Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 for better sound quality, the LG Xboom Stage 301 for the lower price. The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 ranks #19 of 73 boombox speakers at $499.99. The LG Xboom Stage 301 ranks #23 at $279.99, $220 cheaper.
The case for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5: Elegant circular design with carrying handle. The tradeoff: Warm sound with boosted bass.
What the LG Xboom Stage 301 gets right: Wedge-style design works as a karaoke hub with removable/replaceable battery. The catch: overpriced for what it is.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the LG Xboom Stage 301 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If water resistance matters to you, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 at IPX7 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the LG Xboom Stage 301 at IPX4 (splashing).
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 | LG Xboom Stage 301 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 | $279.99 |
| Ranked | #19 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #23 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX4 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Partially (1 woofer) |
| 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/) | No |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs / 3 kg | 13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| App | No | Yes (LG Xboom app) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Output Power | 50W | 120W |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 11.3" (285.8 x 285.8 mm) | 8.7" x 3.1" x 3.5" (220 x 80 x 90 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters | 6.5" woofer + dual 2.5" midrange drivers (Peerless) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 43Hz |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5: $499.99 Amazon
Pros: Elegant circular design with carrying handle. Bass-heavy with balanced mids and highs. Rechargeable Li-ion battery rated 7-8 hours at 40-50% volume.
Cons: Warm sound with boosted bass. 8 hour battery at medium volume. Not at loud as others.
Full Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 11.3" (285.8 x 285.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 50W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | Yes (see https://www.reddit.com/r/Bluetooth_Speakers/comments/w339x5/how_to_harman_kardon_onyx_studio_5_6_dual_sound/) |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs / 3 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 vs JBL Boombox 3 Wifi
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 vs Harman Kardon Go + Play 2
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 vs JBL Boombox 4
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 vs JBL Boombox 3
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 vs Tribit Stormbox Blast 2
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 vs Zealot S89
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 vs Zealot ZE21
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 vs Zealot ZE41
- See all 19 comparisons
LG Xboom Stage 301: $279.99 Amazon
Pros: Wedge-style design works as a karaoke hub with removable/replaceable battery. Multiple standing positions. AI audio optimization via Dual-Bar lighting.
Cons: overpriced for what it is. Not the greatest frequency response.
Full LG Xboom Stage 301 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (LG Xboom app) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.7" x 3.1" x 3.5" (220 x 80 x 90 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" woofer + dual 2.5" midrange drivers (Peerless) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 120W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jagist reviews: LG xboom Stage 301 Vs Zealot S95!!!
- Jagist reviews: LG xboom Stage 301 Vs W-king X20!!!
- Mike O’Brien: What Did LG Just Launch? (NEW will.i.am x LG xboom Speakers)
- GYMCADDY: LG’s New xboom Speaker And Earbud Lineup Explained - Meet The Stage 301, Bounce, Grab And Buds!
- Reddit Search for LG Xboom Stage 301 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs Zealot S95
- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs Tribit Stormbox Blast 2
- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs JBL Boombox 3
- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs Zealot ZE01
- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs JBL Boombox 3 Wifi
- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs Soundcore Boom 2 Plus
- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs W-King X20
- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs Harman Kardon Go + Play 2
- See all 19 comparisons