Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is the better pick: it ranks #24 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 3.9/5), against #82 (rated 2.6/5) for the Bumpboxx Flare 6. If you want one new, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 replaces the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 and is rated 4.1/5 at $184.99.
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is the better-sounding, lighter option. An iconic round speaker with warm, relaxed sound and generous bass for casual indoor listening. At 6.6 lbs (3 kg) it weighs much less than the Bumpboxx Flare 6 at 13 lbs (5.9 kg). It links with other speakers (Wireless Dual Sound), which the Bumpboxx Flare 6 cannot. The tradeoff: The large bass boost can mask lower-mid detail and make dense mixes muddy.
The Bumpboxx Flare 6 is the longer-running choice. A retro styled stereo party speaker with water resistance and a 12 hour battery. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, which replaces the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
An iconic round speaker with warm, relaxed sound and generous bass for casual indoor listening.
A retro styled stereo party speaker with water resistance and a 12 hour battery.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 | Bumpboxx Flare 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 Discontinued | $300 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #24 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #82 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX6 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes (see https://www.reddit.com/r/Bluetooth_Speakers/comments/w339x5/how_to_harman_kardon_onyx_studio_5_6_dual_sound/) | Yes |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs (3 kg) | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Amplifier Power | 50W | 150W |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 11.3” (285.8 x 285.8 mm) | 24” x 6” x 14” (609.6 x 152.4 x 355.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 25mm tweeter + 2x passive radiators | 6” woofer + tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | - | 115dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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