Audio Pro C5 MkII vs Marshall Acton III

Last updated: August 15, 2026

Short answer: the Audio Pro C5 MkII for better sound quality, the Marshall Acton III for the lower price. The Audio Pro C5 MkII ranks #1 of 13 powered desktop speakers at $300. The Marshall Acton III ranks #9 at $227.44, $72.56 cheaper.

What the Audio Pro C5 MkII offers: Pretty neutral sound. Watch for: No battery

What the Marshall Acton III offers: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class. Watch for: Not as deep bass as competitors.

Buy the Audio Pro C5 MkII if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Marshall Acton III if the price matters more than sound quality.

Buy the Audio Pro C5 MkII at Amazon ($300) →Buy the Marshall Acton III at Amazon ($227.44) →

Audio Pro C5 MkII vs Marshall Acton III

Specifications Side By Side

Audio Pro C5 MkII Marshall Acton III
Price$300$227.44
Ranked#1 of 13 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers#9 of 13 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers
Aux InputYesYes
Battery LifeNo BatteryNo Battery
InputsBluetooth, Wifi, RCABluetooth, Aux
IP RatingNoneNone
OutputsSubwoofer line out-
Party ModeYes (AirPlay 2 multi-room)No
Power InputAC Power cord-
StereoPartiallyPartially (1 woofer)
Drivers4" woofer, 2x 0.75" tweeters4" (midrange/woofer), 1x 4" midrange, 2x 0.75" Dome tweeters
TWSNoNo
Weight5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg6.3 lbs / 2.85 kg
WifiYesNo
Woofer Cabinetportedported
AppYesYes
Bluetooth Version4.25.2
Dimensions9.8" x 5.1" x 5.9" (250 x 130 x 150 mm)10.2" x 6.7" x 5.9" (260 x 170 x 150 mm)
EQYes (Bass/Treble)Yes (Bass/Treble)
Frequency Response50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Streaming ServicesSpotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast-
Wifi VersionIEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)-
Output Power41W (2x8W + 25W)60W (Woofer: 30W, Tweeters: 2x15W)
Power Bank-No
Bluetooth Codecs-SBC
Buy the Audio Pro C5 MkII at Amazon ($300) →Buy the Marshall Acton III at Amazon ($227.44) →

More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:

The Two Speakers In Full

Audio Pro C5 MkII: $300 Amazon

Audio Pro C5 MkII ranking card

Pros: Pretty neutral sound. Wifi

Cons: No battery

Full Audio Pro C5 MkII review and specifications →

AppYes
Aux InputYes
Battery LifeNo Battery
Bluetooth Version4.2
Dimensions9.8" x 5.1" x 5.9" (250 x 130 x 150 mm)
Drivers4" woofer, 2x 0.75" tweeters
EQYes (Bass/Treble)
Frequency Response50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP RatingNone
InputsBluetooth, Wifi, RCA
Output Power41W (2x8W + 25W)
OutputsSubwoofer line out
Party ModeYes (AirPlay 2 multi-room)
Power InputAC Power cord
StereoPartially
Streaming ServicesSpotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast
TWSNo
Weight5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg
WifiYes
Wifi VersionIEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz)
Woofer Cabinetported
Check current price at Amazon ($300) →Search eBay for Audio Pro C5 MkII →Search used audio listings for Audio Pro C5 MkII →

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Marshall Acton III: $227.44 Amazon

Marshall Acton III ranking card

Cons: Not as deep bass as competitors.

Full Marshall Acton III review and specifications →

AppYes
Aux InputYes
Battery LifeNo Battery
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Version5.2
Dimensions10.2" x 6.7" x 5.9" (260 x 170 x 150 mm)
Drivers4" (midrange/woofer), 1x 4" midrange, 2x 0.75" Dome tweeters
EQYes (Bass/Treble)
Frequency Response45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP RatingNone
InputsBluetooth, Aux
Output Power60W (Woofer: 30W, Tweeters: 2x15W)
Party ModeNo
Power BankNo
StereoPartially (1 woofer)
TWSNo
Weight6.3 lbs / 2.85 kg
WifiNo
Woofer Cabinetported
Check current price at Amazon ($227.44) →Search eBay for Marshall Acton III →Search used audio listings for Marshall Acton III →

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.