Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4. It ranks #47 of 77 large speakers by sound quality at $100; the Ultimate Ears Epicboom ranks #57 and costs $216.81, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 side: Balanced sound quality with deep resonant bass and crisp treble, large dynamic range. Set against that: 8 hour battery at medium volume.
What the Ultimate Ears Epicboom gets right: 17 hour battery with USB-C charging (first UE portable with USB-C). The catch: Not very deep bass for the size.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Ultimate Ears Epicboom and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom is rated for 17 hours versus 8 hours for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4.
If water resistance matters to you, the Ultimate Ears Epicboom 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 | Ultimate Ears Epicboom | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 Discontinued | $216.81 |
| Ranked | #47 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #57 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (HK Connect) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 17 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | None | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs / 2.06 kg | 4.3 lbs / 1.97 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 | 5.2 |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 1x 120mm woofer, 2x 45mm tweeters |
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 11.4" x 5.1" (290 x 290 x 130 mm) | 4.7" x 9.5" x 6.4" (119 x 241 x 162 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 60W | 10W RMS |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~55Hz |
| Max Volume | - | 94dB |
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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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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Ultimate Ears Epicboom: $216.81 Amazon
Pros: 17 hour battery with USB-C charging (first UE portable with USB-C). IP67 rating, floats in water. Made mostly from recycled fabric and plastic. Large best-sounding UE portable that still feels portable. 180ft Bluetooth range.
Cons: Not very deep bass for the size. Gets distorted at around 70-80% with bass thuds.
Full Ultimate Ears Epicboom review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 17 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.7" x 9.5" x 6.4" (119 x 241 x 162 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 120mm woofer, 2x 45mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 94dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 10W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 4.3 lbs / 1.97 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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