Rating: 7.5/10
Marshall, the brand, has been there and known for its portable and classic styled speakers along with the signature – slightly heavy and crisp – sound output. Marshall introduced the Emberton III, the latest iteration of its portable Bluetooth speaker lineup. The new model retains the compact form factor and vintage-inspired design of its predecessor while introducing upgrades such as Bluetooth 5.3 LE with Auracast, improved battery life, and speakerphone functionality. Priced at Rs 17,999, the Emberton III aims to offer an improved audio experience while maintaining its rugged, travel-friendly build.
I have been using this for a while now, and here’s how the speaker fared during the testing process. Read on to know more.
Design and build
If you’ve seen the last generation, you will recognise the Emberton III in a blink. It follows the same design language as its predecessor, featuring a compact, rectangular body with a silicone exterior and a metal grille. The speaker is available in black and cream colour variants. It is a portable speaker and is relatively lightweight. Not the lightest, but considering the level of output and battery life it has to offer, the weight is pretty acceptable.
The front grille now features a recessed design, and the top panel includes a multi-directional control knob along with dedicated power and Bluetooth button. There’s a battery indicator LED light as well that indicates the remaining battery life in the speaker.
The speaker has an IP67 rating, making it resistant to dust and water immersion up to one meter for 30 minutes. The overall build remains sturdy, capable of withstanding minor drops without damage. However, unlike some competitors, the Emberton III does not include a built-in carry strap.
Connectivity and features
The Emberton III introduces Bluetooth 5.3 LE, which improves efficiency and extends the wireless range. It also supports Auracast, allowing seamless multi-speaker pairing with other compatible Marshall speakers. The device retains the True Stereophonic sound feature, offering a wide soundstage regardless of placement.
A notable addition is speakerphone functionality via the built-in microphone. This allows users to take calls when the phone is connected to the speaker., The control panel now includes a microphone indicator, but there are no physical buttons for adjusting bass or treble. The speaker connects to the Marshall app that offers three preset EQ modes—Push, Voice, and Marshall—but lacks a fully customizable equalizer. Not only that, the app does not offer much in terms of functionality.
Sound performance
Emberton III maintains the warm and balanced sound signature like a true Marshall speaker. It features 38W Class-D amplifiers that deliver improved bass response compared to its predecessor. While the bass remains clean and punchy, it does not match the deeper low-end output of some larger speakers. And that’s something expected when it comes to portable speakers. However, the bass output is sufficient enough and unless a song has really deep bass, you won’t face any issues. The mids and highs are clear, ensuring vocals remain distinct even at higher volumes. True Stereophonic sound enhances the overall experience by distributing sound evenly in multiple directions.
We also tested all three EQs offered via the app, and the speaker sounds good in all three of them. The vocal mode enhances the voice, and then the Marshall EQ is the best and balances everything properly.
The speaker’s loudness is impressive for its size, with minimal distortion at high volumes. However, the lack of manual bass and treble adjustments might be a limitation for users who prefer fine-tuned audio settings.
Battery life and charging
The Emberton III claims to offer up to 32 hours of playback on a full charge, a slight improvement over the previous model. The speaker supports fast charging, providing six hours of playback with a 20-minute charge, while a full charge takes approximately two hours. Battery life varies based on playback volume and Bluetooth usage. In our testing, the speaker on full volume lasted for around a couple of weeks, and that’s impressive for a speaker of this size.
Verdict
Marshall Emberton III refines its predecessor’s formula with improved connectivity, extended battery life, and the addition of speakerphone functionality. It maintains the compact, durable build while delivering a well-balanced sound suited for different listening scenarios. However, the lack of EQ customisation and a missing carry strap could be minor drawbacks for some users.
Priced at Rs 17,999, the Emberton III stands out in the premium portable speaker category. It is a solid choice for those seeking a stylish and durable speaker with long-lasting battery life and consistent performance. However, users looking for deeper bass or greater sound customization may find options like the JBL Flip 6 more fitting
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