Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Choose the Marshall Emberton III if long claimed battery life, multipoint connectivity, stereo playback and its distinctive design are your priorities. Choose the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) if you prefer Bose’s app and pairing modes, a more balanced sound profile, better high-volume behavior and the independent comparison’s build assessment. Neither is a universal winner. Marshall’s 32-plus-hour figure and Bose’s 12-hour estimate were measured under different manufacturer conditions, and the available independent comparison does not clearly identify these exact current generations.
What is being compared?
This comparison covers the Marshall Emberton III and the Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker (2nd Gen). The generation matters: Bose identifies the 2nd Gen as a product sold from 2024. A Bose press release dated December 9, 2021 concerns the original SoundLink Flex, not the 2nd Gen, so first-generation feature descriptions should not be assumed to apply unchanged.
RTINGS’ comparison pages, updated August 10 and August 19, 2026, label the products simply “Marshall Emberton” and “Bose SoundLink Flex.” They do not clearly establish that the tested units were Emberton III and SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen). Its listening and durability observations are therefore useful as family-level guidance, not as a definitive head-to-head test of these exact retail models.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Quick decision: which one fits your use?
| If you care most about… | Better starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Long claimed playback time | Marshall Emberton III | Marshall claims more than 32 hours, although that figure is not directly comparable with Bose’s test condition. |
| Balanced sound and louder playback | Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) | RTINGS’ family-level comparison reports a more balanced profile and less compression at maximum volume for Bose. |
| Stereo music without downmixing | Marshall Emberton III | RTINGS reports the Marshall family handles stereo content without downmixing. |
| Wider, more immersive presentation | Marshall Emberton family | RTINGS reports better directivity and a wider-feeling soundstage, with the exact generation caveat above. |
| App-based stereo and party pairing | Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) | Bose lists stereo mode with an identical 2nd Gen speaker and a party mode. |
| Multipoint connections | Marshall Emberton III | Marshall lists multipoint connectivity. |
| Repairable ownership | Marshall Emberton III | Marshall says user-replaceable spare parts and authorized repair services are available, subject to market availability. |
Use the table as a preference guide, not a promise that one speaker will sound better in every room or at every volume. Current, comparable street prices were not established for a defined region, so this comparison does not declare a value winner.
#1 Best Overall
- MARSHALL SIGNATURE SOUND: Features Marshall signature sound with Dynamic Loudness that adjusts the tonal balance of the audio to ensure your music sounds brilliant at every volume.
- TRUE STEREOPHONIC: A unique form of multi-directional sound from Marshall. Experience superior spatial and binaural sound that flows around you and fills any space.
- 32+ HOURS OF PORTABLE PLAYTIME: Offers 32+ hours of portable playtime on a single charge, so you can keep listening all day and into the next.
- DUST AND WATERPROOF: With an IP67 dust and waterproof rating you can submerge it in 1 m (3 ft) of water for up to 30 minutes.
- BUILT-IN MICROPHONE: Comes with a built-in microphone, so that you can take calls completely hands-free.
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | Marshall Emberton III | Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Generation and availability context | Current Emberton III product page | Bose identifies 2nd Gen as sold from 2024 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Claimed battery life | More than 32 hours (Marshall’s product-page claim) | 12 hours at moderate volume; Bose warns maximum volume reduces runtime |
| Charging time | Two hours | Four hours with a 1.5 A USB supply |
| Quick charge | 20 minutes provides six hours of playtime (Marshall’s claim) | Not stated |
| Water and dust protection | IP67; Marshall specifies submersion at 1 m / 3 ft for up to 30 minutes | IP67 |
| Weight | 0.67 kg (1.5 lb) | Not stated on the cited specification page |
| Dimensions | 160 × 68 × 76.9 mm | Not stated on the cited specification page |
| Microphone | Built-in microphone | Built-in microphone on non-SE variants |
| Mobile app | Marshall Bluetooth app | Bose app |
| Multi-speaker features | Multipoint; LE Audio readiness | Party mode; stereo mode only with an identical 2nd Gen speaker |
| Included items | Speaker, USB-C cable, manual, legal/safety information; fastening strap only with Brown variant | USB-C input is listed; included-box contents were not stated in the cited specification page |
Battery figures are manufacturer specifications, not equivalent laboratory results. Marshall’s “32+ hours” and Bose’s “12 hours at a moderate volume level” use different conditions; neither number predicts the other speaker’s result at the same volume, codec or listening material.
Battery life and charging
Emberton III: the endurance advantage on paper
Marshall rates Emberton III for more than 32 hours of playtime. It also claims that a 20-minute charge provides six hours of playback and lists a two-hour charging time. These are useful planning figures for travel, workdays and outdoor events, but they remain vendor claims. Actual runtime changes with volume, wireless behavior, temperature and the type of content being played.
SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): shorter stated runtime, explicit volume qualification
Bose rates the 2nd Gen at 12 hours at a moderate volume level and explicitly says runtime decreases at maximum volume. Bose lists a four-hour charge when using a 1.5 A USB supply. If you regularly listen loudly or need several days between charges, the Marshall specification gives you more headroom. If you usually listen at moderate volume and charge overnight, the Bose figure may be adequate.
How to compare the claims responsibly
- Do not describe Marshall as lasting “nearly three times longer” in real use; the arithmetic compares unlike test conditions.
- Do not assume Bose’s four-hour charging figure includes every USB-C power source. Bose specifies a 1.5 A supply.
- Do not treat the six-hour quick-charge claim as a guaranteed amount at maximum volume.
Durability, water resistance and portability
Shared IP67 protection
Both official product pages list IP67. Marshall gives the more specific explanation: Emberton III can be submerged at 1 m / 3 ft for up to 30 minutes. IP67 indicates protection against dust ingress and temporary immersion under the relevant test conditions; it is not a promise that every drop, impact, salt-water exposure or high-pressure spray is harmless.
Rinse off salt or dirty water with fresh water when appropriate, dry the speaker before charging, and keep the USB-C port closed as directed by the manufacturer. Neither IP rating removes the need to inspect the enclosure after a hard impact.
Rank #2
- MARSHALL SIGNATURE SOUND: Features Marshall signature sound with Dynamic Loudness that adjusts the tonal balance of the audio to ensure your music sounds brilliant at every volume.
- TRUE STEREOPHONIC: A unique form of multi-directional sound from Marshall. Experience superior spatial and binaural sound that flows around you and fills any space.
- 32+ HOURS OF PORTABLE PLAYTIME: Offers 32+ hours of portable playtime on a single charge, so you can keep listening all day and into the next.
- DUST AND WATERPROOF: With an IP67 dust and waterproof rating you can submerge it in 1 m (3 ft) of water for up to 30 minutes.
- BUILT-IN MICROPHONE: Comes with a built-in microphone, so that you can take calls completely hands-free.
Size and carrying
Emberton III weighs 0.67 kg and measures 160 × 68 × 76.9 mm. Marshall includes a USB-C cable and lists a fastening strap only with the Brown Emberton III variant. The cited Bose specification page does not state a comparable weight or dimension figure, so the available evidence cannot establish which speaker is lighter or smaller.
The strap distinction matters if you expect to hang the speaker from a bag or bike: check the color and box contents before ordering rather than assuming every Emberton III includes it.
Sound and listening behavior
What the independent comparison reports
RTINGS describes Bose as more versatile overall, with a more balanced sound profile and better performance at high volume because it applies less compression. It also reports that the Bose family has better build quality and supports smartphone voice-assistant use.
For the Marshall family, RTINGS reports that stereo content is played without downmixing, directivity is better, and the soundstage feels wider and more immersive. It also reports somewhat longer battery life in its comparison, subject to use. Because the pages do not confirm Emberton III versus SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen), treat these as directional family-level findings rather than measurements for the exact units in this article.
Choose by listening environment
- Mixed playlists and spoken content: Bose’s reported balance may be easier to live with when you switch between music, podcasts and video.
- Wide placement in a room: Marshall’s reported directivity and wider presentation may help when listeners are not seated directly in front of the speaker.
- High-volume outdoor use: The RTINGS comparison favors Bose for less compression at maximum volume, but no exact-generation test result is established here.
- True stereo material: Marshall’s reported no-downmix behavior is the more relevant advantage if channel separation matters to you.
Neither the manufacturer specifications nor the cited comparison establishes a universal tonal preference. If possible, audition each with familiar recordings at the volume you actually use.
Rank #3
- Tailored for Convenience: Securely store and protect your Marshall Emberton III wireless speaker in this durable hard case.
- Superior Durability: Constructed from high-quality EVA materials, this Marshall Emberton 3 cover offers exceptional protection against dust, impacts, and scratches. The snug fit design and additional mesh pocket allow for secure storage of cables and accessories, protecting your Emberton III speaker from potential damage.
- Compact and Travel-Friendly: Designed to be lightweight and portable, this Emberton III / Emberton II carrying case features a comfortable hand strap that can easily be packed into your luggage or backpack. It’s perfect for safeguarding your Emberton 3 Bluetooth speaker while on the move.
- Precision Size Design: With external dimensions measuring 7.3 * 3.8 * 3.2 inches, this Marshall case is tailor-made for Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth portable speakers. The Marshall Emberton speaker case is equipped with a robust 360-degree zipper for seamless access.
- For Marshall Users: A perfect gift for anyone who owns a Marshall Emberton III, Marshall Emberton II speaker. This travel case not only offers protection but also serves as a thoughtful present for special occasions like Christmas, birthdays, or anniversaries. Enhance the travel experience for your family or friends with this premium Marshall speaker case.
Bluetooth, calls and software features
Marshall Emberton III
Marshall lists Bluetooth 5.3 LE, a built-in microphone, Marshall Bluetooth app support, multipoint connectivity and LE Audio readiness. Multipoint is useful when two source devices need to remain connected, such as a phone and a laptop. “LE Audio readiness” indicates preparation for the newer Bluetooth audio framework; it does not by itself guarantee that every LE Audio feature or source-device combination is available today.
Marshall says, “Emberton III comes with a built-in microphone, making hands-free talking much simpler and clearer.” That is Marshall’s marketing description, not an independent call-quality measurement. Expect microphone performance to depend on distance, room noise, phone compatibility and the app or operating system handling the call.
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
Bose lists Bluetooth 5.3 and Bose app compatibility. Its specification page lists a built-in microphone on non-SE variants, so confirm the exact variant if hands-free calling is important. Bose also lists stereo mode with an identical 2nd Gen speaker and a party mode.
The identical-speaker requirement is significant: a first-generation SoundLink Flex or a different Bose model should not be assumed to form the specified stereo pair. Party mode is a separate multi-speaker use case; check Bose’s current compatibility instructions for the devices you already own.
Setup instructions
Pair either speaker with a phone
- Charge the speaker and power it on.
- Open the phone’s Bluetooth settings.
- Put the speaker into pairing mode using its Bluetooth control, then select the speaker name when it appears.
- Open the Marshall Bluetooth app or Bose app, as applicable, to install available firmware and configure supported features.
- Play a familiar track, check the volume at the level you normally use, and verify that calls route to the speaker before relying on it for meetings.
Create a Bose stereo pair
- Use two Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) speakers; Bose specifies an identical 2nd Gen speaker for stereo mode.
- Pair the primary speaker with your phone.
- Use the Bose app’s speaker-pairing controls to add the second identical speaker.
- Test left and right channels with a stereo recording and separate the speakers enough to create the width you want.
Use Marshall multipoint
- Pair Emberton III with the first source in the Marshall app or the source device’s Bluetooth menu.
- Enable or use multipoint according to the app’s current controls, then pair the second source.
- Pause playback on one source before starting another; two connected devices do not mean both can play simultaneously.
Repairability and long-term ownership
Marshall says Emberton III has user-replaceable spare parts and authorized repair services, with availability varying by market. That is a meaningful ownership advantage if you plan to keep the speaker beyond its battery’s first service life, but it is not a guarantee that every part is stocked in every country. Check local parts and service availability before purchase.
Rank #4
- SUPERIOR SIGNATURE SOUND: Delivers sound that is rich, clear and loud, like the artist intended. Experience absolute 360° sound with True Stereophonic, a unique form of multi-directional sound from Marshall – where every spot is a sweet spot.
- 30+ HOURS OF PORTABLE PLAYTIME: Offers 30+ hours of portable playtime on a single charge. Its compact size, rugged durability and reliable playtime make it perfect to take with you. When you’re out of battery, Emberton II won’t keep you waiting long – plug in your speaker and return to full battery in 3 hours.
- ROADWORTHY IP67-RATED DESIGN: Tough and resilient, boasting an extremely durable and easy-to-use design that features an IP67 dust- and water-resistance rating. It won’t let rain or dirt get in the way of your music
- PAIR, PLAY, AND BRING THE LOUD: Won’t slow you down with a lengthy set-up – pair, play and let the good times roll. Download the dedicated app if you want to find the right sound with equaliser presets, and to keep your speaker up to date with Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.
- MULTI-SPEAKER SESSION WITH STACKMODE: Powered up with Stack Mode. Amplify your sound with a multi-speaker session by connecting your speaker to other Emberton II speakers. Create a sound as big as your imagination
The Bose specification information cited here does not state an equivalent spare-parts or authorized-repair program. That absence should not be read as proof that no service exists; it means no comparable claim is established in the available specifications.
Which speaker should you buy?
Buy Marshall Emberton III when…
- You want Marshall’s more-than-32-hour claimed runtime and six-hour quick-charge claim.
- You switch between two source devices and need multipoint connectivity.
- You value stereo-content handling without downmixing and the wider, more immersive family-level presentation reported by RTINGS.
- You want the option of user-replaceable parts or authorized repair where your market supports it.
- You prefer the Emberton design and have verified whether your chosen color includes the fastening strap.
Buy Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) when…
- You prefer a more balanced profile and less compression at high volume in the RTINGS family-level comparison.
- You want Bose app controls, party mode or stereo pairing with a second identical 2nd Gen speaker.
- You need smartphone voice-assistant support as reported in the independent comparison.
- A 12-hour moderate-volume rating fits your charging routine.
- You are buying a non-SE variant and want the built-in microphone listed by Bose.
Do not decide on price from this comparison alone
Current street prices, promotions and stock were not compared for a defined geography. Prices change by country, retailer, color and sale period, so check both exact generations at the same time before making a value judgment. A lower price on an older first-generation SoundLink Flex is not a like-for-like comparison with the 2nd Gen.
Common buying mistakes
- Confusing generations: The December 2021 Bose announcement describes the original SoundLink Flex. Confirm that a listing says “2nd Gen.”
- Comparing battery numbers as laboratory scores: Marshall’s 32-plus-hour claim and Bose’s 12-hour moderate-volume estimate have different conditions.
- Assuming every Emberton III has a strap: Marshall lists the fastening strap only for the Brown variant.
- Mixing Bose speakers for stereo mode: Bose specifies an identical SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) speaker.
- Expecting IP67 to cover charging while wet: Dry the speaker and protect the USB-C connection before charging.
- Treating family-level RTINGS findings as exact-generation measurements: The displayed comparison does not confirm the current Emberton III and Flex 2nd Gen pairing.
- Assuming a microphone guarantees clear calls: Both vendors’ microphone claims do not replace a call test in your room and with your phone.
Final recommendation
For the most feature-rich travel and multi-device setup, the Marshall Emberton III is the logical pick: its published endurance is much longer, it adds multipoint and LE Audio readiness, and Marshall documents repair options that may extend ownership. For listeners who prioritize app-based pairing, a balanced presentation, maximum-volume composure and Bose’s reported versatility, choose the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen).
Before ordering, verify the generation, variant, included strap, local repair availability and current price. Those checks matter more than declaring one speaker an across-the-board winner from non-equivalent battery claims and a family-level independent comparison.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
