Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, if you are buying new. The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 ranks higher than the Tronsmart Bang Max (#12 vs #52 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, lighter option. A stylish room-to-room speaker with warm, full sound, deep bass, and app EQ in a light, easy to carry body. At 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) it weighs much less than the Tronsmart Bang Max at 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg). The tradeoff: Warm tuning with boosted bass, not as loud as others, and no water resistance rating.
The Tronsmart Bang Max is the louder, longer-running choice. A loud, feature packed party speaker with big bass, app EQ, lights, and separate mic and guitar inputs. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 111dB at full volume, against 96dB for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8. It is rated IPX6, while the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 has no water resistance. Watch for: Its bass-first tuning prioritizes impact over accuracy: upper mids and lower treble can sound unnatural, while fine midrange and treble detail are limited.
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 Tronsmart Bang Max.
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 loud, feature packed party speaker with big bass, app EQ, lights, and separate mic and guitar inputs.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 | Tronsmart Bang Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 Discontinued | $229.99 |
| Ranked | #12 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #52 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 42ms | 16ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz | 39Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | None | IPX6 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 175ms | 160ms |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 111dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (multiple modes) |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 130W |
| Dimensions | 10.6” x 11.9” x 6.3” (268 x 302.5 x 159.5 mm) | 18.5” x 7.8” x 10.2” (470 x 199 x 260 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x ~165mm (6.5”) woofers + 2x ~63mm (2.5”) mid drivers + 2x ~25mm (1”) tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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