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Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Harman Kardon Citation 100 MkII Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£220Audio output power:50.00 WBattery life:?IP rating:?Bluetooth version:4.2Weight:2700 g

Harman Kardon Citation 100 MkII 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.

7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Score components

80%

7.3

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 83% of portable speakers
7.9

Value for money

Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 76% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

â–²Better than 76%
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

32%

7.8

Audio

20%

7.1

Battery

18%

6.9

Durability

16%

7.0

Connectivity

8%

7.0

Controls

3%

6.5

Design

3%

8.8

Smart features

★Better than 90%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £220
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 portable speaker Harman Kardon Citation 100 MkII

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components:

32%

7.8

Audio

20%

7.1

Battery

18%

6.9

Durability

16%

7.0

Connectivity

8%

7.0

Controls

3%

6.5

Design

3%

8.8

Smart features

7.3
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Harman Kardon Citation 100 MkII has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 59.2% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 76% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

7.9
Audio output power
50 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 50 W which is higher than that of 75.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.3% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
102 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 102 mm which is larger than that of 90.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
2
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
3 dB
Market range: <3 dB – >6 dB
This portable speaker has a frequency response tolerance of 3 dB which is lower than that of 23.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 69.2% of portable speakers.
Lowest frequency
40 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 40 Hz which is lower than that of 74.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.6% of portable speakers.
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Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.2
Market range: <3 – >5.3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 4.2 which is older than that of 53.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 17.8% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
?
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; AVRCP; HFP; HSP
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
?
Battery capacity
?
Charging time
?
Maximum charging input power
?
Built-in rechargeable battery
no
This portable speaker does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. 81.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
Show more
IP rating
?
Water resistance
no
This portable speaker is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
?
Waterproof depth rating
?
Drop resistance
?
Show more
On-device controls placement
?
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
yes
This portable speaker supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
no
This portable speaker does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Weight
2,700 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 2,700 g which is heavier than that of 77.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.5% of portable speakers.
Height
27.5 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 27.5 cm which is taller than that of 88.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Width
17.2 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 17.2 cm which is narrower than that of 53.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Depth
16.3 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 16.3 cm which is deeper than that of 83.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
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Companion app name
Harman Kardon Citation
Firmware updates
yes
This portable speaker supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
?
Voice assistant support
yes
This portable speaker supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Harman Kardon Citation 100 MkII vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 52 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (102 mm vs 50 mm).
    102 mm vs 50 mm
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 30 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (50 W vs 20 W).
    50 W vs 20 W
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    This portable speaker has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This portable speaker supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • 20 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (40 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    40 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Has a power bank function
    This portable speaker has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • 2 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).
    2 vs 0
  • 52 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (102 mm vs 50 mm).
    102 mm vs 50 mm
  • 30 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (50 W vs 20 W).
    50 W vs 20 W
  • 20 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (40 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    40 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 1 more microphones
    This portable speaker has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    This portable speaker has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This portable speaker supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • Has a power bank function
    This portable speaker has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • 2 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).
    2 vs 0
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • Has a hardware microphone mute switch
    This portable speaker has a hardware microphone mute switch, while the average portable speaker does not have a hardware microphone mute switch.
    Has a physical microphone mute control.
  • Supports playback mute
    This portable speaker supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
    Speaker playback audio can be directly muted.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    This portable speaker supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
    Supports synchronized multi-room playback.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This portable speaker supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
    Supports direct voice-assistant control.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • Supports Tidal Connect
    This portable speaker supports Tidal Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Tidal Connect.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    This portable speaker does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    This portable speaker has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 1,900 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (2,700 g vs 800 g).
    2,700 g vs 800 g
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • 15.1 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (27.5 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    27.5 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 4.21x less popular
    Harman Kardon Citation 100 MkII is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 2.44x more expensive
    Harman Kardon Citation 100 MkII is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£220 vs £90).
    £220 vs £90
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    This portable speaker has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    This portable speaker does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 1,900 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (2,700 g vs 800 g).
    2,700 g vs 800 g
  • 15.1 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (27.5 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    27.5 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 8 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (16.3 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    16.3 cm vs 8.3 cm

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

A
afdigitale.it
31/08/2019
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation – High-class smart audio
(Translated)Show original
F
fwd.nl
20/01/2019
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation 100, 300 and 500 – stylish Sonos challengers
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Harman Kardon Citation 100 MkII

  • Excellent overall audio performance with crisp, clear sound quality even at maximum volume
  • Powerful, punchy, and deep bass extension considering the speaker's compact size
  • Sophisticated and modern Scandinavian visual design wrapped in premium Kvadrat wool fabric
  • Quick and straightforward initial setup process using the Google Home application
  • Reliable voice control performance and responsive smart ecosystem features via integrated Google Assistant
  • Convenient multi-room casting capabilities and wireless flexibility using Apple AirPlay 2 and built-in Chromecast

What customers don't like about Harman Kardon Citation 100 MkII

  • The heavy low-end tuning can feel over-emphasised and unbalanced for certain musical genres
  • Total absence of physical audio connections such as a 3.5mm auxiliary jack or optical input
  • Noticeable audio-to-video synchronization latency when streaming audio over a direct Bluetooth connection
  • Occasional wireless dropouts and connectivity desynchronization when streaming music
  • Microphones can occasionally fail to register voice commands or wake-words from a distance
  • Uneven or non-linear volume scaling where the output remains quiet until reaching past 60%

Verdict

The Harman Kardon Citation 100 MkII is a premium smart home speaker featuring a 20mm tweeter and a 102mm woofer that deliver 50W RMS of total output power. Measuring 172 x 275 x 163 mm and weighing 2.7 kg, its signature design showcases a high-quality Kvadrat blended wool fabric grille. Key advantages include seamless dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, built-in Google Assistant for voice control, and broad multiroom compatibility through integrated Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2. However, the speaker lacks absolute portability as it requires a continuous AC power supply (100-240V) rather than operating on a built-in battery, lacks a 3.5mm auxiliary physical input, and exhibits flat bass performance when pushed to its maximum volume.

Compare Harman Kardon Citation 100 MkII with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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