When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers in 2024, we're seeing some fascinating innovations in a mature market. Today, we're comparing the brand new $49.99 Ultimate Ears MINIROLL and the $169.99 Marshall Emberton III, two speakers targeting quite different segments of the portable audio market.
The portable speaker market has evolved significantly over the past few years. We've moved beyond just basic wireless playback - modern speakers now offer features like multi-speaker pairing, advanced water resistance, and sophisticated digital signal processing (DSP) that helps small speakers sound bigger than they should.
Both the MINIROLL and Emberton III launched in late 2024, representing the latest in portable audio technology. The MINIROLL showcases Ultimate Ears' focus on ultra-portability, while the Emberton III builds on Marshall's heritage of premium audio quality.
The physical difference between these speakers is striking. The MINIROLL is remarkably compact - about the size of a large coffee mug at 122.67 x 105 x 48.15mm and weighing just 279g. It's designed to be ultra-portable, with a clever integrated silicone strap that lets you attach it to backpacks, bike handlebars, or even belt loops.
The Emberton III takes a different approach. At 160 x 68 x 76.9mm and 680g, it's still portable but prioritizes sound quality over ultimate compactness. Its classic Marshall amp-inspired design includes a rugged metal grille and rubberized housing that feels premium and durable.
Here's where the price difference becomes apparent. The MINIROLL uses a single 45.6mm active driver paired with a passive radiator. This setup provides decent sound for its size, reaching 86dBC volume levels. For context, that's about as loud as city traffic - perfectly adequate for personal listening or small gatherings.
The Emberton III employs two 2-inch full-range drivers and two passive radiators, along with Marshall's True Stereophonic technology. This creates a 360-degree soundfield that maintains stereo separation regardless of speaker orientation. The speaker also includes Dynamic Loudness, which automatically adjusts frequency response based on volume level - ensuring balanced sound whether you're listening quietly or at full volume.
Bass response is where these speakers differ most notably. The MINIROLL's smaller driver can only move so much air, limiting low-frequency output. The Emberton III's dual-driver setup and larger enclosure allows for more substantial bass, though it still won't match larger home speakers.
Battery technology has improved significantly in recent years, and both speakers benefit from this. The MINIROLL offers 12 hours of playback - respectable for its size and price point. It charges via USB-C, though charging speed isn't specified.
The Emberton III demonstrates its premium positioning with 32+ hours of battery life. More impressively, it features fast charging that provides 6 hours of playback from just 20 minutes of charging. For weekend trips or extended outdoor use, this additional battery capacity makes a significant difference.
Both speakers feature IP67 water and dust resistance ratings. This means they can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without damage. It's worth noting that while both have the same rating, the Emberton III's more robust construction might better withstand drops and general abuse.
The MINIROLL keeps things simple with basic Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and the ability to connect to two source devices simultaneously. It supports AAC and SBC codecs, providing standard wireless audio quality.
The Emberton III offers more sophisticated features, including:
The MINIROLL delivers impressive value at $49.99. It's ideal for:
The Emberton III at $169.99 suits:
Marshall's inclusion of Bluetooth LE Audio and promised Auracast support shows forward-thinking design. While these features aren't yet active, they could provide significant value through future updates. The MINIROLL takes a simpler approach, focusing on core functionality without promising future enhancements.
Consider these key questions:
For ultra-portable use at an affordable price, the MINIROLL is hard to beat. Its compact size and integrated strap make it perfect for active lifestyles, while providing adequate sound for personal listening.
If sound quality and features matter more than absolute portability, the Emberton III offers significant advantages. Its superior audio performance, extensive battery life, and premium construction justify the higher price for many users.
Remember that these speakers target different market segments - comparing them directly on price alone doesn't tell the whole story. The MINIROLL excels at maximizing portability and value, while the Emberton III focuses on delivering a premium portable audio experience.
The good news is that both speakers represent solid choices within their respective categories. Your decision ultimately comes down to balancing your specific needs for portability, sound quality, and features against your budget.
| Ultimate Ears MINIROLL | Marshall Emberton III |
|---|---|
| Price - Core consideration for value assessment | |
| $49.99 (entry-level pricing) | $169.99 (premium pricing) |
| Size - Impacts portability and ease of transport | |
| 122.67 x 105 x 48.15mm (ultra-compact) | 160 x 68 x 76.9mm (mid-sized) |
| Weight - Affects carrying comfort and travel convenience | |
| 279g (exceptionally light) | 680g (moderate weight) |
| Battery Life - Determines usage duration between charges | |
| 12 hours (adequate for daily use) | 32+ hours (excellent for extended use) |
| Sound Output - Influences listening experience and volume capability | |
| 86dBC max, single 45.6mm driver | Dual 2" drivers with True Stereophonic tech |
| Water/Dust Resistance - Important for outdoor use | |
| IP67 (fully waterproof) | IP67 (fully waterproof) |
| Charging - Affects convenience and usage flexibility | |
| USB-C standard charging | USB-C with fast charging (6hrs from 20min) |
| Audio Features - Enhances listening experience | |
| Basic stereo playback | True Stereophonic, Dynamic Loudness, EQ presets |
| Connectivity - Impacts device pairing options | |
| Bluetooth 5.3, dual device pairing | Bluetooth 5.3 LE, Auracast ready, multipoint |
| Additional Features - Adds functionality beyond basic audio | |
| Integrated strap for mounting | Built-in mic, app control, premium build |
| Ideal Use Case - Who should buy this speaker | |
| Ultra-portable secondary speaker for casual use | Primary portable speaker for audio enthusiasts |
The $169.99 Marshall Emberton III is better suited for home theater use due to its fuller sound range and True Stereophonic technology. The $49.99 MINIROLL lacks the audio depth needed for movie content.
The Marshall Emberton III offers significantly better sound quality with dual 2-inch drivers and superior bass response. The MINIROLL has a single 45.6mm driver focused on basic audio reproduction.
Neither speaker is specifically designed for surround sound. While both can be used wirelessly, they lack the proper audio processing for true home theater surround applications.
The Emberton III offers 32+ hours of playback, while the MINIROLL provides 12 hours. This makes the Emberton III more suitable for extended viewing sessions.
The Emberton III can adequately fill a small room with sound, reaching higher volumes without distortion. The MINIROLL is better suited for personal listening or desktop use.
Both speakers use Bluetooth, so they'll work with TVs that have Bluetooth output. However, they may experience audio lag that could affect video sync.
Both the MINIROLL and Emberton III feature IP67 water resistance, but the Emberton III's more robust construction makes it more durable overall.
The Emberton III will support Auracast for multi-speaker setups in the future. The MINIROLL has more limited pairing capabilities.
The MINIROLL offers better value for basic portable audio needs at $49.99. The Emberton III justifies its $169.99 price with superior sound quality and features.
Neither speaker is an ideal soundbar replacement. For dedicated TV audio, a proper soundbar would provide better performance and connectivity options.
The Emberton III offers more advanced connectivity with Bluetooth 5.3 LE and future Auracast support. The MINIROLL provides basic Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.
The Emberton III includes app control and EQ presets. The MINIROLL focuses on basic playback without smart features.
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 - bgr.com - androidcentral.com - crutchfield.com - goodhousekeeping.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com - bestbuy.com - group.marshall.com
