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ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
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Harman Kardon Cl Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£150Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Harman Kardon Cl Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Harman Kardon Cl
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 55% of models
Score components

80%

5.9

Technical score

20%

7.9

User score

â–²Better than 55% of headphones
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 51%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components

52%

6.3

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.5

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

5.4

Battery

4%

8.2

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 50%
7.9

User score

User score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

7.8

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 60%
  • harman-kardon-cl
harman-kardon-cl
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Harman Kardon Cl

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components:

52%

6.3

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.5

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

5.4

Battery

4%

8.2

Calls & Controls

5.9
User score
User score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

7.8

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.9
Popularity
Popularity
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 74% of models
Popularity:
Harman Kardon Cl has a popularity score of 7.8 points, which is higher than that of 74.1% of products in this category.
7.8
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

7.3
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
16 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 16 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 54.1% of headphones and equal to 4.2% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
yes
This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone. 86.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Harman Kardon
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
195 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 195 g, lighter than 57.4% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Harman Kardon Cl vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 17 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 16 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 10.6% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (195 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    195 g vs 218 g
  • 10.6% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (195 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    195 g vs 218 g
  • 17 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 16 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    119 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • Quick mic mute
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • Boom microphone included
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 4 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    June 2012
    2012 vs 2016
  • 66.7% more expensive
    Harman Kardon Cl is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£150 vs £90).
    £150 vs £90
  • 66.7% more expensive
    Harman Kardon Cl is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£150 vs £90).
    £150 vs £90
  • 4 older release date
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    June 2012
    2012 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
madskillzdotcom
≈ estimated
14/12/2012
Hands-on review · sound, styling and comfort
Verdict
Harman Kardon CL offers classic retro styling and excellent sound, worth the price; strongly recommended.
8.0
HiFi Huff
≈ estimated
23/06/2012
Hands-on review · unboxing, comfort and sound
Verdict
Harman Kardon CL is very good for the price, though the build feels flimsier than rivals.
9.0
Gamesky
≈ estimated
31/01/2015
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and portability
Verdict
Harman Kardon CL offers great sound and portability at a bargain price, if you don't want heavy bass.
9.0
ArtoonNetworks
≈ estimated
28/03/2014
Short review · a week of use compared with rival headphones
Verdict
Harman Kardon CL is better overall than the rival it was compared against, with better mids and highs.
9.0
Gear Diary
≈ estimated
27/03/2014
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and cable tests
Verdict
Harman Kardon CL is a recommended classy on-ear pair with great sound for buyers who want that look.
9.0
Jasc Edits
≈ estimated
14/10/2012
Quick review · tried on and compared with rivals
Verdict
Harman Kardon CL is very good if you like the classy look and great sound.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

whathifi.com
06/07/2012
Hands-on test · On-ear closed
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL is a strong debut with comfort, clear midrange and a useful iPhone mic, but it lacks the subtlety and detail of the best at its price.
U
uk.pcmag.com
19/07/2012
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon CL - Review 2012 - PCMag UK
gizmodo.com
30/07/2012
Hands-on test · Portable on-ear
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL is a light, versatile on-ear pair with strong sound, but its earpieces can work loose and its low end is boomy.
t3.com
14/08/2012
Hands-on test · Retro on-ear
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL has excellent sound and comfort with a retro look, but its sharp metal edges and budget case make it feel less premium than it should.
firstpost.com
17/10/2012
Hands-on test · Lifestyle on-ear
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL is a stylish, well-isolated on-ear pair suited to phone calls, but its weak bass and narrow sound stage make it poor value at its price.
pocket-lint.com
31/12/2012
Hands-on test · Industrial over-ear
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL looks distinctive and sounds balanced, with well-judged bass, but flat earcups and limited top end make it less comfortable and less lively than rivals.
headfonics.com
01/07/2013
Listening review · Square on-ear design
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL is a stylish on-ear headphone with smooth, warm mids for vocals, but its dull treble and ear pressure limit long listening.
geardiary.com
27/03/2014
Hands-on review · Steel-band on-ear
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL is a comfortable, well-built on-ear headphone with natural sound and plenty of bass, though its unusual cable plug is a minor annoyance.
theheadphonelist.com
28/10/2014
Brief review · Budget on-ear
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL is a well-built, comfortable on-ear headphone with warm sound and impressive bass, offering good value now it has dropped in price.
digitaltrends.com
23/08/2019
Extensive listening test · Balanced on-ear
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL is a good-looking on-ear headphone with detailed, balanced sound and comfort for hours, though its bright midrange and weak noise isolation let it down.
S
stereophile.com
23/06/2012
Summary of the review
Harman/Kardon CL Stereo Headphone Review by Dale Would you like a summary of the pros and cons mentioned across these specific reviews to help with yo...
cnet.com
15/08/2012
Hands-on review · Flat-folding on-ear
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL is a flat-folding on-ear headphone with great detail, though its inline remote works best with iPhones.
iphoneincanada.ca
17/09/2012
In-depth review · Premium on-ear
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL is an attractive, very comfortable on-ear headphone whose tight bass and detail are impressive, though its treble feels a bit underwhelming.
sueddeutsche.de
25/11/2012
Listening test · Bass-heavy headphones
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL is clear and detailed with plenty of bass, which suits punchy music but spoils the natural tone of jazz and classical.
hifitest.de
25/02/2013
Test report · Hi-fi on-ear headphones
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL is a comfortable, lively on-ear with open, balanced sound, though it clearly leans toward deep bass.
connect.de
18/10/2012
Quick test · Hi-fi on-ear headphones
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL is an open-sounding hi-fi on-ear with strong, clean bass and clear vocals, but it passes knocks from the cable and band to your ears.
macwelt.de
12/12/2012
Hands-on test · Apple-friendly on-ear
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL is a well-made on-ear with solid bass and comfortable leather pads, but its volume and playback buttons are hard to tell apart.
netzwelt.de
10/04/2016
Hands-on test · Retro on-ear
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL is a bass-rich retro on-ear that suits fans of the look, but cable and cup noise make it a poor choice if you snack while listening.
kopfhoerer.de
Ohne Datum
Hands-on test · Design-led on-ear
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL is a bold-looking, well-built on-ear that suits people who want headphones to stand out, but its sound lacks bass punch and detail.
lesnumeriques.com
09/08/2012
Lab test · On-ear closed
Verdict
The Harman Kardon CL has a distinctive look and punchy bass, but muted highs and tight earcups make it a weak choice for long listening sessions.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Harman Kardon Cl

  • Premium industrial design with sandblasted steel and leather accents
  • Rich, punchy bass performance without being overwhelming
  • Clear and articulated midrange, making it excellent for vocals and jazz
  • Lightweight build with high-quality memory foam ear pads for comfort
  • User-replaceable parts, including magnetically attached ear pads and a detachable cable
  • Includes two exchangeable headbands (small and large) to ensure a better fit

What customers don't like about Harman Kardon Cl

  • Rolled-off treble which can lack 'sparkle' and high-frequency detail for some genres
  • On-ear design may become uncomfortable during long listening sessions for users with wider heads
  • Uses a less common 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable, making generic replacements harder to find
  • Older faux leather material on the headband and pads is prone to peeling over time
  • Not a traditionally adjustable headband; users must physically swap the metal band for a different size
  • Lacks the extreme sonic detail and 'air' found in more expensive audiophile headphones

Verdict

The Harman Kardon CL (Classic) is an on-ear, closed-back headphone featuring 40mm drivers with a unique baffle design for extended bass, delivering a frequency response of 16Hz – 20kHz and a sensitivity of 119 dB/mW at 32 Ohms. Its industrial aesthetic is defined by a sandblasted steel frame, 2D swivel hinges, and magnetically attached memory foam ear pads, all weighing approximately 195g for lightweight portability. Key advantages include its user-interchangeable metal headbands (available in small and large sizes), an Apple-certified detachable cable with an integrated three-button remote, and a warm, balanced sound profile with exceptional midrange clarity. Notable drawbacks include the use of a non-standard 2.5mm connection on the ear cup side, potential discomfort for users with glasses or during very long listening sessions, and a lack of active noise cancellation.

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