Short answer: the Marshall Kilburn III. Both are rated 3.8/5 for sound quality (#41 and #48 of 120 large speakers), and the Marshall Kilburn III costs $349.99 against $379 for the Andover Audio FreePlay, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
The Andover Audio FreePlay is the tougher option. A waterproof hi-fi style portable with true stereo drivers and a 24 hour battery. It is rated IP67 against IP54 for the Marshall Kilburn III. Watch for: AV Nirvana heard a sharp bass rolloff that lost the deepest layers of some tracks, and estimated it about 6 dB down at the 55Hz Andover claims.
The Marshall Kilburn III is the longer-running, lighter pick. A Marshall styled stereo speaker with a spacious, warm sound, physical tone dials and an outstanding battery. It is rated for 50 hours of battery against 24 for the Andover Audio FreePlay. At 6.3 lbs (2.85 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Andover Audio FreePlay at 8.8 lbs (4 kg). It has an adjustable EQ, which the Andover Audio FreePlay lacks. The tradeoff: Noticeable dips in the midrange compromise frequency response neutrality, making vocals and acoustic instruments sound somewhat recessed or muffled compared to more linear competitors like the JBL Xtreme 4 unless the bass dial is dialed back.
Buy the Marshall Kilburn III. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $29.01 less than the Andover Audio FreePlay.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A waterproof hi-fi style portable with true stereo drivers and a 24 hour battery.
A Marshall styled stereo speaker with a spacious, warm sound, physical tone dials and an outstanding battery.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Andover Audio FreePlay | Marshall Kilburn III | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $379 | $349.99 |
| Ranked | #48 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #41 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 50 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LC3, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.3 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Dimensions | 10”H x 13”W x 6.5”D (254 x 330 x 165 mm) | 10.7” x 5.9” x 6.7” (272 x 150 x 170 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 5.25” aluminum woofers + 2x 25mm dome tweeters + 160mm passive radiator | 1x 4” woofer + 2x 2” full-range drivers |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP54 |
| Microphone Input | Yes | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (LE Audio, up to 99 speakers) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No (built-in handle) | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Weight | 8.8 lbs (4 kg) | 6.3 lbs (2.85 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 50W |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 45Hz |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 91dB |
| TWS | - | Yes |
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