With a unique design and impressive audio, the Emberton III has become one of my preferred Bluetooth speakers. I own over two dozen Bluetooth speakers at home, yet I’ve always been drawn to Marshall products. A decade ago, I purchased the Stanmore, which has performed excellently over the years — I still use it regularly, and its sound quality is remarkable. I also appreciate the Kilburn II; however, it’s not the most travel-friendly option.
This is where the Emberton III shines. It’s not the tiniest Marshall speaker — that title goes to the Willen II — but its natural portability gives it a clear edge. Priced at $149 on Amazon, it’s significantly more budget-friendly compared to Marshall’s other offerings. The size is a crucial reason why I love the Emberton III, and in the past two months, I’ve utilized this speaker more than virtually any other.
Marshall’s speakers feature a striking design reminiscent of the brand’s legendary amplifiers, and the Emberton III follows suit. I appreciate that the brand adapted the design principles into a compact form, and the metal grille at the front, adorned with the embossed Marshall logo, enables the Emberton III to stand out aesthetically.
However, the real draw isn’t the appearance; it’s the audio quality where the Emberton III truly excels. The speaker delivers 20W of sound through dual 10W full-range drivers, alongside dual passive radiators. While 20W might seem modest compared to portable speakers like the Tribit StormBox Blast 2 that boast up to 200W, the Emberton III intelligently leverages its internal design to generate a much louder output than one might assume from its specifications.
Consequently, the Emberton III performs exceptionally well for its size; most of the time, I didn’t need to raise the volume above 60%. The sound profile is quintessentially Marshall; a prominent bass paired with a tight sub-bass is delightful, a detailed mid-range allows vocals and ensemble instruments to shine, and a clean treble free of sibilance rounds it out.
The drivers are positioned at an angle within the chassis, providing a captivating stereo soundstage. While there are no controls to adjust bass and treble levels like those on the Stanmore, the Marshall app allows for switching between three EQ modes. It may not offer extensive customization, but if you’re seeking additional bass emphasis, there’s an EQ setting for that purpose.
Essentially, the Emberton III delivers audio quality that matches its visual appeal, and I was continually impressed by its performance in this regard. Achieving this in an enclosure measuring just 160mm wide and weighing 1.2lb is a feat, and Marshall has done a fantastic job overall. Its compact size makes it effortless to carry the Emberton III anywhere, and the design clearly emphasizes durability. The speaker has endured its share of falls in the past two months and emerged unscathed.
There are additional perks; the Emberton III features IP67 ingress protection, making it perfect for poolside or shower use. It includes a built-in microphone for taking calls on the speaker, which is a worthwhile feature. You’ll also find convenient onboard controls; a multi-function knob on top allows you to adjust volume, play or pause media, and navigate tracks. A dedicated Bluetooth button activates pairing mode, and there’s a power button along with a battery life indicator.
Battery performance is commendable too; I achieved over 24 hours of use at higher volumes, surpassing most other speakers within this category. Charging the battery via USB-C takes just over two hours, and a quick charge delivers up to six hours of music playback with a 20-minute charge.
It connects using Bluetooth 5.3, and I encountered no issues with range or connectivity. I tried the Emberton III with my Pixel 10 Pro XL, Galaxy Z Fold 7, Vivo X200 Ultra, and various Android phones. The only drawback regarding connectivity is the absence of AptX codecs; it supports only the standard SBC and AAC.
If you’ve already committed to Marshall’s products or are seeking a standout portable Bluetooth speaker, the Emberton III is an obvious choice. Its compact size makes it transportable, and the robust design, coupled with IP67 dust and water resistance, prepares it for any environment.
The audio quality is where the Emberton III surpasses other products I’ve used in the past year; it gets louder, offers more detail, and produces an unexpectedly rich sound given its size. The asking price of $149 is at the higher end, but you’re investing in a speaker that outperforms nearly everything else in this category.
Don’t let its compact dimensions deceive you;
