Exceptionally Impressive Bluetooth Speaker Earns Top Rank in 2025 - Boasting Exceptional Performance at an Affordable Price
In the middle of a blistering UK heatwave, I'd rather be outside working with a top-notch Bluetooth speaker by my side, if not recuperating from a fever at home. One of those, Harman Kardon's Onyx Studio 9, caught me off guard - in the best way possible - when I reviewed it recently. This portable Bluetooth speaker is more than capable, delivering 5-star performance with a shockingly affordable price tag.
Though it might not have been designed for outdoors specifically, the Onyx Studio 9 comfortably handles the challenge. I've been using it indoors, and in the past, outdoors as well - just beware of rain and water as it's not weather-sealed. Its sound quality under the sunshine was impressive.
Big Sound, Small Price
Affordable Bluetooth speakers often compromise on sound quality, but the Onyx Studio 9 shatters that preconceived notion. While some of the best portable Bluetooth speakers can cost a pretty penny, the Onyx 9 offers a fraction of the price with big, bold, bassy sound that could make Sonos jealous. Whether you need something loud for a party or a softer melody for a quiet evening, the Onyx 9 can deliver.
One of the key reasons why the Onyx 9's quality surprised me is its improved battery life. Compared to the Onyx 8's battery capacity (3283mAh), the Onyx 9's battery (4722mAh) supplies 8 hours of playtime, enough for a full working day without recharging.
In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, the Onyx 9 features Auracast for connecting other speakers wirelessly. You can easily pair devices like your phone or tablet for a hassle-free music experience, or go through the embedded control buttons on top of the speaker. The built-in app makes music control even easier.
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Any Downsides?
From the moment it turns on, the Onyx 9 astonishes with its remarkable bass production, especially considering its compact size. A trio of tweeters allows for balanced highs, ensuring a full and rich sound experience.
Although the Onyx Studio 9 is easy to move around the house from room to room, the lack of a charging cradle is somewhat disappointing. Older Harman Kardon products came with a cradle for convenient charging, but the Onyx 9 relies on a Fig-8 cable for recharging.
Notwithstanding its minor drawbacks, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 exceeded my expectations by delivering Sonos-rivaling sound for a lower price. The speaker boasts sleek design, impressive sound quality, and user-friendly controls. Overall, it's a great addition to your indoor or outdoor audio setup.
Despite its compact size, the Onyx Studio 9 delivers a full and rich sound experience, with remarkable bass production that rivals high-end speakers. Its significant improvement in battery life ensures uninterrupted music playtime for a full working day. Although it lacks a charging cradle, its various connectivity options and user-friendly controls make up for it, making the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 a valuable addition to both indoor and smart-home-devices outdoor audio setups.
