Short answer: the Marshall Woburn II for better sound quality, the Marshall Acton II for the lower price. The Marshall Woburn II ranks #5 of 13 powered desktop speakers at $351.44. The Marshall Acton II ranks #10 at $195.60, $155.84 cheaper.
What the Marshall Acton II offers: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class. Watch for: Boosted upper bass, not as deep bass as competitors.
What the Marshall Woburn II offers: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class. Watch for: Huge treble rolloff.
Buy the Marshall Acton II if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Marshall Woburn II if sound quality matters more than the price.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Marshall Acton II. It ranks near the bottom of the 13 powered desktop speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Acton II | Marshall Woburn II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $195.60 | $351.44 |
| Ranked | #10 of 13 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #5 of 13 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | ~47Hz |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs / 2.9 kg | 18.9 lbs / 8.57 kg |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | AptX, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 10.2" x 6" x 5.9" (260 x 153 x 150 mm) | 15.7" x 12.1" x 7.9" (400 x 308 x 200 mm) |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble) | Yes (Bass/Treble) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 30Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux | Bluetooth, HDMI, RCA, Aux |
| Drivers | 4" (midrange/woofer), 1x 4" midrange, 2x 0.75" Dome tweeters | 2x 5.25" woofers, Integrated in woofers midrange, 2x 1" tweeters |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Yes | Yes (via app) |
| Wifi | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported |
| Output Power | 50W (Woofer: 25W, Tweeters: 2x12.5W) | 110W (Woofers: 2x50W, Tweeters: 2x15W) |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cord |
| Max Volume | - | 110dB |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Marshall Acton II: $195.60 Amazon
Cons: Boosted upper bass, not as deep bass as competitors. Boosted highs. Sounds mushy.
Full Marshall Acton II review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | No Battery |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 10.2" x 6" x 5.9" (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 |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- One-month hobbyist: Klipsch The One ii vs Marshall Acton ii Sound Battle
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- Reddit Search for Marshall Acton II Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Marshall Acton II vs Marshall Acton III
- Marshall Acton II vs Marshall Stanmore III
- Marshall Acton II vs Klipsch The Three II
- Marshall Acton II vs Klipsch The One II
- Marshall Acton II vs Marshall Stanmore II
- Marshall Acton II vs Marshall Woburn III
- Marshall Acton II vs JBL Authentics 200
- Marshall Acton II vs Edifier D12
- See all 9 comparisons
Marshall Woburn II: $351.44 Amazon
Cons: Huge treble rolloff. Quite muddy. Not as deep bass as others in the class. Not as loud as the Woburn I
Full Marshall Woburn II review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~47Hz |
| Battery Life | No Battery |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AptX, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 15.7" x 12.1" x 7.9" (400 x 308 x 200 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 5.25" woofers, Integrated in woofers midrange, 2x 1" tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble) |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, HDMI, RCA, Aux |
| Max Volume | 110dB |
| Output Power | 110W (Woofers: 2x50W, Tweeters: 2x15W) |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Yes (via app) |
| Weight | 18.9 lbs / 8.57 kg |
| Wifi | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons