Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, if you are buying new. The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 ranks higher than the B&O Beolit 20 (#12 vs #48 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 8 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. A stylish room-to-room speaker with warm, full sound, deep bass, and app EQ in a light, easy to carry body. Its bass reaches about 35Hz before falling 10dB, against 45Hz for the B&O Beolit 20. The tradeoff: Warm tuning with boosted bass, not as loud as others, and no water resistance rating.
The B&O Beolit 20 is the tougher option. A premium designer portable with 360 degree sound and a top that doubles as a wireless phone charger. It is rated IPX4, while the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 has no water resistance.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, the replacement for the discontinued Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8; it is rated higher for sound quality than the B&O Beolit 20.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A stylish room-to-room speaker with warm, full sound, deep bass, and app EQ in a light, easy to carry body.
A premium designer portable with 360 degree sound and a top that doubles as a wireless phone charger.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 | B&O Beolit 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 Discontinued | $749.00 |
| Ranked | #12 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #48 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 42ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 175ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 93dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) | Yes (Bang & Olufsen app) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 4.2 |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 240W peak |
| Dimensions | 10.6” x 11.9” x 6.3” (268 x 302.5 x 159.5 mm) | 5.3” x 9.1” x 7.4” (135 x 230 x 189 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 30mm tweeters + 2x 40mm mid-range + 1x 60mm woofer + dual passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | Yes (built-in strap) |
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