Short answer: the Onyx Studio 9 for sound, the LG Xboom Stage 301 for karaoke. The Xboom Stage 301 wedge design works as a karaoke hub with a removable, replaceable battery, but it is overpriced for what it is and has not the greatest frequency response. The Onyx Studio 9 adds Auracast multi-speaker connection and the Harman Kardon One app with EQ, though it 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 LG Xboom Stage 301 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Water resistance is not close: the LG Xboom Stage 301 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 | LG Xboom Stage 301 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 | $229.99 |
| Ranked | #15 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #33 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | 43Hz |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Power Input | AC Power Cable (2-Prong) | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) | Yes (LG Xboom app) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 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) | 8.7” x 3.1” x 3.5” (220 x 80 x 90 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters | 6.5” woofer + dual 2.5” midrange drivers (Peerless) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| Lights | - | 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 3, 2026 at 10:26 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
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LG Xboom Stage 301: $229.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Wedge-style design works as a karaoke hub with removable/replaceable battery. Multiple standing positions. AI audio optimization via Dual-Bar lighting. Measured bass extension of 43Hz (-10dB).
Cons: overpriced for what it is. Not the greatest frequency response.
Full LG Xboom Stage 301 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 120W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (LG Xboom app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 3.1” x 3.5” (220 x 80 x 90 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” woofer + dual 2.5” midrange drivers (Peerless) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jagist reviews: LG xboom Stage 301 Vs Zealot S95!!! More from Jagistreviews →
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