Short answer: the Stanmore II, for $104 more. It ranks #7 of 14 in the powered desktop class at $300; the Acton II ranks #10 at $195.60.
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.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Acton II | Marshall Stanmore II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $193.63 | $300 |
| Ranked | #10 of 13 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #7 of 13 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 | 10.24" x 6.02" x 5.91" (260 x 153 x 150 mm) | 13.78" x 7.87" x 7.32" (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 | Yes | Yes |
| Wifi | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | Ported | Ported |
| Output Power | 50W (Woofer: 25W, Tweeters: 2x12.5W) | 80W (Woofer: 50W, Tweeters: 2x15W) |
| Power Input | - | AC Power brick |
The Two Speakers In Full
Marshall Acton II: $193.63 Amazon
Cons: Boosted upper bass, not as deep bass as competitors. Boosted highs. Sounds mushy.
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | No Battery |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 10.24" x 6.02" x 5.91" (260 x 153 x 150 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (midrange/woofer), 1x 4" midrange, 2x 0.75" Dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux |
| Output Power | 50W (Woofer: 25W, Tweeters: 2x12.5W) |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | No |
| Voice Assistants | Yes |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs / 2.9 kg |
| Wifi | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | Ported |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier D12 vs Marshall Acton II sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Marshall Stanmore II vs Marshall Acton II sound.DEMO
- Danny Pops: Marshall Acton 2 vs Klipsch The One 2 - which sounds better?
- One-month hobbyist: Klipsch The One ii vs Marshall Acton ii Sound Battle
- Storytripper HD: Marshall Acton 2 vs Marshall Kilburn 2
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Marshall Stanmore II: $300 Amazon
Cons: Not very deep bass. No battery. No water rating.
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | No Battery |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 13.78" x 7.87" x 7.32" (350 x 200 x 185 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" woofer, 2x 2" midranges, 2x 0.75" Dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA, Aux, Optical |
| Output Power | 80W (Woofer: 50W, Tweeters: 2x15W) |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Yes |
| Weight | 10.3 lbs / 4.65 kg |
| Wifi | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | Ported |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.