Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, if you are buying new. The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 ranks higher than the Tronsmart Bang Max (#13 vs #52 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, lighter option. A waterproof carry speaker with warm sound, deep bass for its size, and pairing with a second unit. At 6.5 lbs (2.94 kg) it weighs much less than the Tronsmart Bang Max at 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg). It links with other speakers (Wireless Dual Sound), which the Tronsmart Bang Max cannot. The tradeoff: Warm tuning with boosted bass, and not as loud as others.
The Tronsmart Bang Max is the louder, longer-running choice. A loud, feature packed party speaker with big bass, app EQ, lights, and separate mic and guitar inputs. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 111dB at full volume, against 96dB for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6. It is rated for 24 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. Watch for: Its bass-first tuning prioritizes impact over accuracy: upper mids and lower treble can sound unnatural, while fine midrange and treble detail are limited.
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 Tronsmart Bang Max.
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 loud, feature packed party speaker with big bass, app EQ, lights, and separate mic and guitar inputs.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 | Tronsmart Bang Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $229.99 |
| Ranked | #13 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #52 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz | 39Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX6 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms | 160ms |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 111dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2A) | AC Power brick |
| 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) | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (multiple modes) |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 130W |
| Dimensions | 5” x 11.5” x 11.2” (128 x 291 x 284 mm) | 18.5” x 7.8” x 10.2” (470 x 199 x 260 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 120mm (4.7”) woofer + 1x 25mm (1”) tweeter + 1x passive radiator | 2x ~165mm (6.5”) woofers + 2x ~63mm (2.5”) mid drivers + 2x ~25mm (1”) tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Aux Latency | - | 16ms |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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