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Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£110
  • Audio output power: 50.00 W
  • Battery life: 8 hours
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: 4.2
  • Weight: 2980 g

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 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.

6.9

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%

6.3

Technical Score

20.0%

9.6

User score

Good
6.3

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%

7.5

Audio

20.0%

5.5

Battery

18.0%

6.3

Durability

16.0%

5.8

Connectivity

8.0%

4.7

Controls

3.0%

6.0

Design

3.0%

4.1

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
(2952)
amazon
4.6
(226)
amazon
4.4
(31)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(3074)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(226)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Exceptional
  • 5.4
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    6.9

    Weight

    15.0%

    2.8

    Battery life

  • 5.4
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    6.9

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    2.8

    Battery life

    15.0%

    6.9

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Party mode

  • 5.0
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    6.9

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    6.9

    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 5 is a portable Bluetooth 4.2 speaker featuring an elegant round design with an integrated handle, a 120mm woofer, and a 25mm tweeter. It outputs a powerful 50W RMS with a 50Hz–20kHz frequency response, offering main advantages like exceptional room-filling sound, punchy bass, and dual-device pairing. However, its primary disadvantages include a lack of waterproofing, a short 8-hour battery life requiring a 5-hour charge, and reduced volume performance when running on battery power.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5

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%

7.5

Audio

20.0%

5.5

Battery

18.0%

6.3

Durability

16.0%

5.8

Connectivity

8.0%

4.7

Controls

3.0%

6.0

Design

3.0%

4.1

Smart features

6.3
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has a technical score of 6.25 points, which is lower than 81.2% 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%

9.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(2952)
amazon
4.6
(226)
amazon
4.4
(31)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(3074)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(226)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

9.6
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has a user score of 9.57 points, which is higher than 95.4% 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 5 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%

6.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

7.8
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.8 points, which is higher than 50.5% 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

50.00 W
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has an audio output power of 50.00 W which is higher than that of 75.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.3% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 50.00 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

2
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 2.
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 5 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.
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 Onyx Studio 5 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 5 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 5 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
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 5 does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
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 5 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

3,283 mAh
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has a battery capacity of 3,283 mAh which is larger than that of 64.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% 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 5 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

40 W
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has a maximum charging input power of 40 W which is higher than that of 93.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% 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 5 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 5 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 5 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 Onyx Studio 5 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

front
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 5 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

no
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
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 5 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 5 does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No qualifying fast-pair capability; initial pairing is manual or standard.
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

2,980 g
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 weighs 2,980 g which is heavier than that of 79.6% 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

28.4 cm
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has a height of 28.4 cm which is taller than that of 89.6% 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

29.1 cm
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has a width of 29.1 cm which is wider than that of 78.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% 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

12.8 cm
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has a depth of 12.8 cm which is deeper than that of 71.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% 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
Show more
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

?
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 5 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

USB
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 Onyx Studio 5 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 Onyx Studio 5 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 5 vs the average portable speaker

  • 30 W more audio output power
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (50 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 50.00 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 5 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (50 W vs 20.00 W).50.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 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 5 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 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 5 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).2 vs 1
  • 30 W higher charging input power
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (40 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 5 has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (40 W vs 10 W).40 W vs 10 W
  • Supports aptX
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 supports aptX, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX.
    Supports the base Qualcomm aptX codec.
    What it is: Indicates whether the Qualcomm aptX Bluetooth codec is supported.
    When it matters: When improved Bluetooth audio quality matters with compatible source devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 supports aptX, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX.
  • 4 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (96 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 96.00 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 5 has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (96 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).96.00 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL
  • Includes a power adapter
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated power adapter is included in the box.
    When it matters: When you want the required charging hardware supplied in the box.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 10 Hz deeper bass extension
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (50 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 50.00 Hz.
    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

    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (50 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).50.00 Hz vs 60.00 Hz
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • 30 W more audio output power
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (50 W vs 20.00 W).
  • 4 dB SPL higher maximum sound pressure
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has a higher maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (96 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
  • 10 Hz deeper bass extension
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (50 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • Supports aptX
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 supports aptX, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX.
  • 30 W higher charging input power
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (40 W vs 10 W).
  • Includes a power adapter
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 683 mAh more battery capacity
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (3,283 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • Supports playback mute
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.

Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Controls
  • 6 fewer paired devices remembered
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 remembers fewer paired devices than the average portable speaker (2 vs 8).
    Remembered Bluetooth devices: 2.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 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 5 has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
  • Is not water resistant
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 2,180 g heavier
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is heavier than the average portable speaker (2,980 g vs 800 g).
  • 16 cm taller
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is taller than the average portable speaker (28.4 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 11 cm wider
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is wider than the average portable speaker (29.1 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • 4.5 cm deeper
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is deeper than the average portable speaker (12.8 cm vs 8.3 cm).
  • Is not water resistant
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 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 5 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 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 5 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 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 5 has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).5 hours vs 3 hours
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker 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

    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 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 5 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).8 hours vs 12 hours
  • 6 fewer paired devices remembered
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 remembers fewer paired devices than the average portable speaker (2 vs 8).
    Remembered Bluetooth devices: 2.
    What it is: The number of previously paired devices the speaker can remember.
    When it matters: When many household devices reconnect to the speaker regularly.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 8

    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 remembers fewer paired devices than the average portable speaker (2 vs 8).2 vs 8
  • 2,180 g heavier
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 is heavier than the average portable speaker (2,980 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 5 is heavier than the average portable speaker (2,980 g vs 800 g).2980 g vs 800 g
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 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 5 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).4.2 vs 5.0
Total
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design

Graphic comparison of Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
2952 Reviews
amazon
4.6
226 Reviews
amazon
4.4
31 Reviews
United States
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4.7
3074 Reviews
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4.6
226 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5?

  • Exceptional sound clarity and audio quality across high volume levels
  • Deep, powerful, and punching bass response
  • High maximum volume capable of filling large rooms
  • Distinctive round silhouette design with a premium fabric finish
  • Sturdy, integrated aluminum handle makes it easy to carry around the house
  • Ability to wirelessly connect two units together to expand the sound
  • Great overall value for the performance it delivers at its price point

What customers dislike about Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5?

  • Lacks any IP rating for dust or waterproofing, limiting safe outdoor use
  • The heavy and bulky form factor restricts true on-the-go portability
  • Subpar battery life under heavy use despite the long 5-hour charge time
  • Heavy bass can occasionally overwhelm the midrange frequencies, creating a muffled sound
  • Automatically turns off/goes to sleep after 15 minutes of inactivity with no standby mode
  • Inconvenient Bluetooth behavior, such as connection drops or prioritizing previously paired devices
  • Lacks a standard USB port to charge external devices or smartphones

Expert reviews

L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
05/01/2019
Summary of the review
Harman/Kardon Onyx review Studio 5 – a very pleasant companion
T
theempire.nz
25/07/2019
Summary of the review
Harmon/Kardon - Onyx Studio 5 - Review - THE EMPIRE
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
05/01/2019
Summary of the review
Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 5 Review – A Very Pleasant Companion
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
19/03/2026
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 Review - Speakers
(Translated)Show original
L
lemondenumerique.ouest-france.fr
31/10/2018
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 - Le Monde Numérique Les Numériques +2
(Translated)Show original
R
rts.ch
06/06/2020
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 Review
(Translated)Show original
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
05/01/2019
Summary of the review
Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 5 Review – A Very Pleasant Companion
(Translated)Show original
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
05/01/2019
Summary of the review
Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 5 Review – A Very Pleasant Companion
(Translated)Show original
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
05/01/2019
Summary of the review
Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 5 Review
(Translated)Show original
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
05/01/2019
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 Review – A Very Pleasant Companion
(Translated)Show original

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