hours, 20-min charge gives 6 hours | 12 hours, standard charging speed |
| Sound Quality Features - Determines listening experience | |
| True Stereophonic 360° sound, dual 2" drivers with passive radiators | Single driver with passive radiator, directional sound |
| Water/Dust Protection - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 rated - Fully waterproof and dustproof | IP67 rated - Equal protection level |
| Bluetooth Version & Features - Affects connection quality | |
| 5.3 LE, pending Auracast support | 5.3, Auracast ready, multi-point connection |
| Sound Customization - Allows personal preferences | |
| Dynamic Loudness automatic adjustment | App-based EQ control with presets |
| Special Features - Added functionality | |
| Built-in mic for calls, fast charging | Integrated carabiner, sustainable materials |
| Primary Use Case - Who it's best for | |
| Primary portable speaker for home/travel/gatherings | Active lifestyle companion speaker |
| Volume Capability - Important for group settings | |
| Room-filling volume, maintains clarity at high levels | Good personal listening volume, limited for groups |
| Bass Response - Affects music richness | |
| Strong bass presence with dual passive radiators | Limited bass due to size constraints |
The Marshall Emberton III ($170) is significantly better for movie watching due to its True Stereophonic sound and stronger bass response. While the JBL Clip 5 ($60) can work for personal viewing, it lacks the room-filling sound needed for home theater use.
The Marshall Emberton III offers 32 hours of playback, while the JBL Clip 5 provides 12 hours. The Emberton III also features fast charging, providing 6 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge.
Yes, both the Marshall Emberton III and JBL Clip 5 have IP67 water and dust resistance ratings, making them equally suitable for outdoor use. The Clip 5's carabiner design makes it more practical for active outdoor activities.
The Marshall Emberton III delivers superior sound quality with its dual 2-inch drivers and passive radiators. The JBL Clip 5 offers good sound for its size but can't match the Emberton's bass response and overall richness.
Both speakers can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability. The Marshall Emberton III is better suited for TV audio due to its fuller sound and room-filling capabilities compared to the JBL Clip 5.
The Marshall Emberton III is significantly better for parties due to its louder volume, better bass response, and 360-degree sound. The JBL Clip 5 is designed more for personal listening.
The Marshall Emberton III justifies its higher price with superior sound quality and features. The JBL Clip 5 offers excellent value if portability is your primary concern.
The Marshall Emberton III is better for gaming due to its wider soundstage and better bass response. The JBL Clip 5 can work for casual gaming but isn't ideal for immersive gaming experiences.
The JBL Clip 5 is significantly more portable at 0.63 pounds with its carabiner design. The Marshall Emberton III is still portable but heavier at 1.5 pounds.
Both speakers work for video calls, but the Marshall Emberton III has a built-in microphone specifically for calls. The JBL Clip 5 can be used for audio output during calls but doesn't include a microphone.
Both support Bluetooth 5.3, but the Marshall Emberton III offers better music quality with its True Stereophonic sound. The JBL Clip 5 provides good personal listening but lacks the same depth and richness.
The Marshall Emberton III is clearly superior for home theater use with its room-filling sound and better bass response. The JBL Clip 5 isn't designed for home theater applications and lacks the necessary audio capabilities for this use case.
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 - howtogeek.com - soundguys.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - gymcaddy.net - jbl.com - mm.jbl.com - soundguys.com - th.jbl.com - hu.harmanaudio.com
