Short answer: the Onyx Studio 9 for features and battery, the JBL Partybox Encore Essential for party sound. The Encore Essential is a great-sounding, somewhat bass-boosted party speaker, but it runs only 6 hours of battery at medium volume and has a poor water rating. The Onyx Studio 9 adds Auracast multi-speaker connection, USB-C charging and an EQ-capable app for less money, though it has slightly recessed mids and rolled-off upper treble.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the JBL Partybox Encore Essential when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Water resistance is not close: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential is rated at IPX4 (splashing), well ahead of the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 at no water resistance.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 | JBL Partybox Encore Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 | $329.95 |
| Ranked | #14 of 75 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #7 of 75 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | 38Hz |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Power Input | AC Power Cable (2-Prong) | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 100W RMS |
| Dimensions | 11.4” x 11.3” x 5.1” (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Latency | - | 17ms |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 100ms |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 24, 2026 at 10:28 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
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 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 |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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JBL Partybox Encore Essential: $329.95 Amazon eBay
Pros: JBL Partybox Encore Essential uses 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters. Its 5.9 kg, claimed 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX4 protection, aux input, up to 110dB and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Measured bass extension of 38Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 38Hz specification.
Full JBL Partybox Encore Essential review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL giving it to us large! The good, The bad, The diabolical! More from alanrossreviews →
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