Bluetooth speakers · Ranked #2 of 10 · Best for battery and big sound

Marshall Kilburn III

86
Highly rated
Average of 5 professional reviews
5 of 5 recommend it · broad agreement
Where the 5 reviews landedRange 80–95
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 85.6 · 4 printed, 1 estimated · printed scores only: 86

Marshall Kilburn IIIImage: Marshall

5 professional reviewers tested the Marshall Kilburn III, and 5 recommend it. Most praised: sound quality and battery life. Most common complaint: fit and comfort.

Reviewed by Tom's Guide, TechRadar, WIRED and 2 more

The catch: It has no Wi-Fi, and it is large and cannot pair as a stereo set.

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What 5 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 95
    Tom's GuideThe outlet's top rating, counted as 95 · Hands-on review · 2025

    One of the best Bluetooth speakers around, with big wide sound, very loud output and an exceptional 50-hour battery.

    Read Tom's Guide review
  2. 90
    TechRadarHands-on review · 2025

    An exceptional Bluetooth speaker with great bass for its size and long battery life.

    Read TechRadar review
  3. 80
    WIREDHands-on review

    Stylish and good sounding with huge battery life and flexible EQ options, making it better value than most similar speakers.

    Read WIRED review
  4. 80
    Trusted ReviewsHands-on review · 2026

    An enjoyable, warm-sounding outdoor speaker with great battery and better design than its predecessor.

    Read Trusted Reviews review
  5. 83est.
    Popular ScienceNo printed score · Buying guide

    Praised as the best-looking portable speaker, with strong, punchy sound, tactile tone controls and exceptional battery life.

    Read Popular Science review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Sound quality5 of 5
Battery life5 of 5
Design2 of 5

What critics dislike most

Fit and comfort2 of 5
Size and weight2 of 5

Other Bluetooth speakers critics rate highly

JBL Flip 7Image: JBL
Top pick, narrowlyJBL Flip 712 reviews · broad agreement86
Bose SoundLink MaxImage: Bose
Best big portable soundBose SoundLink Max8 reviews · critics split86
Bose SoundLink PlusImage: Bose
Best rugged midsize speakerBose SoundLink Plus6 reviews · broad agreement84
JBL Charge 6Image: JBL
Longest batteryJBL Charge 69 reviews · broad agreement83

Also reviewed, not yet scored

Common questions

Is the Marshall Kilburn III worth it?

Most critics think so: 5 of 5 recommend it. It has no Wi-Fi, and it is large and cannot pair as a stereo set.

Do critics agree about the Marshall Kilburn III?

Broad agreement: scores range from 80 (WIRED) to 95 (Tom's Guide), a spread of 15 points across 5 reviews. Most reviewers land fairly close together.

What do critics dislike about the Marshall Kilburn III?

Fit and comfort (2 of 5 reviews), Size and weight (2 of 5 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Marshall Kilburn III?

The JBL Flip 7 (critic score 86), top pick, narrowly.