Short answer: the B&O Beosound A5 for better sound quality, the Marshall Kilburn II for the lower price. The B&O Beosound A5 ranks #12 of 105 large speakers, rated 4.5/5, at $1,650. The Marshall Kilburn II ranks #43, rated 3.8/5, at $279, $1,371 cheaper.
The B&O Beosound A5 is the better-sounding, tougher choice. Ip65 protection, up to 101db and mono playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. It is rated IP65 against IPX2 for the Marshall Kilburn II. It links with other speakers (Beolink Multiroom), which the Marshall Kilburn II cannot.
The Marshall Kilburn II is the longer-running, lighter pick. 20W Class D amp + dual 8W tweeters. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the B&O Beosound A5. At 5.5 lbs (2.49 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the B&O Beosound A5 at 8.5 lbs (3.86 kg). It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the B&O Beosound A5. The catch: Boosted upper bass, not very detailed, not as deep bass as competitors, upper mids peak.
Buy the B&O Beosound A5 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Marshall Kilburn II when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound A5 | Marshall Kilburn II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,650.00 | $279.00 |
| Ranked | #12 of 105 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #43 of 105 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| IP Rating | IP65 | IPX2 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Beolink Multiroom) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 8.5 lbs (3.86 kg) | 5.5 lbs (2.49 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | - |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 11.2” x 7.4” x 5.1” (285 x 187 x 130 mm) | 9.6” x 6.4” x 5.5” (243 x 162 x 140 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” woofer, 2x 2” fullrange, 0.8” tweeter | 1x 4” (102mm) woofer + 2x 20mm dome tweeters |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 23kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 280W | 36W |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (Manufacturer specified) | 102dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Battery Life | 12+ hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | No | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~58Hz |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
B&O Beosound A5: $1,650.00 Amazon $1,650.00 eBay
Pros: At 3.86 kg, B&O Beosound A5 combines 5.25” woofer, 2x 2” fullrange, 0.8” tweeter with Bluetooth and aux. Ip65 protection, up to 101db and mono playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. Reviews find the sound fairly neutral.
Cons: Bass is limited by its 32Hz to 23kHz (Manufacturer specified) specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment.
Full B&O Beosound A5 review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 280W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12+ hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 11.2” x 7.4” x 5.1” (285 x 187 x 130 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” woofer, 2x 2” fullrange, 0.8” tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 23kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP65 |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Beolink Multiroom) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 8.5 lbs (3.86 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Marshall Kilburn II: $279.00 Amazon $279.00 eBay
Newer model: the Marshall Kilburn III, ranked higher, rated 3.8/5, released May 2025. It adds power bank charging, app control, adjustable EQ and party mode, but drops the built-in mic. Battery life goes from 20 to 50 hours. Water resistance goes from IPX2 to IP54. See every Marshall Portable Speakers generation.
Pros: 20W Class D amp + dual 8W tweeters. 20+ hour battery with quick-charge (20 min charges 3 hours of play). Rugged design with leather handle and reinforced corners, IPX2 rated. Thrives with rock music. Bluetooth 5.0 with 30ft range. Measured bass extension of ~58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Boosted upper bass, not very detailed, not as deep bass as competitors, upper mids peak. Very low IPX2 water rating. AC charging
Full Marshall Kilburn II review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 36W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.6” x 6.4” x 5.5” (243 x 162 x 140 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 4” (102mm) woofer + 2x 20mm dome tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX2 |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.49 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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