OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Harman Kardon Ni Review | 93 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£80
  • Avg. price in US: ~$100
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Harman Kardon Ni review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.0

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

4.6

Technical Score

20.0%

6.7

User score

Good
4.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.2

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.9

Calls & Controls

Poor
6.7

User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

3.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(68)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(68)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 5.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • harman-kardon-ni
harman-kardon-ni

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Harman Kardon NI is a noise-isolating in-ear headphone featuring high-performance 9mm drivers that deliver a 20Hz–20kHz frequency response and a 28-ohm impedance. Its distinctive rectangular black housing is optimized for Apple devices, incorporating a three-button MFi remote and microphone for seamless playback and call control. Main pros include its lightweight 3-gram design, sonic clarity even at low volumes, and a durable, tangle-resistant elastomer-coated cable with a straight 3.5mm plug. However, potential cons include limited functionality of volume controls on Android devices and a sound profile that some users may find flat or dull unless listened to at higher volumes.

Technical Specifications of Harman Kardon Ni

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.2

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

4.9

Calls & Controls

4.6
Harman Kardon Ni has a technical score of 4.58 points, which is lower than that of 67.7% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

3.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(68)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(68)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.7
Harman Kardon Ni has a user score of 6.72 points, which is lower than that of 83.7% of products in this category.
Popularity
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.
3.7
Harman Kardon Ni has a popularity of 3.7 points, which is lower than 55.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.0

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.5
Harman Kardon Ni has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is lower than 60.6% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Harman Kardon Ni does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

9 mm
Harman Kardon Ni uses a driver size of 9 mm, smaller driver size than 92.3% of headphones and equal to 2.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Harman Kardon Ni uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

20 Hz
Harman Kardon Ni reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Harman Kardon Ni does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Harman Kardon Ni is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

1
Harman Kardon Ni has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Harman Kardon Ni does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
Harman Kardon Ni supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Harman Kardon Ni does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Harman Kardon Ni supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
Show more
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Harman Kardon
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

17 g
Harman Kardon Ni weighs 17 g, lighter than 87.3% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more

Harman Kardon Ni vs the average headphone

  • 92.2% lower weight
    Harman Kardon Ni is lighter than the average headphone (17 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    Harman Kardon Ni is lighter than the average headphone (17 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.17 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Harman Kardon Ni includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Harman Kardon Ni includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Harman Kardon Ni includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Harman Kardon Ni includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Quick mic mute
    Harman Kardon Ni includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
    What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
    When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.

    Importance: LOW

    Harman Kardon Ni includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Harman Kardon Ni has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Harman Kardon Ni has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 92.2% lower weight
    Harman Kardon Ni is lighter than the average headphone (17 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 3 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Harman Kardon Ni has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (105 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Harman Kardon Ni includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    Harman Kardon Ni includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Quick mic mute
    Harman Kardon Ni includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Harman Kardon Ni has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 31 mm smaller driver size
    Harman Kardon Ni has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Harman Kardon Ni has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 5 years older release date
    Harman Kardon Ni was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    June 2012
  • 31 mm smaller driver size
    Harman Kardon Ni has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
    When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Harman Kardon Ni has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.9 mm vs 40 mm
  • Fixed cable
    Harman Kardon Ni has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
    What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
    When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Harman Kardon Ni has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Harman Kardon Ni has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Harman Kardon Ni has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 19.1% lower user score
    Harman Kardon Ni has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.72 vs 8.000).
    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.
    Harman Kardon Ni has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.72 vs 8.000).6.72 vs 8
  • 5 years older release date
    Harman Kardon Ni was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    June 2012
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    Harman Kardon Ni was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017
  • 3.6% worse value for money
    Harman Kardon Ni has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.50 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Harman Kardon Ni has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.50 vs 6.736).6.5 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of Harman Kardon Ni and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
68 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
68 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Harman Kardon Ni?

  • Clear sound quality and accuracy even at low volume levels
  • Elegant and sophisticated design featuring aluminum and black finishes
  • Comfortable fit with three sizes of silicone ear sleeves included
  • Apple-friendly three-button inline remote and microphone for easy calls and playback
  • Effective passive noise isolation when a tight seal is achieved
  • Tangle-resistant elastomer-coated cable for improved durability

What customers dislike about Harman Kardon Ni?

  • Sound can feel flat or 'dull' at regular volumes, requiring higher volume to improve bass and soundstage
  • Recessed midrange and lack of bass prominence reported by some users
  • Audio quality may struggle with complex music passages, sometimes becoming 'muddy'
  • Full remote functionality (volume buttons) is generally not compatible with Android devices
  • Lacks advanced modern features like USB-C charging or active noise cancellation (it uses passive isolation)

Expert reviews

C
cieri.net
12/12/2012
Earphone Review - Harman Kardon NI

The Golden Ears review highlights the Harman Kardon NI in-ear headphones for their elegant, rectangular, black injection-molded housing, 9mm driver unit, and robust noise isolation capabilities. While delivering excellent sonic clarity and extended, accurate bass, the sound performance is heavily volume-dependent, requiring levels over 50% to unlock its full potential. Conversely,...Read more

L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
20/05/2013
Harman Kardon NI Review: Don't judge headphones by their packaging

The Harman Kardon NI in-ear headphones (€99.90) are overall deemed a disappointment by the reviewer, who notes that the manufacturer prioritized premium aesthetics over acoustic performance. On the positive side, the headphones feature an exceptionally luxurious, rectangular storage box lined with a polyurethane layer similar to an Apple Smart Cover, making it highly premium and...Read more

I
ilounge.com
14/05/2021
Review: Harman/Kardon AE + NI In-Ear Headphones

The Harman/Kardon NI ($100) and AE ($150) in-ear headphones stand out for their distinctive rounded rectangular design, offering a stylish aesthetic and a comfortable, stable fit despite their boxy look. Both models utilize 9mm audio drivers and share standard functional attributes like Apple-compatible three-button remotes and 3.5mm plugs. The AE model distinguishes itself with...Read more

L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
20/05/2013
Harman Kardon NI Test: Don't Judge Headphones by Their Packaging", "Harman Kardon NI Review: Don't Judge Headphones by Their Cover

The Harman Kardon NI in-ear headphones feature a premium, rectangular, dark-coloured design with rounded corners made from hardened plastic. The product stands out for its high-end packaging, which includes a luxurious square storage box lined with a soft polyurethane layer similar to an Apple Smart Cover. In terms of features, it comes equipped with a built-in microphone, Siri...Read more

(Translated)Show original
K
kopfhoerer.de
22/02/2016
Harman Kardon NI review on kopfhoerer.de", "Harman Kardon NI tested by kopfhoerer.de

The Harman Kardon NI is a stylish pair of wired in-ear headphones priced just over €50, designed with a distinct rectangular aesthetic reminiscent of a small jewelry box. While the visually striking design—including a custom-styled 3.5mm jack plug and a velvet-lined artificial leather storage case—creates an initial premium impression, the reviewer notes that the acoustic...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hifitest.de
28/02/2013
Harman Kardon NI In-Ear Headphones Review

The Harman Kardon NI is an in-ear headphone priced around 100 Euros that earned a "Spitzenklasse" (top-class) rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars for its very good price-to-performance ratio. Visually, the device departs from the style of its sister brand AKG by implementing a highly distinctive, angular design. Despite this sharp and blocky aesthetic, the earphones deliver high wearing...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
20/05/2013
Harman Kardon NI Review: Don't Judge Earphones by Their Packaging", "Harman Kardon NI Review: Don't Judge the Headphones by Their Box

The Harman Kardon NI in-ear headphones are ultimately deemed a major disappointment by the reviewer, who warns consumers not to judge them solely by their premium packaging. Priced at nearly €100, the product's standout pros are limited to its luxurious design elements and functional features. These include an exceptionally elegant square box lined with soft polyurethane material, a...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

sony-wh-1000xm4
Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

9.0
jbl-tour-one-m3
JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

9.0
sony-wh-1000xm6
Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

9.0
qcy-h3-pro
QCY H3 Pro

Headphones

8.9
baseus-bh1
Baseus BH1

Headphones

8.9
sony-wh-ult900n
Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

8.9
nothing-headphone-1
Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

8.8
sony-wh-1000xm5
Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

8.8
jbl-tour-one
JBL Tour One

Headphones

8.7
huawei-freebuds-studio
Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

8.7
sennheiser-momentum
Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

8.7
jbl-tour-one-m2
JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

8.7

Compare Harman Kardon Ni with

VS
VS

Compare