Short answer: the ION Pathfinder 320 for battery life, the Onyx Studio 9 for sound quality. The Pathfinder 320 is rated for 100 hours at low-moderate 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, and the $55 you would save on the ION Pathfinder 320 does not close the gap.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the ION Pathfinder 320 at IPX5 (water jets) against the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, which has no water resistance.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 | ION Pathfinder 320 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $184.99 | $129.99 |
| Ranked | #15 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #100 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | - |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| IP Rating | None | IPX5 |
| Power Input | AC Power Cable (2-Prong) | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) | 22.7 lbs (10.3 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 | 200W |
| Dimensions | 11.4” x 11.3” x 5.1” (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) | 15.1” x 10.4” x 19.4” (383.5 x 264.2 x 492.8 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 |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
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