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Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£200
  • Audio output power: 60.00 W
  • Battery life: 8 hours
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: 4.2
  • Weight: 2061 g

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 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.

7.3

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.

Score components:

80.0%

6.7

Technical Score

20.0%

9.6

User score

Very good
6.7

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%

7.8

Audio

20.0%

5.4

Battery

18.0%

7.0

Durability

16.0%

5.8

Connectivity

8.0%

6.9

Controls

3.0%

6.6

Design

3.0%

6.6

Smart features

Good
9.6

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%

9.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(8857)
amazon
4.6
(4471)
amazon
4.6
(145)
United States
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4.7
(8374)
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(4618)
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(518)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(104)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Exceptional
  • 5.6
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    8.0

    Weight

    15.0%

    2.8

    Battery life

  • 7.0
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    8.1

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    2.8

    Battery life

    15.0%

    8.0

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Party mode

  • 7.5
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    8.1

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    8.0

    Weight

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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 Onyx Studio 4 is an iconic, disc-shaped portable Bluetooth 4.2 speaker equipped with two 75mm woofers, two 20mm tweeters, and dual passive radiators, delivering a frequency response of 50Hz–20kHz (-6dB) and an 80dB signal-to-noise ratio. Its main characteristics include an output power of 60W RMS (4 x 15W) when plugged into AC power, which drops to 30W RMS (4 x 7.5W) when running on its 3,000mAh internal battery. Major pros highlight its deep, resonant bass, clear highs, crystal-clear conferencing with VoiceLogic noise cancellation, multi-device pairing for two smartphones, and HK Connect+ compatibility to link over 100 speakers. However, notable cons include a heavy 4.5-pound frame that mimics the size of a basketball, a lacking IP water-resistance rating, and a mediocre battery performance that often falls short of its advertised 8-hour playtime during loud playback.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 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%

7.8

Audio

20.0%

5.4

Battery

18.0%

7.0

Durability

16.0%

5.8

Connectivity

8.0%

6.9

Controls

3.0%

6.6

Design

3.0%

6.6

Smart features

6.7
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a technical score of 6.71 points, which is lower than 57.5% 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%

9.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(8857)
amazon
4.6
(4471)
amazon
4.6
(145)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(8374)
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(4618)
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(518)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(104)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

9.6
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a user score of 9.58 points, which is higher than 98% 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.
10
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 66.6% 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%

7.3

Overall score

40.0%

9.5

Price

7.9
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.9 points, which is higher than 60.4% 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

60.00 W
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has an audio output power of 60.00 W which is higher than that of 79.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.5% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 60.00 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 Onyx Studio 4 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

50.00 Hz
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a lowest frequency of 50.00 Hz which is lower than that of 59.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.1% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 50.00 Hz.
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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 Onyx Studio 4 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

4.2
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 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.
Bluetooth version: 4.2.
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 Onyx Studio 4 has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10.00 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range: 10.00 m.
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

A2DP; AVRCP; HFP
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 Onyx Studio 4 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 Onyx Studio 4 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

3,000 mAh
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 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
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

5 hours
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a charging time of 5 hours which is longer than that of 87% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.7% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

38 W
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a maximum charging input power of 38 W which is higher than that of 93.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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 Onyx Studio 4 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 Onyx Studio 4 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

?
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On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

top; rear
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 Onyx Studio 4 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 Onyx Studio 4 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 Onyx Studio 4 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

no
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No qualifying fast-pair capability; initial pairing is manual or standard.
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Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

2061 g
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 weighs 2061 g which is heavier than that of 72.8% 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

26 cm
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a height of 26 cm which is taller than that of 87.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% 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

27.8 cm
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a width of 27.8 cm which is wider than that of 75.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% 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

15.95 cm
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a depth of 15.95 cm which is deeper than that of 82.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% 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

handle
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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

HK Connect
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 Onyx Studio 4 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

yes
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct 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 Onyx Studio 4 does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
Show more

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 vs the average portable speaker

  • 40 W more audio output power
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (60 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 60.00 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 Onyx Studio 4 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (60 W vs 20.00 W).60.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 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 Onyx Studio 4 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).4 vs 2
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated low-frequency driver is included.
    When it matters: When stronger low-frequency output matters without adding separate equipment.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 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 Onyx Studio 4 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).2 vs 1
  • 28 W higher charging input power
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (38 W vs 10 W).
    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

    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (38 W vs 10 W).38 W vs 10 W
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
    Uses microphone noise/echo cancellation for calls or voice.
    What it is: Indicates whether the microphones can reduce surrounding noise during capture.
    When it matters: When calls or voice commands must remain clear around background noise.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 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 Onyx Studio 4 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has an equalizer
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
    What it is: Shows whether the sound balance can be adjusted across frequency ranges.
    When it matters: When you want to adjust bass, midrange, or treble balance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • 40 W more audio output power
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (60 W vs 20.00 W).
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 10 Hz deeper bass extension
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (50 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
  • 35 ms lower audio latency
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has lower audio latency than the average portable speaker (50 ms vs 85 ms).
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • 28 W higher charging input power
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (38 W vs 10 W).
  • Includes a power adapter
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 400 mAh more battery capacity
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (3,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • Has an equalizer
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Supports party mode
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Supports playback mute
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • Has a programmable button
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a programmable button, while the average portable speaker does not have a programmable button.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
  • Supports voice assistants
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.

Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Controls
Smart features
  • 12 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (80 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 80.00 dB.
  • 26 mm smaller built-in subwoofer
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a smaller built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (75 mm vs 101 mm).
    Built-in subwoofer diameter: 75.00 mm.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
  • Is not water resistant
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 1,261 g heavier
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 is heavier than the average portable speaker (2061 g vs 800 g).
  • 13.6 cm taller
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 is taller than the average portable speaker (26 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 7.65 cm deeper
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 is deeper than the average portable speaker (16 cm vs 8.3 cm).
  • 9.7 cm wider
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 is wider than the average portable speaker (27.8 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • Is not water resistant
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 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 Onyx Studio 4 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 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 Onyx Studio 4 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 12 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (80 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 80.00 dB.
    What it is: The maximum acoustic loudness the speaker can produce.
    When it matters: When the speaker must play loudly in a large or outdoor space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 90 dB SPL

    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (80 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).80.00 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
    What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
    When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <= 4 h

    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 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
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 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 Onyx Studio 4 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).8 hours vs 12 hours
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 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 Onyx Studio 4 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
    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

    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).4.2 vs 5.0
  • 1,261 g heavier
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 is heavier than the average portable speaker (2061 g vs 800 g).
    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

    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 is heavier than the average portable speaker (2061 g vs 800 g).2061 g vs 800 g
Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design

Graphic comparison of Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
8857 Reviews
amazon
4.6
4471 Reviews
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4.6
145 Reviews
United States
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4.7
8374 Reviews
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4.7
4618 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
518 Reviews
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4.6
104 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4?

  • Exceptional overall sound quality with crisp mids and clear highs
  • Deep, powerful, and rich bass response
  • High volume output capable of easily filling large rooms or events
  • Maintains audio clarity at high volumes with minimal distortion
  • HK Connect+ feature allows daisy-chaining up to 100+ compatible speakers
  • Sturdy build quality and an attractive, premium design

What customers dislike about Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4?

  • Subpar battery life that often drains faster than the claimed 8 hours when played loudly
  • Bulky, heavy basketball-sized shape that limits portable travel or fitting into backpacks
  • Lacks water resistance, making it risky for beach or poolside use
  • Power drop when unplugged, reducing total output wattage significantly on battery mode
  • Charges via a large external power brick rather than a standard USB cable
  • Design of the supporting legs can feel awkward or unstable on certain surfaces

Expert reviews

T
techgearlab.com
18/02/2018
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 Review | Tested & Rated If you want, I can expand this research to include: Full testing reviews for other precise generat...
T
techgearlab.com
20/02/2018
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 Review | Tested & Rated TechGearLab
H
hifitest.de
Test Date Not Specified
Summary of the review
Review - Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 - hifitest.de
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
27/02/2018
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 Portable Speaker Review: The Quiet Force
(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
14/10/2017
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 Lab Test: The same, with better battery life
(Translated)Show original
P
pisapapeles.net
03/09/2018
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 Review - Paperweight
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
10/01/2019
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 Black
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
19/12/2024
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 Grey
(Translated)Show original

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