Marshall Kilburn III Review: Stunning Bluetooth Speaker with Classic Rock Vibes

Marshall Kilburn III impresses with retro design, powerful sound, and versatile features in this standout Bluetooth speaker.

A Classic Rock Legend Enters the Bluetooth Era

When Marshall Bluetooth Speaker burst onto the Bluetooth speaker scene more than a decade ago, it wasn’t just any brand—it was the iconic amplifier maker that fueled the sound of legendary rock bands. As a longtime fan and music lover, I’ve watched with fascination as Marshall’s audio gear bridged generations, appealing to aging rockers and fresh audiophiles alike.

The Kilburn was Marshall’s first Bluetooth speaker, revamped to Kilburn II in 2018, and now evolved into the Kilburn III. While the changes aren’t earth-shattering visually, they pack some substantial improvements that elevate this speaker beyond mere nostalgia.

The result? A Bluetooth speaker that blends vintage charm with modern practicality—though it does skip some features found in other devices. Still, it’s worth every penny.

Price and Availability of Marshall Kilburn III

The Kilburn III launched in May 2025 with a retail price of $379. Not exactly cheap for a mid-sized Bluetooth speaker, but you get far more than a simple “portable sound box” for that.

At the time of writing, discounts are scarce. It seems Marshall holds firm on pricing, confident in the product’s value.

Getting Your Hands on Kilburn III

This speaker is widely available in major electronics stores and online marketplaces. For those who appreciate the brand’s premium reputation, Kilburn III comes across as an accessible yet classy choice.

Retro Meets Practical: The Design of Marshall Kilburn III

Marshall’s speakers are instantly recognizable with their throwback design inspired by the classic amplifiers of the 1960s. The Kilburn III carries on that legacy with its iconic Marshall script logo, faux leather finish, and mesh grille that wraps around the front and back—creating that rock ‘n’ roll vibe you just can’t fake.

Compared to the smaller Middleton, which is cute but tiny, the Kilburn III’s larger size really lets the design shine. It’s like comparing a pint-sized classic car to a full-sized vintage muscle machine: the bigger presence makes a statement.

From the red velvet-padded carry strap to the brass top plate and subtle LED lighting, this speaker is a looker. It’s a design that resonates with both younger music fans and those who remember the golden age of rock firsthand.

One of the coolest things about the Kilburn III is its analog-style control panel on top. You get physical knobs for volume, bass, and treble—no endless app scrolling required. It’s tactile, immediate, and a refreshing nod to the era when knobs and switches ruled.

The power toggle is a satisfying rocker switch with authentic “rock” sound effects when toggled, alongside buttons for play/pause, track skip, Bluetooth connection, and an “M” button to toggle EQ presets set via the smartphone app.

While the Kilburn III embraces some modern touches—like app-controlled EQ and firmware updates—it deliberately shuns fancy smart features. No voice assistants or built-in microphones here. It’s made for rocking out, not chatting with Siri or Alexa.

On the back, you’ll find a 3.5mm audio input plus a USB-C charging port powering a hefty internal battery. And hey, it can even charge your phone on the go—a handy bonus for long days outside or extended parties.

Speaking of outdoors, the Kilburn III holds an IP54 rating, making it splash- and dust-resistant. Light rain? No problem. Just don’t dunk it in the pool.

Sound That Packs a Punch: Performance of Marshall Kilburn III

With the Marshall name front and center, you expect robust sound quality—and Kilburn III does not disappoint. It delivers warm, full-bodied sound across all volumes, with impressive clarity even when playing quietly and minimal distortion when cranked up.

This balance comes courtesy of dynamic EQ adjustment that keeps bass, midrange, and treble in harmony regardless of volume. Whether your playlist whispers or shouts, this speaker keeps the music in check.

The Kilburn III features a 4-inch woofer with a rear bass reflex port for deep lows, paired with two 2-inch full-range drivers producing crisp stereo sound at 50 watts total power.

Designed to spread sound in all directions, the Kilburn III creates a 360-degree audio experience. Place it smack dab in the middle of a room, and the music fills every corner evenly. The app can tune the sound profile based on placement too, perfect if you tuck it against a wall or into a nook.

For bass lovers, Kilburn III delivers satisfying low-end without overwhelming the mix. Rocking out to The Prodigy’s “Out of Space,” the speaker rumbled with authority, while AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” opened with razor-sharp riffs and punchy bass that made me grin ear to ear.

While it lacks Wi-Fi, Kilburn III supports Bluetooth with SBC, LC3, and AAC codecs, plus Auracast support through the app.

Battery life is a standout: 50 hours of playback means weekends filled with nonstop tunes. Charging via USB-C takes about 3 hours for a full recharge, but a quick 20-minute boost nets you 8 hours of playtime. The app even lets you optimize battery health by limiting max charge and controlling charging speed.

Final Thoughts: Is Marshall Kilburn III Worth It?

From the moment I powered it on, the Marshall Kilburn III Bluetooth Speaker became my go-to Bluetooth speaker. It’s far more fun than minimalist smart speakers, and the hands-on controls make adjusting sound a breeze.

The audio quality is excellent, volume ample, making it perfect for home or casual outdoor use. It’s not ultralight or pocket-sized, so while it’s portable enough to toss in the car for a road trip, it’s not your hiking backpack companion.

Though it skips smart assistant features, the long battery life and phone charging abilities make it a joy to own. Yes, it’s pricier than many Bluetooth speakers, but it competes with the best in its class, earning a solid five-star rating from me.

Other Options to Consider

While the Kilburn III leans more toward home use than hardcore portability, it faces stiff competition.

• Sonos Move 2 Bluetooth Speaker brings Wi-Fi and integrates into the Sonos ecosystem but comes with a heftier price tag.
• B&O Beolit 20 Bluetooth Speaker offers sleek design but at a premium cost.
• JBL Xtreme 4 Bluetooth Speaker focuses on rugged portability with a handy carry strap and solid weather resistance.
• Bose SoundLink Max Bluetooth Speaker packs waterproofing, powerful sound, and room-filling volume at a similar price point, but its design is less distinctive.

“Analog controls are a pleasant reminder that tactile elements still have a place in a world increasingly dominated by digital.” – Marshall Kilburn III Review

FAQ

• What is the battery life of the Marshall Kilburn III?
  It provides up to 50 hours of playback on a full charge with quick charge options for shorter boosts.
• Does the Kilburn III support voice assistants like Alexa or Siri?
  No, it does not have microphones or voice assistant support; it’s focused purely on quality music playback.
• Is the speaker waterproof?
  It has an IP54 rating, meaning it is splash and dust-resistant but not fully waterproof.
• Can I adjust the sound without using an app?
  Yes, physical knobs for volume, bass, and treble are on top, allowing easy analog adjustments.
• Does Marshall Kilburn III support Wi-Fi connectivity?
  No, it uses Bluetooth only, supporting SBC, LC3, and AAC codecs, along with Auracast through the app.

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