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 Neo ranks #58 (rated 2.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Klipsch Austin is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. Dual passive radiators give more low-end presence than most mini speakers. Its bass reaches about 70Hz before falling 10dB, against 105Hz for the Harman Kardon Neo. It is rated IP67, while the Harman Kardon Neo has no water resistance. It links with other speakers (Broadcast Mode), which the Harman Kardon Neo cannot. Watch for: Not as deep bass as higher ranked speakers.
The Harman Kardon Neo is the lighter choice. IPX7 waterproof, with an attachment loop and an echo-cancelling microphone for calls. At 0.6 lbs (251 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Klipsch Austin at 0.9 lbs (397 g).
Buy the Klipsch Austin. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Harman Kardon Neo is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch Austin | Harman Kardon Neo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54.95 | $90 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #58 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz | 105Hz |
| 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) | No |
| 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 (251 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 | 1.6” (41mm) full-range driver |
| Charging Time | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Dimensions | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.7” (109 x 109 x 43 mm) | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.3” (110 x 110 x 34.1 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 10W RMS | 3W |
| Maximum SPL | 89dB (Manufacturer specified) | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| 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) |
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Harman Kardon Neo: $90 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Harman Kardon Neo uses 1.6” (41mm) full-range driver. Its 251 g, claimed 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, up to 87dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. IPX7 waterproof, with an attachment loop and an echo-cancelling microphone for calls. Measured bass extension of 105Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 105Hz specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Neo review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 3W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 105Hz |
| 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 | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.3” (110 x 110 x 34.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.6” (41mm) full-range driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Maximum SPL | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (251 g) |
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