Published on December 26, 2024 by Alex
In the crowded speaker market, JBL and Marshall always lead the field. Their advanced technology, trendy appearance, and multiple connections for use attract many music lovers. Marshall, which has a 60-year-old history, has a distinctive vintage look and special musical philosophy, while JBL’s youthful and energetic vibe is trendy and breezy.
In the year of 2025, does Marshall Acton 3, which has been online for two years, still have an edge? And has the JBL Authentics 300, which has been online for one year, been proven in the marketplace? At the beginning of last year, I received these two speakers as a gift from two friends, and after using them for so long I have some of my own experiences. If you also have these questions and are looking for a desktop speaker that suits your needs, as a music lover and collector of electronic trends, I will provide in this blog the core features, price, unique advantages of each brand, and some lesser-known but interesting brands such as Airpulse, etc. You will surely get an idea of which one is the best speaker for you.
Marshall Acton 3 vs. JBL Authentics 300 at a Glance
| Feature | Marshall Acton 3 | JBL Authentics 300 | Airpulse Au-4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound Precision and Soundstage Performance | Balanced sound with dynamic loudness | Powerful bass and loud output | Exceptional precision with rich details |
| Versatility and Connectivity | Bluetooth, 3.5mm aux in | Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, 3.5mm aux in | Bluetooth, 3.5mm aux in, 6.35mm line-in |
| Design Craftsmanship | Retro design | Retro and modern style | Minimalist and professional design |
| Pricing | $279.99 | $349.95 | $279.99 |
| Best for | Design-conscious users, stationary home speaker | Portable speaker with powerful bass, smart voice assistant features | Audiophiles who demand precise sound quality, HD performance |
Key Differences
Connectivity Options
Marshall Acton 3’s connectivity is Bluetooth and 3.5mm audio input. The wireless Bluetooth streaming can effortlessly listen to your favorite music through the V5.2. Whether I am using a smartphone, tablet, or no matter Apple device or an Android device, it’s easy and quick to get started on the music journey. What I love most is that the Marshall app provides many advanced settings and updates; I can adjust the EQ through the app.
On the other side, JBL Authentics 300 has more options. It can be connected by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth V5.3, and 3.5mm audio input. With the Wi-Fi connection, it’s not just the better sound quality; I can enjoy the music while playing other devices’ video at home. I really like to play music as background sound when I’m at home, so this feature is very user-friendly! With JBL Connect+, I can enjoy the immersive stereo sound anywhere just using a smartphone to control it.
Portable Speaker or Home Speaker
There’s quite a difference between these two speakers in terms of design. Marshall Acton 3 has a handsome and retro design for home decoration. It looks like a guitar amp, with brass knobs and switches that are very textured. It’s worth mentioning that Marshall Acton 3 needs to be plugged in all the time to use it; it doesn’t have a battery-powered mode. It’s not a big problem for me since I always use it as a home speaker. But if you are looking for a portable speaker that you can take on the go at any time, Marshall Acton 3 is not for you.
JBL Authentics 300, in contrast, has portability. It provides two power modes: AC-powered mode and battery mode, which means you can use it as a home speaker and bring it outdoors as a portable speaker with friends and family. I have tried once to bring it to my friend’s apartment; the battery life is enough, but the weight is not friendly.
Neither of these two speakers is waterproof and dustproof, so even the portable JBL is not suitable for outdoor sports scenarios. Like JBL PartyBoost mode, it has a multi-room playback function. It allows you to put several JBL speakers throughout the home for gatherings.
Audio Tuning Approach
When using Marshall Acton 3, I noticed that it can seamlessly adapt to my surroundings. For example, when I put it near my bedroom wall, its redesigned characteristic surround sound gives me an immersive experience like I’m listening to rock music in the livehouse. I like to listen to mid to high-frequency vocals and rock music; these kinds of main ambient songs I prefer to choose Marshall, as it can bring me unique enjoyment. Besides, I can easily adjust the bass and treble through the control panel without using any devices.
On the other hand, with the JBL Authentics 300, I enjoy richer EQ adjustments available through the JBL One App. Compared to the Marshall, there is an additional midrange that can be adjusted. Less desirable is that the knobs are not as precise as the Marshall's.
Feature Comparison
Sound Precision and Soundstage Performance
Marshall Acton 3
The biggest feeling I had with Marshall is its sound is incredibly balanced, especially when I am in a small space like a bedroom or living room. The dynamic loudness features an immersive enjoyment no matter where I am in the room. With a single 30W Class D amplifier for the woofer and dual 15W Class D amps for the tweeters, its frequency range is 45Hz to 20kHz. However, it works only with the default SBC codec, without AAC, AptX, or other high-tier options. For casual listening, it does a good job but it’s not for someone who is seeking extreme detail and lossless audio.
JBL Authentics 300
JBL does a wonderful job when it comes to powerful bass performance. The full-range 5.25-inch woofer, down-firing 6.5-inch passive radiator, and total 100 wattage power output deliver deep bass. It was the ultimate experience. When I listen to electro music, it's as if the whole room is vibrating to the beat of the music. Nevertheless, the finer details, especially the classical music, are poorly performed by JBL. Personally, I think the soundstage is broader than Marshall Acton 3, especially for a lot of friends getting together.
So in terms of sonic expressiveness, Marshall has a more balanced sound experience that provides immersive listening. However, the lack of lossless music is a bit of a disappointment at this price point. JBL has amazing bass performance, especially when listening to vocals and electronica; the clarity and dynamics are impressive. Unfortunately, it falls short in the realm of pop classics.
Versatility and Connectivity
Marshall Acton 3
Pairing Marshall via Bluetooth is seamless. It also provides a 3.5mm audio input port for portable devices like smartphones and tablets. However, it can’t satisfy my demand for high-quality streaming, nor can it connect to Wi-Fi. When I walk from the bedroom to the living room, the Bluetooth disconnects, which affects my listening experience. Without screen-free control and voice control, I have to use my phone or just use physical knobs to adjust the volume, treble, and bass. It’s a little inconvenient, especially in the era of advanced technology.
JBL Authentics 300
As for JBL, I found it is more versatile than Marshall, especially since I can use voice assistant support for listening. The voice assistant always responds to my needs in a very timely manner, especially when I want to adjust the speaker's playback without wanting to get up from the couch. Additionally, it can be connected to my home Wi-Fi. It means no matter where I am, which devices I am using, I can always play seamlessly.
As far as connectivity is concerned, JBL offers more options to the user. The Wi-Fi feature not only enhances the sound quality output, but the addition of the voice assistant makes listening to songs more convenient.
Design Craftsmanship
Marshall Acton 3
The retro design of Acton 3 is stunning; it’s the perfect decoration for my room. The leather control panel and brass knobs bring a very special texture, and the appearance of a classic amplifier brings back the feeling of the 1980s and 1990s. However, its weight and power mode compel it to be a home speaker.
JBL Authentics 300
The design of JBL blends retro and modern practicality. The leather-like enclosure and convenient metal handle allow me to take it anywhere I want. I took it to a friend's house for a party last Christmas, and it just so happened that my friend had a JBL Charge 5, and the two speakers were combined into a PartyBoost mode, which added a lot of festive atmosphere and brought us a lot of joy.
The appearance of the two speakers has its own characteristics; each has a classic family design. JBL is more youthful and trendy, while Marshall is more retro, conveying a different attitude to music.
Product Specifications
In this part, I will introduce the detailed specifications of various speaker models, including dimensions, control and connection options, and additional features.
Dimensions
Marshall Acton 3’s dimensions are 260 X 170 X 150mm, which is quite a compact size for a Bluetooth speaker. There is a 30-watt Class D amplifier for the woofer and two 15-watt Class D amplifiers for the tweeters. When you are pairing speakers, there are several ways to connect: Bluetooth and 3.5mm aux in. While JBL Authentics 300 is 4.9kg, with a total 100W power output, it provides an amazing bass performance.
Control Mode and Connection Options
Marshall has the intuitive knob controls for EQ adjustment and volume. While JBL also can adjust the EQ through the control panel and JBL Connect+ app. The great battery life makes it a portable speaker. Its proprietary audio technology gives users an ultimate experience.
Control Features
In this part, I will introduce whether these two speakers have voice control, on-speaker controls, and compatibility with apps and smart devices.
Voice Control
JBL Authentics 300 has the functionality of voice control. It can be controlled by Google and Alexa, which is so convenient. With this screen-free control, no matter you are working or doing housework, it’s easy to play any music you like. However, Marshall Acton 3 doesn’t have this feature and can only be adjusted via a physical knob or App.
Pricing Comparison
The Marshall Acton 3 is priced in the mid-price range of portable Bluetooth speakers, and it's in the middle echelon for size and sonic performance. However, nearly three hundred dollars without the Wi-Fi capability and lossless sound quality would be a disappointment. At this price point, many speakers like the Sony SRS-XG300 have the AAC and LDAC codecs. It also doesn't have the smart experience of a voice assistant like JBL offers, which can be less cost-effective.
JBL Authentics 300 gives users Wi-Fi control, multi-room functionality, a built-in battery, and a voice assistant at a three hundred dollar price point, which is pretty sincere. But it doesn’t have Dolby Atmos support; for comparison, Apple HomePod (2nd) and Sonos Era 300 both provide multi-channel Dolby Atmos playback.
User Experience and Interface
EQ adjustments can be made on the Marshall's app usage screen. It will ask you whether to place the speaker against a wall or away from a wall so that it can better utilize its ability to adjust the soundstage. But other than that, there are no other features, and the app does a poor job at a time when smart connectivity is so advanced.
In contrast, JBL’s app has more functionality. You can see the battery life on the top of the screen. It also shows what you are playing now, and the EQ adjustment section is the main part of app personalization. It provides a “Moments” shortcut for users to play the playlist easily and quickly.
Use Cases
When to Choose Marshall Acton 3
If you are looking for a speaker that decorates your home seamlessly and beautifully while providing a balanced sound for your daily listening, the Marshall Acton 3 would be a great choice. It has rich lows and bright highs, the powerful sound performance and immersive experience lead you to a charming music journey. If you value a more classic design and don’t need advanced smart features, this speaker can satisfy your needs.
When to Choose JBL Authentics 300
It’s a great speaker if you need a powerful, portable, versatile speaker that adapts to both home and on-the-go use. It can be used in a large space, whether it is your friends’ house or an outdoor gathering; it can give you clear and dynamic sounds. Additionally, you can use Google or Alexa for assistance to control your music playing. The battery life is enough for a BBQ party and gathering.
Airpulse Au-4 as an Alternative
If neither of these two brands meets your needs, then you might want to consider the Airpulse Au-4 as an alternative. It is designed for audiophiles and professionals; the Airpulse Au-4 provides exceptional sound with high-fidelity audio. Unlike Marshall Acton 3 and JBL Authentics 300, you can use a 6.35mm LINE IN to access your classical guitar or ukulele as an instrument speaker. For those who demand more professional audio, its advanced DSP technology ensures every frequency range is rich and full of details. Adjusting treble, bass, and volume is easy by using clear knobs. It can bring your audio experience to new heights.
If you are someone who cares about design, technology, and compactness, the Airpulse Au-4 could be exactly what you are looking for. It’s not just about loud music; it’s about the ultimate listening experience and immersive feelings. If you are curious to see how it could transform your audio experience, I’d strongly recommend giving it a try.
Hi, I'm Alex! A tech enthusiast with a passion for the latest gadgets and all things eletronic. I write reviews on the products I'm most excited about, so be sure to follow along for my thoughts and updates on all things tech!
