Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, since the Altec Lansing Rockbox XL 2.0 has three voicing problems. The Onyx Studio 9 offers Auracast multi-speaker connection alongside classic stereo pairing, with slightly recessed mids, an upper-mids boost, and rolled off upper treble. The Rockbox XL 2.0 is IP67 waterproof and floats upright in water, but its treble is rolled off, its midrange is muddy, and its bass is not very deep.
On the Altec Lansing Rockbox XL 2.0 side: IP67 waterproof and floats upright in water. The catch: Rolled off treble, muddy midrange, not very deep bass.
The case for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9: Auracast multi-speaker connection alongside classic stereo pairing. The catch: Slight recessed mids, boost in the upper mids, rolled off upper treble.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $29.99 with the Altec Lansing Rockbox XL 2.0 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Battery life favors the Altec Lansing Rockbox XL 2.0: rated for 20 hours against 8 hours for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9.
If water resistance matters to you, the Altec Lansing Rockbox XL 2.0 at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 at no water resistance.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Altec Lansing Rockbox XL 2.0 | Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $160 Discontinued | $189.99 |
| Ranked | #73 of 75 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #14 of 75 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs (5.71 kg) | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | Yes (Altec Lansing Just Listen app) | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (House Party Mode) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | - |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power Cable (2-Prong) |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Amplifier Power | 120W | 50W RMS |
| Dimensions | 22.2" x 11.2" x 11.6" (564 x 284 x 295 mm) | 11.4" x 11.3" x 5.1" (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer + tweeters | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 41Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 101dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Altec Lansing Rockbox XL 2.0: $160 Discontinued eBay
Pros: IP67 waterproof and floats upright in water. 20 hour battery life. Deep, rich bass with clear sound across spectrum. LED lights create party atmosphere. House Party feature connects 50+ speakers. Can charge phones.
Cons: Rolled off treble, muddy midrange, not very deep bass. Discontinued and no longer sold new. Discontinued.
Full Altec Lansing Rockbox XL 2.0 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 120W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Altec Lansing Just Listen app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 22.2" x 11.2" x 11.6" (564 x 284 x 295 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 8" woofer + tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (House Party Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs (5.71 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9: $189.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: An elegant 4.2kg living-room portable with a measured 41Hz -10dB bass point, 101dB maximum level, three tweeters, app EQ, stereo pairing and Auracast multi-speaker linking. Reviews praise its balanced, smooth presentation and non-fatiguing treble, making it a more music-focused choice than most party speakers. Measured bass extension of 41Hz (-10dB).
Cons: It has no water resistance, aux input or USB playback, and its eight-hour claimed battery life is short for an outdoor portable. Bass is less deep than some earlier Onyx Studio models, while the slightly recessed mids and rolled-off top end mean it is not the most open or detailed option; it still charges from an AC power cable rather than USB-C.
Full Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 11.3" x 5.1" (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | AC Power Cable (2-Prong) |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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