1
Bose
SoundLink Flex Series
83% positive of 155 users
Compact, durable, impressive sound for size, but distorts high volume.
Onyx Studio 9
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Sentiment score76% positive
13
4
0
Last updated: Jun 17, 2026
Reddit Reviews
28 of 28 reviews
Beandip_WarriorI only have the GP3 in HK speakers and it sounds great. I heard the Onyx sound great at lower levels decent bass if it’s at lower volume especially the 9. I only have the Ult Field 1 and its bass is decent for its size I’ve heard it has a deeper bass than the JBL charge 5.
C00lst3rI got the HK Onyx 9 for half price and that speaker blows my mind. I’ll try bringing it to the beach with me in the summer.
Desperate_Stay_5899It goes 30hz. Even the tiny 4.5inch woofer on hk onyx 9 has a bass peak at 34hz
hands down onyx 9. proper deep rumble at 30hz. it as a big bass peak at 52ish hz and a secondary peak at 34hz. I had onyx 6 for years and recently got onyx 9. both of these are like a subwoofer when you place the right. they even have proper deep bass even at 10% volume.
onyx 8 vs 9? I have heard people complaining about the onyx 9 crossover and how onyx 8 is louder and more boomy at low volumes
Dragonheart1984The 5 is an amazing speaker. I have the 5 and the 9. I've used the 5 a lot more than the 9. Generally speaking, for portable Bluetooth speakers, Harman is in a category of their own achieving such great sound at low wattage.
Financial_Exam_2743Onyx 9, good option. If you're lucky you can find 2 Onyx 8 and listen in stereo
Fish5I have an Xtreme 2 and Harman Onyx Studio 9. The Onyx is a clear step up in clarity, fidelity and bass extension.
Top Portable Bluetooth Speakers on Reddit
2
Minirig
Minirig 4
86% positive of 70 users
Tiny, unrivaled sound for DJs, but pricey with bad Bluetooth.
3
JBL
Charge 6
81% positive of 144 users
Portable, durable, punchy bass, but distorts up close, dull vocals.
4
soundcore
Boom 2 Plus
81% positive of 109 users
Budget king for loud, deep bass; bulky with harsh mids.
5
Anker
Select 4 Go
88% positive of 58 users
Great value, good stereo paired, but lacks power for parties.
Rankings by Use Case
Best for Audiobooks and podcasts
Ranked #1
Anker - Select 4 Go
Listeners who primarily consume speech-heavy content at home, in bed, or in noisy work environments like workshops or car detailing.
See rankings → Best for Audiophile-grade sound
Ranked #1
Harman Kardon - Go + Play 3
Critical listeners who want a portable system that rivals the detail and fidelity of high-end home audio.
See rankings → Best for Backpacking and hiking
Ranked #1
LG Electronics - XBOOM Grab
Hikers and campers who need to keep their gear load minimal but want better-than-phone audio at the campsite.
See rankings → Best for Boating and kayaking
Ranked #1
soundcore - Boom 3i
People engaging in recreational water activities who need a speaker that can survive submersion and stay synced with a group.
See rankings → Best for Outoor parties and large gatherings
Ranked #1
JBL - PartyBox 520
Social hosts who need to provide music for a group in backyards, rooftops, or large indoor spaces.
See rankings → Best for Quiet home listening
Ranked #1
Bose - SoundLink Flex Series
Users who want background music or podcasts in a quiet room (bedroom, kitchen, office) without the 'thin' sound typical of small speakers at low volumes.
See rankings → 
