When choosing a portable Bluetooth speaker, the Bose SoundLink III and Harman Kardon Onyx are two popular options. Both offer excellent sound quality, stylish designs, and portability, but they cater to slightly different preferences and needs. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which speaker is right for you.
Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker III
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
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Design and Build Quality
Bose SoundLink III:
The Bose SoundLink III has a sleek, minimalistic design typical of Bose products. It features a sturdy aluminum body with silicone button covers and a rubberized base for stability. The speaker is relatively compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It has a clean, understated look that fits well in various settings.
Harman Kardon Onyx:
The Harman Kardon Onyx series is known for its unique and eye-catching design. The Onyx speakers have a circular shape with a glossy front and a fabric-covered rear. The build quality is solid, and the design is more artistic, making it a statement piece in any room. The speaker also includes a metal handle, which adds to its portability despite being slightly bulkier than the SoundLink III.
Sound Quality
Bose SoundLink III:
Bose is renowned for its high-quality audio, and the SoundLink III is no exception. It delivers clear, balanced sound with a strong emphasis on mids and highs. The bass is present but not overpowering, providing a well-rounded listening experience. The speaker is capable of filling a medium-sized room with sound and performs well across various genres of music.
Harman Kardon Onyx:
The Harman Kardon Onyx speakers are known for their powerful bass and rich sound. They produce a deep, immersive audio experience, with strong lows and crisp highs. The Onyx has a wider soundstage compared to the SoundLink III, making it ideal for those who enjoy bass-heavy music or want a more robust sound. The speaker also offers 360-degree sound, ensuring a consistent audio experience from all angles.
Battery Life
Bose SoundLink III:
The SoundLink III offers impressive battery life, lasting up to 14 hours on a single charge. This makes it an excellent choice for all-day use or extended listening sessions. The battery life can vary depending on the volume level and usage, but it generally performs well in this aspect.
Harman Kardon Onyx:
The Harman Kardon Onyx typically offers up to 5-8 hours of battery life, depending on the model and usage. While this is sufficient for casual use or short gatherings, it falls short compared to the SoundLink III. The Onyx's shorter battery life is partly due to its higher power output and more bass-heavy sound profile.
Connectivity and Features
Bose SoundLink III:
The SoundLink III offers Bluetooth connectivity with a range of up to 30 feet. It also has an auxiliary input for wired connections and supports multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect two devices simultaneously. The speaker is easy to pair and use, with simple controls for volume, play/pause, and Bluetooth.
Harman Kardon Onyx:
The Onyx series offers Bluetooth connectivity, with some models also supporting Wi-Fi and integration with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. The speakers have an auxiliary input, and some models include NFC for quick pairing. The Onyx also supports multi-room audio, allowing you to connect multiple speakers for a synchronized listening experience.
Price and Value
Bose SoundLink III:
The SoundLink III is generally priced higher than the average portable speaker, reflecting its premium build quality and brand reputation. It offers excellent value for those seeking reliable performance, long battery life, and balanced sound.
Harman Kardon Onyx:
The Harman Kardon Onyx is also positioned in the premium segment, with prices varying based on the specific model and features. It offers good value for those who prioritize powerful sound, unique design, and additional connectivity options like Wi-Fi and voice assistant integration.
Conclusion
The choice between the Bose SoundLink III and Harman Kardon Onyx depends on your preferences and needs:
Choose Bose SoundLink III if you value long battery life, balanced sound quality, and a sleek, portable design. It's ideal for users who need a reliable speaker for extended use and diverse music genres.
Choose Harman Kardon Onyx if you prefer powerful bass, a distinctive design, and additional features like voice assistant integration and multi-room audio. It's perfect for bass enthusiasts and those who want a speaker that stands out visually and audibly.
Ultimately, both speakers are excellent choices in the portable Bluetooth speaker market, offering unique strengths to suit different tastes and requirements.
