Short answer: the Onyx Studio 9 for sound, the Skullcandy Barrel for a water-resistant lightshow. The Barrel is water-resistant (IPX5) with an LED lightshow synced to music, though its bass is not as deep as the top ranked speakers. 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 $39.99 saving on the Skullcandy Barrel is not enough to make up the difference.
Water resistance is not close: the Skullcandy Barrel is rated at IP67 (brief submersion), well ahead of the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 at 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 | Skullcandy Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $184.99 | $145.00 |
| Ranked | #15 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | ~50Hz |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Power Input | AC Power Cable (2-Prong) | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 60W |
| Dimensions | 11.4” x 11.3” x 5.1” (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) | 11.8” x 22.1” x 9.6” (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters | 2x 20mm drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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