Short answer: the JBL Xtreme 2 for better sound quality, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 for the lower price. The JBL Xtreme 2 ranks #44 of 77 large speakers at $149.99. The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 ranks #47 at $100, $49.99 cheaper.
What the JBL Xtreme 2 gets right: Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. The catch: External AC power brick for charging.
On the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 side: Balanced sound quality with deep resonant bass and crisp treble, large dynamic range. Set against that: 8 hour battery at medium volume.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Xtreme 2 is rated for 15 hours versus 8 hours for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Xtreme 2 at IPX7 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme 2 | Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 Discontinued | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #44 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #47 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 98dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg | 4.5 lbs / 2.06 kg |
| App | No | Yes (HK Connect) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | None |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 5.4" x 4.2" (287 x 137 x 107 mm) | 11.4" x 11.4" x 5.1" (290 x 290 x 130 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 40W RMS | 60W |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Xtreme 2: $149.99 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. IPX7 water-resistant. Amazing real-world battery: ~20 hours at 75dB (vs 15hr claim). USB-A port charges other devices. Optional carry strap.
Cons: External AC power brick for charging. Boosted bass. Treble harsh at high volumes. Discontinued.
Full JBL Xtreme 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 5.4" x 4.2" (287 x 137 x 107 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 98dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 40W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4: $100 Discontinued
Pros: Balanced sound quality with deep resonant bass and crisp treble, large dynamic range. Multi-host Bluetooth connectivity for 2 phones, daisy chaining up to 100 speakers. Elegant modern design with smooth curves and premium materials.
Cons: 8 hour battery at medium volume. Not at loud as others. Not as deep of bass as the newer Onyx. External AC power brick for charging. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (HK Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 11.4" x 5.1" (290 x 290 x 130 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs / 2.06 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 vs Doss Soundbox XL
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