When it comes to portable audio in 2024, we're spoiled for choice. Two standout options are the $130 Soundcore Boom 2 SE and the $170 Marshall Emberton III, both offering compelling features but taking distinctly different approaches to portable sound.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have come a long way from the tinny, battery-hungry devices of the past. Today's speakers pack impressive audio technology into increasingly durable packages. Both these models represent the latest in portable audio tech, with the Emberton III released in late 2023 and the Boom 2 SE arriving in early 2024.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE takes a bold approach with its 80W total output system. Its BassUp technology (which uses digital signal processing to enhance low frequencies) provides notably powerful bass response - something that's usually challenging for portable speakers. When you activate BassUp, you'll notice an immediate difference in how songs with heavy bass lines sound, though it does consume more battery power.
The Marshall Emberton III takes a more nuanced path. Its True Stereophonic technology creates a surprisingly wide soundstage - meaning you get a better sense of where different instruments are positioned in the music. While it doesn't match the raw bass power of the Boom 2 SE, its sound signature is more balanced and natural, which many audiophiles prefer.
Both speakers can fill a medium-sized room with sound, but they handle high volumes differently. The Boom 2 SE maintains its bass presence even at higher volumes, while the Emberton III focuses on clarity and avoiding distortion. The Emberton's Dynamic Loudness feature (which automatically adjusts frequency response based on volume) helps maintain sound quality across different volume levels - particularly useful when listening at lower volumes.
The physical differences between these speakers highlight their intended uses:
Both speakers feature Bluetooth 5.3, offering improved range and stability compared to older versions. The Emberton III includes support for Auracast (a new Bluetooth broadcasting feature) through a future update, while the Boom 2 SE offers PartyCast 2.0 for connecting multiple speakers.
The Boom 2 SE includes several extra features:
The Emberton III focuses on core audio features:
The Emberton III leads with 32 hours of playback, while the Boom 2 SE offers 24 hours. However, real-world usage varies significantly based on:
Both speakers handle outdoor use well, but in different ways:
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE at $130 offers more features per dollar, including:
The Marshall Emberton III at $170 justifies its higher price through:
The Boom 2 SE excels here with:
The Emberton III shines for:
While neither speaker is primarily designed for home theater use, the Boom 2 SE's ability to pair multiple units could create a basic surround sound setup. However, for serious home theater applications, dedicated powered speakers or soundbars would be better choices.
Consider these key factors:
Both speakers represent current technology well, but their approaches to future-proofing differ. The Emberton III's pending Auracast support shows Marshall's commitment to newer standards, while the Boom 2 SE's extensive feature set provides immediate versatility.
The choice between these speakers ultimately comes down to your priorities. The Boom 2 SE offers more features and stronger bass at a lower price point, making it perfect for party-focused users who want maximum versatility. The Emberton III provides a more refined, portable experience with superior build quality and balanced sound, ideal for those prioritizing audio quality and design.
Consider your typical use case and environment when making your choice. If you're regularly hosting outdoor gatherings or need powerful sound, the Boom 2 SE is your better bet. If you're more focused on personal listening and appreciate premium build quality, the Emberton III will likely serve you better.
| Soundcore Boom 2 SE | Marshall Emberton III |
|---|---|
| Total Power Output - Determines maximum volume and sound capability | |
| 80W total (50W subwoofer + 2x 15W tweeters) | 76W total (2x 38W full-range drivers) |
| Size & Portability - Affects where and how you'll use it | |
| 11.7" x 7.3" x 4" (larger boombox style) | 6.3" x 2.7" x 3" (compact premium design) |
| Battery Life - Important for extended use without charging | |
| 24 hours (reduces with BassUp and LED usage) | 32 hours (includes quick charging feature) |
| Water/Dust Protection - Critical for outdoor use | |
| IPX7 (waterproof + floatable, no dust rating) | IP67 (waterproof + dustproof) |
| Special Audio Features - Affects sound quality and versatility | |
| BassUp technology, customizable 9-band EQ | True Stereophonic sound, Dynamic Loudness |
| Multi-Speaker Support - Important for expandability | |
| PartyCast 2.0 (up to 100 speakers) | Auracast (pending future update) |
| Additional Features - Extra functionality beyond audio | |
| LED light show, power bank function, app control | App control, premium build quality |
| Price & Value Proposition - Overall cost consideration | |
| $130 (more features, stronger bass) | $170 (better build quality, balanced sound) |
| Best Use Case - Primary intended purpose | |
| Outdoor parties, pool events, multi-room audio | Personal listening, travel, office use |
| Sound Signature - Affects listening experience | |
| Bass-heavy, party-oriented sound | Balanced, refined audio profile |
While neither the $130 Soundcore Boom 2 SE nor the $170 Marshall Emberton III is primarily designed for home theater use, the Boom 2 SE's ability to connect multiple speakers makes it more suitable as a basic surround sound solution. However, we recommend dedicated soundbars or powered speakers for serious home theater applications.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE delivers stronger bass thanks to its 50W subwoofer and BassUp technology. The Marshall Emberton III offers more balanced bass but doesn't match the Boom 2 SE's low-end power.
Yes, both speakers are waterproof. The Boom 2 SE is IPX7 rated and can float, while the Emberton III has IP67 rating for both water and dust protection. Both are suitable for outdoor use.
The Marshall Emberton III leads with 32 hours of playback time, compared to the Boom 2 SE's 24 hours. However, the Boom 2 SE's battery life decreases when using features like BassUp and LED lights.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE supports connecting up to 100 speakers using PartyCast 2.0. The Marshall Emberton III will support Auracast through a future update, but this feature isn't currently available.
The Marshall Emberton III is significantly more portable with its compact size (6.3" x 2.7" x 3"), while the Boom 2 SE is larger (11.7" x 7.3" x 4") with a boombox design.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE has slightly higher total power output (80W vs 76W) and generally plays louder, making it better suited for parties and larger spaces.
While both can be used for movies, neither is ideal for home theater use due to potential audio lag. The Boom 2 SE's multi-speaker capability makes it slightly better for basic surround sound setup.
The Marshall Emberton III offers more balanced, refined sound quality with True Stereophonic technology. The Soundcore Boom 2 SE provides more powerful sound but emphasizes bass over balance.
Both are well-built, but the Marshall Emberton III has superior dust protection (IP67 vs IPX7) and premium build quality. The Boom 2 SE is more rugged and can float in water.
The Soundcore Boom 2 SE offers more features (LED lights, power bank, multi-speaker pairing) at a lower price ($130). The Marshall Emberton III ($170) justifies its higher price with better build quality and balanced sound.
Both can connect to TVs via Bluetooth, but this isn't recommended for home theater due to potential audio lag. For TV sound, we recommend dedicated soundbars or home theater speakers instead.
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: soundcore.com - gzhls.at - youtube.com - techradar.com - support.soundcore.com - digitaltrends.com - trustedreviews.com - soundguys.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
