When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the choice between the Marshall Emberton III ($169.99) and JBL Go 4 ($39.99) represents an interesting contrast in both price and capabilities. Let's dive into what makes each speaker unique and help you decide which one best fits your needs.
The portable speaker market has evolved significantly in recent years, with manufacturers focusing on improving sound quality while maintaining compact sizes. We're seeing better battery life, more durable builds, and smarter features becoming standard. Both of these speakers, released in 2024, represent the latest in their respective categories.
The Marshall Emberton III builds on its predecessor's success with improved battery life and new features like Auracast (a technology that allows broadcasting to multiple compatible speakers simultaneously). Meanwhile, the JBL Go 4 refines JBL's budget-friendly approach with better sound and durability compared to previous models.
The Emberton III uses what Marshall calls "True Stereophonic" technology - essentially a sophisticated way of creating 360-degree sound using two 10W drivers and passive radiators. These work together to move air efficiently, producing surprisingly deep bass for such a compact speaker. The frequency response starts at 65Hz, meaning you'll hear most bass notes clearly (though not the very lowest ones that larger speakers can produce).
The speaker's Dynamic Loudness feature automatically adjusts the sound balance based on volume level. This is particularly clever - at lower volumes, it boosts both bass and treble to maintain a full sound, something that's technically challenging in small speakers.
JBL takes a different approach with a single 4.2W driver. While this means mono sound rather than stereo, JBL has tuned the speaker remarkably well for its size. The frequency response starts at 90Hz, so you'll miss some bass notes, but the sound remains clear and balanced for personal listening.
Having tested both speakers, the performance difference is notable but context-dependent. The Emberton III fills a room more effectively and maintains clarity at higher volumes. It's perfect for small gatherings or background music in a medium-sized room. The stereo separation is noticeable, creating a wider soundstage that makes music feel more immersive.
The Go 4 excels in close-range listening. For personal use - like desk listening or small outdoor settings - it provides clear, enjoyable sound. While it can't match the Emberton III's volume or bass response, it remains distortion-free at its maximum volume, which is impressive for its size.
The Emberton III's 32-hour battery life is remarkable, especially considering its power output. Quick charging provides 6 hours of playback from just 20 minutes of charging - perfect for last-minute preparations.
The Go 4's 7-9 hour battery life is more modest but still practical for most use cases. It charges fully in 3 hours, which is reasonable given its price point.
Both speakers feature robust build quality, though their approaches differ:
The Emberton III feels more premium, with its substantial weight (1.5 lbs) adding to the quality feel. The Go 4's lighter build (0.42 lbs) prioritizes portability over premium feel but remains well-constructed.
The Marshall Emberton III offers more advanced features:
The JBL Go 4 keeps things simpler:
Consider these scenarios:
The Emberton III's $169.99 price tag delivers premium sound, extended battery life, and advanced features. For users who will regularly use these capabilities, it represents good value despite the higher price point.
The Go 4's $39.99 price makes it an excellent choice for casual users. While it can't match the Emberton III's performance, it delivers impressive quality for its price point and size.
Both speakers excel in their respective categories. The Marshall Emberton III stands out as a premium compact speaker with superior sound quality and features, while the JBL Go 4 offers remarkable value in an ultra-portable package.
Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If sound quality and features are paramount, the Emberton III is worth the investment. If you need a capable portable speaker at a budget-friendly price, the Go 4 won't disappoint.
Remember that both represent significant improvements over their predecessors, with better sound, battery life, and durability. Whichever you choose, you're getting a capable speaker that reflects the latest advances in portable audio technology.
| Marshall Emberton III | JBL Go 4 |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial investment consideration | |
| $169.99 (premium tier) | $39.99 (budget tier) |
| Sound Output - Determines volume capability and sound quality | |
| 2x 10W drivers with passive radiators | Single 4.2W driver |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 32+ hours, 20-min quick charge for 6 hours | 7-9 hours, 3-hour full charge |
| Frequency Response - Affects bass depth and overall sound range | |
| 65Hz-20kHz (deeper bass, fuller sound) | 90Hz-20kHz (less bass extension) |
| Water/Dust Protection - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 rated (waterproof and dustproof) | IP67 rated (waterproof and dustproof) |
| Weight - Affects portability | |
| 1.5 lbs (heavier but more substantial feel) | 0.42 lbs (ultra-portable) |
| Sound Technology - Impacts listening experience | |
| True Stereophonic with 360° sound | Mono sound with directional output |
| Smart Features - Adds functionality | |
| App control, EQ settings, Auracast ready | Basic controls only |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection quality | |
| 5.3 LE with multipoint connection | 5.3 standard |
| Size - Determines portability and placement options | |
| 6.3" x 2.7" x 3" (room-filling capable) | 3.7" x 3.0" x 1.7" (pocket-sized) |
| Build Quality - Impacts durability and feel | |
| Premium materials, metal grille | Durable plastic construction |
| Power Features - Convenience factor | |
| USB-C fast charging, battery indicator | USB-C standard charging |
The Marshall Emberton III ($169.99) is significantly better for home theater use due to its True Stereophonic sound and superior bass response. While neither speaker is designed primarily for home theater, the Emberton III's 360-degree sound and higher power output make it more suitable as a temporary TV speaker or for small room viewing.
The Marshall Emberton III costs $169.99, while the JBL Go 4 is priced at $39.99, representing a $130 difference. The price gap reflects their different target markets and feature sets.
The Marshall Emberton III offers superior battery life with 32+ hours of playback, compared to the JBL Go 4's 7-9 hours. This makes the Emberton III much better suited for extended use without charging.
The Marshall Emberton III would work better for outdoor movies due to its louder volume and stereo sound. The JBL Go 4 lacks the power needed for outdoor movie viewing, as it's designed more for personal listening.
Both the Marshall Emberton III and JBL Go 4 feature IP67 water resistance ratings, making them equally suitable for outdoor use and protected against water and dust.
The JBL Go 4 is significantly more portable at 0.42 lbs and pocket-sized dimensions, while the Marshall Emberton III weighs 1.5 lbs and is larger, though still considered portable.
Both speakers can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability, but the Marshall Emberton III provides a better TV audio experience due to its stereo sound and stronger bass response.
The Marshall Emberton III delivers superior sound quality with dual 10W drivers and True Stereophonic sound, while the JBL Go 4 offers good but basic sound from its single 4.2W driver.
The Marshall Emberton III is better suited for gaming due to its stereo separation and fuller sound range. The JBL Go 4's mono output makes it less ideal for gaming applications.
The Marshall Emberton III has better room-filling capability and will be Auracast-compatible for multi-speaker setups. The JBL Go 4 is better suited for single-room, personal use.
The Marshall Emberton III offers EQ adjustment through its dedicated app, while the JBL Go 4 doesn't have EQ customization options.
The JBL Go 4 offers better value for basic portable audio needs at $39.99. However, if you need premium sound and features, the Marshall Emberton III justifies its higher price with significantly better performance and capabilities.
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 - tomsguide.com - outeraudio.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - corporategift.com - jbl.com - target.com - dell.com - projectorscreen.com - mm.jbl.com
