OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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 Neo Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£90Audio output power:3.00 WBattery life:10 hoursIP rating:IPX7Bluetooth version:4.2Weight:251 g

Harman Kardon Neo 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 Neo
6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 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 72% of models
Score components

80%

5.7

Technical score

20%

8.8

User score

â–¼Worse than 72% of portable speakers
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 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 71% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 71%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 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 91% of models
Score components

32%

5.4

Audio

20%

5.1

Battery

18%

7.5

Durability

16%

5.7

Connectivity

8%

4.0

Controls

3%

9.3

Design

3%

4.2

Smart features

â–¼Worse than 91%
8.8

User score

User score
8.8/ 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–² Better than 84% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

8.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 84%
  • harman-kardon-neo
  • harman-kardon-neo
  • harman-kardon-neo
  • harman-kardon-neo
  • harman-kardon-neo
  • harman-kardon-neo
  • harman-kardon-neo
  • harman-kardon-neo
harman-kardon-neo
harman-kardon-neo
harman-kardon-neo
harman-kardon-neo
harman-kardon-neo
harman-kardon-neo
harman-kardon-neo
harman-kardon-neo
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.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Harman Kardon Neo

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 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 91% of models
Score components:

32%

5.4

Audio

20%

5.1

Battery

18%

7.5

Durability

16%

5.7

Connectivity

8%

4.0

Controls

3%

9.3

Design

3%

4.2

Smart features

5.7
User score
User score
8.8/ 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–² Better than 84% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

8.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.8
Popularity
Popularity
8.4/ 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 82% of models
Popularity:
Harman Kardon Neo has a popularity score of 8.4 points, which is higher than 81.8% of products in this category.
8.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 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 71% of models
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.4
Audio output power
3 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 3 W which is lower than that of 91.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.8% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
40 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 40 mm which is smaller than that of 76.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 13.2% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 1 drivers, which is fewer than 75.6% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 24.4% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
130 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 130 Hz which is higher than that of 91.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.2
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; 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
10 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 10 hours which is shorter than that of 53.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 12.9% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
1,000 mAh
Market range: <900 mAh – >6.6k mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 1,000 mAh which is smaller than that of 87.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.1% of portable speakers.
Charging time
3 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 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
2.5 W
Market range: <5 W – >30 W
This portable speaker has a maximum charging input power of 2.5 W which is lower than that of 97.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% 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
IPX7
This portable speaker has an IP rating of IPX7 which provides better ingress protection than 47.6% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 25.2% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
yes
This portable speaker is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
?
Waterproof depth rating
1 m
Market range: <0 m – >1 m
This portable speaker has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m which is deeper than that of 52.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 47.4% of portable speakers.
Drop resistance
?
Show more
On-device controls placement
?
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
no
This portable speaker does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
251 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 251 g which is lighter than that of 84.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Height
11 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 11 cm which is shorter than that of 55.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.7% of portable speakers.
Width
11 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 11 cm which is narrower than that of 71% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Depth
3.41 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 3.41 cm which is shallower than that of 96% of portable speakers.
Carry options
strap
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
USB
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% 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 Neo vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • 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.
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
    IPX7 vs IPX5
  • 549 g lighter
    This portable speaker is lighter than the average portable speaker (251 g vs 800 g).
    251 g vs 800 g
  • 4.89 cm shallower
    This portable speaker is shallower than the average portable speaker (3.4 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    3.41 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 10.3% higher user score
    User score
    8.8/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Harman Kardon Neo
    the average portable speaker
    Harman Kardon Neo has a higher user score than the average portable speaker (8.83 vs 8).
    8.83 vs 8
  • 7.1 cm narrower
    This portable speaker is narrower than the average portable speaker (11 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    11 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 10.3% higher user score
    User score
    8.8/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Harman Kardon Neo
    the average portable speaker
    Harman Kardon Neo has a higher user score than the average portable speaker (8.83 vs 8).
    8.83 vs 8
  • 99.4% more popular
    Harman Kardon Neo is more popular than the average portable speaker (8.39 vs 4.21).
    8.39 vs 4.21
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • 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.
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
    IPX7 vs IPX5
  • 549 g lighter
    This portable speaker is lighter than the average portable speaker (251 g vs 800 g).
    251 g vs 800 g
  • 4.89 cm shallower
    This portable speaker is shallower than the average portable speaker (3.4 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    3.41 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 7.1 cm narrower
    This portable speaker is narrower than the average portable speaker (11 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    11 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 70 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (130 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    130 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 17 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (3 W vs 20 W).
    3 W vs 20 W
  • 1,600 mAh less battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (1,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    1,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 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.
  • 7.5 W lower charging input power
    This portable speaker has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (2.5 W vs 10 W).
    2.5 W vs 10 W
  • 10 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50 mm).
    40 mm vs 50 mm
  • 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.
  • 1.3% worse value for money
    Harman Kardon Neo offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.45 vs 7.5).
    7.45 vs 7.55
  • 70 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (130 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    130 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 17 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (3 W vs 20 W).
    3 W vs 20 W
  • 10 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50 mm).
    40 mm vs 50 mm
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    1 vs 2
  • 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
  • 1,600 mAh less battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (1,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    1,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 7.5 W lower charging input power
    This portable speaker has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (2.5 W vs 10 W).
    2.5 W vs 10 W
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (10 hours vs 12 hours).
    10 hours vs 12 hours
  • 10 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (10 °C vs 0 °C).
    10 °C vs 0 °C
  • 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.

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
theaureview.com
06/10/2020
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon NeoGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review: Punching well above its weight
T
tech360.tv
04/03/2020
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Neo Review: Plenty of Power in This Small Package

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 Neo

  • Elegant and premium design with an aluminum housing
  • Compact, lightweight, and highly portable palm-sized form factor
  • Impressive volume output and clarity for its small 3-watt size
  • Excellent mid-range performance and clear vocal reproduction
  • Reliable IPX7 waterproof rating for outdoor or poolside use
  • Echo-cancelling speakerphone capability ideal for conference calls
  • Modern USB-C charging port and 3.5mm auxiliary line-in jack

What customers don't like about Harman Kardon Neo

  • Weak bass response and lack of a dedicated subwoofer or passive radiator
  • Outdated Bluetooth 4.2 technology resulting in occasional connectivity issues
  • Battery life sometimes falls short of the advertised 10 hours at higher volumes
  • A soft background hiss or white noise can be heard when audio is paused
  • Audio distortion can occur when the volume is pushed near 100%
  • The integrated carrying strap is non-removable
  • The power and volume buttons feel mushy or inconsistent to press

Verdict

The Harman Kardon Neo is a compact, palm-sized portable speaker measuring 110 x 110 x 34.1mm and weighing 251g. It features a single 40mm transducer that produces 3W RMS output power with a frequency response of 130Hz to 20kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio over 80dB. Key advantages include an IPX7 waterproof rating, a premium metal housing with a sturdy transport strap, an echo-cancelling speakerphone, Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, and a 1000mAh lithium-ion polymer battery that provides up to 10 hours of playtime with a 3-hour recharge time via USB-C. However, the speaker suffers from limited bass response due to its small size, audible background speaker hiss when idling, and inconsistent, mushy physical button feedback.

Compare Harman Kardon Neo with other products in the Portable Speakers category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

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

No results found