Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9. It ranks #13 of 70 boombox speakers at $186.99; the Bugani Boost Max ranks #40 and costs $240, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Bugani Boost Max gets right: 240W stereo output with dual 4” woofers and passive bass radiators. The catch: Bass not as deep as the top ranked speakers.
On the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 side: Auracast multi-speaker connection alongside classic stereo pairing. Set against that: Slight recessed mids, boost in the upper mids, rolled off upper treble.
Buy the Bugani Boost Max if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bugani Boost Max | Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $240 | $186.99 |
| Ranked | #40 of 70 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #13 of 70 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 12.8 lbs / 5.8 kg | 9.3 lbs / 4.2 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes | - |
| Built in Microphone | No | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Output Power | 240W | 50W RMS |
| Dimensions | 16.93" x 7.87" x 8.27" (430 x 200 x 210 mm) | 11.39" x 11.32" x 5.12" (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm drivers + passive radiators | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 41Hz |
| Max Volume | - | 101dB |
The Two Speakers In Full
Bugani Boost Max: $240 Amazon
Pros: 240W stereo output with dual 4” woofers and passive bass radiators. IPX5 rated. Bluetooth 5.3, AUX, USB, TWS pairing. 16 hour battery at 50% volume. Built-in power bank.
Cons: Bass not as deep as the top ranked speakers. Some midrange peaks. Poor water rating.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Dimensions | 16.93" x 7.87" x 8.27" (430 x 200 x 210 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm drivers + passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Output Power | 240W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 12.8 lbs / 5.8 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9: $186.99 Amazon
Pros: Auracast multi-speaker connection alongside classic stereo pairing. Harman Kardon One app with EQ. USB-C charging, up from the previous generation’s AC power brick.
Cons: Slight recessed mids, boost in the upper mids, rolled off upper treble. Not as deep bass as previous Onyx Studio speakers.
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 11.39" x 11.32" x 5.12" (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Max Volume | 101dB |
| Output Power | 50W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs / 4.2 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.