Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7. It ranks #14 of 98 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $248.90; the JBL Partybox On the Go ranks #64, rated 3.0/5, and costs $249.95, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. The addition of dual tweeters gives the Studio 7 a wider, more spacious presentation than older Onyx models. Its bass reaches about 37Hz before falling 10dB, against 49Hz for the JBL Partybox On the Go. At 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox On the Go at 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg). It links with other speakers (Wireless Dual Sound), which the JBL Partybox On the Go cannot. The tradeoff: Consumer Reports finds the bass prominent and boomy, mids hazy, treble slightly smeared and the soundstage congested.
The JBL Partybox On the Go is the tougher option. A wireless microphone is included. It is rated IPX4, while the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 has no water resistance. Watch for: Battery life is short, and its sound trails the rest of the Partybox line.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Partybox On the Go and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 | JBL Partybox On the Go | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $248.90 | $249.95 |
| Ranked | #14 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #64 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 0ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 266ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 94dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 100W |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 11.3” (285.8 x 285.8 mm) (round design) | 19.3” x 8.8” x 9.6” (489 x 224 x 244.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 2x 25mm tweeters | 5.1” woofer + tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 compares with other leading options:
- Tribit Stormbox Blast vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7: $248.90 Amazon $248.90 eBay
Newer model: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, ranked lower, rated 4.1/5, released Dec 2024.
Older models: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 (ranked higher, rated 4.1/5), the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 (ranked lower, rated 3.9/5) and the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 (rated 3.3/5). See every Harman Kardon Onyx Studio generation.
Pros: The addition of dual tweeters gives the Studio 7 a wider, more spacious presentation than older Onyx models. It delivers strong, deep bass, useful large-room volume and can pair with a second Studio 7 for stereo. Measured bass extension of 37Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Consumer Reports finds the bass prominent and boomy, mids hazy, treble slightly smeared and the soundstage congested. Battery life remains only about eight hours, it has no water rating or advanced codecs, and it is not an especially loud outdoor speaker.
Full Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 266ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 11.3” (285.8 x 285.8 mm) (round design) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 2x 25mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 2 vs Onyx Studio 7 big bass battle 💋 More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Onyx Studio 7 vs Onyx Studio 6 - massive deep bass battle 😁
- Alan Ross Reviews: Harman Kardon Go+ Play 2 mini or Onyx Studio 6 - best speaker for bass?
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 2 bass monster or the mature Harman Kardon Go+ Play 2 mini for bass?? 💥
- Alan Ross Reviews: Ultimate HK Onyx Studio speaker review and comparison! 8 speakers!
- KULAS TECH SHOW: Harman / Kardon Onyx Studio 5 vs Onyx Studio 7 - Close battle🔥🔥 More from KULASTECHSHOW20 →
- KULAS TECH SHOW: Harman Kardon Citation 200 vs Onyx Studio 7 Bass comparison
- Geri’s Collection: Harman Kardon Onyx 7 vs Onyx 4
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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JBL Partybox On the Go: $249.95 Amazon $249.95 eBay
Newer model: the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5, released Apr 2026. It adds USB audio input, adjustable EQ, party mode and LC3. Battery life goes from 6 to 15 hours. See every JBL PartyBox On-The-Go generation.
Pros: JBL Partybox On the Go uses 5.1” woofer + tweeters. Its 7.5 kg, claimed 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX4 protection, aux input, up to 94dB and limited-stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A wireless microphone is included. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 49Hz specification. No EQ adjustment. Battery life is short, and its sound trails the rest of the Partybox line.
Full JBL Partybox On the Go review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.3” x 8.8” x 9.6” (489 x 224 x 244.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer + tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Maximum SPL | 94dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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