Marshall Emberton II vs Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
Both are IP67 portable Bluetooth speakers with USB-C and no Wi-Fi. The Emberton II runs 30+ hours per charge and weighs 700 g; the SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen adds a speakerphone, Google Assistant support and SimpleSync pairing with Bose soundbars. The Emberton II's lowest daily price on record is $129.00, seen on 2026-10-28; no price is given for the SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen, so compare live store prices before deciding.
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Choose the Marshall Emberton II if you want the longest battery life, a lighter speaker and a classic amp look for music outdoors.
- 30+ hours of playtime beats most portables in this class
- 20-minute quick charge adds 4 hours
- Light at 700 g and small at 160 x 68 x 76 mm
- IP67 waterproof, so rain and pool splashes are fine
- Stack mode links several units for wider sound
What separates them
| Marshall Emberton II | Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery play time | 30+ hours, with 20 minutes of charge giving 4 hours | Not stated in the given specs |
| Weight | 700 g (about 1.5 lb) | 1.291 lb (about 586 g) |
| Speakerphone and voice assistant | No mic, no assistant support | Built-in speakerphone and Google Assistant support |
| Multi-speaker and home pairing | Stack mode links multiple Emberton II units for multi-room audio | SimpleSync pairs with Bose soundbars and TVs; stereo when two Flex units are linked |
| Amplifier power | 2 x 10 W, 87 dB max SPL | 20 W RMS, 50 W max |
| Durability rating | IP67 waterproof | Waterproof and dustproof |
| Charging port | USB-C |
Price history
- Marshall Emberton II: lowest $129.00 on Oct 28 at Best Buy; $129.00 on Nov 6.
- Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen): lowest $119.00 on Nov 6 at Primetime Audio Video.
Prices at every store
Marshall Emberton II
- Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
- Lowe'sCheck price at Lowe's
- MarshallCheck price at Marshall
Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen)
- AmazonCheck price at Amazon
- Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
- BoseCheck price at Bose
Specs compared
| Spec | Marshall Emberton II | Bose SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes, Bluetooth |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Wireless | Bluetooth |
| Ports And Interfaces | USB-C | USB C PORT |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Assistant Support | No | Google Assistant |
| Smart Functions | Multi-room audio (Stack mode) | SimpleSync |
| Speaker Placement | Portable | Portable |
| Design Highlights | Portable | Portable |
| Material | Metal (grille), Plastic, Silicone (sleeve) | Plastic, Aluminum, Fabric, Nylon, Silicone |
What reviewers say
Marshall Emberton II
Owners and reviewers praise the Emberton II for sound that fills a room from a small body and for its amp-style looks. Battery life and rugged IP67 build get frequent mention. The main complaint is price against other portables.
- SoundPraisedListeners say it fills a room and stays crisp at both low and high volume.
- BatteryPraisedOwners report 30+ hours of playtime and value the 20-minute quick charge.
- BuildPraisedThe metal grille and silicone sleeve feel solid, and IP67 handles rain and splashes.
- DesignPraisedBuyers like the classic amplifier look with the Marshall script logo.
Questions and answers
- Which has the longer battery life?
- The Marshall Emberton II, at 30+ hours per charge. Bose does not state a play time for the SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen in the given specs.
- Which is better for phone calls?
- The Bose SoundLink Flex 2nd Gen. It has a built-in speakerphone and Google Assistant support; the Emberton II has no microphone.
- Which is better outdoors?
- Both are rated waterproof, and the Emberton II is IP67. The Flex is lighter at 1.291 lb and has PositionIQ, which adapts sound to how it sits.
- Can I pair either with a TV or soundbar?
- Only the Bose, through SimpleSync with Bose soundbars and TVs. The Emberton II's Stack mode links other Emberton II speakers, not a TV.
- Is the Emberton II worth $129.00?
- At its lowest recorded daily price of $129.00 on 2026-10-28, you pay for 30+ hours of battery and a light, waterproof body. If you need calls or assistant support, the Bose is the better fit.
- Which is louder?
- The Bose on paper: 50 W max and 20 W RMS versus the Emberton II's 2 x 10 W and 87 dB max SPL. Real-world loudness depends on the room or open air.