These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The Amazon Echo Dot Max ranks #5 of 14 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $119.99; the Harman Kardon Citation 200 ranks #13 of 105 large speakers by sound quality at $130.
Why pick the Amazon Echo Dot Max: A compact Alexa smart speaker with a 2.5-inch woofer and dedicated tweeter, an excellent far-field microphone and a balanced midrange for clear voices. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Harman Kardon Citation 200 lacks. It links with other speakers (Wi-Fi multi-room, Alexa Home Theater), which the Harman Kardon Citation 200 cannot. The catch: Engadget’s main complaint was that it is a real step down from the discontinued Amazon Echo (4th Gen) it effectively replaces at the same price: that older speaker paired a 3-inch woofer with dual 0.8-inch tweeters, against the Dot Max’s single 2.5-inch woofer and one tweeter, and frequencies felt smushed together without a clean bass-to-treble separation.
The Harman Kardon Citation 200 is the battery-powered, tougher choice. A 6.3 lbs (2.85 kg) portable smart speaker with Wi-Fi, Google Assistant, IPX4 protection, an 8-hour rated battery and deeper bass than any Onyx. Its battery is rated for 8 hours, while the Amazon Echo Dot Max needs an outlet. It is rated IPX4, while the Amazon Echo Dot Max has no water resistance. The tradeoff: Overly boomy by default, you can short press the Bluetooth and volume down buttons simultaneously to decrease the bass, and the Bluetooth and volume up buttons simultaneously to increase it.
One note: the Harman Kardon Citation 200 is no longer sold new, but at #13 of 105 large speakers by sound quality it still outranks most current models, so used is worth considering.
Buy the Amazon Echo Dot Max at $119.99 for a powered desktop speaker, or the Harman Kardon Citation 200 at $130 for a large speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings and Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A compact Alexa smart speaker with a 2.5-inch woofer and dedicated tweeter, an excellent far-field microphone and a balanced midrange for clear voices.
Amazon $119.99 eBay
A 2.85 kg portable smart speaker with Wi-Fi, Google Assistant, IPX4 protection, an 8-hour rated battery and deeper bass than any Onyx.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Amazon Echo Dot Max | Harman Kardon Citation 200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.99 each | $130 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 14 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #13 of 105 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room, Alexa Home Theater) | No |
| Power Input | External AC adapter | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes (Alexa) | Yes (Harman Kardon app) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (far-field, mic mute) | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| TWS | Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Alexa app) | No |
| Drivers | 2.5in woofer, 1x tweeter | 5” woofer, 1” tweeter |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | - |
| XLR Input | No | - |
| RCA Input | No | - |
| TRS Input | No | - |
| Optical Input | No | - |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | - |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 4.4” x 4.9” (99 x 112 x 124 mm) | 7” x 8.6” x 6.8” (178 x 219 x 172 mm) |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa / Alexa+ | Google Assistant |
| Streaming Services | Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, TuneIn | - |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| Weight | - | 6.3 lbs (2.85 kg) |
| USB Playback | - | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 50W |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
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