Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 for better sound quality, the Zealot ZE01 for the lower price. The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 ranks #19 of 73 boombox speakers at $499.99. The Zealot ZE01 ranks #25 at $126.02, $373.97 cheaper.
What the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 gets right: Elegant circular design with carrying handle. The catch: Warm sound with boosted bass.
What the Zealot ZE01 offers: Appears to be the same internals as the S95. Watch for: A little rolled off up top and not that balanced through the rest of the range.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Zealot ZE01 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Zealot ZE01 is rated for 40 hours versus 8 hours for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 | Zealot ZE01 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 | $126.02 |
| Ranked | #19 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #25 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 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 | 13.2 lbs / 6.0 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (multiple modes) |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Output Power | 50W | 120W RMS / 150W peak |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 11.3" (285.8 x 285.8 mm) | 13.1" x 11.2" x 8.1" (332 x 284 x 207 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters | Dual 120mm speakers + dual 42mm speakers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 45Hz |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 vs Zealot S95
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 LG Xboom Stage 301
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 vs Zealot ZE21
- See all 19 comparisons
Zealot ZE01: $126.02 Aliexpress Amazon
Pros: Appears to be the same internals as the S95
Cons: A little rolled off up top and not that balanced through the rest of the range. Clarity isn’t as good as better speakers.
Full Zealot ZE01 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.1" x 11.2" x 8.1" (332 x 284 x 207 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 120mm speakers + dual 42mm speakers |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 120W RMS / 150W peak |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs / 6.0 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Bullionix_Gadgets_Reviews: ZEALOT ZE-01 VS ZEALOT S-95! 😱: Sound Comparison!!!
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- Reddit Search for Zealot ZE01 Review
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