Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7. It ranks #14 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $248.90 and is still sold new; the Bumpboxx Flare 8 ranks #82 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Bumpboxx Flare 8’s replacement, the Bumpboxx Flare8 Pro, is rated 2.8/5 at $449.
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 is the better-sounding, lighter option. An elegant home portable with warm, spacious sound, strong deep bass, and stereo pairing with a second unit. At 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) it weighs much less than the Bumpboxx Flare 8 at 19 lbs (8.62 kg). It links with other speakers (Wireless Dual Sound), which the Bumpboxx Flare 8 cannot. Watch for: Consumer Reports finds the bass prominent and boomy, mids hazy, treble slightly smeared and the soundstage congested.
The Bumpboxx Flare 8 is the longer-running, tougher option. A retro styled party speaker with FM radio, water resistance and high volume for small outdoor parties. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7. It is rated IPX6, while the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 has no water resistance. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 lacks. The tradeoff: Bass is thuddy rather than deep or controlled, and there is no app to improve the tuning.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Bumpboxx Flare 8 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 | Bumpboxx Flare 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $248.90 | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #14 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #82 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 0ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | None | IPX6 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 266ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 118dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 | No | Yes |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) | 19 lbs (8.62 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 200W |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 11.3” (285.8 x 285.8 mm) (round design) | 28” x 8” x 16” (711 x 203 x 406 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 2x 25mm tweeters | 8” woofer + tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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