Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 ranks #15 of 91 boombox speakers by sound quality at $189.99; the Harman Kardon Luna ranks #26 of 166 medium speakers by sound quality at $290.99.
The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 is the deeper-bass pick. An elegant 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) living-room portable with a measured 41Hz -10dB bass point, 101dB maximum level, three tweeters, app EQ, stereo pairing and Auracast multi-speaker linking. Its bass reaches about 41Hz before falling 10dB, against 57Hz for the Harman Kardon Luna. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Harman Kardon Luna lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Harman Kardon Luna. The tradeoff: It has no water resistance, aux input or USB playback, and its eight-hour claimed battery life is short for an outdoor portable.
The Harman Kardon Luna is the longer-running, lighter pick. The sound is fairly balanced apart from the boosted bass. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9. At 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) it weighs much less than the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 at 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg). It is rated IP67, while the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 has no water resistance. The tradeoff: Boosted bass, and less detailed than higher-ranked speakers.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 at $189.99 if you want a boombox speaker. Buy the Harman Kardon Luna at $290.99 if you want a medium speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 | Harman Kardon Luna | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 | $290.99 |
| Ranked | #15 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #26 of 166 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | 57Hz |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Power Input | AC Power Cable (2-Prong) | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) | 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 40W |
| Dimensions | 11.4” x 11.3” x 5.1” (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) | 8.3” x 3.1” x 3.1” (210 x 78 x 80 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters | 48mm x 90mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 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). See every Harman Kardon Onyx Studio generation.
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 →
| Released | Dec 2024 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| 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 Luna: $290.99 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Harman Kardon Luna 2, ranked higher, rated 4.1/5, released Mar 2026. It adds app control and adjustable EQ. See every Harman Kardon Luna generation.
Pros: Harman Kardon Luna uses 48mm x 90mm woofer, 20mm tweeter. Its 1.13 kg, claimed 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP67 protection and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. The sound is fairly balanced apart from the boosted bass. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 57Hz specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Boosted bass, and less detailed than higher-ranked speakers.
Full Harman Kardon Luna review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 40W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 57Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 3.1” x 3.1” (210 x 78 x 80 mm) |
| Drivers | 48mm x 90mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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