Short answer: the Marshall Stanmore IV, if you are buying new. The Marshall Stanmore measures as well as the Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5 (#22 vs #21 of 28 powered desktop speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Marshall Stanmore IV, is rated 3.8/5 at $429.99 and is still sold new.
The case for the Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5: Proper 3-way design with a 143mm subwoofer, six midrange drivers and a dedicated tweeter, rated to 45Hz at -6dB, so it fills a room evenly with real low end. It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Marshall Stanmore cannot. Watch for: Mains powered home speaker with no battery, no aux input and no Wi-Fi streaming in this version.
What the Marshall Stanmore does well: Same 5.25 inch woofer, twin tweeter, 80W layout as the Marshall Stanmore II, so it plays loud and full for a room. It supports aptX Bluetooth, which the Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5 lacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5 lacks. The tradeoff: Midrange sounds a little boxy and recessed, with less detail than the price suggests.
Buy the Marshall Stanmore IV, the replacement for the discontinued Marshall Stanmore; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5 3.1 to 3.8; Marshall Stanmore 3.2 to 3.8). Treat this verdict as provisional.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5 | Marshall Stanmore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $295.99 each | $399.99 each Discontinued |
| Ranked | #21 of 28 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers Estimated | #22 of 28 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers Estimated |
| Drivers | 143mm subwoofer + 6x 40mm mid/high drivers + 25mm tweeter (3-way, 360 degree) | 5.25” woofer, 2x 0.75” dome tweeters |
| Amplifier Power | 160W RMS (100W sub + 3x 20W) | 80W (Woofer: 50W, Tweeters: 2x 15W) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, aptX |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) | 11.2 lbs (5.1 kg) |
| Dimensions | 9.2” x 12.1” x 9.2” (234 x 306.4 x 234 mm) | 13.8” x 7.3” x 7.3” (350 x 185 x 185 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) | 45Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One) | No |
| EQ | Yes (app EQ) | Yes (Bass/Treble knobs) |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Lights | Yes (ambient and projection lighting) | - |
| Stereo | No | Partially (1 woofer) |
| USB Playback | Yes (US version, MP3) | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Power Input | AC mains | AC Power cord |
| Battery Life | - | No Battery |
| IP Rating | - | None |
| Inputs | - | Bluetooth, 3.5mm aux, RCA, Optical |
| Power Bank | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5 compares with other leading options:
- Bose Lifestyle Ultra Speaker vs Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5
- Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5 vs Sonos Era 100
- Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5 vs Klipsch The Three Plus
- Marshall Stanmore vs Marshall Stanmore II
- Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5 vs Harman Kardon Go + Play 3
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5: $295.99 each Estimated Amazon $295.99 eBay
Pros: Proper 3-way design with a 143mm subwoofer, six midrange drivers and a dedicated tweeter, rated to 45Hz at -6dB, so it fills a room evenly with real low end. Striking transparent dome with music synced and projected lighting, Bluetooth 5.4, Auracast multi speaker linking, stereo pairing and app EQ.
Cons: Mains powered home speaker with no battery, no aux input and no Wi-Fi streaming in this version. The 360 degree layout and bass forward tuning favor ambience over precise imaging. Expensive for a Bluetooth only speaker at $296, and there is no independent measurement yet.
Full Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2025 (11 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 160W RMS (100W sub + 3x 20W) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Dimensions | 9.2” x 12.1” x 9.2” (234 x 306.4 x 234 mm) |
| Drivers | 143mm subwoofer + 6x 40mm mid/high drivers + 25mm tweeter (3-way, 360 degree) |
| EQ | Yes (app EQ) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) |
| Lights | Yes (ambient and projection lighting) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | AC mains |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes (US version, MP3) |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- OCM Reviews: Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5 - Premium Sound Premium Price? - All you need to know
- OCM Reviews: Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5 vs Aura Studio 4 | App Control Game Changer.
- NoHypeTech: Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5 vs Aura Studio 4: Worth the Upgrade?
- DIY GUIDES: Harman Kardon Aura Studio 5 Review + Sound Test | Does the Bass Match Its Design?
- Compariffy : HARMAN KARDON AURA STUDIO 5 VS ONYX STUDIO 9 | COMPARISON
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Marshall Stanmore: $399.99 each Discontinued Estimated eBay
Newer model: the Marshall Stanmore IV, ranked higher, estimated 3.8/5, released Jul 2026. See every Marshall home speakers generation.
Pros: Same 5.25 inch woofer, twin tweeter, 80W layout as the Marshall Stanmore II, so it plays loud and full for a room. Physical bass and treble knobs. aptX Bluetooth plus 3.5mm, RCA and optical inputs for a TV or turntable preamp. Classic amp styling.
Cons: Midrange sounds a little boxy and recessed, with less detail than the price suggests. Only one woofer, so stereo separation is limited. No app, multiroom or speaker pairing. Heavy at about 5.1 kg and mains powered only. Discontinued; the Marshall Stanmore II replaced it.
Full Marshall Stanmore review and specifications →
| Released | 2013 (13 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 80W (Woofer: 50W, Tweeters: 2x 15W) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |
| Dimensions | 13.8” x 7.3” x 7.3” (350 x 185 x 185 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” woofer, 2x 0.75” dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble knobs) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 3.5mm aux, RCA, Optical |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs (5.1 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons