Think of a company that's synonymous with the best speakers for listening to music and Marshall is going to make it into most top ten lists. And unlike some vintage premium brands, they're still going strong. Right down to the smallest, most portable Bluetooth speaker in its lineup, this is a brand that cares about quality audio through and through. It's no wonder that the best Marshall speakers are popular with audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
The best last chance Marshall speaker Black Friday deals
We interrupt your scrolling to let you know that, while the Black Friday sales for 2024 are now officially over, there are still plenty of amazing last chance deals to be found. Many retailers are stocked with late Black Friday offers and last chance Marshall speaker deals. So, there's still time to grab that top-tier tech while you can. We've rounded up the best offers below. Or, keep scrolling for our full buyer's guide
Save £125: Marshall Stanmore III, WAS £350, NOW £224
Huge discount: Marshall Acton III, WAS £260, NOW £170
Go for an earlier model and save: Marshall Emberton II, WAS £129, NOW £99
Savings direct from Marshall: Marshall Middleton, WAS £270, NOW £189
Plus, there are Marshall Black Friday bargains to be had on more than just speakers. Check out these deals on the Marshall Minor III, Marshall Monitor II and Marshall Major IV headphones...
Shop Marshall headphones deals on: John Lewis | Amazon | Marshall
28% off in-ear headphones: Marshall Minor III True Wireless Bluetooth Earphones, WAS £120, NOW £87
£139 less than RRP: Marshall Monitor II Noise-cancelling headphones, WAS £229, NOW £130
Half-price, a £65 saving: Marshall Major IV Fold Wireless Headphones, WAS £130, NOW £65
Now back to our regularly scheduled content.
Marshall's range of amp-inspired speakers is much more than just a famous logo and some amplifier-esque design cues. Its range of standalone Bluetooth speakers is emblazoned with the iconic brass-coloured sweeping Marshall logo and throwback front grille. There are brass switches and potentiometer-style knobs alongside textured cabinetry to finish off the authentic look. And, although clearly riding on its deservedly long 1960s coattails, every speaker in the Marshall range that we’ve tried and tested has passed with flying colours. But which one is the right one for you?
Best Marshall speakers of 2024 at a glance
• Best overall: Marshall Stanmore III – View at Amazon
• Best portable: Marshall Emberton III – View at Amazon
• Best power and portable combo: Marshall Middleton – View at Marshall
• Best outdoor: Marshall Tufton – View at Amazon
• Best amp-like: Marshall Woburn III – View at Marshall
You might be expecting speakers the size of a weighty guitar amp, and in the case of the Marshall Woburn 3 you'd be right. But thankfully there are smaller portable speakers with Bluetooth for those who need a lighter alternative. Marshall has really catered for all sizes in its lineup, ensuring best-in-class bass response and musicality right down to the smallest of them. All in all, that makes these some of the best speakers for music that we’ve had the pleasure of listening to.
But it's not all about the best Bluetooth speakers, as many speakers from Marshall also have an auxiliary input (or even an HDMI audio return input) for more flexibility. That means that you could hook up your favourite player or even use it as a TV speaker for more volume and better sound. We've put together a buyer’s guide at the end of the article to help you decide which one is right for you. But now, let's plug in, turn the dial all the way to eleven and find the best Marshall speakers of the year.
Best Marshall speakers of 2024
All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Save £125
Best overall
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If you're looking for a speaker that combines classic Marshall aesthetics with modern performance, the Marshall Stanmore III is the ideal choice. Renowned for its rock and roll heritage, this speaker combines a rugged, vintage-inspired design with advanced audio capabilities.
The Stanmore III features a robust build with textured vinyl and brass accents, while its sound profile benefits from enhanced dynamic loudness and a broadened soundstage. It's a solid choice for those who appreciate both style and substance in their audio equipment.
I had the opportunity to test this fantastic piece of equipment. Here's some of what I had to say: "I spent several weeks with the Marshall Stanmore III, and it truly impressed me with its refined yet powerful sound. The dynamic loudness feature really stood out, allowing the speaker to handle higher volumes without compromising clarity. Playing tracks from Mötley Crüe to Van Halen, I noticed a noticeable improvement in soundstage and depth. The tactile control knobs, combined with the digital volume and EQ adjustments, added a touch of vintage charm without sacrificing modern functionality.
"The only downsides are a minor issue with Bluetooth standby mode and the absence of multi-room capabilities. But for rock and metal enthusiasts, this speaker delivers exceptional performance. Its blend of quality craftsmanship and classic Marshall appeal makes it my favourite in its class, even if you can't plug in your guitar."
For more, head over to my in-depth review, which you can find here.
Pros
- Premium build quality and iconic Marshall design
- Great with all genres, but incredible with rock and metal
- Simple to set up and connect to via Bluetooth or analogue ports
Cons
- The Bluetooth connection goes into standby after 10 minutes if you don't use it
Speakers | 2x Tweeter, 1x Woofer. Frequency response 45Hz - 20kHz |
Amplifier | Woofer: 50W Class D amplifier. Tweeters x 2 15W Class D amplifiers |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2, 3.5mm auxiliary input, RCA input |
Power | Mains |
Dimensions | 350 x 203 x 188mm |
Weight | 4.1kg |
Best amp-like
The Marshall Woburn III is a testament to the brand's dedication to delivering iconic sound in a home speaker format. Embracing the rock-and-roll spirit, this speaker excels with its deep, low-end and rich mid-range, providing a loud and immersive audio experience. Its extensive soundstage and impressive volume make it a standout choice for rock and metal enthusiasts. Bluetooth connectivity ensures seamless pairing with your devices, and for a more integrated setup, the HDMI ARC option allows for easy connection to your TV, enhancing your overall audio experience.
Here's Adam Binnie, who had this to say about his experience: "I've had several Marshall guitar amps over the years and wrongly assumed their home speakers were a bit of a novelty. I couldn't have been more wrong, and to my enormous surprise, the Woburn 3 somehow managed to deliver the same crushingly powerful sound I'm used to hearing from my amp to whatever music I'd played through it."
"Dial it back a bit or put on something quieter, and it's also capable of subtlety, with rich and nuanced tone even at lower volumes. But where it's really impressive is at full whack, where the sound is so immersive that it feels like you're swimming in it.
"Downsides? No carrying handle means you can't take it everywhere with you (and you'll want to) while its slightly awkward shape means you'll need a lot of space on your TV unit to make use of the HDMI Arc connectivity. And again, this is a really great function that expands the breadth of its abilities."
You can read his full review here.
Pros
- Marshall has engineered these for faithful audio quality inside a hugely attractive cabinet
- Works at high and low volume in terms of soundstage and balance
- Tons of bass for the size
Cons
- No guitar input - so the amp similarity ends there
Speakers | Stereo bass reflex |
Amplifier | 150w. 100.5 dB @ 1 m |
Connectivity | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, 3.5mm aux |
Power | Mains |
Dimensions | 400 x 317 x 203 mm |
Weight | 7.45kg |
Marshall direct discount
Best portable and power combo
As the natural successor to the Emberton model, the Marshall Middleton is hailed as one of the heaviest and loudest Bluetooth speakers available. This powerful and stylish device features two 3-inch 15W woofers, two 3/5-inch 10W tweeters, and passive radiators within a robust, IP67-rated case. Despite its heft, the Middleton embodies portability with a 20-hour battery life.
The standout feature of the Middleton is its exceptional sound quality. This mini Marshall excels in delivering rock, metal, and more with astonishing power and clarity. Priced at £269.99, it combines a timeless design with top-notch audio performance, making it a worthy investment.
This was tried and tested by William Austin-Lobley, who has this to say about his experience: "The Middleton sounds excellent. Whether it's handling the delicate acoustic nuances of First Aid Kit's 'Running Up That Hill' or the rambunctious rock riffs of Clutch's 'Pure Rock Fury,' the Middleton excels. Its bass response is one of the best I've heard at this size."
He adds, "The onboard Bass and Treble controls are easy to use and highly effective. While the app offers more EQ control, I found the physical controls sufficient. True Stereophonic technology provides a spacious and immersive listening experience, making it feel like the music surrounds you. The Middleton's weight of 1.8kg may limit portability for some, but it's a top-notch choice for those prioritising audio performance over ultra-portability."
You can read his full review here.
Pros
- Marshall has perfected containing an expansive sound inside a small yet attractive casing
- A combination of a robust build and solid battery life makes it very portable
- Timeless design
Cons
- Too heavy to be super portable
Speakers | 2x 3” 15W woofers, 2x 3/5” 10W tweeters, 2x passive radiators |
Amplifier | Model not stated |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1, Aux-in |
Power | Battery, 20+ hours |
Dimensions | 109 x 230 x 95 mm |
Weight | 1.8kg |
Best affordable
This speaker is something of a sound engineering marvel. It somehow manages to be both a compact Bluetooth speaker and a unit that will please audiophiles. Featuring a retro wooden enclosure with a metal grille, and the iconic Marshall logo, it embodies that signature Marshall quality.
Features that stand out on the Acton II are the top-placed bass, treble, and volume dials, allowing easy and satisfying sound customization. Even more of a surprise for a mid-sized speaker in the range is its rich, clear, room-filling sound. It maintains audio clarity even at high volumes. However, despite its luggable weight and size, it is a mains power device - so although you can readily pick it up, it's less suited for portable use.
William Austin-Lobley tried and tested this and here's his experience: "The Marshall Acton II impressed me with its rich, energetic sound once I adjusted the custom EQ settings. Out of the box, the bass and treble were fun but a bit off-balance, which was easily corrected with the companion app. I appreciated how the speaker's physical controls allowed for quick tweaks, even if they didn't fully address the mid-range issues. The speaker's design is undoubtedly a highlight – its classic Marshall look added a touch of style to my study.
"Despite its minor audio quirks, the Acton II shines once fine-tuned. It delivers an engaging listening experience and brings a bit of rock 'n' roll charm into your space. For anyone who values both sound and style, this speaker is a worthy contender."
You can read his full review here.
Pros
- Gorgeous 60W sound
- Beautifully designed and built to last
- Includes customisable treble and bass for the perfect sound
Cons
- Isn't really portable and is quite heavy to move
Speakers | 1x Woofer 2x Tweeter, 50Hz - 20KHz |
Amplifier | 60W |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5 mm, RCA |
Power | Mains |
Dimensions | 150 x 260 x 160mm |
Weight | 2.9kg |
Best portable
Launched in 2024 alongside the Willen II, this is the third generation of the Marshall Emberton portable Bluetooth speaker. A built-in microphone, at least 32 hours of playtime and new Bluetooth technology distinguish it from its predecessor.
However, it's the Marshall 'True Stereophonic' sound which is the highlight, and it's delivered in a compact unit which weighs just 670g.
What's The Best Deputy Editor David Ker had this to say when he reviewed the Emberton III: "The Emberton III's output is powerful and crisp. Marshall has built a reputation for sound quality and its continues to deliver here. From classical to Americana and new wave to country, it's a pleasure to listen to and volume, play/pause and skip are easily adjusted using the unit's brass control knob.
"As with any portable Bluetooth speaker, compromises are made on precision when pushing the volume to its limits. However, the Emberton III still performs well at this upper end. And, really, units of this size should be judged by how well they can manage the sort of volume that's going to be desired on a day-to-day basis. Viewed in these terms it excels."
Pros
- Superb 'true stereophonic' sound
- Slick design
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Few improvements on previous model
Drivers | 2" 10W, two passive radiators |
Audio power | 38W Class D amp (x2) |
Battery life | 32+ hours |
Charging time | Approx 2 hours |
Waterproofing | IP67 |
Dimensions | 160 x 68 x 76.9 mm |
Weight | 670g |
Best outdoor
This compact tower of audio power is the ideal speaker for parties and the outdoors. While many such speakers make big claims, they lack the sophistication of the Marshall Tufton. Here we have an extremely hardy speaker – even by Marshall standards. It has IPX2 water resistance - meaning it'll survive some fairly major splashes and showers. Despite all of this ruggedness, it still have the Marshall design you'd expect – adding a touch of rock-and-roll class to proceedings.
And the other thing that will let you leave this playing without a care at your next party is the brilliant battery life. It'll keep on playing for 20 hours on a full charge. Connect via Bluetooth and you're all set for some serious sounds in the garden.
Pros
- Powerful audio with rich bass and bright highs
- Very sturdy construction and IPX2 water resistance make it the ideal party speaker
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Although it can survive outdoors it'd be a shame to leave this out in the rain as it's not waterproof
Speakers | Stereo - two channel |
Amplifier | Dual 15-watt amps, 10-watt tweeter amp |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, AUX in |
Power | Battery, 20 hours max battery life |
Dimensions | 229 x 350 x 163 mm |
Weight | 4.9 kg |
Best pocket-sized
The Marshall Willen II combines powerful sound with a compact, stylish design, perfect for any music lover on the go. Its robust build and signature retro aesthetic make it a standout in the portable speaker market. Despite its small size, the Willen II delivers a rich, immersive audio experience, ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
The Willen II is designed for convenience and performance with a long-lasting battery and intuitive controls. Its durable construction ensures it can withstand everyday wear and tear, while the classic Marshall look adds a touch of vintage charm to any setting.
This was tried and tested by Ryan Houghton, who has this to say about his experience: "The Marshall Willen II is ultimately for those in search of a strong, portable speaker sound that's still brilliant even when on the move. The rugged build quality and the beautiful design of the Willen II are undeniably excellent, and considering the build quality alone, you're likely to get years of performance from this speaker.
"For outdoor adventurers, avid partygoers, and those who enjoy the quiet, dulcet tones of jazz on a rainy Sunday afternoon, the Willen II provides consistent quality at any volume."
Read the full reviews of the Marshall Willen II and the original Marshall Willen.
Pros
- Fantastic sound with plenty of balance
- Gorgeous design which looks immediately impressive
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- The sound is a little weaker than other high-end speakers
Drivers | 2-inch full range driver |
Audio power | 10W |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 |
Battery life | 17+ hours |
Charging time | 2.5 hours |
Waterproofing | IP67 |
Dimensions | 100.5 x 100.5 x 43.3 mm (H x W x D) |
Weight | 0.36kg |
Best simple
Sometimes what you need from a Marshall speaker is that simple pick-up-and-go listening experience. The Stockwell II cuts something of a cute yet businesslike image – robust enough to sit well with the Marshall name, light and simple enough to be carried on its little strap.
And yet it's another speaker in the Marshall range that uses True Stereophonic – the company's own technology that creates a 360-degree sound field. Despite being the sort of speaker you can grab and take into the garden, bear in mind its water-resistance rating is only IPX4 – it's fins for the occasional splash of rain but that's it. That said, the recharge time of just 20 minutes will give you 6 hours of playback – and over 20 hours on a full charge, so this will be ready to go when you are.
Pros
- Impressive 20+ hours of playtime on a single charge
- Multi-directional sound experience with True Stereophonic
- Extremely tactile and compact unit with simple controls
Cons
- Only IPX4 waterproof rating, limiting its outdoor usage
Speakers | Woofer, 2x tweeters, 60 Hz to 20 kHz |
Amplifier | One 10W Class D amplifier for the woofer and two 5W Class D amplifiers for the tweeters |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Power | Mains, Battery - 20+ hours |
Dimensions | 180 x 161 x 70mm |
Weight | 1.38kg |
Best Marshall speakers of 2024: Buyer's guide
Size does, and doesn't matter
Unlike other speakers, with Marshall smaller doesn’t always mean a serious compromise on volume or bass. As mentioned above, even the diminutive Marshall Middleton punches way above its weight in terms of satisfying range and bass response.
So, we recommend choosing based on the space you're looking to fill. After all, this is just as much about making a design statement as it is about the sound on offer. Nothing beats the look of a large Marshall Woburn III as a centrepiece of your lounge – it's not going to get lost in any room. But if you're looking for something a little more understated, an Acton II might fit in perfectly.
Don't expect too many technical perks
The Marshall speaker lineup is all about the build and sound quality. And we like it that way – it's very clear when you listen to one where your money has gone. So, although many Bluetooth speakers also pack a smart voice assistant, Wi-Fi connectivity and Spotify Connect built-in, these speakers are much more about keeping things simple.
It fits with the whole retro amp aesthetic – you plug it in, press a couple of switches and get listening. They're all modern speakers of course – but with just enough modernity to keep it useable without cluttering the controls or requiring a manual the size of War and Peace.
Best Marshall speakers of 2024: FAQs
Which Marshall wireless speaker is best?
We think that the Stanmore III is a brilliant evolution of the earlier Stanmore speaker. It's the right size for the majority of settings and kicks out a seriously well-rounded sound – making it one of the best Bluetooth speakers for bass. But, if it's sheer portability and power that you’re after, there's no substitute for the Marshall Emberton III.
Is Marshall better than Bose?
This is, of course, subjective. Although the two are undoubtedly premium speaker brands, there's a huge difference in them in terms of the market. We think that if you’re looking for authentic retro looks and a soundstage that’s very suited to rock, metal and guitar music, Marshall is a better choice.
Why is Marshall so famous?
Marshall has been around since the 1960s with its range of instantly recognisable amplifiers. Seen on stages the world over, they've become known for their clear and powerful sound, becoming the amps of choice for legendary rock bands and artists. As its amps were also built to withstand the rigours of touring, it also became renowned for its build quality. It's this combination of high-end sound and construction that has made it into its range of speakers today.
Why should you trust us?
At What's The Best, our mission is to provide accurate and reliable reviews, ensuring our readers receive honest and transparent information about the best technology products available. Anything less would undermine our commitment to being a trusted source of unbiased product information.
Our dedicated in-house writing team comprises experts with extensive experience and a genuine passion for technology. Collectively, we have spent decades testing and writing about tech, leveraging our expertise in all our articles, advice pieces and reviews.
We maintain complete editorial independence and do not accept payment for product reviews. Our writers have full control over their content, ensuring that products are selected based solely on the needs of our readers. While we may earn commissions or other compensation from links on our website, this never affects our product choices. These links enable us to continue offering valuable consumer advice, without compromising the integrity of our reviews.
Chris Duffill is a Tech Product Writer for What's The Best. His background includes writing, editorial, marketing, design, video production and photography. He's an experienced bargain-hunter on Black Friday and Prime Day – finding genuine deals on electronic and audiovisual tech from the best brands.
He specialises in home entertainment and audiovisual tech, including speakers, amplifiers, turntables, streaming media players, and TVs. He is also one of our resident experts in computing (PCs, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches), DSLR photography and all kinds of digital cameras. He also writes about retro gaming, game consoles and various electronic gadgets. If it plugs in, lights up or makes a noise, he’ll write about it.
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