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Harman Kardon Esquire Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£190
  • Avg. price in US: ~$250
  • Audio output power: 20.00 W
  • Battery life: 8 hours
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: ?
  • Weight: 1000 g

Harman Kardon Esquire 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.

6.3

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%

5.9

Technical Score

20.0%

7.5

User score

Good
5.9

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%

6.7

Audio

20.0%

5.3

Battery

18.0%

5.8

Durability

16.0%

6.0

Connectivity

8.0%

4.2

Controls

3.0%

9.0

Design

3.0%

3.9

Smart features

Good
7.5

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%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

6.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(66)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Very good
  • 5.9
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    9.2

    Weight

    15.0%

    2.8

    Battery life

  • 4.1
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.1

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    2.8

    Battery life

    15.0%

    9.2

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Party mode

  • 4.6
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    3.1

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    9.2

    Weight

  • harman-kardon-esquire
  • harman-kardon-esquire
  • harman-kardon-esquire
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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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

Verdict

The Harman Kardon Esquire is a premium, square-shaped portable wireless speaker and conferencing system featuring an aluminum frame, leather back panel, and a 2-way audio layout driven by dual 10-watt channels (20W total output) with a built-in bass port. It delivers up to 8 hours of playtime via its rechargeable battery and supports Bluetooth streaming, quick NFC pairing, and a 3.5mm auxiliary input. Main advantages include an integrated dual-microphone setup with noise and echo cancellation for crisp business calls, smart orientation for 360-degree voice pickup, and a versatile 3-port USB wall charger included in the box. However, its prominent downsides include a relatively high retail price tag, a square grill design that tends to collect dust, and bass performance that feels slightly diminished compared to less travel-focused competitors.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Harman Kardon Esquire

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%

6.7

Audio

20.0%

5.3

Battery

18.0%

5.8

Durability

16.0%

6.0

Connectivity

8.0%

4.2

Controls

3.0%

9.0

Design

3.0%

3.9

Smart features

5.9
Harman Kardon Esquire has a technical score of 5.94 points, which is lower than 90.7% 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%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

6.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(66)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

7.5
Harman Kardon Esquire has a user score of 7.5 points, which is lower than 84.4% 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 Esquire 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%

6.3

Overall score

40.0%

9.5

Price

7.2
Harman Kardon Esquire has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.2 points, which is lower than 89.1% 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

20.00 W
Harman Kardon Esquire has an audio output power of 20.00 W which is higher than that of 46.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.4% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 20.00 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

45.00 mm
Harman Kardon Esquire has a driver unit size of 45.00 mm which is smaller than that of 60.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 8.6% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 45.00 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

2
Harman Kardon Esquire has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 2.
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

80.00 Hz
Harman Kardon Esquire has a lowest frequency of 80.00 Hz which is higher than that of 68.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.4% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 80.00 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 Esquire 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

?
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 Esquire 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; HFP; HSP
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 Esquire 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

8 hours
Harman Kardon Esquire has a battery life of 8 hours which is shorter than that of 68.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.6% of portable speakers.
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

4,000 mAh
Harman Kardon Esquire has a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh which is larger than that of 70.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.9% of portable speakers.
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

5 hours
Harman Kardon Esquire has a charging time of 5 hours which is longer than that of 87% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.7% of portable speakers.
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

5 W
Harman Kardon Esquire has a maximum charging input power of 5 W which is lower than that of 58.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 38.5% of portable speakers.
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

yes
Harman Kardon Esquire has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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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 Esquire 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 Esquire 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

0 m
Harman Kardon Esquire is not rated for underwater use. 47.6% of cameras have a native waterproof depth rating.
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

?
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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

no
Harman Kardon Esquire 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

no
Harman Kardon Esquire does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
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 Esquire 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

yes
Harman Kardon Esquire supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports documented one-tap or quick device pairing.
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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

1,000 g
Harman Kardon Esquire weighs 1,000 g which is heavier than that of 56.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% 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

14.7 cm
Harman Kardon Esquire has a height of 14.7 cm which is taller than that of 57.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% 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

14.7 cm
Harman Kardon Esquire has a width of 14.7 cm which is narrower than that of 61.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% 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

4.65 cm
Harman Kardon Esquire has a depth of 4.65 cm which is shallower than that of 85.8% 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
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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

?
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

no
Harman Kardon Esquire does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No supported user-accessible firmware update path.
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

?
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 Esquire does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No direct supported 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

no
Harman Kardon Esquire does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
Show more

Harman Kardon Esquire vs the average portable speaker

  • 2,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    Harman Kardon Esquire has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    Upper frequency-response endpoint: 22000 Hz.
    What it is: The highest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
    When it matters: When upper-treble extension and high-frequency detail matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 20000 Hz

    Harman Kardon Esquire has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    Harman Kardon Esquire 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 Esquire has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).2 vs 1
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    Harman Kardon Esquire 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 Esquire has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Harman Kardon Esquire has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
    What it is: Shows whether the device uses separate left and right audio channels.
    When it matters: When true left-and-right channel playback matters without pairing a second speaker.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Esquire has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 0.8 % lower total harmonic distortion
    Harman Kardon Esquire has lower total harmonic distortion than the average portable speaker (0.2% vs 1%).
    THD: 0.2%.
    What it is: The amount of unwanted harmonic distortion added to the audio output.
    When it matters: When cleaner sound with less added distortion matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <= 1%

    Harman Kardon Esquire has lower total harmonic distortion than the average portable speaker (0.2% vs 1%).0.2 % vs 1 %
  • Has a power bank function
    Harman Kardon Esquire has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker can send power to charge another device.
    When it matters: When the speaker should also charge a phone or another device.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Esquire has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Supports fast pairing
    Harman Kardon Esquire supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
    Supports documented one-tap or quick device 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

    Harman Kardon Esquire supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • 1 more microphones
    Harman Kardon Esquire has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 2.
    What it is: The number of microphones built into the speaker.
    When it matters: When voice pickup, calls, or beamforming performance matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    Harman Kardon Esquire has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).2 vs 1
  • 2,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    Harman Kardon Esquire has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    Harman Kardon Esquire has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Harman Kardon Esquire has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 0.8 % lower total harmonic distortion
    Harman Kardon Esquire has lower total harmonic distortion than the average portable speaker (0.2% vs 1%).
  • 1 more microphones
    Harman Kardon Esquire has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    Harman Kardon Esquire has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    Harman Kardon Esquire supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • Has a power bank function
    Harman Kardon Esquire has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • 1,400 mAh more battery capacity
    Harman Kardon Esquire has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (4,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • Includes a power adapter
    Harman Kardon Esquire includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Supports fast pairing
    Harman Kardon Esquire supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • Supports playback mute
    Harman Kardon Esquire supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • Includes a travel bag
    Harman Kardon Esquire includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • 3.65 cm shallower
    Harman Kardon Esquire is shallower than the average portable speaker (4.7 cm vs 8.3 cm).

Total
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Controls
Design
  • 20 Hz less deep bass extension
    Harman Kardon Esquire has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (80 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 80.00 Hz.
  • 5 mm smaller main driver
    Harman Kardon Esquire has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (45 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 45.00 mm.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Harman Kardon Esquire has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    Harman Kardon Esquire has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
  • 5 W lower charging input power
    Harman Kardon Esquire has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 10 W).
  • Is not water resistant
    Harman Kardon Esquire is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Harman Kardon Esquire is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    Harman Kardon Esquire does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Harman Kardon Esquire 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 Esquire does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    Harman Kardon Esquire does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • Does not support auto power-off
    Harman Kardon Esquire does not support auto power-off, while the average portable speaker supports auto power-off.
    No automatic inactivity-based power-off.
  • 200 g heavier
    Harman Kardon Esquire is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,000 g vs 800 g).
  • 6 older
    Harman Kardon Esquire was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2013.
  • Is not water resistant
    Harman Kardon Esquire 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 Esquire is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Harman Kardon Esquire 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 Esquire is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Harman Kardon Esquire has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
    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

    Harman Kardon Esquire has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).5 hours vs 3 hours
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    Harman Kardon Esquire does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker 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

    Harman Kardon Esquire does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    Harman Kardon Esquire has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
    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

    Harman Kardon Esquire has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).8 hours vs 12 hours
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Harman Kardon Esquire 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 Esquire does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Harman Kardon Esquire 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 Esquire does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 20 Hz less deep bass extension
    Harman Kardon Esquire has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (80 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 80.00 Hz.
    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

    Harman Kardon Esquire has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (80 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).80.00 Hz vs 60.00 Hz
Total
Overall
Audio
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design
Smart features

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

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
66 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about Harman Kardon Esquire?

  • Premium design with high-quality aluminum and leather finish
  • Excellent, crisp voice clarity for conference calls and speakerphone use
  • Compact, flat, and highly portable shape ideal for travel
  • Convenient 3-port USB wall charger included in the package
  • Impressive battery life lasting up to 8 to 10 hours
  • Easy and quick Bluetooth pairing with NFC support

What customers dislike about Harman Kardon Esquire?

  • Lacks deep or powerful sub-bass performance
  • Relatively expensive compared to other speakers of a similar size
  • Sound can become thin or flat for music genres reliant on heavy lows
  • Audio is highly directional and sounds muffled from the back
  • Travel case does not include a dedicated pouch to store the charging adapter

Expert reviews

T
techadvisor.com
09/07/2014
Summary of the review
Harmon Kardon Esquire review - Tech Advisor
G
geardiary.com
28/05/2014
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Esquire Bluetooth Speaker Isn't Kid's Stuff | Gear Diary
G
gadgetguy.com.au
16/07/2014
Summary of the review
Review: Harman Kardon Esquire - GadgetGuy
I
ilounge.com
14/05/2021
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Esquire Executive Portable Wireless Speaker If you would like me to find additional evaluations, I can look for video tests or user-subm...
S
soundvisionreview.com
05/05/2014
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Esquire Review - SoundVisionReview
L
lite-magazin.de
25. Mai 2014
Summary of the review
Harman/Kardon Esquire: The Musical Companion for Anywhere
(Translated)Show original
P
pocketpc.ch
7. Dezember 2014
Summary of the review
Harman/Kardon Esquire Bluetooth Speaker Review
(Translated)Show original
H
hifi-ifas.de
17/01/2017
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Esquire Premium 2-Way Bluetooth Speaker
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
28/03/2014
Summary of the review
Reviewing the Esquire, Harman Kardon's Luxurious Portable Speaker
(Translated)Show original
D
darty.com
29/11/2013
Summary of the review
Review: Harman-Kardon Esquire, the square portable speaker
(Translated)Show original
D
digitalvideoht.it
14/03/2015
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Esquire Mini
(Translated)Show original
X
xgn.nl
09/03/2014
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Esquire - More Than Just a Speaker Review
(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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