Short answer: the Onyx Studio 9, on sound and connectivity. It adds Auracast multi-speaker connection alongside classic stereo pairing, though it has slightly recessed mids, a boost in the upper mids and rolled off upper treble. The Soundcore Rave Party 2 lists a poor water rating as its main weakness, leaving the Onyx the safer pick.
The case for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9: Auracast multi-speaker connection alongside classic stereo pairing. Set against that: Slight recessed mids, boost in the upper mids, rolled off upper treble.
What the Soundcore Rave Party 2 gets right: This speaker may move around in the rankings as we get better sound samples. Set against that: Poor water rating.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Soundcore Rave Party 2 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
There is a real battery-life gap here: the Soundcore Rave Party 2 is rated for 16 hours, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 only 8 hours.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the Soundcore Rave Party 2 at IPX4 (splashing) against the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, which has no water resistance.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 | Soundcore Rave Party 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 | $159.99 |
| Ranked | #14 of 75 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #44 of 75 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | - |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Power Input | AC Power Cable (2-Prong) | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers) |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 80W RMS / 120W peak |
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 11.3" x 5.1" (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) | 7.5" x 7.8" x 15.7" (191 x 198 x 400 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters | 2x 4" (100mm) woofers + 2x 2" (50mm) tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (Karaoke mode with reverb effect) |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| Lights | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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Prices on this page were last checked September 22, 2026 at 5:11 AM 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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Soundcore Rave Party 2: $159.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Soundcore Rave Party 2 uses 2x 4” (100mm) woofers + 2x 2” (50mm) tweeters. Its 4.6 kg, claimed 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX4 protection, aux input and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use.
Cons: There is no companion app.
Full Soundcore Rave Party 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 80W RMS / 120W peak |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5" x 7.8" x 15.7" (191 x 198 x 400 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 4" (100mm) woofers + 2x 2" (50mm) tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with reverb effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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