Short answer: the Bose SoundLink Plus. It ranks #25 of 97 large speakers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $179; the Marshall Kilburn III ranks #41, rated 3.8/5, and costs $379.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Bose SoundLink Plus is the better-sounding, lighter choice. IP67 rated, IP67 water/dustproof. At 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) it weighs much less than the Marshall Kilburn III at 6.3 lbs (2.85 kg). It is rated IP67 against IP54 for the Marshall Kilburn III. The catch: Boosted thuddy bass, but not as deep as the SoundLink Flex and you should probably just buy one of those instead if you want a Bose.
The Marshall Kilburn III is the longer-running choice. Spacious soundstage with broad stereo dispersion from Marshall’s True Stereophonic multi-driver layout, delivering warm, room-filling sound with 45Hz bass extension. It is rated for 50 hours of battery against 20 for the Bose SoundLink Plus. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Bose SoundLink Plus lacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bose SoundLink Plus lacks. The catch: 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 Bose SoundLink Plus. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Marshall Kilburn III and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose SoundLink Plus | Marshall Kilburn III | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.00 | $379.99 |
| Ranked | #25 of 97 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #41 of 97 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 50 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP54 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) | 6.3 lbs (2.85 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 9.1” x 3.9” x 3.4” (231 x 99 x 86 mm) | 10.7” x 5.9” x 6.7” (272 x 150 x 170 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2.5” (63.5mm) woofer + 1x ~0.78” (20mm) tweeter + 4x passive radiators | 1x 4” woofer + 2x 2” full-range drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 50W |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 45Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 45Hz - 20kHz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 91dB |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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
Bose SoundLink Plus: $179.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: IP67 rated, IP67 water/dustproof. Close to 20 hour battery life. Vibrant sound with booming bass, clean mids. Bluetooth 5.4 with good range. Premium tactile grille, smooth silicone. Quality build at $179.
Cons: Boosted thuddy bass, but not as deep as the SoundLink Flex and you should probably just buy one of those instead if you want a Bose.
Full Bose SoundLink Plus review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.1” x 3.9” x 3.4” (231 x 99 x 86 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2.5” (63.5mm) woofer + 1x ~0.78” (20mm) tweeter + 4x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) |
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Marshall Kilburn III: $379.99 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Marshall Kilburn II (ranked lower, rated 3.8/5).
Pros: Spacious soundstage with broad stereo dispersion from Marshall’s True Stereophonic multi-driver layout, delivering warm, room-filling sound with 45Hz bass extension. Independent physical bass and treble dials allow quick tonal adjustments on the fly, backed by app-based EQ and placement compensation. Battery life is outstanding at up to 50+ hours with USB-C power-bank charging, IP54 splash resistance, 3.5mm aux input, and Bluetooth 5.3 with Auracast broadcast support. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-10dB).
Cons: 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. Kilburn II retains slightly punchier perceived loudness at maximum volume due to a more aggressive V-shaped contour. At 2.85 kg with only IP54 splash resistance, it is heavy and cannot withstand water immersion. Lacks a built-in microphone and LDAC codec support.
Full Marshall Kilburn III review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 50W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 50 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.7” x 5.9” x 6.7” (272 x 150 x 170 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 4” woofer + 2x 2” full-range drivers |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz |
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| Maximum SPL | 91dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 6.3 lbs (2.85 kg) |
- Links
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