When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, there's a wide range of options to fit different needs and budgets. Today, we're comparing two interesting choices: the ultra-portable Ultimate Ears MINIROLL ($99) and the premium Marshall Emberton II ($169). While both speakers aim to deliver quality audio on the go, they take notably different approaches to achieve this goal.
Portable Bluetooth speakers have come a long way since their early days. Modern speakers pack impressive sound into increasingly smaller packages, with better battery life and durability than ever before. The technology has matured to the point where even compact speakers can deliver surprisingly good audio quality, though physics still sets some limitations on what's possible in smaller sizes.
The Ultimate Ears MINIROLL embraces an ultra-portable philosophy, weighing just 279 grams - about as much as a large smartphone. Its cylindrical design, measuring roughly 12cm x 10cm x 5cm, makes it incredibly packable. The built-in silicone strap is a thoughtful touch that lets you attach it to bags, bikes, or even belt loops.
In contrast, the Marshall Emberton II takes more of a premium approach. Its larger size (700g) and iconic Marshall amp styling make it feel more substantial. While still portable, it's clearly designed to be a centerpiece rather than an afterthought.
Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance, meaning they can handle submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This is a significant upgrade from earlier generations of portable speakers that often offered minimal weather protection.
The MINIROLL uses a single 45.6mm active driver paired with a passive radiator (37.75mm x 65mm) to produce sound. This configuration is clever for its size, using the passive radiator to enhance bass response without requiring additional power. The speaker can reach 86 dBC in normal mode and 87 dBC in outdoor mode - impressive for its size, though not room-filling volume.
The Emberton II takes advantage of its larger size to house two 2-inch full-range drivers and two passive radiators. This setup, combined with Marshall's True Stereophonic technology, creates a more immersive soundstage. The speaker can produce fuller bass and higher volumes, making it more suitable for group settings.
Both speakers have embraced modern Bluetooth standards, with the MINIROLL featuring Bluetooth 5.3 and support for AAC, SBC, and LC3 codecs. The Emberton II uses Bluetooth 5.1 and focuses on the SBC codec. While this difference might seem technical, it matters for audio quality - the MINIROLL's support for AAC can provide better sound quality when used with Apple devices.
The MINIROLL's PartyUp feature lets you connect multiple speakers using Auracast technology - a newer Bluetooth feature that enables better multi-speaker synchronization. The Emberton II offers its own Stack Mode for connecting multiple speakers, though it uses a proprietary solution.
Here's where we see a significant difference: the MINIROLL provides about 12 hours of playback, while the Emberton II boasts 30+ hours. Both use USB-C charging, but the Emberton II adds quick-charging capability - 20 minutes gives you 4 hours of playback.
Having tested similar speakers, I can say that size really matters for both volume and bass response. The MINIROLL excels at personal listening - perfect for a desk, hotel room, or clipped to a backpack while hiking. Its sound is clear and balanced, though it naturally lacks the bass impact of larger speakers.
The Emberton II, meanwhile, can fill a small room with sound and handles outdoor spaces better. Its fuller sound makes it more suitable for social gatherings or as a primary speaker in a small space.
Neither speaker is ideal as a primary home theater solution, but the Emberton II could serve as a decent temporary setup for watching movies on a laptop or tablet. Its stereo separation and stronger bass make it more suitable for this role than the MINIROLL.
The MINIROLL's ultra-portable design makes it perfect for frequent travelers or active users. Its small size means you're more likely to actually carry it with you, and the strap adds versatility the Emberton II can't match.
The Ultimate Ears MINIROLL delivers impressive performance for its size and price point. At $99, it's a solid value for those prioritizing portability and versatility.
The Marshall Emberton II justifies its higher $169 price tag through superior sound quality, battery life, and build quality. It's a premium product that delivers accordingly.
Choose the MINIROLL if:
Choose the Emberton II if:
Both speakers represent different approaches to portable audio, and both excel in their intended use cases. The MINIROLL focuses on ultimate portability without sacrificing too much sound quality, while the Emberton II prioritizes audio performance and battery life in a still-portable package.
The decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs and how you plan to use the speaker most often. For personal use and travel, the MINIROLL is hard to beat. For home use and small gatherings, the Emberton II offers a more premium experience that may be worth the extra investment.
| Ultimate Ears MINIROLL | Marshall Emberton II |
|---|---|
| Price - Overall Value Proposition | |
| $99 (Better value for pure portability) | $169 (Premium pricing for better audio) |
| Size & Weight - Impacts real-world portability | |
| 122.67 x 105 x 48.15mm, 279g (Ultra portable) | Larger form factor, 700g (Less pocketable) |
| Battery Life - Critical for extended use | |
| 12 hours (Adequate for daily use) | 30+ hours (Excellent for long sessions) |
| Sound Output - Determines usable listening scenarios | |
| 86 dBC normal, 87 dBC outdoor (Good for personal) | Up to 87 dB SPL @1m (Better for small groups) |
| Driver Configuration - Affects sound quality | |
| Single 45.6mm driver + passive radiator | Dual 2" drivers + dual passive radiators |
| Bluetooth Version - Impacts connection quality | |
| Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC, SBC, LC3 support | Bluetooth 5.1 with SBC only |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (Fully waterproof) | IP67 (Fully waterproof) |
| Special Features - Adds functionality | |
| PartyUp with Auracast, hookable strap | Stack Mode, Marshall app with EQ presets |
| Charging - Convenience factor | |
| USB-C standard charging | USB-C with quick charge (4hrs from 20min) |
| Construction - Durability and sustainability | |
| 40% recycled plastic, drop-proof to 1.2m | 50% recycled plastic, premium build quality |
| Multi-device Support - Flexibility in use | |
| Connects to 2 devices simultaneously | Connects to 2 devices simultaneously |
| Sound Technology - Audio quality enhancement | |
| Basic stereo separation | True Stereophonic with 360° sound |
The Marshall Emberton II is notably better for movie watching due to its True Stereophonic sound and stronger bass response. While neither speaker is ideal for home theater use, the Emberton II's dual driver setup and fuller sound make it more suitable than the Ultimate Ears MINIROLL for temporary movie setups with laptops or tablets.
The Marshall Emberton II offers significantly longer battery life at 30+ hours compared to the MINIROLL's 12 hours. The Emberton II also features quick charging, providing 4 hours of playback from just 20 minutes of charging.
Both the MINIROLL and Emberton II feature IP67 water and dust resistance ratings, making them equally suitable for outdoor use. They can both survive submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
The Ultimate Ears MINIROLL is significantly more portable at 279g versus the Emberton II's 700g. The MINIROLL also includes a built-in strap for easy attachment to bags or gear.
The Marshall Emberton II delivers superior sound quality with its dual 2-inch drivers and passive radiators, compared to the MINIROLL's single driver setup. The Emberton II provides fuller bass and better overall sound projection.
Both speakers offer multi-speaker connectivity. The MINIROLL uses PartyUp with Auracast technology, while the Emberton II features Stack Mode. Both systems allow you to connect multiple units of the same model.
The Marshall Emberton II is better suited for small room filling sound, while the MINIROLL is more appropriate for personal listening spaces like desks or bedside tables.
The Ultimate Ears MINIROLL is priced at $99, while the Marshall Emberton II costs $169. The $70 difference reflects the Emberton II's premium features and better sound quality.
Neither the MINIROLL nor Emberton II is optimized for video calls as they don't include built-in microphones. For video conferencing, you'll need to use your device's built-in microphone or a separate mic.
The Ultimate Ears MINIROLL has an advantage with Apple devices as it supports the AAC codec, while the Emberton II only supports the basic SBC codec.
While both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability, neither the MINIROLL nor Emberton II is recommended as a primary TV speaker due to potential audio lag and limited stereo separation. For proper home theater use, consider dedicated soundbars or home theater speakers.
Both the MINIROLL and Emberton II are highly durable with IP67 ratings. The MINIROLL is tested for drops up to 1.2 meters, while the Emberton II features a more premium build quality. Both are well-built for portable 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 - businesswire.com - bestbuy.com - stuff.tv - ultimateears.com - target.com - youtube.com - ultimateears.com - ultimateears.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
