Why you’ll be able to belief TechRadar
We spend hours testing each services or products we overview, so that you will be positive you’re shopping for the most effective. Discover out extra about how we take a look at.
Marshall Kilburn III: two-minute overview
The Marshall Kilburn III is the newest entry within the model’s mid-sized Bluetooth speaker vary, aiming to mix large, impactful audio with a pleasingly transportable design. It’s additionally a mannequin that hopes to outdo its predecessor, delivering far superior battery life, refined seems, and revamped acoustics. However that every one comes with fairly a bump up in worth. So, is the Kilburn III really definitely worth the further spend?
Properly, given the really swathing enhancements throughout the board, I actually consider that the reply is “sure”. A few of the upgrades listed below are completely game-changing, none extra so than the enhance to battery life. The Marshall Kilburn III can provide 50 hours – sure, 50 hours – of playtime, which is greater than double its predecessor, at simply over 20 hours. That bolstered battery life signifies that the Kilburn III has extra playtime than every other Marshall speaker – and excess of the vast majority of competitors on this measurement and worth class.
What actually makes this mannequin stand out – even in comparison with a few of the finest Bluetooth audio system – is its stellar audio efficiency. However let me be clear, different enhancements, corresponding to an IP54 dust- and water-resistance ranking, sleeker total construct and a premium gold management panel all come collectively to make the Kilburn III so significantly better than its predecessor, the Marshall Kilburn II.
Sure, the Kilburn III has absolutely reengineered acoustics, in addition to bolstered 360-degree stereophonic sound. And the outcomes from these changes are astonishingly good. This speaker served up extremely clear, impactful bass, fantastically expressive mids, and energetic treble. Regardless of the style of music you throw at it – it could possibly be classical, it could possibly be home, it could possibly be rock – the Kilburn III nails all of it, with superbly full-sounding, omni-directional audio that’s critically addictive.
It is also super-easy to regulate sound to your style, both utilizing the tactile knobs on prime of the speaker, or through the Marshall app. The companion software program opens up numerous EQ presets, a five-band equalizer, and even Placement Compensation, which optimizes audio on your house. It actually is very easy to forge a sound that’s tailor-made to you, wherever you’re listening.
There are a bunch extra options to unlock, too, corresponding to battery preservation, Auracast, and charging financial institution performance – which lets you cost your telephone by the Kilburn III’s USB-C port.
Arguably, although, the largest draw of this mannequin is its beautiful seems. We’ve come to count on boundless magnificence from Marshall through the years, with its eye-catching retro, amp-inspired design work translating superbly into the world of audio system, headphones, and now even soundbars, following the launch of the 5 star-rated Marshall Heston 120. And it is no totally different with the Kilburn III.
Not like the Kilburn II, beautiful golden particulars used right here for the emblem and the controls actually hammer residence a premium really feel. Pair that with neat speaker grilles on the entrance and reverse sides, nice knob and change controls, in addition to a crimson velvet-infused strap, and also you’re a masterclass in design.
The catch, as I flagged earlier, is that you simply’ll must splash a good amount of money for the Kilburn III’s providers. It would set you again $379 / £299 / AU$599 – which is certainly not low-cost. And it is also $80 / £50 / AU$100 greater than the Kilburn II value at launch. Having stated that, the enhancements are seismic and it is a mannequin that is proper up there with premium rivals such because the Sonos Transfer 2 and Bose SoundLink Max.
All in all, the Marshall Kilburn III is an exemplary Bluetooth speaker that completely aces every thing that issues most. Wonderful sound? Examine. Luxurious seems? Examine. And a tasty set of options? Additionally, verify.
Positive, if you’d like an choice that’s good for taking to the seashore, its IP54 sturdiness might not fairly do the trick, and I’d level you within the course of our finest waterproof audio system information. However if you’d like a real assertion piece with class-leading battery life and audacious audio, this is likely one of the finest Bluetooth audio system available on the market.
Marshall Kilburn III overview: worth and launch date
- $379 / £299 / AU$599
- Launched in Might 2025
The Marshall Kilburn III first launched on the finish of Might 2025, virtually seven years after its predecessor, the Kilburn II. It has an inventory worth of $379 / £299 / AU$599, which is $80 / £50 / AU$100 greater than the Kilburn II on the level of launch. However the worth displays a slew of enhancements, which I’ll sort out in depth beneath.
You may seize the Kilburn III in both Black & Brass or Cream, however the variant you choose ought to have little to no impression on the worth you pay for the speaker.
Marshall Kilburn III overview: specs
|
Weight |
6.2lbs / 2.8kg |
|
Dimensions |
10.7 x 5.9 x 6.7 inches / 273 x 150 x 169mm |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.3, AUX |
|
Battery life |
50 hours |
|
Speaker drivers |
1x 30W woofer; 2x 10W full ranges |
|
Waterproofing |
IP54 |
Marshall Kilburn III overview: options
- Efficient Placement Compensation
- Nifty companion app with first rate EQ choices
- Colossal battery life
The Marshall Kilburn III has lots of the key options you’d be in search of in a contemporary Bluetooth speaker. You get all of the fundamentals, corresponding to multi-point connectivity and fast-pairing, however there’s a lot extra to unlock within the Marshall app.
As an illustration, there’s Placement Compensation, the place you’ll be able to state if the speaker is positioned near an edge, a wall or nook, and the speaker will adapt its audio output accordingly. I attempted the entire totally different calibrations and located that the changes all make a big distinction, so guarantee that you’ve got the correct setup on your house.
There are additionally some tasty EQ choices to sink your tooth into. Sure, gone are the times of merely making changes to the bass and treble; Marshall has included a five-band equalizer right here, enabling you to make a customized EQ that is to your style. Alternatively, you’ll be able to decide from numerous presets, corresponding to bass, mid, and treble enhance.
Another nuggets embody: battery preservation choices, corresponding to the selection to decrease charging velocity if temperature is exterior the best vary; Auracast broadcast tune-in; and M-button customization, which lets you alter the perform of the “M” shortcut on the speaker’s management panel.
The underside line is, the entire essential options are current – and super-easy to mess around with within the Marshall app. Though, there are just a few omissions that you simply’ll discover on rival audio system.
As an illustration, there’s no built-in mic for high-quality, hands-free calling, one thing you’ll discover on a mannequin such because the Sony ULT Area 3. As well as, there’s no multi-speaker pairing (ie. no JBL PartyBoost equal), so if 100% quantity isn’t sufficient otherwise you need to create a multi-room setup over Bluetooth, it could be value trying out a bigger choice in our information to the finest occasion audio system. I don’t usually hold a number of models of the identical speaker at hand, and I favor to maintain calls extra non-public, that means neither of those lacking options bothered me all an excessive amount of.
Maybe the most effective characteristic of this speaker, although, is its ridiculously lengthy battery life. It delivers 50 hours of playtime, which is much, excess of most rivals in its worth and weight class. Even the sensible JBL Xtreme 4 can solely simply knock out 30 hours with PlayTime Increase energetic. Mix that with the power to cost exterior units through the speaker’s USB-C port, and also you’re a real powerhouse.
Marshall Kilburn III overview: sound high quality
- “True” 360-degree stereophonic sound
- Unimaginable bass output
- However total sound continues to be brilliantly balanced
I used to be fortunate sufficient to have the possibility to strive the Kilburn III out early at Marshall’s HQ in Stockholm, Sweden, so I already had an honest concept of this speaker’s abilities. Nevertheless, having spent a bit extra time with it at our music testing room at Future Labs, I’ve realized that the Kilburn III is even higher than I’d first thought.
One of many first issues that struck me about this speaker was its booming bass output – one thing I additionally cherished in regards to the model’s Heston 120 soundbar. When blasting Preserve That Groove by Vitess, the pumping low-end was translated ultra-cleanly, with no noticeable distortion or muffling. Bass did not ever overpower synths or vocals, and I didn’t even really feel the necessity to activate the Bass Increase EQ mode!
The Kilburn III handled me to clear audio, even once I pumped out the tunes critically loudly. As an illustration, when enjoying One-Winged Angel by Nobuo Uematsu, the piercing strings, ominous bass drums, and fear-inducing vocals culminated superbly, by no means outshining each other. That is partly due to the Kilburn III’s dynamic loudness tech, which robotically adjusts bass, mids, and treble, so that you don’t lose out on any element.
Talking of which, the Kilburn III is ready to put up a pleasingly intricate efficiency, although it lacks any “hi-res” Bluetooth codec assist corresponding to LDAC or aptX Adaptive. Main sax from In The Pocket by Eric Darius danced by our testing room, sounding tonally correct and unrestricted, leading to a nuanced and expressive interpretation of the observe. And because of the speaker’s “true” stereophonic sound, it didn’t matter the place I used to be listening from – I obtained full-sounding, clear audio at each angle.
Even instrument separation shocked me after throwing on Vantablack by Intervals, with in-your-face electrical guitar sounds effectively outlined within the combine, even with a deep, highly effective bassline and thrashing drums operating all through.
I actually did throw an enormous number of tracks on the Kilburn III, and I used to be really blown away by its skill to effortlessly deal with something despatched its manner.
With an all-action rock banger corresponding to Are You Gonna Go My Approach by Lenny Kravitz, intertwining guitars sounded satisfyingly ahead, with drums expertly positioned for a next-level listening expertise. And with an upbeat dance observe – one thing maybe not related to Marshall – corresponding to A Contemporary Power by Gaskin, pumping bass was by no means torpid, whereas higher-pitched percussive parts got here by with unimaginable vibrancy.
The Kilburn III actually is a Jack of all trades…but it surely’s additionally a grasp of every one.
Marshall Kilburn III overview: design
- Gorgeous amp-inspired seems
- Wonderful bodily controls
- IP54 waterproofing is healthier, however nothing particular
I already personal the Marshall Stanmore III and have at all times adored the best way it seems in my front room setup. I simply love the retro really feel of the amp-inspired design Marshall makes use of for its audio system, so that you received’t be shocked to listen to I very very like the look of the Kilburn III.
It has a premium-looking fake leather-based outercasing, stunningly completed speaker grilles on its entrance and reverse facet, a gold-plated management panel, and modern deal with that has a crimson velvet underside. I didn’t a lot just like the white brand and black management panel on the Kilburn II – however this new mannequin feels way more high-end, and it is one that’s going to appear like a real assertion piece in any residing house.
Once I spoke to Marshall in regards to the Kilburn III, that sense of the speaker being a “assertion piece” was robust within the thoughts. I used to be assured that the speaker wasn’t meant to compete with the corporate’s rugged fashions – suppose the Marshall Middleton or Marshall Emberton III. And that will clarify its form of “meh” waterproof ranking.
The Kilburn III is simply IP54 dust- and waterproof-rated, that means it is solely actually protected in opposition to splashing water, not water jets or full on submersion. After all, a variety of transportable Bluetooth audio system at the moment are IP67-rated – typically increased – so should you’re in search of probably the most rough-and-ready mannequin round, you need to in all probability look elsewhere.
Regardless, there are different design facets of the Kilburn III of which I’m a fan. Initially, the tactile knobs on prime of the speaker are extremely efficient and effectively constructed. You may alter quantity, bass, or treble ranges with these. There’s additionally a pin management, which makes a return from different Marshall fashions, for switching the speaker on or off. Maybe probably the most fascinating bodily management, although, is the “M” button, which will be set to a wide range of features – corresponding to sifting by EQ choices – through the Marshall app.
On the reverse facet of the speaker, you may additionally discover a USB-C port to cost the speaker or exterior units, in addition to a 3.5mm AUX port if you wish to bask in wired listening.
Marshall Kilburn III overview: worth
- Costlier than its predecessor…
- …however a seismic enchancment throughout the board
- Properly-priced in opposition to rivals
I’ve flagged it a few instances on this overview, however the Marshall Kilburn III is considerably dearer than its predecessor. Given the sheer scale and breadth of enhancements, although, I believe it’s completely value it.
Battery life is way improved, it has a extra premium design, and the re-engineered acoustics have taken the revamped Kilburn to new heights. Even round that $400 / £300 / AU$600 zone, it sounds well-worth each penny.
And even in opposition to some similar-sized rivals, I wouldn’t think about the Kilburn III to be overpriced. As an illustration, 2024’s JBL Xtreme 4 launched at $379 / £329 / AU$499, and after testing each fashions side-by-side, I might give Marshall’s effort the slight edge sonically. After all, given its age, you’ll be able to usually discover the JBL Xtreme 4 on sale now, although.
On prime of that, this mannequin is cheaper than the Bose SoundLink Max on the level of launch, which frequently nonetheless goes for the complete $399 / £399 / AU$599. So, the Kilburn III is much from the priciest in its weight class.
Ought to I purchase the Marshall Kilburn III?
|
Attributes |
Notes |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Options |
Some small omissions can’t overshadow superb battery life and in-app features. |
4.5/5 |
|
Sound high quality |
Fantastically balanced audio even at excessive volumes, irrespective of the listening angle. |
5/5 |
|
Design |
Engaging amp-inspired design with beautiful golden particulars. |
4.5/5 |
|
Worth |
A worth bump over its predecessor, however sounds, seems, and feels well-worth it. |
4.5/5 |
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Marshall Kilburn III overview: additionally think about
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
Marshall Kilburn III |
JBL Xtreme 4 |
Bose SoundLink Max |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Value |
$379 / £299 / AU$599 |
$379 / £329 / AU$499 |
$399 / £399 / AU$599 |
|
Weight |
6.2lbs / 2.8kg |
4.63 lbs / 2.1kg |
4.7lbs / 2.1kg |
|
Dimensions |
10.7 x 5.9 x 6.7 inches / 273 x 150 x 169mm |
11.7 x 5.9 x 5.6 inches / 297 x 149 x 141mm |
4.7 x 10.4 x 4.1 inches / 120 x 265 x 105mm |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.3, AUX |
Bluetooth 5.3 |
Bluetooth 5.3 |
|
Battery life |
50 hours |
24 hours (plus as much as 6 hours extra with Playtime Increase) |
20 hours |
|
Speaker drivers |
1 x 30W woofer; 2 x 10W full ranges |
2 x 30W woofers, 2 x 20W tweeters |
2 x 89mm transducers, 1 x 23mm transducer, 2x passive radiators |
|
Waterproofing |
IP54 |
IP67 |
IP67 |
Marshall Kilburn III overview: how I examined
- Examined for one week
- Primarily utilized in our music testing facility at Future Labs
- Predominantly examined utilizing Tidal
I examined the Marshall Kilburn III over a week-long interval, making use of its full set of options, enjoying hours of music, and assessing all facets of its design. I primarily used the speaker in our music testing room at Future Labs, in order that I may choose audio high quality in an remoted, managed setting.
When blasting tunes, I primarily used Tidal, however I often performed songs over Spotify too. As at all times, I began the testing course of by streaming tracks from our rigorously curated TechRadar reference playlist, however I additionally listened to a ton of tracks from my very own private library. I ran a comparability take a look at with the JBL Xtreme 4 to evaluate facets corresponding to sub-bass output, instrument separation, and sonic element.
I’ve examined all types of audio tools throughout my time at TechRadar, from flagship headphones such because the Sony WH-1000XM6, by to residence cinema merchandise such because the Marshall Heston 120. I’ve reviewed an array of audio system alongside the best way from manufacturers corresponding to Sony, JBL, and, in fact, Marshall. Consequently, I’m greater than accustomed to the Kilburn III’s rivals, in addition to what it takes for a speaker to face out in a extremely aggressive market.
