The Sonos Roam 2 is a smart speaker designed for those who want seamless integration with a home audio system, offering Wi-Fi connectivity, voice assistant support, and multi-room audio capabilities. It’s compact, lightweight, and ideal for users who already own Sonos products or need a speaker that can function both at home and on the go. The Marshall Emberton III, on the other hand, is all about powerful sound and rugged durability, sticking to a more traditional Bluetooth setup without smart capabilities. It delivers impressive battery life, 360-degree sound, and a retro amplifier-inspired design, making it a great choice for those who want bold, immersive audio without extra connectivity features. Both speakers are waterproof and dustproof, but the way they approach sound quality, design, and usability is vastly different.
Specs Comparison
At 6.61 inches tall and under a pound in weight, the Sonos Roam 2 is one of the most portable smart speakers available. The combination of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 sets it apart from typical Bluetooth speakers, allowing it to connect to a home network for multi-room audio, Apple AirPlay 2, and voice assistant support (Alexa and Google Assistant). This is a huge advantage for those who want a speaker that works seamlessly within a smart home. It houses a tweeter and a mid-woofer, powered by two Class-H digital amplifiers, which help deliver crisp highs, balanced mids, and a decent low-end presence. However, the 10-hour battery life is relatively short compared to some competitors, making it a speaker that may require frequent charging during extended use. The IP67 rating means it’s fully dustproof and waterproof, so it can handle rough environments.
In contrast, the Marshall Emberton III has a much bolder and heavier design at 1.5 pounds, and its build is inspired by classic Marshall guitar amplifiers. The rubberized housing and metal grille give it a tough and rugged feel, making it better suited for outdoor adventures where durability is a priority. Unlike the Roam 2, it only supports Bluetooth 5.3 and does not offer Wi-Fi connectivity, smart assistants, or multi-room features. However, what it lacks in smart features, it makes up for in battery life and sound quality. The 32+ hour battery life is a massive advantage over the Roam 2, making it ideal for users who want a speaker that can last for days without needing a recharge. It uses two 2-inch full-range drivers and two passive radiators, powered by two Class-D amplifiers, giving it a more full-bodied and bass-heavy sound. The True Stereophonic sound technology helps create a 360-degree soundstage, meaning you get a consistent audio experience from any angle. The IP67 rating ensures that it is just as durable as the Roam 2, making it perfect for outdoor use, travel and rugged environments.
Table Comparison
| Specification | Sonos Roam 2 | Marshall Emberton III |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6.61 x 2.44 x 2.36 inches | 6.3 x 2.75 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 0.95 lbs (0.43 kg) | 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Over 32 hours |
| Charging Time | Around 2 hours (USB-C), 3-4 hours (wireless) | Around 3 hours (USB-C only) |
| Charging Method | USB-C, Qi wireless charging | USB-C (no wireless charging) |
| Power Output (Wattage) | Not officially stated, estimated around 15W RMS | 2 x 10W Class-D amplifiers (20W total output) |
| Amplifiers | Two Class-H digital amplifiers | Two Class-D amplifiers |
| Drivers | 1 tweeter, 1 mid-woofer | 2 full-range 2-inch drivers, 2 passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | Not officially specified | 60Hz – 20kHz |
| Sound Technology | Automatic Trueplay Tuning (adjusts sound to the environment) | True Stereophonic 360° sound, Dynamic Loudness |
| Bass Performance | Balanced, but lacks deep sub-bass | Deep, punchy bass with strong low-end |
| Soundstage | More directional, but clear and detailed | 360° immersive stereo sound from any angle |
| Volume Levels | Moderate, best for small to mid-sized rooms | Louder, more powerful output suitable for outdoor use |
| Connectivity Options | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, AirPlay 2 | Bluetooth 5.3 only |
| Multi-Room Audio | Yes (via Sonos app & Wi-Fi connection) | No multi-room support |
| Voice Assistant Support | Yes (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant) | No voice assistant support |
| Water & Dust Resistance | IP67 (fully dustproof & waterproof, submersible in 1m water for 30 min) | IP67 (fully dustproof & waterproof, submersible in 1m water for 30 min) |
Sound Comparison
The Sonos Roam 2 delivers a balanced and detailed sound that works well in indoor and outdoor settings. Playing Fast Car by Tracy Chapman, I noticed how clear the vocals sounded, with crisp guitar strings and a smooth mid-range. The tweeter handles high frequencies well, making the details of acoustic instruments really stand out. However, when the song’s bass and percussion kicked in, I felt that the low-end lacked depth compared to larger speakers. The Automatic Trueplay tuning helps optimize the sound based on the environment, making it a great speaker for critical listening at moderate volumes but not ideal for bass-heavy music.
Switching to the Marshall Emberton III, the bass response was immediately more prominent. Playing Can’t Feel My Face by The Weeknd, the beats felt deeper and fuller, and the True Stereophonic sound really made the music feel immersive from any angle. The dual passive radiators give the Emberton III a richer and more powerful low-end, making it better suited for rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. While it lacks automatic tuning like the Roam 2, the Dynamic Loudness feature helps balance the sound at different volume levels and ensures that nothing gets lost in the mix.
For instrumental music, I played Time by Hans Zimmer, a track with gradual build-ups and heavy bass sections. The Roam 2 provided clear, well-defined layers, making the orchestral instruments sound sharp and articulate. However, when the song reached its deep bass sections, the Emberton III delivered a far more immersive and cinematic experience. The 360-degree sound effect added more depth, making it feel like the sound was filling the entire space.
Design Comparison
The Sonos Roam 2 is sleek, modern, and compact, designed to be a lightweight speaker that blends seamlessly into a home setup while remaining portable enough to take on the go. The smooth matte finish and subtle button placement make it feel minimalist, and the option to place it vertically or horizontally gives it versatility. It’s one of the smallest smart speakers available, making it great for people who want a speaker that doesn’t take up much space.
The Marshall Emberton III has a bolder and more rugged aesthetic, sticking to the iconic Marshall amp design. The rubberized body and metal grille give it a more durable and premium feel, while the textured knobs and buttons make it satisfying to use. It’s heavier than the Roam 2, but it feels sturdy and well-built, making it better for outdoor adventures or people who want a more vintage-inspired speaker.
The Verdict?
Personally, I would go with the Marshall Emberton III. I think that its battery life, powerful bass, and immersive 360-degree sound make it a better choice for people who want a fun, energetic listening experience. It feels sturdier, lasts longer, and delivers deeper, more satisfying bass, making it great for casual and outdoor use.
That being said, if you value smart features, voice assistants, and multi-room connectivity, the Sonos Roam 2 is the better option. It’s lightweight, works seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem, and delivers clean, well-balanced sound. But for pure music enjoyment, the Emberton III is the stronger performer overall.