OVERALL
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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 One MkII Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~ÂŁ160Audio output power:40.00 WBattery life:?IP rating:?Bluetooth version:4.2Weight:2000 g

Harman Kardon Citation One 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.

6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

80%

6.6

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–ĽWorse than 54% of portable speakers
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 50% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

â–˛Better than 50%
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 55% of models
Score components

32%

7.0

Audio

20%

6.8

Battery

18%

5.0

Durability

16%

6.8

Connectivity

8%

7.1

Controls

3%

7.5

Design

3%

9.0

Smart features

â–˛Better than 55%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ ÂŁ160
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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Portable Speakers model ranking

Ranked #982 of 1,316 models in Portable Speakers (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Harman Kardon Citation One MkII

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 55% of models
Score components:

32%

7.0

Audio

20%

6.8

Battery

18%

5.0

Durability

16%

6.8

Connectivity

8%

7.1

Controls

3%

7.5

Design

3%

9.0

Smart features

6.6
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Harman Kardon Citation One 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
7.6/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–˛ Better than 50% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

7.6
Audio output power
40 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 40 W which is higher than that of 70.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.7% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
?
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
?
Lowest frequency
50 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 50 Hz which is lower than that of 59.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.1% 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
10 m
Market range: <10 m – >30 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; AVRCP
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.
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IP rating
?
Water resistance
no
This portable speaker is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
no
This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
Not waterproof m
This portable speaker is not rated for underwater use. 47.6% of portable speakers have a native waterproof depth rating.
Drop resistance
no
This portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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On-device controls placement
top
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
2000 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 2000 g which is heavier than that of 71.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% of portable speakers.
Height
18.8 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 18.8 cm which is taller than that of 72.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.5% of portable speakers.
Width
14 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 14 cm which is narrower than that of 62.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.2% of portable speakers.
Depth
14 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 14 cm which is deeper than that of 75.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.4% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
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Companion app name
Google Home
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
OTA; App
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 One MkII vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 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.
  • 20 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (40 W vs 20 W).
    40 W vs 20 W
  • 1 more microphones
    This portable speaker has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    This portable speaker has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
    Has a physical USB-C port.
  • 20 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (40 W vs 20 W).
    40 W vs 20 W
  • 1 more microphones
    This portable speaker has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Has beamforming microphones
    This portable speaker has beamforming microphones, while the average portable speaker does not have beamforming microphones.
    Uses beamforming microphone technology.
  • 10 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (50 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    50 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 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 USB Type-C port
    This portable speaker has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
    Has a physical USB-C port.
  • Has a TOSLINK optical input
    This portable speaker has a TOSLINK optical input, while the average portable speaker does not have a TOSLINK optical input.
    Has a physical TOSLINK optical audio input.
  • Wi-Fi standard detailed
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), while the average portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Has a programmable button
    This portable speaker has a programmable button, while the average portable speaker does not have a programmable button.
    Has a user-programmable physical button.
  • Has a sleep timer
    This portable speaker has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
    A selectable timer can stop playback or power the speaker down.
  • 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 automatic room calibration
    This portable speaker supports automatic room calibration, while the average portable speaker does not support automatic room calibration.
  • 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.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust 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.
  • 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
  • 1,200 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (2000 g vs 800 g).
    2,000 g vs 800 g
  • 4.21x less popular
    Harman Kardon Citation One MkII is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 4.21x less popular
    Harman Kardon Citation One MkII is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 77.8% more expensive
    Harman Kardon Citation One MkII is more expensive than the average portable speaker (ÂŁ160 vs ÂŁ90).
    ÂŁ160 vs ÂŁ90
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 1,200 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (2000 g vs 800 g).
    2,000 g vs 800 g
  • 6.4 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (18.8 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    18.8 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 5.7 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (14 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    14 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

W
whathifi.com
30/03/2020
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation One MkII review - What Hi-Fi?
E
expertreviews.co.uk
22/01/2020
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation One (MKII) review: Bass in the place ...
L
lbtechreviews.com
22/10/2020
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation One MKII – Tech Reviews What Hi-Fi?
T
testr.at
13/04/2020
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation One MKII - Speaker Review - testr
(Translated)Show original
A
areadvd.de
19/04/2020
Summary of the review
TEST: Harman Kardon Citation One Mk2 - AREA DVD
(Translated)Show original
H
heise.de
30/01/2021
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation One MK II Review: Multiroom Audio Tested
(Translated)Show original
O
outdoortest.info
09/03/2022
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation One MKII - Outdoor Test on Outdoortest.info and review on testr.at, plus 3 more
(Translated)Show original
S
satvision.de
25/03/2021
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation Series Review - SATVISION
(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
06/05/2021
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation One MKII Review: A smart speaker that packs a serious punch
(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
30/08/2021
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation One MK2 Review
(Translated)Show original
C
clubic.com
08/12/2021
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation One MKII Review - Connected Speaker
(Translated)Show original
R
revista-gadget.es
26/08/2019
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Citation One: review
(Translated)Show original
F
fwd.nl
29/06/2019
Summary of the review
Review: Harman Kardon Citation One – fantastic in many ways
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Harman Kardon Citation One MkII

  • Powerful room-filling sound quality with clear mids and highs
  • Deep, punchy, and robust bass performance
  • Premium build quality featuring a sleek Kvadrat wool fabric design
  • Easy and straightforward initial setup via the Google Home app
  • Versatile smart connectivity options including Google Assistant, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay 2
  • Capable of wireless stereo pairing when combining two units

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

  • Not a portable speaker as it lacks a built-in battery and requires a permanent mains power connection
  • Bass can be boomy, aggressive, or overwhelming at higher volumes
  • Lacks physical equalizer adjustments or a dedicated companion app to fine-tune the audio
  • Occasional connectivity dropouts and multi-device syncing issues reported within the Google Home ecosystem
  • No 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack for physical connections
  • Fabric cover cannot be removed or easily cleaned when dirty

Verdict

The Harman Kardon Citation One MkII is a sophisticated home smart speaker—contrary to being a portable speaker—wrapped in a premium Kvadrat wool fabric that houses a 20mm tweeter and an 89mm (3.5-inch) woofer, combined to deliver a robust 40W RMS output power and a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 80dB. Measuring 140 x 188 x 140 mm and weighing 2 kg, its primary strengths include deep, room-filling bass, support for over 300 streaming services via dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), comprehensive smart capabilities through Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2, and Chromecast built-in, as well as Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity. However, notable drawbacks include its lack of a built-in rechargeable battery, requiring it to remain plugged into a mains power supply, the complete absence of a 3.5mm auxiliary input port, and a lack of custom EQ adjustment settings.

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