OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£210Audio output power:50.00 WBattery life:8 hoursIP rating:?Bluetooth version:5.2Weight:3520 g

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Review: Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8
6.7/10

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Score components

80%

6.2

Technical score

20%

9.0

User score

â–²Better than 52% of portable speakers
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 60%
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

32%

7.8

Audio

20%

5.4

Battery

18%

5.0

Durability

16%

6.3

Connectivity

8%

4.8

Controls

3%

5.5

Design

3%

5.0

Smart features

â–¼Worse than 74%
9.0

User score

User score
9.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

8.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 88%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Portable Speakers model ranking

Ranked #443 of 1,316 models in Portable Speakers (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components:

32%

7.8

Audio

20%

5.4

Battery

18%

5.0

Durability

16%

6.3

Connectivity

8%

4.8

Controls

3%

5.5

Design

3%

5.0

Smart features

6.2
User score
User score
9.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

8.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.0
Popularity
Popularity
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 84% of models
Popularity:
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 has a popularity score of 8.7 points, which is higher than 84.4% of products in this category.
8.7
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components:

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

7.5
Audio output power
50 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 50 W which is higher than that of 75.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.3% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
?
Number of drivers
3
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 3 drivers, which is more than 70.1% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
50 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 50 Hz which is lower than that of 59.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.1% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
5.2
Market range: <3 – >5.3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 5.2 which is newer than that of 75.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.9% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Market range: <10 m – >30 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; AVRCP
Bluetooth LE Audio
?
Show more
Battery life
8 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 8 hours which is shorter than that of 68.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.6% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
3,250 mAh
Market range: <900 mAh – >6.6k mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 3,250 mAh which is larger than that of 64.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Charging time
5 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 hours
This portable speaker 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
38 W
Market range: <5 W – >30 W
This portable speaker 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
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
?
Water resistance
no
This portable speaker is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
no
This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
Not waterproof m
This portable speaker is not rated for underwater use. 47.6% of portable speakers have a native waterproof depth rating.
Drop resistance
no
This portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
top
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
no
This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
no
This portable speaker does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
3,520 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 3,520 g which is heavier than that of 84.1% of portable speakers.
Height
27.58 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 27.58 cm which is taller than that of 89.1% of portable speakers.
Width
31.2 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 31.2 cm which is wider than that of 82.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Depth
16.38 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 16.38 cm which is deeper than that of 83.6% of portable speakers.
Carry options
handle
Show more
Companion app name
?
Firmware updates
no
This portable speaker does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Firmware update method
USB
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 30 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (50 W vs 20 W).
    50 W vs 20 W
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 28 W higher charging input power
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
    Uses microphone noise/echo cancellation for calls or voice.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more microphones
    This portable speaker has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    This portable speaker has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
    Has a physical USB-C port.
  • 13% higher user score
    User score
    9.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8
    the average portable speaker
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 has a higher user score than the average portable speaker (9.04 vs 8).
    9.04 vs 8
  • 2.07x more popular
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 is more popular than the average portable speaker (8.71 vs 4.21).
    8.71 vs 4.21
  • 30 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (50 W vs 20 W).
    50 W vs 20 W
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    This portable speaker has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
    Uses microphone noise/echo cancellation for calls or voice.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more microphones
    This portable speaker has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Has beamforming microphones
    This portable speaker has beamforming microphones, while the average portable speaker does not have beamforming microphones.
    Uses beamforming microphone technology.
  • 10 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (50 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    50 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    This portable speaker has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
    Has a physical USB-C port.
  • 0.2 Bluetooth levels newer
    This portable speaker has a newer Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (5.2 vs 5).
    5.2 vs 5
  • 28 W higher charging input power
    This portable speaker has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (38 W vs 10 W).
    38 W vs 10 W
  • 650 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (3,250 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    3,250 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • Supports automatic room calibration
    This portable speaker supports automatic room calibration, while the average portable speaker does not support automatic room calibration.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
    8 hours vs 12 hours
  • 2,720 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,520 g vs 800 g).
    3,520 g vs 800 g
  • 15.18 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (27.6 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    27.58 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 13.1 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (31.2 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    31.2 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 2.33x more expensive
    Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£210 vs £90).
    £210 vs £90
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
    8 hours vs 12 hours
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • 2,720 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,520 g vs 800 g).
    3,520 g vs 800 g
  • 15.18 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (27.6 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    27.58 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 13.1 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (31.2 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    31.2 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 8.08 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (16.4 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    16.38 cm vs 8.3 cm

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

R
rtings.com
15/11/2022
Summary of the review
Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Speaker Review
I
imore.com
18/05/2023
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Onyx 8 Bluetooth Speaker review - The weird sound planetoid
C
consumerreports.org
01/03/2024
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Wireless & Bluetooth Speaker Review If you are looking to buy this model, I can help you find current pricing, compare it...
K
konsolenfan.de
20/03/2023
Summary of the review
Review: Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 – a premium Bluetooth speaker for the home
(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
12/12/2023
Summary of the review
Harman-Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Lab Test: Substance and Style
(Translated)Show original
C
culturasonora.es
2026 (Última actualización de la guía)
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8: The best Bluetooth speaker
(Translated)Show original
P
publimetro.cl
13/12/2023
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 Review: Quality Audio meets Stunning Design
(Translated)Show original
I
infobae.com
29/12/2023
Summary of the review
How we did with the Onyx Studio 8, the speaker that resembles the planet Saturn
(Translated)Show original
F
fwd.nl
31/08/2022
Summary of the review
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 is an elegant premium Bluetooth speaker
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8

  • Excellent sound quality with well-balanced mids and crisp highs.
  • Deep, strong, and punchy bass performance that easily fills large rooms.
  • Unique, elegant planetoid design with an integrated anodised aluminium handle for easy carrying.
  • Eco-friendly build utilising recycled plastics and sustainable polyester yarn fabrics.
  • Automatic room calibration feature that self-tunes the audio profile based on its environment.
  • Supports wireless dual sound pairing to connect two units for a true stereo setup.
  • Includes a built-in microphone for crystal-clear, hands-free voice calls.

What customers don't like about Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8

  • Lacks any official IP rating for water or dust resistance, making it unsuitable for pool, beach, or rain use.
  • Relatively short battery life (advertised up to 8 hours) that drops faster at higher volumes or when heavy bass is playing.
  • Noticeable loss of peak power output and deep bass response when unplugged from the mains.
  • High latency with iOS and Android devices, which can cause annoying lip-sync issues when watching videos.
  • Heavy and bulky form factor (weighing around 3 kg) compared to other highly rugged outdoor bluetooth speakers.
  • Audio compression and distortion can occur when pushing the unit to its maximum volume.
  • Cannot be paired with more than two units simultaneously, limiting wider multi-room configurations.

Verdict

The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 is a premium portable Bluetooth 5.2 speaker featuring a distinctive circular design with an integrated anodized aluminum handle, housing a 120mm woofer and two 20mm tweeters that deliver 50W RMS of stereo power across a 50Hz to 20kHz frequency response. Weighing 3.52 kg, its primary strengths include deep, rich bass performance, an automatic room calibration feature that self-tunes audio to surrounding acoustics, and integrated dual far-field microphones for clear hands-free calling. However, its downsides include a relatively short battery life of up to 8 hours that drops down to 30W output when unplugged, a slow 5-hour recharge time, a lack of an IP water or dust resistance rating, and a lack of companion app support for manual EQ customization.

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