Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 for better sound quality, the Doss Soundbox XL for the lower price. The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 ranks #47 of 77 large speakers at $100. The Doss Soundbox XL ranks #53 at $75.99, $24.01 cheaper.
What the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 gets right: Balanced sound quality with deep resonant bass and crisp treble, large dynamic range. The catch: 8 hour battery at medium volume.
What the Doss Soundbox XL offers: 32W output power, 100dB max volume, 10-hour battery life, IPX4 splashproof, MicroSD card slot, dual woofer setup with subwoofer, built-in microphone, TWS pairing support. Watch for: A little hollow sounding.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Doss Soundbox XL if the price matters more than sound quality.
If water resistance matters to you, the Doss Soundbox XL at IPX4 (splashing) holds up far better than the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 | Doss Soundbox XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 Discontinued | $75.99 |
| Ranked | #47 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #53 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (HK Connect) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs / 2.06 kg | 1.2 lbs / 557 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 1x 76mm subwoofer, 2x 50mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 11.4" x 5.1" (290 x 290 x 130 mm) | 11.8" x 2.6" x 5.2" (300 x 66 x 132 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 60W | 32W |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 55Hz |
| Max Volume | - | 100dB |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4: $100 Discontinued
Pros: Balanced sound quality with deep resonant bass and crisp treble, large dynamic range. Multi-host Bluetooth connectivity for 2 phones, daisy chaining up to 100 speakers. Elegant modern design with smooth curves and premium materials.
Cons: 8 hour battery at medium volume. Not at loud as others. Not as deep of bass as the newer Onyx. External AC power brick for charging. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (HK Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 11.4" x 5.1" (290 x 290 x 130 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs / 2.06 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 vs Zealot S97
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 vs JBL Xtreme 2
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 vs Tronsmart Halo 100
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 vs Sony SRS-XB43
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 vs JBL Xtreme
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 vs Sony ULT Field 5
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 vs Klipsch Detroit
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 vs Sony SRS-XG300
- See all 14 comparisons
Doss Soundbox XL: $75.99 Amazon
Pros: 32W output power, 100dB max volume, 10-hour battery life, IPX4 splashproof, MicroSD card slot, dual woofer setup with subwoofer, built-in microphone, TWS pairing support
Cons: A little hollow sounding.
Full Doss Soundbox XL review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.8" x 2.6" x 5.2" (300 x 66 x 132 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 76mm subwoofer, 2x 50mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 100dB |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 32W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 557 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Doss Soundbox XL vs JBL Xtreme
- Doss Soundbox XL vs Klipsch Detroit
- Doss Soundbox XL vs Sony SRS-XG300
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