Marshall has revealed the Kilburn III portable speaker that builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, the Kilburn II. The predecessor was introduced seven years ago as a compact speaker with retro styling and solid performance. While the model earned praise for its portability and distinctive design, it had limitations in battery life, acoustic range, and connectivity that are now comprehensively addressed.
The Kilburn III represents a marked improvement in both functionality and sound engineering, aiming to deliver a more immersive and enduring listening experience. With over 50 hours of battery life, it sets a high standard for wireless speakers in its class, exceeding the typical 20–30-hour range offered by competitors such as the Beats Pill and Bang & Olufsen A1. This extended battery capacity enables the Kilburn III to operate for two full days on a single charge, offering a practical advantage for users who require sustained playback without frequent recharging. You can even reverse-charge your gadgets with the portable speaker, which is a great feature to have when outdoors.
Designer: Marshall
The latest iteration in the Kilburn line incorporates a more robust acoustic design, marked by a wider soundstage and upgraded driver configuration. It includes a three-way driver system consisting of a rear-firing driver for enhanced low-end presence and two angled tweeters to project sound outward. This results in a well-distributed, immersive audio experience. This layout ensures sound dispersion across a wider area, supporting outdoor and large-space listening scenarios more effectively than speakers designed with a single forward-facing driver. Kilburn III delivers a signature Marshall sound, characterized by pronounced mids and a controlled low-end, without exaggeration or distortion at higher volumes.
In comparison, the Beats Pill is compact and convenient but focuses more on portability and bass-heavy tuning rather than the breadth of audio range or longevity. It typically offers a battery life of up to 24 hours, which falls significantly short of the Kilburn III’s endurance. While the Pill is known for its minimalistic design and ease of use, it lacks the acoustic refinements and volume projection required for more dynamic listening environments. The Bang & Olufsen A1, while premium in build and audio quality, features a maximum battery life of around 30 hours. It offers impressive clarity and a refined tonal balance in a small form factor, yet its mono speaker design limits the spatial audio experience compared to the stereo configuration and rear-facing elements in the Kilburn III.
Marshall emphasizes durability and user control with the Kilburn III’s IP54 water resistance rating and physical bass and treble knobs, giving users tactile control over sound adjustments. The unit maintains the brand’s classic amplifier-inspired aesthetic, featuring textured finishes and solid metal grilles, offering visual appeal in line with its audio performance. Charging is managed through a USB-C port, and fast-charging capabilities provide notable efficiency, delivering several hours of playback from a short charging session. This adds to the convenience of the Kilburn III, especially for users who value quick turnaround between uses. The Bluetooth 5.1 connection ensures stable wireless performance, although it does not include smart assistant support or app-based EQ features, which are present in some rival models.
Truly, Marshall Kilburn III distinguishes itself with a strong emphasis on long-lasting battery performance, durable design, and spacious audio projection, which we love. The Marshall Kilburn III launched globally on May 27, 2025, and is available in two color options – Black & Brass and Cream. Priced at $379.99, you can buy it from Marshall.com right away, and later on from retail partners from 10 June onwards.
