Bose TV Speaker
Score: 76/100
Marshall Acton III Midnight Blue 3.5 mm
Score: 77/100Rankings
The Marshall Acton III (Midnight Blue) offers the same 60 W of powerful stereo sound as the original, wrapped in a premium leather-like finish with tactile analog controls. It still needs a wall outlet and lacks smart-home connectivity, limiting its use to stationary indoor settings. Ideal for design-conscious listeners who want high-quality Bluetooth audio on a desk or shelf.
The Bose TV Speaker is a compact 3-channel soundbar with a dedicated tweeter and dialogue mode, offering simple HDMI ARC or optical setup and Bluetooth 4.2 streaming. It lacks built-in bass, Wi-Fi, and Dolby Atmos, which may disappoint users seeking immersive sound. Perfect for small rooms or budget-conscious viewers needing clear dialogue.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 60 Wbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 3.72 kg | 2.849 kgbest |
3best | 2 | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
— | 10.16 cmbest | |
— | 10.16 cmbest | |
9 m | 10 mbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 3,395 cm³best | 6,630 cm³ |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(1) | ||
Channels | 3.0 | 2 |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.2 |
Bluetooth Range (m) | 9 m | 10 m |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Wall‑Mountable | true | false |
Weight (kg) | 3.72 kg | 2.849 kg |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm³) | 3395 cm³ | 6630 cm³ |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Bose TV Speaker for its ultra-slim profile, straightforward HDMI ARC/optical setup, and strong dialogue enhancement, positioning it as the top budget soundbar for 2025.
Everyday users consistently highlight the ease of Bluetooth pairing and the clear speech improvement for everyday viewing, while repeatedly mentioning confusion over listed dimensions and a desire for deeper bass.
“Best budget sound bar for 2025”
“Easy pairing and music streaming via Bluetooth from phones”
Professional reviewers highlight the Acton III's impressive 60 W output, dynamic loudness processing, and outward-angled tweeters that together produce a surprisingly wide and immersive soundstage for a speaker of its size. They commend the blend of vintage Marshall aesthetics with modern Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and the convenience of physical knobs plus an app for EQ tweaks, while noting the lack of battery, water resistance, and smart-home features as notable omissions.
Everyday users consistently praise the Acton III for its powerful, balanced stereo sound, easy-to-use analog knobs, and stylish retro design that looks great on desks or shelves. Common complaints revolve around its need for constant AC power, occasional Bluetooth drop-outs at maximum volume, and the absence of portability or multi-room linking.
