Short answer: the Stanmore II, for $104.40 more. It ranks #12 of 29 in the powered desktop class at $300; the Acton II ranks #19 at $195.60. The Marshall Acton II has been replaced by the Marshall Acton IV. The Marshall Stanmore II has been replaced by the Marshall Stanmore IV. If you are buying new, get the Marshall Stanmore IV.
Neither review lists a single pro, which puts the weight entirely on the cons. The Acton II’s are boosted upper bass without matching competitors’ depth, boosted highs, and an overall sound our notes call mushy. The Stanmore II’s are narrower: not very deep bass, no battery, and no water rating.
The step up in Marshall’s lineup buys a real ranking improvement, even without either speaker earning a strong recommendation on its own merits.
Buy the Stanmore II if choosing between these two specifically. Check the powered buyer’s guide for options with a stronger measured case at either price point.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
A compact home speaker with classic Marshall styling, aptX Bluetooth, an aux input and bass and treble adjustment.
A home speaker with classic Marshall styling, aptX Bluetooth, RCA, aux and optical inputs, and bass and treble controls.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Acton II | Marshall Stanmore II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $195.60 each Discontinued | $300 each Discontinued |
| Ranked | #19 of 29 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #12 of 29 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) | 10.3 lbs (4.65 kg) |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 10.2” x 6” x 5.9” (260 x 153 x 150 mm) | 13.8” x 7.9” x 7.3” (350 x 200 x 185 mm) |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble) | Yes (Bass/Treble) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux | Bluetooth, RCA, Aux, Optical |
| Drivers | 4” (midrange/woofer), 1x 4” midrange, 2x 0.75” Dome tweeters | 5.25” woofer, 2x 2” midranges, 2x 0.75” Dome tweeters |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported |
| Amplifier Power | 50W (Woofer: 25W, Tweeters: 2x12.5W) | 80W (Woofer: 50W, Tweeters: 2x15W) |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | - | AC Power brick |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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