Short answer: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9. It ranks #15 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $184.99 and is still sold new; the Bumpboxx Flare 8 ranks #82 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Bumpboxx Flare 8’s replacement, the Bumpboxx Flare8 Pro, is rated 2.8/5 at $449.
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 is the better-sounding, lighter choice. 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 much less than the Bumpboxx Flare 8 at 19 lbs (8.62 kg). It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Bumpboxx Flare 8 cannot. The catch: 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 8 is the longer-running, tougher option. A retro styled party speaker with FM radio, water resistance and high volume for small outdoor parties. 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. Watch for: Bass is thuddy rather than deep or controlled, and there is no app to improve the tuning.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Bumpboxx Flare 8 is discontinued.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 | Bumpboxx Flare 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $184.99 | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #82 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | - |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 118dB (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) | 19 lbs (8.62 kg) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 200W |
| Dimensions | 11.4” x 11.3” x 5.1” (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) | 28” x 8” x 16” (711 x 203 x 406 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters | 8” woofer + tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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