Short answer: the Klipsch Austin. It ranks #15 of 62 small speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5) at $54.95 and is still sold new; the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 ranks #57 (rated 2.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Klipsch Austin is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. Dual passive radiators give more low-end presence than most mini speakers. Its bass reaches about 70Hz before falling 10dB, against 120Hz for the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2. It is rated IP67, while the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 has no water resistance. It links with other speakers (Broadcast Mode), which the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 cannot. The catch: Not as deep bass as higher ranked speakers.
The Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 is the lighter choice. Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. At 0.6 lbs (250 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Klipsch Austin at 0.9 lbs (397 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the Klipsch Austin lacks. The tradeoff: Huge lack of bass.
Buy the Klipsch Austin. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch Austin | Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54.95 | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #57 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (10W reverse USB-C charging) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (397 g) | 0.6 lbs (250 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 1.5” (38mm) full-range with dual passive radiators | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75”) full-range drivers |
| Charging Time | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Dimensions | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.7” (109 x 109 x 43 mm) | 5.5” x 3” x 1” (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 10W RMS | 8W |
| Maximum SPL | 89dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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
Klipsch Austin: $54.95 Amazon $54.95 eBay
Same family: the Klipsch Nashville (larger model, rated 3.3/5) and the Klipsch Detroit (larger model, rated 3.1/5).
Pros: Dual passive radiators give more low-end presence than most mini speakers. Clear mids and crisp trebles. Rugged rubberized build with a metal grille; IP67. Supports TWS pairing with a second Austin. Measured bass extension of ~70Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not as deep bass as higher ranked speakers
Full Klipsch Austin review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 10W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.7” (109 x 109 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.5” (38mm) full-range with dual passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 89dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (10W reverse USB-C charging) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (397 g) |
- Links
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Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2: $100 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. Metal grille with a faux-leather back and a small kickstand. 8-10 hour battery life. Measured bass extension of ~120Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Huge lack of bass. Sounds very thin and tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 8W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 3” x 1” (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75”) full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (250 g) |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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