Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4. It ranks #47 of 77 large speakers by sound quality at $100; the JBL Xtreme ranks #52 and costs $200, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 offers: Balanced sound quality with deep resonant bass and crisp treble, large dynamic range. Watch for: 8 hour battery at medium volume.
On the JBL Xtreme side: 15 hour battery. Set against that: Issues with bass distortion at high volumes.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Xtreme and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Xtreme is rated for 15 hours versus 8 hours for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Xtreme at IPX7 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 | JBL Xtreme | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 Discontinued | $200 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #47 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #52 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (HK Connect) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | None | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Connect) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs / 2.06 kg | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 63mm woofers, 2x 35mm tweeters |
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 11.4" x 5.1" (290 x 290 x 130 mm) | 11.1" x 5" x 4.8" (283 x 126 x 122 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 60W | 40W |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Max Volume | - | 96dB |
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- Sony ULT Field 5 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9
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 Doss Soundbox XL
- 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
JBL Xtreme: $200 Discontinued
Pros: 15 hour battery. IPX7 water resistance. JBL Connect for pairing with other JBL speakers. Built-in microphone for calls.
Cons: Issues with bass distortion at high volumes. An older speaker outclassed by newer releases of the Xtreme. External AC power brick for charging. Discontinued.
Full JBL Xtreme review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.1" x 5" x 4.8" (283 x 126 x 122 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 63mm woofers, 2x 35mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 96dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons