Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 for better sound quality, the Soundcore Rave Neo for the lower price. The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 ranks #47 of 77 large speakers at $100. The Soundcore Rave Neo ranks #64 at $80, $20 cheaper.
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.
What the Soundcore Rave Neo offers: 50W powerful bass-heavy sound with clear mids and highs. Watch for: Muddy with treble rolloff.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Soundcore Rave Neo if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Soundcore Rave Neo. It ranks near the bottom of the 77 large speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Soundcore Rave Neo is rated for 18 hours versus 8 hours for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4.
If water resistance matters to you, the Soundcore Rave Neo 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 | Soundcore Rave Neo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 Discontinued | $80 |
| Ranked | #47 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #64 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (HK Connect) | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | None | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs / 2.06 kg | 7.7 lbs / 3.49 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 1x 102mm woofer, 1x 51mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 11.4" x 5.1" (290 x 290 x 130 mm) | 11" x 6" x 7" (279.4 x 152.4 x 177.8 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Output Power | 60W | 50W |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 60Hz |
| Max Volume | - | 106dB |
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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 |
| 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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Soundcore Rave Neo: $80 Soundcore Rave Neo
Pros: 50W powerful bass-heavy sound with clear mids and highs. IPX7 waterproof design with float capability. 18-hour battery life at moderate volumes. Beat-driven RGB lights, carry handle, USB-C charging, PowerIQ port charges devices, can link 100+ speakers via PartyCast.
Cons: Muddy with treble rolloff.
Full Soundcore Rave Neo review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11" x 6" x 7" (279.4 x 152.4 x 177.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 102mm woofer, 1x 51mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 106dB |
| Output Power | 50W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs / 3.49 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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