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Harman Kardon Nova Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£260
  • Avg. price in US: ~$300
  • Audio output power: 40.00 W
  • Battery life: 8 hours
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: ?
  • Weight: 2720 g

Harman Kardon Nova 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.

6.5

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%

6.4

Technical Score

20.0%

6.8

User score

Good
6.4

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%

7.4

Audio

20.0%

6.0

Battery

18.0%

6.5

Durability

16.0%

5.7

Connectivity

8.0%

4.9

Controls

3.0%

7.2

Design

3.0%

3.9

Smart features

Good
6.8

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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

3.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(14)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Good
  • 5.5
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    7.2

    Weight

    15.0%

    2.8

    Battery life

  • 4.9
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    5.6

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    2.8

    Battery life

    15.0%

    7.2

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Party mode

  • 4.8
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    5.6

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    7.2

    Weight

  • harman-kardon-nova
harman-kardon-nova

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Harman Kardon Nova is a powered 2.0-channel wireless desktop speaker system delivering a total output of 40 watts (or up to 80 watts peak power) through its performance-tuned 2.5-inch woofers, 1.25-inch tweeters, and passive bass radiators. Operating across a frequency response of 70Hz to 20KHz with an 85dB signal-to-noise ratio, it features proprietary digital signal processing (DSP) for an enhanced soundstage, and offers versatile connectivity via Bluetooth with NFC, digital optical, and 3.5mm analog inputs. The main advantages include an exceptionally clear audio performance with crisp highs, a unique see-through turbine design, and flexible input options, though it suffers from audio distortion with deep bass at maximum volume, has somewhat finicky touch-sensitive physical controls, and requires a continuous wall adapter connection rather than utilizing an integrated portable battery.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Harman Kardon Nova

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%

7.4

Audio

20.0%

6.0

Battery

18.0%

6.5

Durability

16.0%

5.7

Connectivity

8.0%

4.9

Controls

3.0%

7.2

Design

3.0%

3.9

Smart features

6.4
Harman Kardon Nova has a technical score of 6.37 points, which is lower than 75.2% 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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

3.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(14)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

6.8
Harman Kardon Nova has a user score of 6.8 points, which is lower than 91.7% 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.
3.1
Harman Kardon Nova has a popularity of 3.1 points, which is lower than 51.7% 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%

6.5

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

7.3
Harman Kardon Nova has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.3 points, which is lower than 83.1% 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

40.00 W
Harman Kardon Nova has an audio output power of 40.00 W which is higher than that of 70.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.7% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 40.00 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

?
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

4
Harman Kardon Nova has 4 drivers, which is more than 81.7% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.9% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 4.
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

55.00 Hz
Harman Kardon Nova has a lowest frequency of 55.00 Hz which is lower than that of 55.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.2% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 55.00 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 Nova 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 Nova 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

?
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 Nova 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 Nova 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

?
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

?
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

?
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

no
Harman Kardon Nova does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. 81.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
Show more
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 Nova 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 Nova 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

?
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

no
Harman Kardon Nova lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
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

?
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 Nova 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

yes
Harman Kardon Nova supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
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 Nova 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 Nova supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports documented one-tap or quick device pairing.
Show more
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

2,720 g
Harman Kardon Nova weighs 2,720 g which is heavier than that of 78% 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

16.5 cm
Harman Kardon Nova has a height of 16.5 cm which is taller than that of 63.4% 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

16 cm
Harman Kardon Nova has a width of 16 cm which is narrower than that of 57.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.2% 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

11.4 cm
Harman Kardon Nova has a depth of 11.4 cm which is deeper than that of 66.5% 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

Harman Kardon Remote
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 Nova 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 Nova 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 Nova does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports native Spotify Connect.
Show more

Harman Kardon Nova vs the average portable speaker

  • 2 more speaker drivers
    Harman Kardon Nova has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 4.
    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

    Harman Kardon Nova has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).4 vs 2
  • 2,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    Harman Kardon Nova 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 Nova 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 Nova 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 Nova has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).2 vs 1
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Harman Kardon Nova 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 Nova has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 20 W more audio output power
    Harman Kardon Nova has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (40 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 40.00 W.
    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

    Harman Kardon Nova has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (40 W vs 20.00 W).40.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • 5 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    Harman Kardon Nova has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (85 dB vs 80 dB).
    Signal-to-noise ratio: 85.00 dB.
    What it is: The ratio between the wanted audio signal and background noise.
    When it matters: When cleaner audio with less background noise matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 80 dB

    Harman Kardon Nova has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (85 dB vs 80 dB).85.00 dB vs 80 dB
  • Supports fast pairing
    Harman Kardon Nova 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 Nova supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    Harman Kardon Nova supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
    What it is: Shows whether NFC can be used to start Bluetooth pairing quickly.
    When it matters: When you want faster tap-to-pair setup with compatible devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Nova supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    Harman Kardon Nova has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
  • 2,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    Harman Kardon Nova has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Harman Kardon Nova has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 20 W more audio output power
    Harman Kardon Nova has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (40 W vs 20.00 W).
  • 5 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    Harman Kardon Nova has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (85 dB vs 80 dB).
  • 5 Hz deeper bass extension
    Harman Kardon Nova has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (55 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    Harman Kardon Nova has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    Harman Kardon Nova supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • Has a TOSLINK optical input
    Harman Kardon Nova has a TOSLINK optical input, while the average portable speaker does not have a TOSLINK optical input.
  • Includes a power adapter
    Harman Kardon Nova includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Supports fast pairing
    Harman Kardon Nova supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.

Total
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Controls
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Harman Kardon Nova has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    Harman Kardon Nova has fewer USB ports than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Physical USB ports: 0.
  • 3 fewer paired devices remembered
    Harman Kardon Nova remembers fewer paired devices than the average portable speaker (5 vs 8).
    Remembered Bluetooth devices: 5.
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    Harman Kardon Nova has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Harman Kardon Nova does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    Harman Kardon Nova does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Is not water resistant
    Harman Kardon Nova is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Harman Kardon Nova is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Harman Kardon Nova 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 Nova 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 Nova does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 1,920 g heavier
    Harman Kardon Nova is heavier than the average portable speaker (2,720 g vs 800 g).
  • 4.1 cm taller
    Harman Kardon Nova is taller than the average portable speaker (16.5 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 3.1 cm deeper
    Harman Kardon Nova is deeper than the average portable speaker (11.4 cm vs 8.3 cm).
  • 6 older
    Harman Kardon Nova was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2013.
  • Is not water resistant
    Harman Kardon Nova 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 Nova is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Harman Kardon Nova 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 Nova is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Harman Kardon Nova has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
    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 Nova has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    Harman Kardon Nova 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 Nova has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).8 hours vs 12 hours
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Harman Kardon Nova does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
    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

    Harman Kardon Nova does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Harman Kardon Nova 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 Nova does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Harman Kardon Nova 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 Nova does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    Harman Kardon Nova does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
    What it is: Shows whether the remaining battery level can be displayed clearly.
    When it matters: When you want to know the remaining charge before or during use.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Nova does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design
Smart features

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

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
14 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about Harman Kardon Nova?

  • Striking and beautiful transparent turbine aesthetics
  • Impressive clarity in the mid-range and high frequencies
  • Rich and surprising bass extension for their compact size
  • Versatile connectivity including Bluetooth, NFC, optical, and 3.5mm inputs
  • Excellent stereo separation and expansive soundstage performance
  • Convenient touch-capacitive controls that sync volume with source devices

What customers dislike about Harman Kardon Nova?

  • Noticeable sound distortion on deep sub-bass tracks at maximum volume
  • Annoying and overly loud confirmation beeps when pairing or turning off
  • Aggressive auto-sleep power saving feature that shuts down after brief idleness
  • Lack of a dedicated remote control making television integration inconvenient
  • Frequencies and fine detail tend to fade significantly at very low volumes
  • Relatively high retail price point for a desktop 2.0 system

Expert reviews

P
pcmag.com
18/04/2014
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon NovaGo to product viewer dialog for this item. Review
E
expertreviews.co.uk
06/04/2014
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Nova review
A
audioholics.com
17/03/2014
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Nova Bluetooth Speakers Video Review Would you like me to find more user impressions or analyze the technical sound measurements detaile...
S
soundandvision.com
06/12/2013
Summary of the review
Review: Harman Kardon Nova Wireless Desktop Speakers
N
nikktech.com
24/06/2015
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon NOVA Wireless Stereo Speaker System Review
I
indianexpress.com
07/08/2014
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Nova: Performance to match its looks
J
joewilcox.com
11/05/2015
Summary of the review
Harman/Kardon Nova Review - Joe Wilcox
S
stereowiseplus.com
23/11/2014
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Nova 2.0 Portable Wireless Speaker System Review
A
au.pcmag.com
16/04/2014
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Nova - Review 2014 - PCMag Australia
U
uk.pcmag.com
15/04/2014
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Nova - Review 2014 - PCMag UK
D
digitaltrends.com
24/04/2023
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Nova 2.0 review For detailed technical specifications, you can visit the Harman Kardon website.
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
06/09/2013
Summary of the review
Harman/Kardon NOVA Review: New Products from IFA in Our Test
(Translated)Show original
M
modernhifi.de
01/03/2015
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Nova Review: Modern Hi-Fi Desktop Speakers
(Translated)Show original
M
modernhifi.de
20/04/2015
Summary of the review
Bluetooth Speaker Review: Tracking down the Hype
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
24/12/2013
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Nova Review - Les Numériques
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
24/12/2013
Summary of the review
Review: Harman/Kardon Nova and Yamaha NX-B55 PC speakers
(Translated)Show original

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