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Harman Kardon Aura Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£240
  • Avg. price in US: ~$300
  • Audio output power: 60.00 W
  • Battery life: ?
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: 3.0
  • Weight: 3600 g

Harman Kardon Aura review. Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

7.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.

Score components:

80.0%

7.4

Technical Score

20.0%

8.5

User score

Very good
7.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

7.9

Audio

20.0%

8.0

Battery

18.0%

7.0

Durability

16.0%

6.9

Connectivity

8.0%

6.7

Controls

3.0%

5.7

Design

3.0%

7.5

Smart features

Very good
8.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

9.4

User reviews

30.0%

6.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(65)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Excellent
  • 6.0
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    6.2

    Weight

    15.0%

    ?

    Battery life

  • 7.2
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    8.1

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    15.0%

    6.2

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Party mode

  • 9.1
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    8.1

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    6.2

    Weight

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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 Aura is a uniquely designed home audio system featuring a transparent dome and an iconic aesthetic, though it is a wired system requiring a wall outlet rather than a truly portable, battery-powered speaker. Architecturally, it delivers 360-degree omnidirectional sound utilizing a 2.1-channel configuration comprised of six 1.5-inch mid-to-high-range transducers alongside a powerful 4.5-inch down-firing subwoofer, which output 15 watts per channel and 30 watts to the bass respectively across a 50 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. Its chief advantages include rich, room-filling sound quality with deep bass, distinctive built-in LED ambient illumination, and versatile connectivity spanning Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay, DLNA, as well as 3.5mm auxiliary and optical inputs. Conversely, its primary drawbacks are its dependency on continuous AC power, a lacks of a built-in battery or voice assistant support, and highly sensitive, unintuitive touch controls that offer no physical or audible feedback.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Harman Kardon Aura

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

7.9

Audio

20.0%

8.0

Battery

18.0%

7.0

Durability

16.0%

6.9

Connectivity

8.0%

6.7

Controls

3.0%

5.7

Design

3.0%

7.5

Smart features

7.4
Harman Kardon Aura has a technical score of 7.41 points, which is higher than 83.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

9.4

User reviews

30.0%

6.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(65)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

8.5
Harman Kardon Aura has a user score of 8.47 points, which is higher than 65.7% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
6.3
Harman Kardon Aura has a popularity of 6.3 points, which is higher than 58.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.3

Price

8.1
Harman Kardon Aura has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.1 points, which is higher than 76.4% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

60.00 W
Harman Kardon Aura has an audio output power of 60.00 W which is higher than that of 79.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.5% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 60.00 W.
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

38.00 mm
Harman Kardon Aura has a driver unit size of 38.00 mm which is smaller than that of 89.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.5% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 38.00 mm.
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

7
Harman Kardon Aura has 7 drivers, which is more than 98.1% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 1.2% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 7.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

?
Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

50.00 Hz
Harman Kardon Aura has a lowest frequency of 50.00 Hz which is lower than that of 59.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.1% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 50.00 Hz.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Harman Kardon Aura supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

3.0
Harman Kardon Aura supports Bluetooth version 3.0 which is older than that of 85.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.5% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth version: 3.0.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

10.00 m
Harman Kardon Aura has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10.00 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range: 10.00 m.
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

A2DP; AVRCP
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Harman Kardon Aura does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

?
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

?
Charging time
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

?
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

?
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Harman Kardon Aura does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. 81.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

?
Water resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
Harman Kardon Aura is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

?
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

?
Drop resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Harman Kardon Aura lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

?
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Harman Kardon Aura does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Harman Kardon Aura supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Harman Kardon Aura does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No dedicated remote control is documented.
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Harman Kardon Aura does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No qualifying fast-pair capability; initial pairing is manual or standard.
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Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

3,600 g
Harman Kardon Aura weighs 3,600 g which is heavier than that of 84.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.5% of portable speakers.
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

27.6 cm
Harman Kardon Aura has a height of 27.6 cm which is taller than that of 89.1% of portable speakers.
Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

?
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

25.2 cm
Harman Kardon Aura has a depth of 25.2 cm which is deeper than that of 93.6% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

none
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Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

Harman Kardon Remote
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Harman Kardon Aura supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

OTA; App; USB
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Harman Kardon Aura does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Harman Kardon Aura supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports native Spotify Connect.
Show more

Harman Kardon Aura vs the average portable speaker

  • 5 more speaker drivers
    Harman Kardon Aura has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (7 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 7.
    What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
    When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    Harman Kardon Aura has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (7 vs 2).7 vs 2
  • 40 W more audio output power
    Harman Kardon Aura has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (60 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 60.00 W.
    What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
    When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 20 W

    Harman Kardon Aura has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (60 W vs 20.00 W).60.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Harman Kardon Aura supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can connect to wireless local networks.
    When it matters: When direct network streaming or smart multi-room features matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Aura supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    Harman Kardon Aura provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
    What it is: Indicates whether sound is spread evenly in all directions.
    When it matters: When even sound coverage around the speaker matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Aura provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Harman Kardon Aura includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated low-frequency driver is included.
    When it matters: When stronger low-frequency output matters without adding separate equipment.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Aura includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    Harman Kardon Aura has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    Simultaneous Bluetooth devices: 2.
    What it is: The number of source devices that can stay connected at the same time.
    When it matters: When switching between several connected source devices matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    Harman Kardon Aura has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).2 vs 1
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    Harman Kardon Aura has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
    Uses microphone noise/echo cancellation for calls or voice.
    What it is: Indicates whether the microphones can reduce surrounding noise during capture.
    When it matters: When calls or voice commands must remain clear around background noise.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Aura has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
  • Supports AirPlay
    Harman Kardon Aura supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
    Supports Apple AirPlay.
    What it is: Indicates whether Apple AirPlay streaming is supported.
    When it matters: When wireless playback from Apple devices and multi-room setups matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Aura supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • 5 more speaker drivers
    Harman Kardon Aura has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (7 vs 2).
  • 40 W more audio output power
    Harman Kardon Aura has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (60 W vs 20.00 W).
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    Harman Kardon Aura provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Harman Kardon Aura includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    Harman Kardon Aura has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Harman Kardon Aura has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 10 Hz deeper bass extension
    Harman Kardon Aura has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (50 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Harman Kardon Aura supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    Harman Kardon Aura has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • Supports AirPlay
    Harman Kardon Aura supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • Has a TOSLINK optical input
    Harman Kardon Aura has a TOSLINK optical input, while the average portable speaker does not have a TOSLINK optical input.
  • Supports DLNA media sharing
    Harman Kardon Aura supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
  • Has Ethernet support
    Harman Kardon Aura has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    Harman Kardon Aura supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • Has a power bank function
    Harman Kardon Aura has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Includes a power adapter
    Harman Kardon Aura includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 5 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    Harman Kardon Aura has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).
  • Has an equalizer
    Harman Kardon Aura has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Supports playback mute
    Harman Kardon Aura supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • 1 more EQ presets
    Harman Kardon Aura has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (1 vs 0).
  • Supports multi-room audio
    Harman Kardon Aura supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    Harman Kardon Aura supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
  • Supports firmware updates
    Harman Kardon Aura supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.

Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Smart features
  • 12 mm smaller main driver
    Harman Kardon Aura has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (38 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 38.00 mm.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Harman Kardon Aura does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 2 Bluetooth levels older
    Harman Kardon Aura has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 3.0.
  • Fewer Wi-Fi band options
    Harman Kardon Aura lists 2.4 GHz for Wi-Fi bands, while the average portable speaker lists 2.4 GHz/5 GHz.
    Wi-Fi bands: 2.4 GHz.
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Harman Kardon Aura does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    Harman Kardon Aura does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Is not water resistant
    Harman Kardon Aura is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Harman Kardon Aura does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Harman Kardon Aura does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
  • 2,800 g heavier
    Harman Kardon Aura is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,600 g vs 800 g).
  • 15.2 cm taller
    Harman Kardon Aura is taller than the average portable speaker (27.6 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 16.9 cm deeper
    Harman Kardon Aura is deeper than the average portable speaker (25.2 cm vs 8.3 cm).
  • 5 older
    Harman Kardon Aura was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2014 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2014.
  • Is not water resistant
    Harman Kardon Aura is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
    What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Aura is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 12 mm smaller main driver
    Harman Kardon Aura has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (38 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 38.00 mm.
    What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
    When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 50 mm

    Harman Kardon Aura has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (38 mm vs 50.00 mm).38.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Harman Kardon Aura does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
    When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Aura does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • 2 Bluetooth levels older
    Harman Kardon Aura has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 3.0.
    What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
    When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 5.0

    Harman Kardon Aura has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5.0).3.0 vs 5.0
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Harman Kardon Aura does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
    What it is: Shows whether passive radiators are used to reinforce bass output.
    When it matters: When enhanced bass response from a compact enclosure matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Aura does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Harman Kardon Aura does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
    What it is: Indicates whether two compatible speakers can form a stereo pair.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should form separate left and right channels.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Aura does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Harman Kardon Aura does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports true wireless speaker-to-speaker pairing.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should pair wirelessly for stereo playback.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Aura does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 2,800 g heavier
    Harman Kardon Aura is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,600 g vs 800 g).
    What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
    When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= 1000 g

    Harman Kardon Aura is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,600 g vs 800 g).3600 g vs 800 g
Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design
Smart features

Graphic comparison of Harman Kardon Aura and other products in the Portable Speakers category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
65 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about Harman Kardon Aura?

  • Striking, transparent space-age dome design that serves as a visual centerpiece
  • Immersive 360-degree room-filling audio coverage
  • Deep, powerful bass response backed by a dedicated down-firing subwoofer
  • Mesmerizing built-in ambient LED lighting effects that sync with the music
  • Excellent audio clarity and volume output with minimal distortion at high levels

What customers dislike about Harman Kardon Aura?

  • Relatively high premium price tag compared to similarly spec'd smart speakers
  • Outdated Bluetooth version support resulting in occasional lagging or audio range limitations
  • Lack of a dedicated physical remote or a reliable companion app for native EQ adjustments
  • Limited onboard physical controls that can be difficult to see or operate in dark environments
  • Heavy vibrations on high volume require a very sturdy surface to prevent sound rattling

Expert reviews

P
pocket-lint.com
07/03/2014
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Aura review - Pocket-lint
W
whathifi.com
17/04/2014
Summary of the review
Harman-Kardon Aura review - What Hi-Fi?
P
pcmag.com
14/07/2014
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Aura Review - PCMag
S
soundvisionreview.com
24/07/2015
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Aura Review | SoundVisionReview
C
consumerreports.org
No Date Provided
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Aura Wireless & Bluetooth Speaker Review
A
areadvd.de
30/06/2014
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Aura – Wireless Speaker System with Bluetooth, DLNA, and AirPlay
(Translated)Show original
S
satvision.de
31/07/2014
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Aura Review - SATVISION
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
07/01/2014
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Aura Review: A Touch of Soundsticks Style
(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
14/01/2014
Summary of the review
Review: The Harman-Kardon Aura speaker combines exceptional design and quality sound
(Translated)Show original
H
hablandodemanzanas.com
22/02/2024
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Aura Studio 4 · Review and Opinion · Bass and Ambient Light
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
31/12/2013
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Aura Black - NickvdB - Product reviews
(Translated)Show original
F
fwd.nl
23/10/2014
Summary of the review
Review: Harman Kardon Aura wireless speaker
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
27/12/2016
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Aura Black - Skyrunner - Product reviews
(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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