In the ever-evolving world of portable Bluetooth speakers, two models stand out in different ways: the recently released Marshall Emberton III and the well-established JBL Flip 5. Let's dive deep into what makes each speaker unique and help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have come a long way from their tinny, battery-hungry beginnings. Today's speakers pack impressive sound into increasingly compact packages, with features like water resistance and extended battery life becoming standard. The key differentiators now lie in sound quality, battery endurance, and smart features.
The Marshall Emberton III ($169.99) takes a sophisticated approach to sound reproduction with its True Stereophonic technology. This system uses two 2-inch full-range drivers and passive radiators to create a 360-degree soundstage - meaning you get consistent sound quality regardless of where you're sitting relative to the speaker. The speaker's Dynamic Loudness feature automatically adjusts frequency response based on volume level, ensuring balanced sound whether you're listening quietly or cranking it up.
In contrast, the JBL Flip 5 ($79.99) employs a more straightforward but effective design with a single racetrack-shaped driver and dual passive radiators. While this setup doesn't provide true stereo separation, it delivers JBL's signature sound profile with punchy bass that many find perfect for outdoor gatherings and parties.
In testing environments, the Emberton III shows its premium positioning through better clarity in the mid-range frequencies - where most vocals and instruments live. The Flip 5 compensates with stronger bass response, though it can become slightly muddy at maximum volume. For home theater use, the Emberton III's wider soundstage makes it a better choice for movie dialogue and subtle sound effects.
Here's where we see a dramatic difference between the two models. The Marshall Emberton III boasts an impressive 32-hour battery life and includes fast charging that provides 6 hours of playback from just 20 minutes of charging. This represents a significant improvement over previous generations and sets a new standard for the category.
The JBL Flip 5's 12-hour battery life, while respectable, shows its age as a 2019 release. Both speakers use USB-C charging, but the Emberton III's fast-charging capability gives it a clear advantage for users who might forget to charge overnight.
Both speakers feature robust construction, but with different approaches:
The Emberton III's rubberized housing and metal grille feel more premium, while the Flip 5's fabric covering and rubber ends prioritize durability over aesthetics. Both designs work well for their intended purposes, though the Emberton III's additional dust protection could be valuable for beach or desert use.
The technology gap between these speakers becomes apparent in their connectivity options:
The newer Bluetooth 5.3 in the Emberton III provides better range and stability, while future Auracast support will allow broadcasting to multiple compatible speakers - a feature that could be game-changing for multi-room setups.
At $169.99, the Marshall Emberton III commands a premium price but delivers premium features. The $79.99 JBL Flip 5 represents excellent value for those who prioritize simplicity and good sound over advanced features.
Consider the cost per hour of battery life:
This calculation suggests the Emberton III could actually provide better long-term value despite its higher initial cost.
The Emberton III's True Stereophonic sound makes it an excellent secondary speaker for home theater use, particularly in smaller rooms where its 360-degree sound distribution can create an immersive atmosphere. The Flip 5's more directional sound makes it less suitable for this application.
Both speakers excel outdoors, but for different reasons. The Flip 5's stronger bass and PartyBoost feature make it ideal for beach parties or backyard gatherings. The Emberton III's longer battery life and dust protection make it better for extended camping trips or dusty environments.
For regular home or office use, the Emberton III's superior sound quality and extended battery life make it the better choice. The Flip 5 works well for occasional use but might require more frequent charging with daily use.
Choose the Marshall Emberton III if:
Choose the JBL Flip 5 if:
The Marshall Emberton III represents the current state of the art in portable Bluetooth speakers, with features that will become more valuable as the Bluetooth ecosystem evolves. The JBL Flip 5, while older, remains a solid choice that has stood the test of time. JBL has since released newer models, but the Flip 5's combination of performance and value keeps it relevant in 2024.
Remember that the best choice depends entirely on your specific needs and use cases. Both speakers excel in their respective niches, and either could be the perfect choice depending on your priorities and budget.
| Marshall Emberton III | JBL Flip 5 |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial investment consideration | |
| $169.99 (premium pricing) | $79.99 (budget-friendly) |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 32 hours (industry-leading) | 12 hours (adequate for most uses) |
| Sound Output - Determines volume and clarity | |
| 2x 38W drivers (stereo) | 20W single driver (mono) |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (complete dust and water protection) | IPX7 (water only, no dust rating) |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects range and stability | |
| 5.3 LE with Auracast support coming | 4.2 (older standard) |
| Sound Distribution - Impacts listening experience | |
| 360° True Stereophonic sound | Directional front-firing speaker |
| Size - Affects portability | |
| 6.31" x 2.75" x 3" (slightly larger) | 7.12" x 2.91" x 2.71" (more cylindrical) |
| Weight - Important for carrying | |
| 1.5 lbs (0.67 kg) | 1.2 lbs (0.54 kg) |
| Smart Features - Adds functionality | |
| App control, EQ settings, multi-host support | PartyBoost for multiple speaker pairing |
| Charging - Convenience factor | |
| USB-C with fast charging (6hrs in 20min) | USB-C standard charging (2.5hrs for full) |
| Extra Features - Additional value | |
| Built-in mic, Dynamic Loudness adjustment | None |
| Frequency Response - Sound quality range | |
| 65Hz-20kHz (balanced range) | 65Hz-20kHz (similar range) |
The Marshall Emberton III is better suited for home theater use due to its True Stereophonic 360° sound and superior stereo separation. The JBL Flip 5's directional sound makes it less ideal for movie dialogue and surround effects.
The Marshall Emberton III costs $169.99, while the JBL Flip 5 is priced at $79.99. The price difference reflects the Emberton III's additional features and better sound quality.
The Marshall Emberton III offers 32 hours of playback, significantly outlasting the JBL Flip 5's 12-hour battery life. This makes the Emberton III more suitable for extended use without charging.
Both speakers are waterproof, but the Marshall Emberton III has superior IP67 rating (dust and water protection), while the JBL Flip 5 has IPX7 (water only). Both are suitable for outdoor use, though the Emberton III offers better protection.
The Marshall Emberton III delivers clearer, more balanced sound with better stereo separation. The JBL Flip 5 offers stronger bass response but less refined overall sound quality.
The JBL Flip 5 offers PartyBoost for connecting multiple JBL speakers. The Marshall Emberton III will support Auracast in the future, enabling multi-speaker connectivity with compatible devices.
The Marshall Emberton III is superior for movies due to its clearer dialogue reproduction and 360° sound distribution. The JBL Flip 5's single-driver design is less optimal for movie audio.
The JBL Flip 5 is slightly lighter at 1.2 lbs compared to the Marshall Emberton III at 1.5 lbs. Both are highly portable, though the Flip 5's cylindrical design might be easier to carry.
The Marshall Emberton III offers app control, EQ settings, and multi-host support. The JBL Flip 5 has more basic features but includes PartyBoost for speaker pairing.
The Marshall Emberton III features fast charging, providing 6 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge. The JBL Flip 5 requires 2.5 hours for a full charge with no fast-charging capability.
The Marshall Emberton III includes a built-in microphone for calls, while the JBL Flip 5 does not have this feature.
For basic portable audio needs, the JBL Flip 5 at $79.99 offers excellent value. However, the Marshall Emberton III at $169.99 justifies its higher price with superior features, sound quality, and battery life, especially for home theater use.
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 - whathifi.com - seriousinsights.net - youtube.com - youtube.com - harmanaudio.com - cdwg.com - gzhls.at - kh.jbl.com - support.jbl.com - mm.jbl.com - bestbuy.com - soundguys.com
