Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9. It ranks #15 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $184.99 and is still sold new; the Bumpboxx Flare 6 ranks #82 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 is the better-sounding, lighter option. An elegant living room portable with balanced, smooth, non-fatiguing sound, app EQ, and stereo pairing for music lovers. At 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Bumpboxx Flare 6 at 13 lbs (5.9 kg). It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Bumpboxx Flare 6 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Bumpboxx Flare 6 lacks. Watch for: It has no water resistance, aux input or USB playback, and its eight-hour claimed battery life is short for an outdoor portable.
The Bumpboxx Flare 6 is the longer-running, tougher option. A retro styled stereo party speaker with water resistance and a 12 hour battery. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9. It is rated IPX6, while the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 has no water resistance. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 lacks.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Bumpboxx Flare 6 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
An elegant living room portable with balanced, smooth, non-fatiguing sound, app EQ, and stereo pairing for music lovers.
A retro styled stereo party speaker with water resistance and a 12 hour battery.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 | Bumpboxx Flare 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $184.99 | $300 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #82 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | - |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 115dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX6 |
| Power Input | AC Power Cable (2-Prong) | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 150W |
| Dimensions | 11.4” x 11.3” x 5.1” (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) | 24” x 6” x 14” (609.6 x 152.4 x 355.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters | 6” woofer + tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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