Marshall does a better job than most speaker companies when it comes to making its product lineups logical and easy-to-understand.
The Home Line III series contains Marshall’s bluetooth speakers which require a constant power source — hence the “Home” label. Among the Home Line 3, you can choose from a small (Acton 3), medium (Stanmore 3), and large (Woburn 3).
The Acton 3 MSRPs for nearly $300. For another hundred bucks, you can jump up to the Stanmore 3. And then for another two hundred, you can get the top-of-the-line Woburn 3. For the additional price, you get 60 watts on the Acton, 80 watts on the Stanmore, and 150 watts on the Woburn.
Because every speaker in the lineup has a beautiful design and great sound quality, you are really just paying for the extra horsepower when you choose a larger speaker in the lineup.
And since none of these speakers would be considered “cheap,” it’s important to be sure that you aren’t overpaying for more power than you need.
Here, we will compare the Woburn 3 and the Stanmore 3 in every category to see how they stack up. But most importantly, we answer the question that really matters — “Is the Woburn 3 worth an extra $200 over the Stanmore 3?”
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Best Budget Option
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Quick Answer: Should I Buy the Woburn 3 or Stanmore 3?
Sound Lovers:
- Go for the Woburn 3 — it offers more power, greater volume, and overall better sound quality.
Budget-conscious Buyers:
- Choose the Stanmore 3 — it offers similar features and quality to the Woburn 3, but at a more affordable price.
Portability Seekers:
- Keep in mind, neither speaker has a built-in battery, reducing their portability.
- If portability is critical for you, consider other Marshall models like the Kilburn or Tufton series.
Sound
When trying to compare speakers, we of course begin with the most important factor — sound.
Because both speakers are quality offerings from Marshall, there are a number of similarities.
The sound profile is similar between the two products, with a balanced profile that isn’t as bass-heavy as some competitors. Neither is a hi-fi speaker, but the sound is crisp, pleasant, and balanced in a “high fidelity-ish” way.
If the above description doesn’t make much sense, the important thing to know is that the out-of-the-box sound isn’t extremely thumping, cheap, or overdone on bass. Although you can adjust the bass (more on this later), it doesn’t have the “party speaker” profile that many speaker users have come to expect.
Another similarity is that both products have EQ knobs on top of the device. This is an uncommon feature on a bluetooth speaker, but we give Marshall high marks for including it. Right from the speaker itself, you can adjust bass or treble (no control for mids).
Where the two speakers differ is that the Woburn 3 provides 150 watts of total output, whereas the Stanmore 3 provides just 80 watts. While we don’t recommend using wattage to compare speakers, in this case the numbers really do tell the story.
Woburn 3 gets much louder and simply provides a lot more power.
The other key difference is that Woburn 3 sounds clearer, sharper, and just all around more pleasant than Stanmore 3. This is probably due to the addition of two 15 watt mids in addition to the woofer and tweeters (whereas the Stanmore has a woofer and tweeters only).
Sound Winner: Woburn 3 (quite a bit more volume, plus better sound quality overall)
Design
The design of the two speakers is nearly identical, except for differences in shape and size.
Both products have a timeless, amplifier-style appearance that — if it isn’t the most beautiful bluetooth speaker on the market, it’s pretty darn close.
In addition to the excellent esthetics, Marshall also advertises that the speakers are made from recycled plastic, contain no PVC, and are vegan-friendly (so, the leather exterior probably isn’t real leather…).
The Stanmore 3 has a rectangular appearance, while the Woburn 3 is closer to square shaped due to the added height.
If the exact sizes matter to you, the Stanmore is ~14″ x 8″ x 7″, while the Woburn is ~16″ x 12″ x 8″. The Woburn 3 is also more substantial when it comes to weight, tipping the scales at over 16 pounds (versus just over 9 pounds for the Stanmore 3).
From a functional standpoint, the only real difference between the two speakers is that Woburn 3 has an HDMI input whereas Stanmore 3 does not. This HDMI input allows the speaker to be easily connected to a TV and used as you would use a soundbar or external speaker.
Both speakers have a 3.5 mm aux input and RCA inputs.
Both Woburn and Stanmore have knobs and controls on the top of the speaker which provide a second-to-none tactile feel. The knobs and switches are entirely opposite of the simple, plastic buttons that you get with most bluetooth speakers.
Each speaker also gains a track skip button which wasn’t present on the previous iterations (Woburn 2 and Stanmore 2).
Design Winner: Woburn 3 if you need an HDMI port, but it’s a tie if you don’t care about this port
Durability
Since both speakers are brand new to the market, it is challenging to compare durability.
What we know, for sure, is that Marshall typically makes long-lasting speakers, and that both Stanmore 2 and Woburn 2 scored high marks for durability.
Additionally, the absence of a built-in battery (more on this below) actually increases the predicted longevity of both devices. Without a battery that inevitably fails, there is no reason that a bluetooth speaker can’t last for many years.
Because build quality and design of both speakers is identical except for size and weight, the durability of Woburn 3 and Stanmore 3 is expected to be nearly equal.
Both speakers are well-built and sturdy, and the fake leather exterior holds up well to wear and tear. Because the speakers aren’t “portable,” it is less likely that damage will occur during trips to the beach or on the boat. This is good, since the exposed knobs and the speaker cover are both likely weak points.
Durability Winner: Tie (less durable than a typical bluetooth speaker due to no waterproofing and the vulnerable knobs and grille — however, this isn’t a speaker that is designed for on-the-go use, anyway)
Battery
Important note: neither the Stanmore 3 near the Woburn 3 has a built-in battery.
Most people assume that “bluetooth speaker” means it has a battery, but this isn’t the case for the Marshall Home Line series (which includes Stanmore, Woburn, and the smaller Acton).
If you need a portable speaker but want the Marshall design and quality, the Marshall Kilburn and Tufton are the two closest comparisons that also feature a built-in battery.
Because Stanmore 3 and Woburn 3 lack a rechargeable battery, you lose a lot of portability.
However, both of these speakers are still small enough and light enough that you can easily transport them to a friend’s house or between home and the office. You just need to be sure that you can find a power outlet at your destination.
The advantage of lacking a battery is that you won’t have to worry about battery degradation, which is a tremendously common failure point of portable speakers. With the Woburn and Stanmore, you should be able to plug them in and use them for years and years.
Battery Winner: Tie, of course, since neither has a battery
Software
Both devices feature nearly identical software.
Bluetooth 5.2 has been added to both speakers, which allows for over-the-air updates in the future. Marshall has also advertised that Multistream (basically just a party mode) is “on its way,” as is a “Broadcast” function that allows you to broadcast audio from the speaker to other devices.
Generally, there isn’t much point in getting excited about features that are “coming soon.”
The Stanmore 3 and Woburn 3 each feature a simple adjustable EQ, with bass and treble adjustments only.
In addition to some features that are standard on companion apps, Marshall also adds a “Placement Compensation” tab. This allows the speaker to “auto” adjust its settings based on the room environment. However, rather than being truly automated, you have to give the speaker details about its positioning in order for this feature to work (for example, you have to tell the speaker if it is sitting next to an obstruction).
Neither speaker has WiFi or a built-in microphone. But frankly, neither of these features are particularly important for most users.
Software Winner: Tie (simple apps, simple EQ, but reliable function)
Sound Adjustment Capabilities
A vital aspect of speakers is their ability to adjust the sound to the listener’s liking. Let’s dive deeper into that aspect.
All Marshall Home Line III series speakers, including the Stanmore 3 and the Woburn 3, have equalization (EQ) knobs, an interesting and rare feature for Bluetooth speakers. The EQ knobs, located on the speaker’s top, let you adjust the bass and treble, allowing you to tailor your sound experience to your preference. Note that there are no controls for mids, but the EQ knobs still allow for a decent level of customization.
Moreover, in addition to the physical knobs, the companion app offers a “Placement Compensation” feature. It’s not an automated system; you provide information about the speaker’s position and its surroundings. Based on the information, the system adjusts the sound to ensure optimal audio quality. For instance, if the speaker is next to a wall or an obstruction, the feature will adjust the speaker’s output to minimize sound distortion.
Green Initiatives & Sustainable Design
In today’s eco-conscious society, it’s worth noting the green initiatives taken by Marshall in manufacturing its Home Line III series. These speakers, including the Stanmore 3 and Woburn 3, are made from recycled plastic. This approach not only helps in waste reduction but also minimizes the speakers’ carbon footprint.
Additionally, these speakers do not contain PVC, a widely used plastic that can have harmful environmental impacts. Moreover, the speakers’ leather-like exterior, which lends them a classic look, is vegan-friendly. Thus, no animals were harmed in the creation of these elegant speakers. Many users will surely view these initiatives as commendable and reflective of Marshall’s commitment to sustainability without compromising on design or quality.
Final Thoughts
Marshall Woburn 3 is much larger than Stanmore 3, and the price difference of $200 is quite significant.
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However, Woburn justifies the price tag by providing a lot more volume and much better sound quality. If your budget allows you to spend $500+ on a bluetooth speaker, the Woburn 3 is pretty hard to beat. You just need to recognize that this device is large, heavy, and doesn’t have a built-in battery.
For anybody that demands a rechargeable battery, the Tufton series is worthy of consideration. And for anybody that is budget-conscious, the
FAQs
Is the Woburn 3 speaker significantly louder than the Stanmore 3?
Yes, the Woburn 3, with its 150 watts of total output, offers significantly more volume than the Stanmore 3, which provides 80 watts.
Do the Stanmore 3 and Woburn 3 speakers offer equal durability?
Yes, given their identical build quality and design (except for size and weight), the durability of the Stanmore 3 and Woburn 3 is nearly equal.
Do the Woburn 3 & Stanmore 3 speakers have batteries for portability?
No, the Stanmore 3 and Woburn 3 do not come with built-in batteries. They are part of Marshall’s Home Line III series, which require a constant power source.
Does the Woburn 3 have better sound quality than the Stanmore 3?
Yes, the Woburn 3 does provide clearer, sharper, and more pleasant sound than the Stanmore 3. This is likely due to the Woburn 3’s two additional 15 watt mids alongside the woofer and tweeters.
Do the Woburn 3 & Stanmore 3 have the same input options?
Almost. Both speakers come with a 3.5 mm aux input and RCA inputs. However, the Woburn 3 has an additional HDMI input that the Stanmore 3 lacks.
