Short answer: the Onyx Studio 9 for connectivity and price, the Go + Play 2 for a simpler warm sound. The Onyx Studio 9 adds Auracast multi-speaker connection alongside classic stereo pairing, though it has slightly recessed mids, a boost in the upper mids and rolled off upper treble, and it costs $160.01 less. The Go + Play 2 has warm sound with boosted bass but is not as loud as others.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 | Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 | $350 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #23 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | 40Hz |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Power Input | AC Power Cable (2-Prong) | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.1 |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 100W AC / 30W battery |
| Dimensions | 11.4” x 11.3” x 5.1” (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) | 20” x 9” x 9.5” (508 x 228.6 x 241.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters | 2x 90mm (3.5”) woofers (front and rear firing) + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| Aux Latency | - | 0ms |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 33ms |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 compares with other leading options:
- Earfun Uboom X vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 vs Tribit Stormbox Blast
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9
Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9: $189.99 Amazon eBay
Older models: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 (ranked higher, rated 4.1/5), the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 (ranked higher, rated 4.1/5), the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 (ranked higher, rated 4.1/5), the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 (ranked lower, rated 3.9/5) and the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 (rated 3.3/5).
Pros: An elegant 4.2kg living-room portable with a measured 41Hz -10dB bass point, 101dB maximum level, three tweeters, app EQ, stereo pairing and Auracast multi-speaker linking. Reviews praise its balanced, smooth presentation and non-fatiguing treble, making it a more music-focused choice than most party speakers. Measured bass extension of 41Hz (-10dB).
Cons: It has no water resistance, aux input or USB playback, and its eight-hour claimed battery life is short for an outdoor portable. Bass is less deep than some earlier Onyx Studio models, while the slightly recessed mids and rolled-off top end mean it is not the most open or detailed option; it still charges from an AC power cable rather than USB-C.
Full Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.4” x 11.3” x 5.1” (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | AC Power Cable (2-Prong) |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Harman Kardon Go + Play 2: $350 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Harman Kardon Go + Play 3, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5.
Pros: At 2.4 kg, Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 combines 2x 90mm (3.5”) woofers (front and rear firing) + 2x 20mm tweeters with Bluetooth. Claimed 8 hours (manufacturer specified) battery life, up to 99db and stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. Measured bass extension of 40Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 40Hz specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Not as loud as others. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W AC / 30W battery |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 33ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 20” x 9” x 9.5” (508 x 228.6 x 241.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 90mm (3.5”) woofers (front and rear firing) + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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