Portable Bluetooth speakers have become essential gadgets for many of us, offering the perfect blend of convenience and sound quality for everything from backyard BBQs to beach days. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two popular but very different options: the budget-friendly Sony XB100 ($50) and the premium Marshall Emberton III ($170).
Both of these speakers represent the latest in portable audio technology, though they target different segments of the market. The Sony XB100, released in mid-2023, builds on Sony's successful portable speaker lineup with improved battery life and water resistance. The Marshall Emberton III, also released in 2023, marks the third generation of Marshall's compact speaker series, bringing significant improvements in sound quality and features over its predecessors.
The XB100 delivers surprisingly capable audio for its tiny size. Its single full-range driver and passive radiator (a non-powered speaker component that helps enhance bass) work together to produce clear, balanced sound. While it won't shake your walls with bass, it handles most music genres competently at moderate volumes.
I've found the XB100 particularly impressive for spoken content like podcasts and audiobooks, where its clear midrange really shines. The sound is decidedly mono (single-channel), but Sony's Sound Diffusion Processor helps create a wider perceived soundstage – basically making the audio feel less confined to a single point.
The Emberton III is in a different league entirely. Its True Stereophonic technology (Marshall's term for their 360-degree sound processing) creates genuine stereo separation from dual 2-inch drivers. The sound is fuller, richer, and more detailed across all frequencies.
What's particularly impressive is the Dynamic Loudness feature, which automatically adjusts tonal balance based on volume level. This means bass doesn't disappear at lower volumes, and treble doesn't become harsh when you crank it up – a common issue with portable speakers.
The weight difference is noticeable when carrying them around. The XB100's included strap makes it easy to attach to a backpack or beach bag, while the Emberton III, though still portable, requires more deliberate packing.
Both speakers have made significant improvements over their predecessors:
Both speakers feature IP67 ratings, meaning they're:
Having tested both speakers in various settings, here's how they perform in different scenarios:
While neither speaker is designed primarily for home theater use, the Emberton III can serve as a decent temporary solution for improving TV audio, thanks to its stereo separation and fuller sound. The XB100, however, isn't really suitable for this purpose due to its mono output and limited volume.
Both speakers handle outdoor use well, but in different ways:
The Sony XB100 represents exceptional value at $50, offering solid performance and durability in an ultra-portable package. It's perfect for anyone who wants good sound on the go without breaking the bank.
The Marshall Emberton III at $170 delivers premium audio quality and features that justify its higher price for the right user. The question isn't whether it's better than the XB100 (it is), but whether the additional features and performance are worth the extra $120 for your specific needs.
Choose the Sony XB100 if:
Choose the Marshall Emberton III if:
Both speakers excel in their respective categories. The XB100 proves that good things come in small packages, offering impressive performance for its size and price. The Emberton III demonstrates what's possible when engineering and premium materials come together, though at a higher price point.
For most casual users, the XB100 will more than suffice, offering remarkable value and portability. However, if you're an audio enthusiast or frequently host gatherings, the Emberton III's superior sound quality and features make it a worthwhile investment.
Remember, the best speaker isn't always the most expensive one – it's the one that best fits your specific needs and use cases. Consider how and where you'll use the speaker most often when making your decision.
| Sony XB100 | Marshall Emberton III |
|---|---|
| Price - Base consideration for value assessment | |
| $50 (excellent value for casual use) | $170 (premium pricing for enhanced features) |
| Sound Output - Determines volume capability and audio quality | |
| Single full-range driver + passive radiator, mono sound | Dual 2" drivers with True Stereophonic, stereo sound |
| Battery Life - Important for extended portable use | |
| 16 hours (sufficient for most uses) | 32 hours (excellent for weekend trips) + fast charging |
| Size/Weight - Affects portability and convenience | |
| 274g (0.6 lbs), ultra-portable | 680g (1.5 lbs), still portable but more substantial |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Critical for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (fully protected) | IP67 (fully protected) |
| Sound Features - Impact on audio experience | |
| Sound Diffusion Processor, basic EQ | Dynamic Loudness, app-controlled EQ, True Stereophonic |
| Connectivity - Affects usability with multiple devices | |
| Bluetooth 5.3, stereo pairing with second XB100 | Bluetooth 5.3, Auracast ready (future update) |
| Extra Features - Additional value considerations | |
| Built-in mic, eco-friendly materials, carrying strap | Built-in mic, premium materials, Marshall app support |
| Frequency Response - Range of sound reproduction | |
| 20Hz - 20kHz (standard range) | 65Hz - 20kHz (stronger bass emphasis) |
| Primary Use Case - Best application scenarios | |
| Personal listening, travel, outdoor activities | Small gatherings, room audio, premium personal use |
The Marshall Emberton III is significantly better for home theater use due to its True Stereophonic sound and higher volume output. While neither speaker is designed primarily for home theater, the Emberton III's stereo separation and fuller sound make it a viable temporary solution. The Sony XB100 is not recommended for home theater use due to its mono output and limited volume.
The Sony XB100 costs $50, while the Marshall Emberton III is priced at $170. This represents a significant price difference of $120, or 3.4 times more expensive for the Marshall.
The Marshall Emberton III offers 32 hours of battery life, double that of the Sony XB100's 16 hours. The Marshall also features fast charging, providing 6 hours of playback from a 20-minute charge.
Both the Sony XB100 and Marshall Emberton III feature IP67 water and dust resistance ratings, making them equally suitable for outdoor use, including exposure to rain and brief submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
The Sony XB100 is significantly more portable at 274g (0.6 lbs) compared to the Marshall Emberton III at 680g (1.5 lbs). The Sony also includes a carrying strap for easy attachment to bags.
The Marshall Emberton III delivers superior sound quality with dual drivers and True Stereophonic sound, while the Sony XB100 offers good but basic mono sound from a single driver. The Marshall provides fuller bass and better overall audio quality.
The Sony XB100 can be paired with another XB100 for stereo sound. The Marshall Emberton III will support Auracast in the future, allowing broadcast to multiple compatible speakers.
The Marshall Emberton III is better suited for small gatherings due to its louder volume output and room-filling sound. The Sony XB100 is more appropriate for personal listening.
Neither the Sony XB100 nor the Marshall Emberton III directly supports voice assistants, though both include microphones for hands-free calling.
The Sony XB100 offers better value for basic portable audio needs at $50, while the Marshall Emberton III provides premium features and superior sound quality that justify its higher price for demanding users.
While both speakers can be used for gaming, the Marshall Emberton III is better suited due to its stereo separation and fuller sound. The Sony XB100's mono output makes it less ideal for gaming applications.
Both the Sony XB100 and Marshall Emberton III use Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity. The Marshall includes additional features through its companion app, while the Sony offers simpler, straightforward connection options.
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 - bestbuy.com - bestbuy.com - tomsguide.com - electronics.sony.com - sony-asia.com - sony.com - sony.com - thesonyshop.ca - cornellstore.com - bestbuy.com - techradar.com - bgr.com - androidcentral.com - crutchfield.com - goodhousekeeping.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com - bestbuy.com - group.marshall.com
