Bose
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
$159Cheaper
Released 2024
Best Portable Speakers · head-to-head
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) vs Marshall Emberton III
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is cheaper at $159. Every spec and price links to its source.
Marshall
Marshall Emberton III
$179.99
Released 2023
Which is better: the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) or Marshall Emberton III?
The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is the cheaper at $159. The Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) | Marshall Emberton III |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $159 | $179.99 |
| Brand | Bose | Marshall |
| Released | 2024 | 2023 |
| Battery hr | 12 | 32 |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Drivers | — | 2×2-inch full-range + 2 passive radiators |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Weight (lb) | 1.291 | 1.48 |
| Stereo pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Aux (in) | No | No |
| Release | 2024 | 2023 |
Sources — Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): bose.com (verified 2026-06-15). Marshall Emberton III: marshall.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) and Marshall Emberton III?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (2 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Battery hr: Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) 12 vs Marshall Emberton III 32
- Weight (lb): Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) 1.291 vs Marshall Emberton III 1.48
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
Two whitelisted testers (SoundGuys, TechRadar) reviewed this exact model and both did hands-on testing. Both praise clean, balanced, detailed sound and the rugged IP67 build, but flag minimal upgrades over the 1st Gen, limited EQ options (only four presets), and unremarkable battery life. SoundGuys' standardized 80dB/1m test measured just 7 hours 3 minutes against Bose's 12-hour claim. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Clean, balanced, detailed sound with good instrument separation for its size; Rugged, durable IP67 dustproof/waterproof build for outdoor use; Attractive, portable design with strap/loop attachment.
Flagged: Minimal upgrades over the 1st Gen (near-identical hardware and sound profile); Limited EQ options in the app (only four presets); Underwhelming battery life; only ~12h claimed, and SoundGuys measured 7h 3min at 80dB.
Marshall Emberton III
Two whitelisted outlets (Tom's Guide, TechRadar) hands-on tested the Emberton III over several weeks. Both praise class-leading battery life (30-32 hours vs a ~20-hour category norm), the rugged Marshall-amp styling, and impressively loud, punchy sound for the small size. Both flag the same core limitation: mids get de-emphasized and the sound turns harsh with bass distortion when pushed loud, plus there is no custom EQ (only three fixed presets) and no aux input. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Exceptional battery life (30-32 hours, far beyond category norm); Rugged, distinctive Marshall-amp design and build; Impressively loud and punchy sound for its small size.
Flagged: Weak/scooped mid-range; sound harshens and bass distorts at high volume; No customizable EQ (only three fixed presets); No 3.5mm aux input.