Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
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 Go Plus Play Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£310Audio output power:100.00 WBattery life:8 hoursIP rating:?Bluetooth version:4.1Weight:3433 g

Harman Kardon Go Plus Play 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.

7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 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
Score components

80%

7.0

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 69% of portable speakers
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 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
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

â–²Better than 50%
7.0

Technical score

Technical score
7.0/ 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
Score components

32%

8.6

Audio

20%

6.4

Battery

18%

6.7

Durability

16%

5.7

Connectivity

8%

6.8

Controls

3%

5.3

Design

3%

5.5

Smart features

â–²Better than 78%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £310
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 Go Plus Play

Technical score
Technical score
7.0/ 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
Score components:

32%

8.6

Audio

20%

6.4

Battery

18%

6.7

Durability

16%

5.7

Connectivity

8%

6.8

Controls

3%

5.3

Design

3%

5.5

Smart features

7.0
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Harman Kardon Go Plus Play 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
✕
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
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

7.6
Audio output power
100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 100 W which is higher than that of 88.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.1% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
?
Number of drivers
4
This portable speaker has 4 drivers, which is more than 81.7% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.9% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
40 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 40 Hz which is lower than that of 74.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.6% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.1
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 4.1 which is older than that of 71.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.9% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 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
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
8 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
3,000 mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 3,000 mAh which is larger than that of 58.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.8% of portable speakers.
Charging time
3 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 3 hours which is shorter than that of 35.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 35.1% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
?
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
?
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
yes
This portable speaker includes a remote control. 85.1% 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
3,433 g
This portable speaker weighs 3,433 g which is heavier than that of 83.6% of portable speakers.
Height
21.15 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 21.15 cm which is taller than that of 80.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Width
41.75 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 41.75 cm which is wider than that of 94% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Depth
18.15 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 18.15 cm which is deeper than that of 87.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Carry options
handle
Show more
Companion app name
Harman Kardon Remote
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
USB
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 Go Plus Play vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 80 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (100 W vs 20 W).
    100 W vs 20 W
  • 2 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (3 vs 1).
    3 vs 1
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
    4 vs 2
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • 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.
  • 20 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (40 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    40 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Has a power bank function
    This portable speaker has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • 80 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (100 W vs 20 W).
    100 W vs 20 W
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
    4 vs 2
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • 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.
  • 20 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (40 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    40 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 5 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (85 dB vs 80 dB).
    85 dB vs 80 dB
  • 1 more microphones
    This portable speaker has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (3 vs 1).
    3 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.
  • Has a removable battery
    This portable speaker has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 400 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (3,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    3,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 3 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
    3 vs 0
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • Includes a remote control
    This portable speaker includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • Supports playback mute
    This portable speaker supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
    Speaker playback audio can be directly muted.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 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
  • 2,633 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,433 g vs 800 g).
    3,433 g vs 800 g
  • 0.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • 23.65 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (41.8 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    41.75 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 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.
  • 9.85 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (18.2 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    18.15 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 3.44x more expensive
    Harman Kardon Go Plus Play is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£310 vs £90).
    £310 vs £90
  • 3.44x more expensive
    Harman Kardon Go Plus Play is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£310 vs £90).
    £310 vs £90
  • 4.21x less popular
    Harman Kardon Go Plus Play is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 11 mm smaller built-in subwoofer
    This portable speaker has a smaller built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (90 mm vs 101 mm).
    90 mm vs 101 mm
  • 0.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • 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
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 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.
  • 2,633 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,433 g vs 800 g).
    3,433 g vs 800 g
  • 23.65 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (41.8 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    41.75 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 9.85 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (18.2 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    18.15 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 8.75 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (21.2 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    21.15 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 3 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2016 vs 2019).
    2016 vs 2019

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

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cnet.com
23/01/2009
Summary of the review
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whathifi.com
27/07/2008
Summary of the review
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expertreviews.co.uk
15/09/2016
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letemsvetemapplem.eu
02/07/2016
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whathifi.com
12/08/2016
Summary of the review
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pocket-lint.com
21/07/2016
Summary of the review
A
areadvd.de
15/07/2016
Summary of the review
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lowbeats.de
27/11/2016
Summary of the review
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hifi-journal.de
13/09/2016
Summary of the review
T
techtest.org
23/11/2023
Summary of the review
A
audiovision.de
28/05/2024
Summary of the review
H
hifitest.de
18/09/2013
Summary of the review
A
audiovision.de
19/10/2016
Summary of the review
A
audiovision.de
28/05/2024
Summary of the review
C
chip.de
14/08/2016
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
05/08/2010
Summary of the review
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frandroid.com
06/11/2023
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lesnumeriques.com
05/02/2024
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C
capital.fr
03/02/2025
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0
01net.com
23/04/2013
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Harman Kardon Go Plus Play

  • Excellent overall audio quality with exceptional clarity and a wide listening range
  • Deep, thunderous, and powerful bass performance delivered via a dedicated subwoofer
  • Accurate and highly detailed mid-range reproduction, ensuring crystal-clear vocals
  • Sleek, upscale, and minimalist aesthetics featuring a premium aluminum handle and tempered glass top
  • Convenient power bank functionality to charge smartphones and tablets via USB
  • Automatic environmental self-tuning that calibrates the sound to the surrounding room acoustics
  • Sturdy, robust, and well-constructed build quality using premium recycled materials

What customers don't like about Harman Kardon Go Plus Play

  • Lacks an official companion smartphone app and a graphic equalizer for custom sound adjustments
  • No IP waterproof or dustproof rating, making it less ideal or risky for outdoor or poolside use
  • Relatively heavy, bulky, and awkwardly shaped, which limits its portability for travel
  • Higher standard retail price point compared to many other portable Bluetooth speakers
  • Disappointing battery life for its size, averaging only about 8 hours of playtime
  • Downward-firing subwoofer lacks a protective grille and is vulnerable to damage on uneven surfaces
  • Touch control buttons on the glass surface are difficult to see and operate in the dark

Verdict

The Harman Kardon Go + Play is a high-performance portable Bluetooth speaker featuring a powerful quad-driver system (two 90mm woofers and two 20mm tweeters) that delivers 100W RMS of stereo power on AC mode with a 50Hz–20kHz frequency response and an 80dB signal-to-noise ratio. Its key advantages include premium design elements like a stainless steel handle, up to 8 hours of battery life from its 22.2Wh rechargeable battery, a built-in power bank via USB-A for charging mobile devices, dual-microphone conferencing, and Wireless Dual Sound for pairing two units. However, it suffers from a lack of Wi-Fi or advanced audio codecs like aptX, lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, relies on an older Bluetooth 4.1 connection, and does not include a companion app or customizable EQ settings.

Compare Harman Kardon Go Plus Play with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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