Marshall Stanmore III vs Marshall Acton III

Last updated: August 15, 2026

Short answer: the Marshall Stanmore III for better sound quality, the Marshall Acton III for the lower price. The Marshall Stanmore III ranks #8 of 13 powered desktop speakers at $379. The Marshall Acton III ranks #9 at $227.44, $151.56 cheaper.

What the Marshall Stanmore III offers: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class. Watch for: Not as good sounding as the Stanmore II.

What the Marshall Acton III offers: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class. Watch for: Not as deep bass as competitors.

Buy the Marshall Stanmore III if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Marshall Acton III if the price matters more than sound quality.

Buy the Marshall Stanmore III at Amazon ($379.00) →Buy the Marshall Acton III at Amazon ($227.44) →

Marshall Stanmore III vs Marshall Acton III

Specifications Side By Side

Marshall Stanmore III Marshall Acton III
Price$379.00$227.44
Ranked#8 of 13 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers#9 of 13 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers
AppYesYes
Aux InputYesYes
Battery LifeNo BatteryNo Battery
Bluetooth CodecsSBCSBC
Bluetooth Version5.25.2
Dimensions13.8" x 8" x 7.4" (350 x 203 x 188 mm)10.2" x 6.7" x 5.9" (260 x 170 x 150 mm)
EQYes (Bass/Treble)Yes (Bass/Treble)
Frequency Response45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP RatingNoneNone
InputsBluetooth, RCA, AuxBluetooth, Aux
Drivers5" (midrange/woofer), 1x 5" midrange, 2x 0.75" Dome tweeters4" (midrange/woofer), 1x 4" midrange, 2x 0.75" Dome tweeters
Party ModeNoNo
Power BankNoNo
Power InputAC Power cord-
StereoPartially (1 woofer)Partially (1 woofer)
TWSNoNo
Weight9.7 lbs / 4.4 kg6.3 lbs / 2.85 kg
WifiNoNo
Woofer Cabinetportedported
Output Power80W (Woofer: 50W, Tweeters: 2x15W)60W (Woofer: 30W, Tweeters: 2x15W)
Buy the Marshall Stanmore III at Amazon ($379.00) →Buy the Marshall Acton III at Amazon ($227.44) →

More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:

The Two Speakers In Full

Marshall Stanmore III: $379.00 Amazon

Marshall Stanmore III ranking card

Cons: Not as good sounding as the Stanmore II. Not enough bass. Distorts at higher volumes.

Full Marshall Stanmore III review and specifications →

AppYes
Aux InputYes
Battery LifeNo Battery
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Version5.2
Dimensions13.8" x 8" x 7.4" (350 x 203 x 188 mm)
Drivers5" (midrange/woofer), 1x 5" midrange, 2x 0.75" Dome tweeters
EQYes (Bass/Treble)
Frequency Response45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP RatingNone
InputsBluetooth, RCA, Aux
Output Power80W (Woofer: 50W, Tweeters: 2x15W)
Party ModeNo
Power BankNo
Power InputAC Power cord
StereoPartially (1 woofer)
TWSNo
Weight9.7 lbs / 4.4 kg
WifiNo
Woofer Cabinetported
Check current price at Amazon ($379.00) →Search eBay for Marshall Stanmore III →Search used audio listings for Marshall Stanmore III →

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Marshall Acton III: $227.44 Amazon

Marshall Acton III ranking card

Cons: Not as deep bass as competitors.

Full Marshall Acton III review and specifications →

AppYes
Aux InputYes
Battery LifeNo Battery
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Version5.2
Dimensions10.2" x 6.7" x 5.9" (260 x 170 x 150 mm)
Drivers4" (midrange/woofer), 1x 4" midrange, 2x 0.75" Dome tweeters
EQYes (Bass/Treble)
Frequency Response45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP RatingNone
InputsBluetooth, Aux
Output Power60W (Woofer: 30W, Tweeters: 2x15W)
Party ModeNo
Power BankNo
StereoPartially (1 woofer)
TWSNo
Weight6.3 lbs / 2.85 kg
WifiNo
Woofer Cabinetported
Check current price at Amazon ($227.44) →Search eBay for Marshall Acton III →Search used audio listings for Marshall Acton III →

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.