Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, if you are buying new. The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 ranks higher than the B&O Beolit 20 (#13 vs #48 of 112 boombox speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, is rated 4.1/5 at $184.99 and is still sold new.
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A waterproof carry speaker with warm sound, deep bass for its size, and pairing with a second unit. Its bass reaches about 37Hz before falling 10dB, against 45Hz for the B&O Beolit 20. It is rated IPX7 against IPX4 for the B&O Beolit 20. It links with other speakers (Wireless Dual Sound), which the B&O Beolit 20 cannot. The catch: Warm tuning with boosted bass, and not as loud as others.
What the B&O Beolit 20 does well: A premium designer portable with 360 degree sound and a top that doubles as a wireless phone charger. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 lacks.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, the replacement for the discontinued Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6; it is rated higher for sound quality than the B&O Beolit 20.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A waterproof carry speaker with warm sound, deep bass for its size, and pairing with a second unit.
A premium designer portable with 360 degree sound and a top that doubles as a wireless phone charger.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 | B&O Beolit 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $749.00 |
| Ranked | #13 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #48 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 93dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2A) | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes (see https://www.reddit.com/r/Bluetooth_Speakers/comments/w339x5/how_to_harman_kardon_onyx_studio_5_6_dual_sound/) | Yes |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs (2.94 kg) | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | Yes (Bang & Olufsen app) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 240W peak |
| Dimensions | 5” x 11.5” x 11.2” (128 x 291 x 284 mm) | 5.3” x 9.1” x 7.4” (135 x 230 x 189 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 120mm (4.7”) woofer + 1x 25mm (1”) tweeter + 1x passive radiator | 2x 30mm tweeters + 2x 40mm mid-range + 1x 60mm woofer + dual passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | Yes (built-in strap) |
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