According to the TechRadar review, the Marshall Acton IV is a refreshed mid-sized home speaker that offers strong bass performance and a stylish look. The source test highlights its detailed sound across bass, mids, and highs, while noting some limitations such as the absence of Wi-Fi and voice assistant integration.
- Deep, energetic bass with wide frequency range
- Multiple wired inputs plus LDAC Bluetooth streaming
- No Wi-Fi or built-in voice assistant support
Product angle
Based on the TechRadar review, the Marshall Acton IV presents itself as a compelling option in the mid-sized home speaker category, particularly emphasizing a powerful and well-defined bass presence. It features a 60W woofer and two 25W tweeters that deliver dynamic sound suitable for energetic music genres. The speaker includes refined design touches and supports Bluetooth LDAC for high-resolution wireless playback, enhancing audio quality over standard Bluetooth.
Nevertheless, the speaker lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, which somewhat constrains its appeal for users looking for seamless home network streaming or bypassing Bluetooth limitations. The Acton IV offers useful wired connectivity options such as RCA and 3.5mm inputs, along with a new, more intuitive app controlling equalizer settings and source switching. These features combine to create strong overall performance despite some omissions.
Best for / avoid if
The Marshall Acton IV is best suited for audiophiles and music enthusiasts who prioritize bass strength and a detailed soundstage in a stylish, compact form factor. It appeals to those who still use wired audio sources such as turntables or prefer high-res Bluetooth streaming to maximize fidelity. Additionally, users interested in creating a Marshall-brand multi-room setup via Auracast will find it compatible with certain existing models.
Potential buyers should avoid the Acton IV if they require integrated voice assistant features or prefer Wi-Fi-based streaming for more stable connectivity and higher-resolution playback options. Those wanting smart home speaker capabilities or broader native multi-room integration beyond the Marshall ecosystem may find better value in alternatives like Sonos models or Wi-Fi-enabled speakers.
Pricing and alternatives to check
While exact pricing details were not provided in the source review, the Marshall Acton IV represents a premium mid-sized speaker option with enhanced bass performance and aesthetic appeal. Interested buyers are encouraged to weigh the value of its bass-centric audio and multiple wired inputs against the omission of Wi-Fi streaming and smart home features when considering their budgets.
For alternatives, consumers might consider Wi-Fi enabled speakers from brands like Sonos for superior network streaming and integrated voice assistants. Other Marshall products such as the Heston 120 soundbar or Stanmore IV speakers are compatible for multi-room setups using Auracast technology, offering potential complementary choices within the same brand ecosystem.