Short answer: the Onyx Studio 9 for smoothness, the Tronsmart Bang Max for deep bass on a budget. The Bang Max has quite deep bass for the size and money, but it has some peaks in the upper mids and lower treble and is not the smoothest frequency response. The Onyx Studio 9 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.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Tronsmart Bang Max and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
If battery life is a priority, the Tronsmart Bang Max is rated for 24 hours versus 8 hours for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the Tronsmart Bang Max at IPX6 (powerful water jets) against the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, which has no water resistance.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 | Tronsmart Bang Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $184.99 | $229.99 |
| Ranked | #15 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #52 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | 39Hz |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 111dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX6 |
| 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) | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (multiple modes) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS | 130W |
| Dimensions | 11.4” x 11.3” x 5.1” (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) | 18.5” x 7.8” x 10.2” (470 x 199 x 260 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters | 2x ~165mm (6.5”) woofers + 2x ~63mm (2.5”) mid drivers + 2x ~25mm (1”) tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Aux Latency | - | 16ms |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 160ms |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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