When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers in 2024, two popular mid-range options stand out: the Sony XE200 ($130) and the Marshall Emberton II ($170). Let's explore how these speakers stack up against each other and help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have evolved significantly in recent years, with manufacturers focusing on durability, sound quality, and battery life. Both these models, released in mid-2022, represent the latest advancements in portable audio technology, offering features that were previously only available in higher-end models.
The Sony XE200 uses some interesting tech to produce its sound. Its Line-Shape Diffuser (think of it as a specially designed speaker grille) helps spread sound more evenly across a wider area. This is particularly noticeable outdoors, where sound tends to dissipate quickly. Sony's X-Balanced Speaker Units, which use non-circular speaker diaphragms, create more sound pressure while reducing distortion - especially helpful when you're pushing the volume higher.
The Marshall Emberton II takes a different approach with its True Stereophonic system. This creates a 360-degree soundstage, meaning you get consistent stereo separation regardless of where you're standing. In practice, this works exceptionally well in indoor spaces, where the sound can bounce off walls and create an immersive listening experience.
Bass response is where these speakers show their different personalities. The Emberton II delivers a warmer, more pronounced bass, while the XE200 opts for a cleaner, more balanced approach. Neither will shake your walls, but the Marshall edges ahead for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop or electronic music.
Battery technology has come a long way, and both speakers showcase this progress, though with different priorities:
The Emberton II clearly wins in battery longevity, making it ideal for weekend trips or extended outdoor events. However, the XE200's quick-charge feature might be more practical for daily use, especially if you tend to forget charging your devices overnight.
Both speakers feature robust construction, but they approach durability differently:
The Sony XE200 features:
The Marshall Emberton II offers:
Both speakers include modern conveniences that weren't available in previous generations:
In practical use, these speakers show distinct personalities. The XE200 excels in outdoor settings where its directional sound projection and water resistance come in handy. It's particularly effective at barbecues or beach outings where sound needs to travel further.
The Emberton II shines in indoor settings, where its room-filling sound creates an engaging listening experience. It's especially suited for apartment living or desktop use, where its compact size and attractive design make it a natural fit.
While the Marshall Emberton II carries a higher retail price, it frequently goes on sale for around $100, making it an exceptional value when discounted. The Sony XE200 maintains a more stable price point around $110-130, representing solid value for its feature set.
Consider these key factors when choosing between these speakers:
Both speakers represent excellent options in the portable Bluetooth speaker market, with each excelling in different scenarios. The Sony XE200 is the more versatile outdoor companion, while the Marshall Emberton II is the superior choice for indoor use and extended listening sessions.
For most users, the decision will come down to primary use case and current pricing. If you catch the Emberton II on sale, it's hard to beat its combination of sound quality, battery life, and compact design. However, the XE200's consistent pricing and outdoor-friendly features make it a reliable choice for those prioritizing versatility.
Remember that both speakers represent significant improvements over their predecessors, particularly in areas like battery life and sound quality. Whichever you choose, you'll be getting a capable portable speaker that should serve you well for years to come.
| Sony XE200 | Marshall Emberton II |
|---|---|
| Price - Initial investment consideration | |
| $130 (often $110) | $170 (frequently on sale for $100) |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 16 hours, 70 min playback from 10-min charge | 30 hours, 4 hours playback from 20-min charge |
| Size & Weight - Affects portability | |
| 3.54 x 8.19 x 3.7", 1.76 lbs (larger but still portable) | 6.3 x 2.68 x 2.99", 1.5 lbs (more compact) |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 rated (fully waterproof) | IP67 rated (fully waterproof) |
| Sound Technology - Impacts listening experience | |
| Line-Shape Diffuser, X-Balanced Speaker Units (better for outdoor projection) | True Stereophonic, dual 2" drivers (superior room-filling sound) |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection stability | |
| 5.2 with LDAC support (better audio quality potential) | 5.1 (standard quality) |
| Multi-speaker Features - Expandability options | |
| Party Connect (link multiple Sony speakers) | Stack Mode (connect multiple Marshall speakers) |
| App Features - Customization capabilities | |
| Sony Music Center app with EQ settings | Marshall app with 3 preset EQs |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality | |
| Built-in mic for calls, multi-point connection | Multi-directional control knob, sustainable materials |
| Frequency Response - Sound range coverage | |
| 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 60 Hz - 20,000 Hz (less bass extension) |
The Sony XE200 ($130) performs better as a home theater supplement due to its Line-Shape Diffuser technology, which provides wider sound dispersion. However, neither speaker is specifically designed for home theater use and should only be considered as secondary speakers for casual viewing.
The Marshall Emberton II has a higher retail price at $170, while the Sony XE200 typically sells for $130. However, the Emberton II frequently goes on sale for around $100, making it the better value during promotions.
The Marshall Emberton II offers significantly better battery life with 30 hours of playback, compared to the Sony XE200's 16 hours. Both feature quick charging capabilities, but Marshall's longer battery life makes it more suitable for extended use.
Yes, both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance. The Sony XE200 performs better outdoors due to its directional sound projection, while the Marshall Emberton II is better suited for indoor use.
The Marshall Emberton II delivers richer bass and better room-filling sound, while the Sony XE200 offers clearer directional audio. For music listening, the Emberton II generally provides a more satisfying experience.
Yes, both models support multi-speaker connectivity. The Sony XE200 uses Party Connect for Sony speakers, while the Marshall Emberton II uses Stack Mode for Marshall speakers. However, they can't be paired with each other.
The Marshall Emberton II is more compact and lighter at 1.5 lbs, making it more portable than the Sony XE200 which weighs 1.76 lbs and has a larger form factor.
Neither the Sony XE200 nor the Marshall Emberton II directly supports voice assistants. The Sony does include a built-in microphone for calls, but it doesn't integrate with smart home systems.
The Sony XE200 is slightly better for movie watching due to its wider sound dispersion and clearer dialogue reproduction, but neither speaker is an ideal choice for serious movie viewing compared to dedicated home theater speakers.
No, neither the Sony XE200 nor Marshall Emberton II can be used as true surround sound speakers. While multiple units can be paired together, they don't support proper surround sound protocols.
The Sony XE200 features slightly better Bluetooth connectivity with version 5.2 and LDAC support, while the Marshall Emberton II uses Bluetooth 5.1. The difference is minimal for most users.
For dedicated home theater use, neither the Sony XE200 nor Marshall Emberton II represents the best value. Your money would be better spent on proper home theater speakers if movie watching is your primary goal. These speakers are best for portable use and casual listening.
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: sony.com - gymcaddy.net - sony.co.uk - bestbuy.com - sony.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - sony.com - helpguide.sony.net - soundguys.com - sony.com - sonylatvija.com - techradar.com - dreamwaveus.com - crutchfield.com - soundguys.com - gadgets360.com - rtings.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - shop.ash-asia.com - crutchfield.com - gadgetstyler.com - youtube.com - avstore.in
