Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, if you are buying new. The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 ranks higher than the Skullcandy Barrel (#12 vs #60 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 pick. 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 50Hz for the Skullcandy Barrel. At 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) it weighs much less than the Skullcandy Barrel at 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg). The catch: Warm tuning with boosted bass, not as loud as others, and no water resistance rating.
The Skullcandy Barrel is the longer-running, tougher pick. A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8. It is rated IP67, while the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 has no water resistance. The tradeoff: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
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 Skullcandy Barrel.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A stylish room-to-room speaker with warm, full sound, deep bass, and app EQ in a light, easy to carry body.
A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers.
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 | Skullcandy Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 Discontinued | $157.40 |
| Ranked | #12 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 42ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 175ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 60W |
| Dimensions | 10.6” x 11.9” x 6.3” (268 x 302.5 x 159.5 mm) | 11.8” x 22.1” x 9.6” (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 20mm drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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