Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, if you are buying new. The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 ranks higher than the Skullcandy Barrel (#13 vs #60 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 pick. 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 50Hz for the Skullcandy Barrel. At 6.5 lbs (2.94 kg) it weighs much less than the Skullcandy Barrel at 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg). It links with other speakers (Wireless Dual Sound), which the Skullcandy Barrel cannot. The catch: Warm tuning with boosted bass, and not as loud as others.
The Skullcandy Barrel is the longer-running option. A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6. The tradeoff: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
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 Skullcandy Barrel.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A waterproof carry speaker with warm sound, deep bass for its size, and pairing with a second unit.
A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 | Skullcandy Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $157.40 |
| Ranked | #13 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2A) | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | 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 | 6.5 lbs (2.94 kg) | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 60W |
| Dimensions | 5” x 11.5” x 11.2” (128 x 291 x 284 mm) | 11.8” x 22.1” x 9.6” (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 120mm (4.7”) woofer + 1x 25mm (1”) tweeter + 1x passive radiator | 2x 20mm drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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