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 and is still sold new; the Soundcore Rave Party 2 ranks #62 (rated 3.1/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 is the better-sounding, lighter choice. The addition of dual tweeters gives the Studio 7 a wider, more spacious presentation than older Onyx models. At 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Soundcore Rave Party 2 at 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg). The catch: Consumer Reports finds the bass prominent and boomy, mids hazy, treble slightly smeared and the soundstage congested.
The Soundcore Rave Party 2 is the longer-running, tougher option. It is rated for 16 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7. It is rated IPX4, while the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 has no water resistance. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 lacks. Watch for: Only IPX4 splash resistance, and bass extension seems limited.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Soundcore Rave Party 2 is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 | Soundcore Rave Party 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $248.90 | $159.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #14 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #62 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 0ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 266ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) | Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 80W RMS / 120W peak |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 11.3” (285.8 x 285.8 mm) (round design) | 7.5” x 7.8” x 15.7” (191 x 198 x 400 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 2x 25mm tweeters | 2x 4” (100mm) woofers + 2x 2” (50mm) tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Strap | No | No |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (Karaoke mode with reverb effect) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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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Soundcore Rave Party 2: $159.99 Discontinued Amazon $159.99 eBay
Older models: the Soundcore Trance (rated 2.1/5) and the Soundcore Rave Mega (rated 2.1/5). See every Soundcore Rave Party generation.
Pros: Soundcore Rave Party 2 uses 2x 4” (100mm) woofers + 2x 2” (50mm) tweeters. Its 4.6 kg, claimed 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX4 protection, aux input and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use.
Cons: There is no companion app. Only IPX4 splash resistance, and bass extension seems limited. Discontinued.
Full Soundcore Rave Party 2 review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 80W RMS / 120W peak |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 7.8” x 15.7” (191 x 198 x 400 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 4” (100mm) woofers + 2x 2” (50mm) tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with reverb effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Soundcore Rave Party 2 🔥 Unboxing & Short Sound Demo. Is This The New Speaker To Beat Under $200?💵 More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Soundcore Rave Party 2 vs. Tribit Stormbox Blast - Bluetooth Speaker Basement ⚒ Battle
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Soundcore Rave Party 2 🎇 & Rave Neo 2 🎉 Head to Head Off The Floor. A Family Battle❗️
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Skullcandy Barrel XT vs Soundcore Rave Party 2 (Stock & Custom EQ) 🛜 Battery Powered🔋Let’s Get It🧨
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Triple Threat 💸 $200 Challenge 🔋 Soundcore Rave Party 2, W-King H10, JBL Partybox Encore Essential
- Jagist reviews: Soundcore Rave Party 2 Bass Test 😍 More from Jagistreviews →
- Flossy Carter: Soundcore Rave Neo 2 / Rave Party 2 - Affordable Party Speakers with RGB Lights More from FlossyCarter →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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