Marshall Emberton II vs Bose SoundLink Flex

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, sound quality, portability, and durability are key factors that influence our purchasing decisions. Two major contenders in the market: Marshall Emberton II and Bose SoundLink Flex offer a compelling mix of features that appeal to a wide range of listeners. Marshall, known for its rock ’n’ roll legacy, delivers a speaker with impressive sound clarity and an iconic design. Meanwhile, Bose offers a more portable, rugged solution with advanced features like PositionIQ technology and Bluetooth 5.3. In this comparison, we will dive deep into the strengths and weaknesses of these two popular speakers, helping you decide which one suits your needs best.

1. Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker offers an impressive combination of style, sound quality, and durability, making it a top choice for those who love great audio on the go. Its compact design is complemented by Marshall’s signature sound, featuring True Stereophonic technology that ensures 360-degree audio with crystal-clear clarity. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or enjoying music alone, the Emberton II delivers sound that feels much larger than its size. Additionally, the speaker’s rugged build, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, means you can confidently take it outdoors without worrying about the elements. The speaker also impresses with its battery life, offering over 30 hours of playtime on a single charge, which is perfect for long trips or outdoor adventures. The ease of use, with simple pairing and the option to connect multiple speakers for a bigger sound experience, further adds to its appeal.

While the Marshall Emberton II excels in many areas, there are a few minor drawbacks. One potential downside is its reliance on a micro-USB charging port instead of the more modern USB-C, which may be inconvenient for those with newer devices. Additionally, although the speaker is powerful, it may not provide the deep bass that some audiophiles might desire, especially in larger spaces. Finally, while its compact size is a plus for portability, it may not be ideal for those seeking a truly immersive, high-fidelity sound experience in larger venues or parties.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. 360° True Stereophonic sound for multi-directional audio.
2. Over 30 hours of portable playtime on a single charge.
3. IP67 dust- and water-resistance rating for outdoor use.
4. Stack Mode to connect multiple speakers for amplified sound.
5. Compact and lightweight design with a rugged silicone sleeve.

Pros:

1. Excellent sound quality with Marshall’s signature audio.
2. Long-lasting battery life, ideal for extended play sessions.
3. Durable design with water and dust resistance.
4. Easy setup and simple Bluetooth pairing.
5. Ability to link multiple speakers for enhanced audio experience.

Cons:

1. Micro-USB charging port instead of USB-C.

2. Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen) impresses with its compact yet powerful design, delivering high-fidelity audio with deep bass in a portable form. Despite its small size, it offers a surprisingly rich sound that’s perfect for both outdoor and indoor environments. The IP67-rated speaker is both waterproof and dustproof, making it ideal for adventures in various conditions. Whether you’re at the beach, hiking, or just relaxing at home, the SoundLink Flex can handle drops and splashes without missing a beat. With up to 12 hours of battery life, it offers ample time for music and fun, while the advanced Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection to your device from a distance of up to 30 feet. The PositionIQ technology is a notable feature, automatically adjusting the sound based on the speaker’s orientation to optimize your listening experience.

In addition to its ruggedness and sound quality, the SoundLink Flex is highly portable, easily fitting into a backpack or being clipped onto gear for convenience. However, its battery life does drop when played at maximum volume, offering only around 3 hours of playtime in such conditions. Additionally, while the sound is generally clear and balanced, those looking for more intense bass or room-filling audio might find it lacking compared to larger speakers. The lack of a mounting option may also be a limitation for users who want to install it in a fixed location.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. Compact size with high-fidelity audio and deep bass.
2. IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof design.
3. Up to 12 hours of battery life at typical listening levels.
4. Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint technology for stable connections.
5. PositionIQ technology automatically adjusts sound based on orientation.

Pros:

1. Clear and balanced sound with surprising bass for its size.
2. Durable and rugged build suitable for outdoor use.
3. Lightweight and portable with an easy clip-on feature.
4. Advanced Bluetooth connectivity with stable range.
5. Floating design for water-based activities.

Cons:

1. Reduced battery life (up to 3 hours) at maximum volume.

Marshall Emberton II vs Bose SoundLink Flex: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, two names that often come up are Marshall and Bose. Both brands have established themselves as leaders in the audio industry, known for their distinctive designs, excellent sound quality, and durability. In this comparison, we will take a closer look at the Marshall Emberton II and the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen), highlighting their differences and similarities across several key factors like sound quality, design, portability, battery life, and durability.

Sound Quality

Marshall Emberton II: The Marshall Emberton II delivers a rich and loud sound that lives up to Marshall’s legendary audio reputation. Equipped with two 2-inch full-range drivers and two passive radiators, this speaker produces a surprisingly wide and balanced sound for its compact size. The True Stereophonic technology provides 360° multi-directional sound, ensuring that you get an even listening experience from any position. The sound is clear, and while it produces good treble and mids, it may not deliver the deep bass that some users prefer, especially in larger spaces.

Bose SoundLink Flex: The Bose SoundLink Flex also packs a punch for its size, offering clear and balanced audio with deep bass, making it one of the top choices for portable outdoor speakers. It uses PositionIQ technology, which automatically adjusts the sound based on the speaker’s orientation, ensuring optimal sound whether the speaker is standing, laying flat, or hanging upside down. While the bass is not as intense as that of larger speakers, it’s definitely more pronounced compared to the Emberton II, especially at lower to mid-range volumes.

Feature	Marshall Emberton II	Bose SoundLink Flex
Audio Technology	True Stereophonic (360° sound)	PositionIQ for optimal sound direction
Sound Quality	Balanced with clear mids and treble	Clear with deep bass for its size
Bass Performance	Decent bass, but not intense	Stronger bass than Emberton II

Portability and Design

Marshall Emberton II: Weighing just 0.7 kg (1.5 lbs), the Emberton II is compact and easy to carry, making it a solid choice for those who need a speaker that’s both portable and powerful. Its design, with the signature Marshall logo and a textured silicone sleeve, combines both functionality and aesthetics, evoking the brand’s classic rock ’n’ roll spirit. The speaker’s rugged design, although durable, lacks the utility loop or clip-on feature for added portability.

Bose SoundLink Flex: The Bose SoundLink Flex is similarly compact and portable, designed for easy transport. It weighs just 0.61 kg (1.35 lbs), slightly lighter than the Emberton II, and features a built-in utility loop, allowing you to clip it to bags or gear easily. The design is sleek and minimalistic, with a soft-touch silicone exterior that is not only durable but also comfortable to hold. The speaker is waterproof and dustproof, making it a solid option for outdoor enthusiasts who need a speaker that can endure tough environments.

Feature	Marshall Emberton II	Bose SoundLink Flex
Weight	0.7 kg (1.5 lbs)	0.61 kg (1.35 lbs)
Portability	Compact but lacks clip-on functionality	Compact with utility loop for clipping
Durability	Durable, IP67 rated	IP67 rated, silicone-wrapped exterior

Battery Life

Marshall Emberton II: The Emberton II excels in battery life, providing up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge at typical listening volumes. This makes it ideal for long trips or extended outdoor sessions. The battery performance drops significantly at maximum volume, offering only around 3 hours of playtime. Charging is relatively quick, with a full charge taking about 3 hours.

Bose SoundLink Flex: The Bose SoundLink Flex offers up to 12 hours of battery life, which is still impressive for its size. However, this is significantly lower than the Emberton II’s battery life. The battery also lasts about 3 hours when played at full volume. Like the Marshall, the Bose speaker charges via USB-C, which is more modern than the Emberton II’s micro-USB charging port.

Feature	Marshall Emberton II	Bose SoundLink Flex
Battery Life (typical usage)	Up to 30 hours	Up to 12 hours
Charging Time	About 3 hours	About 3 hours
Charging Port	Micro-USB	USB-C

Durability and Waterproofing

Marshall Emberton II: The Emberton II is IP67-rated for dust and water resistance, meaning it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Its rugged design, featuring a silicone sleeve, helps it withstand drops and rough handling, making it a great choice for outdoor activities.

Bose SoundLink Flex: The Bose SoundLink Flex also holds an IP67 rating, meaning it can be submerged in water and is resistant to dust. Additionally, its silicone-wrapped body provides excellent protection against drops and shocks. The speaker is also designed to float on water, which is a significant advantage over the Emberton II for those who plan to use it near water.

Feature	Marshall Emberton II	Bose SoundLink Flex
Water Resistance	IP67 rated (submersible up to 1 meter)	IP67 rated (submersible and floats)
Dust Resistance	IP67 rated	IP67 rated
Drop Protection	Durable with silicone sleeve	Tough silicone-wrapped body

Connectivity and Additional Features

Marshall Emberton II: The Emberton II supports Bluetooth 5.0, offering a stable connection up to 30 feet. It has an easy-to-use interface, with simple pairing and controls for volume and playback. It also supports StackMode, which allows you to link multiple Emberton II speakers for a bigger sound experience.

Bose SoundLink Flex: The SoundLink Flex features Bluetooth 5.3, offering an even more stable and reliable connection compared to the Emberton II. It supports multipoint technology, which allows it to connect to multiple devices at once. The speaker also has integration with the Bose Music app, which allows for EQ adjustments, battery monitoring, and shortcut customization.

Feature	Marshall Emberton II	Bose SoundLink Flex
Bluetooth Version	Bluetooth 5.0	Bluetooth 5.3
Multi-Device Pairing	StackMode for multiple speakers	Multipoint technology
App Support	No app support	Bose Music app for EQ and settings

FAQ

Which speaker has better sound quality, the Marshall Emberton II or the Bose SoundLink Flex?

Both the Marshall Emberton II and the Bose SoundLink Flex deliver excellent sound quality, but they have different strengths. The Marshall Emberton II offers a well-balanced sound with clear treble and mids, but its bass performance is somewhat limited, especially in larger spaces. On the other hand, the Bose SoundLink Flex provides deeper bass and clear audio, making it a better choice for those who want more pronounced bass in a portable speaker. The SoundLink Flex also utilizes PositionIQ technology to optimize sound based on its orientation, which ensures consistent sound quality regardless of how the speaker is placed.

Is the battery life of the Marshall Emberton II better than the Bose SoundLink Flex?

Yes, the Marshall Emberton II offers superior battery life compared to the Bose SoundLink Flex. The Emberton II provides up to 30 hours of playtime at typical listening volumes, making it ideal for long outdoor trips or extended sessions. In contrast, the Bose SoundLink Flex offers up to 12 hours of battery life at typical levels, which is still decent but not as long-lasting as the Emberton II. Both speakers offer about 3 hours of playtime when played at maximum volume.

Can the Bose SoundLink Flex float on water?

Yes, the Bose SoundLink Flex is designed to float on water, which gives it a significant advantage for those who plan to use it near bodies of water, such as the beach or pool. This feature makes it a great option for water-based activities, as you don’t have to worry about the speaker sinking or being damaged. The Marshall Emberton II, while waterproof, does not have the floating capability.

Which speaker is more portable, the Marshall Emberton II or the Bose SoundLink Flex?

While both speakers are portable, the Bose SoundLink Flex has a slight edge in portability. It weighs a bit less than the Marshall Emberton II and features a built-in utility loop, which allows for easy attachment to bags or gear, making it ideal for on-the-go users. The Marshall Emberton II is compact but lacks the clip-on functionality, making it a bit less convenient for hands-free portability compared to the SoundLink Flex.

Does the Marshall Emberton II support multi-speaker pairing?

Yes, the Marshall Emberton II supports StackMode, which allows you to link multiple Emberton II speakers for a larger sound experience. This feature is perfect for parties or outdoor events where you want to amplify the audio. The Bose SoundLink Flex also supports pairing multiple speakers using its Party Mode, but the Marshall offers a more seamless pairing experience for those looking to create a bigger sound setup with the same speaker model.

Final Thoughts

Both the Marshall Emberton II and the Bose SoundLink Flex offer excellent sound quality and durability, making them suitable for outdoor adventures and casual listening. The Marshall Emberton II is the better choice for those who prioritize longer battery life, louder volume, and a classic design. It’s a solid performer with a rich sound, though its bass may not satisfy everyone, especially in larger environments.

On the other hand, the Bose SoundLink Flex shines with its portability, more advanced Bluetooth 5.3, and ability to float on water, making it ideal for those who want a rugged and versatile speaker for both land and water activities. Its slightly shorter battery life is compensated by superior bass performance and app customization.