Marshall Emberton II vs JBL Charge 5: A Comparison

In the world of portable Bluetooth speakers, both the Marshall Emberton II and the JBL Charge 5 stand out as top contenders. Offering a combination of impressive sound quality, durability, and long-lasting battery life, these speakers cater to music lovers who want to take their tunes anywhere they go. However, each speaker has its own set of features and design elements that appeal to different preferences. Whether you’re a fan of Marshall’s classic sound or need the rugged, versatile performance of JBL, this comparison will help you choose the speaker that best fits your needs.

1. Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The Marshall Emberton II Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a powerful and stylish addition to any music lover’s collection. With its compact size and rugged build, this speaker offers superior sound quality that fills the room with rich, clear, and loud audio. Thanks to the True Stereophonic technology, the Emberton II provides a unique 360° sound experience, ensuring that every spot in the room is a sweet spot for listening. Whether you’re at home, on the go, or outdoors, this speaker delivers a robust audio experience without compromising on portability. The IP67 rating makes it resistant to water and dust, so you don’t have to worry about weather conditions interrupting your music. Plus, with an impressive 30+ hours of playtime, you can enjoy your favorite tunes for extended periods without constantly charging.

While the Emberton II is an impressive speaker overall, there are a few drawbacks worth considering. Its relatively small size means that while the sound is loud and clear, it may not have the deep bass of larger speakers. Additionally, while the Stack Mode feature is great for amplifying the sound by connecting multiple Emberton II speakers, it requires purchasing additional units for full functionality.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. True Stereophonic 360° sound for an immersive listening experience.
2. 30+ hours of portable playtime on a single charge.
3. IP67-rated water and dust resistance for added durability.
4. Compact, lightweight design (0.7 kg/1.5 lbs).
5. StackMode for connecting multiple speakers for amplified sound.

Pros:

1. Superior sound quality for its size.
2. Durable and weather-resistant design.
3. Long battery life for extended use.
4. Easy Bluetooth pairing and set-up.
5. Stylish and compact, perfect for travel.

Cons:

1. Bass may not be as deep as larger speakers.

2. JBL Charge 5 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Charge 5 offers a solid and impressive performance, perfect for those looking for a portable speaker with high-quality sound and durability. With its JBL Original Pro Sound, the Charge 5 produces rich, clear audio thanks to its optimized long excursion driver, separate tweeter, and dual bass radiators. Whether you’re outdoors or indoors, the sound fills the space with remarkable clarity and volume. The speaker offers up to 20 hours of playtime, making it an ideal choice for long gatherings or extended listening sessions. Additionally, its IPX7 waterproof and dustproof rating ensures you can take it to the pool, beach, or anywhere without worrying about the elements. The built-in power bank also allows you to charge your devices while continuing to enjoy your music.

The Charge 5 also includes some great features like wireless Bluetooth streaming, which lets you connect up to two devices at once, allowing friends or family to take turns playing their favorite tunes. The PartyBoost feature is another highlight, enabling you to connect multiple JBL PartyBoost-enabled speakers for an even bigger sound. While the Charge 5 excels in many areas, it does have a few minor drawbacks. For instance, while it has great sound, the bass might not be as deep as some users would like. Also, it lacks some advanced features like a built-in microphone for hands-free calls.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

1. JBL Original Pro Sound with long excursion driver and dual bass radiators.
2. 20 hours of playtime on a single charge.
3. IPX7 waterproof and dustproof rating for outdoor use.
4. Wireless Bluetooth streaming with the ability to connect up to two devices.
5. PartyBoost feature to connect multiple JBL speakers for bigger sound.

Pros:

1. Clear and powerful sound for its size.
2. Durable and weather-resistant design.
3. Long-lasting battery life of up to 20 hours.
4. Easy Bluetooth connectivity and speaker pairing.
5. Built-in power bank for charging devices.

Cons:

1. Lacks a built-in microphone for hands-free calls.

Comparison: Marshall Emberton II vs JBL Charge 5

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, the Marshall Emberton II and JBL Charge 5 are two strong contenders that cater to different preferences and needs. Both speakers provide excellent sound quality, durability, and long-lasting battery life, but they offer distinct features and design elements that make them unique.

Feature	Marshall Emberton II	JBL Charge 5
Sound Quality	360° True Stereophonic, rich audio	JBL Original Pro Sound, clear sound
Battery Life	30+ hours	20 hours
Durability	IP67 waterproof, dustproof	IP67 waterproof, dustproof
Connectivity Features	StackMode, Bluetooth	PartyBoost, Bluetooth, App Support
Weight	1.5 lbs	2.1 lbs

Sound Quality

Marshall Emberton II: The Marshall Emberton II offers an exceptional 360° sound experience thanks to its True Stereophonic technology. This means that no matter where you are in relation to the speaker, you’ll get consistent and immersive sound. The speaker features two 2″ full-range drivers and two passive radiators, allowing it to deliver powerful audio despite its compact size. The signature Marshall sound is rich, clear, and loud, ensuring a pleasant listening experience in most environments.

JBL Charge 5: The JBL Charge 5 also provides excellent sound quality with its JBL Original Pro Sound. This is achieved through a combination of an optimized long excursion driver, a separate tweeter, and dual bass radiators. The sound is clear and punchy, especially when it comes to mid and high frequencies. While the Charge 5 doesn’t offer 360° sound like the Emberton II, it still delivers strong, room-filling audio and is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

Battery Life and Charging

Marshall Emberton II: The Marshall Emberton II offers a solid 30+ hours of battery life on a single charge, making it an excellent choice for those who need extended playtime. Whether you’re out camping, on a road trip, or having a party, the Emberton II can last through long sessions without needing a recharge. Additionally, it takes only three hours to fully charge, which is a quick turnaround for such a long-lasting speaker.

JBL Charge 5: The JBL Charge 5 provides 20 hours of battery life, which is still impressive but slightly less than the Emberton II. However, it features a built-in power bank that allows you to charge your devices on the go, adding an extra layer of convenience. The Charge 5’s battery life should be enough for most day-long outdoor activities or parties, and it can be quickly recharged with a USB-C port.

Durability and Design

Marshall Emberton II: With an IP67 rating, the Marshall Emberton II is both water- and dust-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor use. It can withstand exposure to rain and dirt, but it is slightly more fragile than the JBL Charge 5 when it comes to drops and impacts due to its more retro design, which includes a textured silicone sleeve and a metal grille. The speaker weighs just 1.5 lbs, making it portable and easy to carry.

JBL Charge 5: The JBL Charge 5 is also IP67-rated, ensuring that it is waterproof and dustproof. This speaker is designed for extreme durability, with a rugged, sturdy build that can withstand drops and outdoor environments. It’s a little larger and heavier than the Emberton II, weighing 2.1 lbs, but it’s still highly portable. The Charge 5 has a modern, functional design with a fabric mesh grille and rubberized ends, making it more durable for rougher conditions.

Connectivity Features

Marshall Emberton II: The Emberton II supports Bluetooth wireless connectivity and allows you to pair it with your devices quickly. It also offers the StackMode feature, which allows you to connect multiple Emberton II speakers together for a larger sound. While this is a great option for those who want to amplify their audio, you’ll need to purchase additional Emberton II speakers to take advantage of it. The Emberton II doesn’t have voice assistant integration or an app to fine-tune settings, which may be a downside for some users.

JBL Charge 5: The JBL Charge 5 allows wireless Bluetooth streaming from two devices simultaneously, which makes it great for shared listening experiences at parties or gatherings. The PartyBoost feature lets you connect multiple JBL PartyBoost-enabled speakers, so you can create an even bigger sound. It also supports an app that can help you customize your speaker’s sound and keep it updated, which provides more flexibility compared to the Emberton II.

FAQ

Which speaker has better sound quality, the Marshall Emberton II or the JBL Charge 5?

Both the Marshall Emberton II and the JBL Charge 5 offer impressive sound quality, but they cater to different preferences. The Emberton II delivers 360° sound, ensuring an immersive listening experience no matter where you’re positioned around the speaker. Its signature Marshall sound is rich, clear, and loud, ideal for those who enjoy a balanced and dynamic audio experience. On the other hand, the JBL Charge 5 focuses on delivering punchy audio with a long excursion driver and dual bass radiators, making it perfect for those who appreciate deep bass and crisp mid and high frequencies. If you prefer room-filling, multidirectional sound, the Emberton II excels, while the Charge 5 offers a more directional yet powerful sound profile.

How does the battery life compare between the Marshall Emberton II and JBL Charge 5?

The Marshall Emberton II offers a longer battery life, with up to 30+ hours of playtime on a single charge. This makes it an excellent choice for extended listening sessions during trips or outdoor activities. The JBL Charge 5, while still impressive, offers 20 hours of playtime. However, the Charge 5 has an added feature—the ability to charge other devices using its built-in power bank. This means that while the Emberton II has the edge in raw playtime, the JBL Charge 5 gives you the added convenience of charging your devices while continuing to enjoy music.

Can I use both speakers with multiple devices at the same time?

Yes, both the Marshall Emberton II and the JBL Charge 5 allow you to connect multiple devices, but in slightly different ways. The Emberton II doesn’t support connecting multiple devices simultaneously but offers StackMode, allowing you to link multiple Emberton II speakers together for a bigger sound. In contrast, the JBL Charge 5 lets you stream music from two devices at the same time, making it a more convenient option for parties or shared listening experiences. Additionally, the Charge 5 supports JBL’s PartyBoost feature, allowing you to connect multiple PartyBoost-enabled JBL speakers for even larger sound coverage.

Is the Marshall Emberton II good for outdoor use?

Yes, the Marshall Emberton II is well-suited for outdoor use, with an IP67 rating that makes it both water- and dust-resistant. This rating ensures the speaker can withstand rain, splashes, and exposure to dust, making it a solid choice for outdoor adventures. However, it’s worth noting that while it’s durable, the Emberton II’s more compact design means it may be less resistant to drops and impacts compared to larger, more rugged speakers like the JBL Charge 5.

Which speaker is more portable, the Marshall Emberton II or the JBL Charge 5?

The Marshall Emberton II is the more portable option, weighing only 1.5 lbs and featuring a compact design that’s easy to carry around. Its lightweight build and sleek appearance make it ideal for travel or casual use. On the other hand, the JBL Charge 5 is a bit heavier at 2.1 lbs and larger in size, which makes it less portable than the Emberton II, but still highly portable for outdoor activities like beach trips or camping. If portability is a top priority, the Emberton II’s smaller size and lighter weight make it the better choice.

Final Verdict

When comparing the Marshall Emberton II and JBL Charge 5, the decision ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you value design, classic sound, and portability, the Marshall Emberton II is an excellent choice. However, if you need a speaker with more rugged durability, extended battery life, and extra features like PartyBoost, the JBL Charge 5 might be the better option.