Short answer: the Soundcore Mini. It ranks #13 of 62 small speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $29.99 and is still sold new; the Harman Kardon Neo ranks #58 (rated 2.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Soundcore Mini is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. It also has an FM tuner and microSD playback. It is rated for 15 hours of battery against 10 for the Harman Kardon Neo. At 0.4 lbs (200 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Harman Kardon Neo at 0.6 lbs (251 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the Harman Kardon Neo lacks. Watch for: Bass does not reach as deep as higher-ranked speakers.
Why pick the Harman Kardon Neo: IPX7 waterproof, with an attachment loop and an echo-cancelling microphone for calls. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB.
Buy the Soundcore Mini. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Harman Kardon Neo is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Mini | Harman Kardon Neo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $90 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #13 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #58 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (200 g) | 0.6 lbs (251 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Amplifier Power | 5W | 3W |
| Dimensions | 3.7” x 3.6” x 3.6” (94 x 92 x 91 mm) | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.3” (110 x 110 x 34.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2” (50mm) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 1.6” (41mm) full-range driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 105Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Frequency Response | - | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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
Soundcore Mini: $29.99 Amazon $29.99 eBay
Newer model: the Soundcore Mini 3, ranked higher, rated 4.1/5, released 2021 (also discontinued). See every Soundcore Mini generation.
Pros: Anker Soundcore Mini uses 1x 2” (50mm) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator. Its 200 g, claimed 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, aux input and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. It also has an FM tuner and microSD playback.
Cons: There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Bass does not reach as deep as higher-ranked speakers.
Full Soundcore Mini review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 5W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.7” x 3.6” x 3.6” (94 x 92 x 91 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2” (50mm) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (200 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Harman Kardon Neo: $90 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Harman Kardon Neo uses 1.6” (41mm) full-range driver. Its 251 g, claimed 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, up to 87dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. IPX7 waterproof, with an attachment loop and an echo-cancelling microphone for calls. Measured bass extension of 105Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 105Hz specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Neo review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 3W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 105Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.3” (110 x 110 x 34.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.6” (41mm) full-range driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Maximum SPL | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (251 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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