Marshall Emberton III Review: Compact with Big Sound Review

Technical Specifications

• Built-in Subwoofer: No
• Display Panel: No
• USB Speaker Mode: No
• IP67 Certification: Yes (dustproof and submersible up to 1m for 30 mins)
• Battery Life (claimed): Up to 32 hours (at low volume)

Price: ~£180/€180n

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Classic Looks, Minor Tweaks

Familiar Design and Construction

True to Marshall’s iconic aesthetic, the Emberton III retains the characteristic vinyl-like coating reminiscent of the brand’s guitar amplifiers. The gold Marshall logo on the front spells its rock ‘n’ roll heritage loud and clear. Although not drastically different from its predecessor, the finishing quality steps up a notch.Measuring 160 × 68 × 76.9mm and weighing 670g (30g lighter than the Emberton II), it’s still highly portable, easily slipping into a small bag. The IP67 rating stands, ensuring dust protection and full waterproofing to 1 metre depth for 30 minutes. That’s enough for poolside lounging or accidental splashes.

Subtle Convenience Upgrades

There’s now a dedicated power button on top, along with a small loop anchor on the side for attaching a lanyard (though no strap is included in the box). As before, a retro-styled battery gauge glows red continuously—handy for a quick power check, but you can’t turn it off if you find it distracting.

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Serious Battery Performance

Real-World Endurance

Marshall claims 32 hours of playback, but our tests put actual performance around 28 hours at one-third volume. Hitting the full 32 hours is feasible only at very low volumes. Either way, it’s still very respectable for a speaker of this size.

Quick Charging

You’ll charge the Emberton III via a USB-C port (charging-only, no audio input). Topping it up fully takes around 2 hours, while a 20-minute quick charge yields about 6 hours of playback.

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Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio and Features

Future-Proofed Connectivity

Upgraded from Bluetooth 5.1, the Emberton III now supports Bluetooth 5.3—specifically LE Audio, enabling the new LC3 codec and eventual Auracast multi-device capabilities. Not many devices support it yet, but you’re set for the future.

Multipoint and Hands-Free

You can still coect to two audio sources at once. The built-in microphone allows for speakerphone calls (best when speaking close to the unit).

Simplified App and Missing Features

Marshall’s companion app offers only limited EQ presets (Marshall, Push, Voice) and the option to adjust battery-saving settings. The old “Stack” feature (to link multiple Emberton Is) is absent, presumably replaced by Auracast in Bluetooth 5.3. Overall, the app isn’t essential—just handy for firmware updates.

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Balanced Yet Powerful Sound (with Some Caveats)

Tuning and Hardware

Internally, the Emberton III echoes the Emberton II’s setup:

• Two 2-inch drivers at 10W each
• Two passive radiators

Tweaked tuning offers fuller bass at moderate volumes, rendering a pleasantly balanced, warm profile. The top end stays airy, delivering decent clarity for such a small enclosure. While it’s technically stereo, don’t expect a notably wide soundstage at this size.

High-Volume Distortio

Push it past 75% volume, and the treble starts to distort, losing dynamic punch. However, it’s got enough oomph to fill a mid-sized room or hold its own outdoors—no need to max out volume if you want quality.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Balanced, airy sound with improved bass
• Future-proof Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio
• Stylish, sturdy build with IP67 water/dust resistance
• Solid battery life (up to ~28 hours in real use)

Cons

• Distortion at high volume
• Red battery LEDs always lit
• No line-in or USB-C audio
• No separate “Stack” pairing mode

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Verdict: Marshall Emberton III

AA subtle refresh rather than a radical leap, the Emberton III benefits from incremental improvements like a dedicated power button, Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio, and slightly refined tuning. It retains the brand’s signature vibe, pleasingly deep bass (for its compactness), and rugged vinyl finish—and is powerful enough without needing to push it to distortion territory.At around £180/€180, it’s about £/€10 more than its predecessor, but sits competitively against rivals like the Ultimate Ears Boom 4 and the JBL Charge 5. If you’re drawn to Marshall’s rock-inspired design, or simply want a small, well-made speaker for everyday use, the Emberton III offers excellent portability, audio warmth, and future-ready connectivity at a fair price