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 98 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 3.9/5), against #65 (rated 3.0/5) for the Sony SRS-XG500. 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 $189.99.
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is the better-sounding, lighter choice. The iconic circular cabinet and integrated handle make it an attractive room-to-room speaker. At 6.6 lbs (3 kg) it weighs much less than the Sony SRS-XG500 at 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg). The tradeoff: The large bass boost can mask lower-mid detail and make dense mixes muddy.
The Sony SRS-XG500 is the longer-running pick. 30 hour battery life; 10-min quick-charge gives 3 hours. It is rated for 30 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 lacks. The tradeoff: Thuddy upper bass, not as deep bass as others.
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.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 | Sony SRS-XG500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 Discontinued | $399.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #24 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #65 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP66 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| 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) | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| App | No | Yes (Music Center, Fiestable) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App + ClearAudio+) |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 50W | 2x 25W + 2x 10W |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 11.3” (285.8 x 285.8 mm) | 18.1” x 10.1” x 8.5” (460 x 256 x 215 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 25mm tweeter + 2x passive radiators | 2x 30mm tweeters + 2x 40mm mid-range + 1x 60mm woofer |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 49Hz |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 compares with other leading options:
- Tribit Stormbox Blast vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5: $499.99 Discontinued Amazon $499.99 eBay
Newer model: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, ranked higher, rated 4.1/5, released Dec 2024.
Older model: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 (rated 3.3/5). See every Harman Kardon Onyx Studio generation.
Pros: The iconic circular cabinet and integrated handle make it an attractive room-to-room speaker. Reviews praise its generous bass, balanced mids and smooth top end at moderate levels, giving it a warm, relaxed presentation for casual indoor music.
Cons: The large bass boost can mask lower-mid detail and make dense mixes muddy. Battery life is only around eight hours at moderate volume, it is not especially loud, and it has no water resistance for outdoor use. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 11.3” (285.8 x 285.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 25mm tweeter + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Strap | No |
| 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) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Ultimate HK Onyx Studio speaker review and comparison! 8 speakers! More from alanrossreviews →
- KULAS TECH SHOW: Harman / Kardon Onyx Studio 5 vs Onyx Studio 7 - Close battle🔥🔥 More from KULASTECHSHOW20 →
- OCM Reviews: Onyx Studio 4 Vs Onyx Studio 5 - Sound Quality Comparison - Bluetooth Speaker
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Sony SRS-XG500: $399.99 Discontinued Amazon $399.99 eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 7, ranked higher, rated 3.2/5, released Apr 2024. It drops app control. Water resistance goes from IP66 to IP67. See every Sony XB and ULT generation.
Pros: 30 hour battery life; 10-min quick-charge gives 3 hours. Battery care function stops charging at 90% to extend longevity. IP66 water/dust resistant. Two USB-A ports (one charges devices), mic/guitar inputs, AUX. Party mode links 100+ speakers. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Thuddy upper bass, not as deep bass as others. Speaker will not remain at max volume and will turn itself down automatically. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XG500 review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 2x 25W + 2x 10W |
| App | Yes (Music Center, Fiestable) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 18.1” x 10.1” x 8.5” (460 x 256 x 215 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 30mm tweeters + 2x 40mm mid-range + 1x 60mm woofer |
| EQ | Yes (App + ClearAudio+) |
| IP Rating | IP66 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DLX Willington: Sony SRS-XG500 vs JBL Encore Essential Sound Battle More from DLXWillington →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Tribit Stormbox Blast 🆚 Sony SRS-XG500 - Tailgater Special - Battery Powered ☢️ Bass Boost Enabled. More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Jagist reviews: Tribit Stormbox Blast vs Sony SRS XG 500 More from Jagistreviews →
- GYMCADDY: Soundboks Go Vs JBL Boombox 2 Vs UE Hyperboom Vs Sony XG500 More from GYMCADDY →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs JBL Partybox On the Go
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- See all 53 comparisons