Marshall Willen II vs. Emberton III: Comparing Marshall Portable Speakers
Shop the Marshall Willen II & Emberton III
Comparing Speaker Prices
One of the biggest considerations when choosing between the Marshall Willen II vs. Emberton III is price. The Willen II currently retails for $129.99, and the Emberton III retails for $179.99. If you're looking for a great speaker under $200, they're both great options; with the Emberton, you're paying for even better sound and a larger size to help make bigger sound. If you prioritize affordability, the Willen II still sounds great for a lower price.
Which Marshall Speaker Has Better Sound?
In short, neither of these speakers sound bad. But if you're an audiophile who wants to invest in a portable speaker with the sound quality of a larger device, there are some key differences in the Willen II vs. Emberton III. Both feature Marshall's signature Dynamic Loudness, which adjusts the balance depending on the volume to minimize distortion. The Willen II is definitely upgraded from the original model, with a more powerful driver that helps create more dynamic, room-filling sound. It also features bigger bass and surprisingly clear mids and highs for such a small speaker.
With its bigger size, the Emberton III gets an upgrade in sound quality. It definitely features punchier bass than the smaller Willen II, while still offering clear playback for mids and highs. The addition of Marshall's True Stereophonic technology helps create multi-directional sound for more immersive listening, creating a surprisingly wide soundstage from a single portable speaker.
Connectivity with the Marshall App
Both of these speakers can connect to the Marshall app via Bluetooth. There, you can access EQ presets and turn on battery saver mode. You can control all your Marshall products from the Marshall Bluetooth app, which offers convenient integration if you own one of their larger speakers or headphones.
Speaker Design: Aesthetics, Portability & Durability
The Willen II and Emberton III feature the classic Marshall aesthetic, with nods to their rock n' roll heritage. They're both available in black and cream, so you can choose whichever shade you prefer. The Willen II comes with an integrated strap, while the Emberton III does not; if portability is especially important to you, the Willen is a more convenient option. It's easy to loop onto your bike for listening on the go or a piece of furniture while you're hosting. However, the Emberton does feature a strap anchor, so you can purchase one separately and add it on if you otherwise prefer the Emberton. The controls on each speaker are similar, with buttons for power and Bluetooth, a microphone, a control knob, a USB-C input and a battery indicator.
In terms of design durability, they both have an IP67 dust- and waterproof rating, so they're both great for listening by the pool, on the beach or out camping. Both speakers also feel substantial when you hold them, not like cheap plastic. They're definitely designed with listening on the go in mind. It's a close comparison in terms of design, but the Willen II is slightly more portable.
Willen vs. Emberton: Battery Life
In terms of battery life, the Emberton is the clear winner: the Willen II offers about 17 hours of playback, while the Emberton III offers 32. Larger speakers generally have a larger battery that lasts longer, so this isn't surprising. If you're someone who forgets to charge their devices, the Emberton III's longer battery life is a better fit for you.
Marshall Willen II vs. Emberton III: Which Speaker Should You Get?
While the Willen II and Emberton III are both great speakers, you probably only need one. If you're someone who values portability and affordability, the integrated strap, overall smaller size and lower price point make the Willen II the perfect speaker for you. If you're willing to spend more for better sound, it's definitely worth upgrading to the Emberton III. If you still want more help deciding between these speakers, call Abt's audio specialists at 800-860-3577 for guidance. You can shop the full Marshall lineup online and in-store at Abt.
Marshall Willen II vs. Emberton III FAQs
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No, the Willen doesn't have an auxiliary connection.
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Yes. More specifically, the Willen is rated IP67, which means it's waterproof in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
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No, the Emberton doesn't have an auxiliary connection.
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Yes; the Emberton III is rated IP67, which specifically means it's waterproof in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
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We think the Marshall Emberton III is worth it. It offers surprisingly good sound for a small speaker, it's under $200 and it looks great, too.
