OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Harman Kardon Citation 500 Review | 130 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£570
  • Avg. price in US: ~$700
  • Audio output power: 200.00 W
  • Battery life: ?
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: 4.2
  • Weight: 7600 g

Harman Kardon Citation 500 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.

7.4

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%

?

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%

8.7

Audio

20.0%

7.7

Battery

18.0%

6.3

Durability

16.0%

6.0

Connectivity

8.0%

7.3

Controls

3.0%

3.1

Design

3.0%

9.8

Smart features

Very good
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.1
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    1.7

    Weight

    15.0%

    ?

    Battery life

  • 8.3
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    10

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    15.0%

    1.7

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Party mode

  • 7.0
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    10

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    1.7

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £570

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 Citation 500 is a premium home smart speaker—notably built as a mains-powered tabletop unit rather than a battery-powered portable model—equipped with a powerful 200W RMS output driving two 25mm tweeters and two 131mm woofers. Key characteristics and pros include high-definition 24-bit/96kHz audio streaming, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, integrated Google Assistant, and a full-color LCD touchscreen alongside built-in Chromecast and AirPlay 2 for access to over 300 streaming services wrapped in dirt-repellent Kvadrat wool fabric. However, its main cons include a heavy 7.6 kg footprint that limits transportability, the complete absence of physical auxiliary audio ports, occasional touchscreen responsiveness lag, and a premium, expensive price tag.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Harman Kardon Citation 500

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%

?

Audio

20.0%

?

Battery

18.0%

?

Durability

16.0%

?

Connectivity

8.0%

?

Controls

3.0%

?

Design

3.0%

?

Smart features

7.4
Harman Kardon Citation 500 has a technical score of 7.38 points, which is higher than 81.8% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Harman Kardon Citation 500 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 58.2% 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%

7.4

Overall score

40.0%

7.5

Price

7.4
Harman Kardon Citation 500 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.4 points, which is lower than 77.3% 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

200.00 W
Harman Kardon Citation 500 has an audio output power of 200.00 W which is higher than that of 96.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 200.00 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

131.00 mm
Harman Kardon Citation 500 has a driver unit size of 131.00 mm which is larger than that of 93.9% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 131.00 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

4
Harman Kardon Citation 500 has 4 drivers, which is more than 81.7% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.9% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 4.
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 Citation 500 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 Citation 500 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

4.2
Harman Kardon Citation 500 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.
Bluetooth version: 4.2.
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 Citation 500 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 Citation 500 does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
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 Citation 500 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 Citation 500 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

no
Harman Kardon Citation 500 is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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 Citation 500 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

top
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

yes
Harman Kardon Citation 500 has a touchscreen. 99.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker has an integrated touch-sensitive display.
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 Citation 500 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 Citation 500 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 Citation 500 does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No qualifying fast-pair capability; initial pairing is manual or standard.
Show more
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

7,600 g
Harman Kardon Citation 500 weighs 7,600 g which is heavier than that of 94.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% 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

21.2 cm
Harman Kardon Citation 500 has a height of 21.2 cm which is taller than that of 80.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% 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

37.4 cm
Harman Kardon Citation 500 has a width of 37.4 cm which is wider than that of 90.3% of portable speakers.
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

17.2 cm
Harman Kardon Citation 500 has a depth of 17.2 cm which is deeper than that of 84.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% 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
Show more
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

Google Home
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 Citation 500 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
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

yes
Harman Kardon Citation 500 supports voice assistants. 73.6% 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 Citation 500 supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports native Spotify Connect.
Show more

Harman Kardon Citation 500 vs the average portable speaker

  • 180 W more audio output power
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (200 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 200.00 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 Citation 500 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (200 W vs 20.00 W).200.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • 81 mm larger main driver
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (131 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 131.00 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 Citation 500 has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (131 mm vs 50.00 mm).131.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 4.
    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 Citation 500 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).4 vs 2
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 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 Citation 500 provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 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 Citation 500 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).2 vs 1
  • 9 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (101 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 101.00 dB.
    What it is: The maximum acoustic loudness the speaker can produce.
    When it matters: When the speaker must play loudly in a large or outdoor space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 90 dB SPL

    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (101 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).101.00 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
    Supports Chromecast built-in.
    What it is: Shows whether Chromecast is integrated for direct casting.
    When it matters: When direct casting from compatible apps matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • 3 more adjustable EQ bands
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
    3 app eq bands.
    What it is: The number of adjustable equalizer frequency bands available in the app.
    When it matters: When fine-grained sound adjustment in the companion app matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 5 bands

    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).3 vs 0
  • 180 W more audio output power
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (200 W vs 20.00 W).
  • 81 mm larger main driver
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (131 mm vs 50.00 mm).
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
  • 9 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (101 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
  • 1 more microphones
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • 10 Hz deeper bass extension
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (50 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • Supports AirPlay
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • Has a removable battery
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • 3 more adjustable EQ bands
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
  • Supports party mode
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Supports playback mute
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • Has a touchscreen
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has a touchscreen, while the average portable speaker does not have a touchscreen.
  • Has a sleep timer
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
  • Supports automatic room calibration
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 supports automatic room calibration, while the average portable speaker does not support automatic room calibration.
  • Supports voice assistants
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
  • Supports firmware updates
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
  • Supports Tidal Connect
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 supports Tidal Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Tidal Connect.

Total
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Controls
Smart features
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Physical USB ports: 0.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 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 Citation 500 does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Is not water resistant
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 6,800 g heavier
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 is heavier than the average portable speaker (7,600 g vs 800 g).
  • 19.3 cm wider
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 is wider than the average portable speaker (37.4 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • 8.8 cm taller
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 is taller than the average portable speaker (21.2 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 8.9 cm deeper
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 is deeper than the average portable speaker (17.2 cm vs 8.3 cm).
  • Is not water resistant
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 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 Citation 500 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
    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

    Harman Kardon Citation 500 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 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 Citation 500 does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • 6,800 g heavier
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 is heavier than the average portable speaker (7,600 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 Citation 500 is heavier than the average portable speaker (7,600 g vs 800 g).7600 g vs 800 g
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 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 Citation 500 does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
    What it is: Shows whether the remaining battery level can be displayed clearly.
    When it matters: When you want to know the remaining charge before or during use.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Citation 500 does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Physical USB ports: 0.
    What it is: The number of USB ports available on the speaker.
    When it matters: When several wired accessories or storage devices need USB connections.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    Harman Kardon Citation 500 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
    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 Citation 500 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).4.2 vs 5.0
Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Design

Graphic comparison of Harman Kardon Citation 500 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Harman Kardon Citation 500?

  • Powerful 200W audio output capable of room-filling volume
  • Clean, deep bass extension with detailed mid-range and vocals
  • Premium Nordic design with Kvadrat wool fabric cover
  • Seamless smart home integration via built-in Google Assistant
  • Convenient top-mounted color LCD touchscreen for controls
  • Robust Wi-Fi streaming capabilities using built-in Google Chromecast
  • Straightforward initial setup through the Google Home app

What customers dislike about Harman Kardon Citation 500?

  • Not a portable speaker; it is heavy, bulky, and strictly mains-powered
  • Completely lacks auxiliary inputs or physical audio ports
  • Relies on older Bluetooth 4.2 with noted audio quality drops over BT connections
  • High launch price point makes it an expensive luxury option
  • Occasional Wi-Fi instability and connectivity drops reported by users
  • Lacks a true, wide stereo soundstage from a single standalone unit

Expert reviews

A
avforums.com
09/08/2019
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation 500Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. Wireless Speaker Review
T
trustedreviews.com
20/09/2019
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation 500 Review - Trusted Reviews
T
the-ambient.com
25/04/2019
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation 500 review - The Ambient
H
hifiplus.com
20/05/2020
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation 500 Wireless loudspeaker - hi-fi+
H
hifichoice.com
21/09/2020
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation 500 - Hi-Fi Choice If you would like, I can extract and summarize the pros and cons mentioned across these specific reviews, or...
F
fairaudio.de
15/04/2019
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation 500 – Streaming Speaker Fairaudio Review
(Translated)Show original
C
computerbild.de
25. Januar 2019
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation 500 review - COMPUTER BILD
(Translated)Show original
A
areadvd.de
25. Januar 2019
Summary of the review
REVIEW: Harman Kardon Citation 500 Wi-Fi/Streaming Speaker with Google Assistant – Top Recommendation for €649?
(Translated)Show original
A
audiovision.de
09/07/2026
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation 500 (Review) - audiovision Computer Bild +3
(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
10/09/2019
Summary of the review
Harman-Kardon Citation 500 Lab Test: An Almost Flawless Performance
(Translated)Show original
A
avcesar.com
01/04/2019
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation 500 - review, specifications & benchmark
(Translated)Show original
A
avcesar.com
01/04/2019
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation 500 Bluetooth and multiroom speaker review
(Translated)Show original
S
stylistme.com
02/10/2018
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation 500 review: The most premium Google Home
(Translated)Show original
A
afdigitale.it
25/03/2019
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation 500: elegance and power are not enough
(Translated)Show original
F
fwd.nl
20/01/2019
Summary of the review
Review: Harman Kardon Citation 100, 300 and 500 | FWD
(Translated)Show original
E
elektrozine.be
27/11/2019
Summary of the review
Review: Harman Kardon Citation 500 and Citation One speakers
(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

bluesound-pulse-mini-2i
Bluesound Pulse Mini 2I

Portable Speakers

7.6
sony-ult-tower-9ac
Sony Ult Tower 9AC

Portable Speakers

8.1
sony-mhc-v73d
Sony Mhc V73d

Portable Speakers

7.8
jbl-partybox-710
JBL Partybox 710

Portable Speakers

7.6
bang-olufsen-beolit-20
Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20

Portable Speakers

7.6
soundboks-go
Soundboks Go

Portable Speakers

7.9
bang-olufsen-beoplay-m5
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay M5

Portable Speakers

7.9
sony-ult-tower-9
Sony Ult Tower 9

Portable Speakers

7.9
bose-soundtouch-30
Bose SoundTouch 30

Portable Speakers

7.7
bose-s1-pro
Bose S1 Pro

Portable Speakers

7.8
dynaudio-music-3
Dynaudio Music 3

Portable Speakers

7.2
vifa-copenhagen-2-0
Vifa Copenhagen 2 0

Portable Speakers

7.8

Compare Harman Kardon Citation 500 with other products in the Portable Speakers category

VS
VS

Compare