Short answer: the Onyx Studio 9 for sound, the ION Pathfinder 280 for runtime. The Pathfinder 280 is rated at about 68 hours at moderate-high volume, though its bass is not as deep as competitors. The Onyx Studio 9 adds Auracast multi-speaker connection alongside classic stereo pairing, but has slightly recessed mids, a boost in the upper mids and rolled off upper treble.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9. It is rated higher for sound quality than the ION Pathfinder 280 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Battery life favors the ION Pathfinder 280: rated for 100 hours against 8 hours for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9.
Water resistance is not close: the ION Pathfinder 280 is rated at IPX5 (water jets), well ahead of the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 at no water resistance.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 | ION Pathfinder 280 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $184.99 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #15 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #101 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | 58Hz |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 100dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX5 |
| 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) | 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (High/Low frequency) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 100 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 120W |
| Dimensions | 11.4” x 11.3” x 5.1” (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) | 14.8” x 10.6” x 17.6” (375.9 x 269.2 x 447 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters | 2x 4” (102mm) drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| Microphone Input | - | No |
| Lights | - | Yes |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
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