The ultrasonic velocity and attenuation coefficient of a series of n‐hexadecane‐in‐water emulsions have been measured as a function of disperse phase volume fraction (φ=0 to 0.56), particle size (r32=0.1 to 1.8 μm), and frequency ( f=0.2 to 7 MHz). These measurements are compared with predictions of the velocity and attenuation made using the multiple scattering theories of Waterman and Truell [J. Math. Phys. 2, 512–537 (1962)], Lloyd and Berry [Proc. Phys. Soc. London 9 1, 678–688 (1967)], and Ma etal. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 8 7, 2779–2782 (1990)] in the long wavelength limit. All the theories give good agreement with the experimental measurements for dilute emulsions (φ<0.13). In the more concentrated emulsions the theories agree less well, especially at low frequencies and particle sizes. Possible reasons for the discrepancies between the theories and experimental results are discussed.