These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The Apple HomePod 2nd Gen ranks #5 of 28 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $349; the Harman Kardon Citation 200 ranks #13 of 105 large speakers by sound quality at $130.
The case for the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen: What Hi-Fi gave it a perfect 5 stars for sound and a What Hi-Fi Award, calling it natural, solid and energetic with a spacious, three-dimensional presentation on Dolby Atmos content. It links with other speakers (AirPlay 2 multi-room), which the Harman Kardon Citation 200 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Harman Kardon Citation 200 lacks. Watch for: What Hi-Fi’s own comparison found the pricier Sonos Era 300 has more power, punch and detail, and Siri cannot launch Spotify, Tidal or other non-Apple services directly, only Apple Music by voice; everything else has to be sent over AirPlay from a phone.
The Harman Kardon Citation 200 is the battery-powered, tougher pick. 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 Apple HomePod 2nd Gen needs an outlet. It is rated IPX4, while the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen 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 discontinued, but it still ranks #13 of 105 large speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen ($349) for a powered desktop speaker; the Harman Kardon Citation 200 ($130) suits a large speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings and Portable Bluetooth rankings.
What Hi-Fi gave it a perfect 5 stars for sound and a What Hi-Fi Award, calling it natural, solid and energetic with a spacious, three-dimensional presentation on Dolby Atmos content.
Amazon $349.00 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
| Apple HomePod 2nd Gen | Harman Kardon Citation 200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.00 each | $130 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 28 in Medium 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 (AirPlay 2 multi-room) | No |
| Power Input | External AC adapter (detachable cable) | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Weight | 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) | 6.3 lbs (2.85 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes (Apple Home) | Yes (Harman Kardon app) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes (far-field array, no physical mute switch) | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Reduce Bass toggle + automatic room correction) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| TWS | Yes (stereo pairing via Home app) | No |
| Drivers | 4in high-excursion woofer, 5x horn-loaded tweeters | 5” woofer, 1” tweeter |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 | - |
| 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 | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 5.6” x 5.6” (170 x 142 x 142 mm) | 7” x 8.6” x 6.8” (178 x 219 x 172 mm) |
| Voice Assistants | Apple Siri | Google Assistant |
| Streaming Services | AirPlay 2, Apple Music (direct voice control); other services via AirPlay only | - |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
| USB Playback | - | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 50W |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
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