OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

Harman Kardon Esquire Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£190Audio output power:20.00 WBattery life:8 hoursIP 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.

Harman Kardon Esquire
6.0/10

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

80%

5.8

Technical score

20%

7.2

User score

â–¼Worse than 87% of portable speakers
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

â–¼Worse than 90%
5.8

Technical score

Technical score
5.8/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components

32%

6.4

Audio

20%

5.3

Battery

18%

5.4

Durability

16%

5.9

Connectivity

8%

4.2

Controls

3%

9.0

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

â–¼Worse than 90%
7.2

User score

User score
7.2/ 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 87% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

5.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 87%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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 Esquire

Technical score
Technical score
5.8/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components:

32%

6.4

Audio

20%

5.3

Battery

18%

5.4

Durability

16%

5.9

Connectivity

8%

4.2

Controls

3%

9.0

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

5.8
User score
User score
7.2/ 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 87% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

5.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.2
Popularity
Popularity
5.4/ 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–² Better than 59% of models
Popularity:
Harman Kardon Esquire has a popularity score of 5.4 points, which is higher than 58.5% of products in this category.
5.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components:

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

7.1
Audio output power
20 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 20 W which is higher than that of 46.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.4% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
45 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 45 mm which is smaller than that of 60.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 8.6% 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
?
Lowest frequency
80 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 80 Hz which is higher than that of 68.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.4% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
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; HFP; HSP
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
8 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker 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
4,000 mAh
Market range: <900 mAh – >6.6k mAh
This portable speaker 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
5 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 hours
This portable speaker 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
5 W
Market range: <5 W – >30 W
This portable speaker 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
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
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
?
Show more
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
no
This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
yes
This portable speaker supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
1,000 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker 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
14.7 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker 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
14.7 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker 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
4.65 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker 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
none
Show more
Companion app name
?
Firmware updates
no
This portable speaker does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Firmware update method
?
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Harman Kardon Esquire vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 2,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    This portable speaker 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.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 0.8 % lower total harmonic distortion
    This portable speaker has lower total harmonic distortion than the average portable speaker (0.2 % vs 1 %).
    0.2 % vs 1 %
  • 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.
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • 1 more microphones
    This portable speaker has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 2,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    This portable speaker 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.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 0.8 % lower total harmonic distortion
    This portable speaker has lower total harmonic distortion than the average portable speaker (0.2 % vs 1 %).
    0.2 % vs 1 %
  • 1 more microphones
    This portable speaker has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    This portable speaker supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • 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.
  • 1,400 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (4,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    4,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • 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.
  • Includes a travel bag
    This portable speaker includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • 3.65 cm shallower
    This portable speaker is shallower than the average portable speaker (4.7 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    4.65 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 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.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 20 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (80 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    80 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 6.4% worse value for money
    Harman Kardon Esquire offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.09 vs 7.5).
    7.09 vs 7.55
  • 11% lower user score
    User score
    7.2/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Harman Kardon Esquire
    the average portable speaker
    Harman Kardon Esquire has a lower user score than the average portable speaker (7.21 vs 8).
    7.21 vs 8
  • 2.11x more expensive
    Harman Kardon Esquire is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£190 vs £90).
    £190 vs £90
  • 20 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (80 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    80 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 5 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (45 mm vs 50 mm).
    45 mm vs 50 mm
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
    5 hours vs 3 hours
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
    8 hours vs 12 hours
  • 5 W lower charging input power
    This portable speaker has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 10 W).
    5 W vs 10 W
  • 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 support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker does not support auto power-off, while the average portable speaker supports auto power-off.
    No automatic inactivity-based power-off.
  • 200 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,000 g vs 800 g).
    1,000 g vs 800 g
  • 6 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    2013 vs 2019

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

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
25/05/2014
Summary of the review
Harman/Kardon Esquire: The Musical Companion for Anywhere
(Translated)Show original
P
pocketpc.ch
07/12/2014
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

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

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 don't like 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

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.

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