If you are in a hurry! here is a quick comparison between Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 and JBL Xtreme 2.
|
Model |
JBL Xtreme 2 |
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 |
|---|---|---|
|
Dimensions |
11.3 x 5.4 x 5.2 inches |
11.5 x 11.2 x 5 inches |
|
Weight |
5.3lb |
6.6lb |
|
Battery Size |
10,000mAh |
3,283mAh |
|
Playtime |
Up to 15 hours |
Up to 8 hours |
|
Bluetooth Version |
4.2 |
4.2 |
|
Frequency Response |
55Hz – 20kHz |
50Hz – 20kHz |
|
Number of Active Drivers |
4 |
3 |
|
Sync Feature |
Yes (up to 100 devices) |
Yes (up to 2 devices) |
|
Rating |
||
|
Price |
If you are really serious about your sound quality but still want a portable speaker solution, both these speakers will get the job done. However, sometimes it is hard to choose a winner between Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 vs. JBL Xtreme 2.
Both speakers come from well-known companies were producing high-quality speakers is their signature dish.
Even though these speakers come in the mid-sizes Bluetooth speaker section, they can easily replace your home system.
However, there are a few characteristics that separate these speakers from each other, and we are here to find out why JBL Xtreme 2 is the better option to go for.
Let’s dig deeper and find out which is better JBL Xtreme 2 or Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6.
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6
Harman Kardon is one of the oldest companies that produce high-quality audio products. They’ve started back in the early 50s and move their way up to be one of the respected audio companies in the world.
They are widely known for creating unique designs for speakers where perfection is not enough. Additionally, they also supply audio equipment for big car manufacturers such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and many more. So, now you know that we are talking about a serious audio manufacturer.
Design
Their latest Bluetooth speaker Onyx Studio 6, features a unique but elegant design, which will definitely look good in your home. It is made from high-quality materials like fabric finish and aluminum. To accent its portability, it has a handle on top of the speaker so you can easily carry it around anywhere you go.
It has five buttons (power button, volume up and down, Bluetooth, and Sync) on the front that are hardly noticeable and blend in very nicely with the design.
It is probably one of the most refined Bluetooth speakers available on the market. The Onyx comes in three colors black with a black handle, and navy blue and gray with sleek looking bronze handle.
Just like most Bluetooth speakers, it is rated for IPX7 water-resistance, which technically means that you can submerge in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Specifications
The Onyx Studio 6 has one 120mm woofer and one 25mm tweeter, which means that it can deliver a compelling sound. Its frequency response is from 50Hz – 20kHz, which is plenty enough to fill the whole room or outdoor area with your favorite music.
In terms of sound quality, the Onyx Studio 6 will outperform most Bluetooth speakers. There is absolutely no distortion even when you pump up the volume to the max. Even though it has only one tweeter, it can still produce sharp, high pitched sounds.
Despite its large dimensions, it only uses a 3,283mAh Lithium-ion battery that is capable of playing music for up to 8 hours, depending on the volume and music content. However, from our experience, you will extend that limit since it is a very powerful Bluetooth speaker, and you will only be listening to music at 60%.
More: JBL Flip 4 vs Flip 5: Which One is the Best Option?
Connectivity
The design and high-quality sounds are not the only things the Onyx Studio 6 stands out from other Bluetooth speakers. Onyx Studio 6 also has excellent connectivity features, including Bluetooth version 4.2, which provides instant connectivity and transmitter frequency range of 2402MHz – 2480MHz, which will provide stable connection even when it is far away from the source.
If you still prefer a wired connection, the Onyx Studio 6 has a 3.5mm AUX port at your disposal and a USB for potential firmware updates in the future.
If you are looking for the feature that allows you to create your stereo Bluetooth speaker system, don’t worry, just because Onyx Studio 6 has a feature called Wireless Dual Sound. It will enable you to connect with other Harman Kardon speakers for elevated music experience.
Pros
- Eye-pleasing design
- Multi-host and Dual sound features
- Heavy Bass and perfectly balanced mids and highs
- AUX Connection
Cons
- Even though it is a portable speaker, it isn’t shockproof
- Cannot pair with other speakers from Onyx Studio series
JBL Xtreme 2
Well, JBL is one of the leading companies in the Bluetooth speaker category. In fact, they’ve set a new record of more than 100 million portable speakers sold worldwide.
Cleary, JBL is the first choice for people when it comes to Bluetooth speakers, so let’s find out why.
JBL Xtreme 2 is a bulky Bluetooth speaker that also fits in the mid-sized portable speaker market. It is designed to replace your entire home audio system since it is a compelling speaker.
Design
When it comes to the design, almost all JBL series look identical. The only difference is the size. That is the case with the JBL Xtreme 2, which has a cylindrical shape.
To accent the portability of this speaker, JBL decided to add straps that come with the speaker so that you can carry it around wherever you go. Since it is a bulky speaker, it is not designed for day trips or taking it on a plane.
Just like most JBL Bluetooth speakers, it is very durable and made with hit resisting materials that can withstand quite a few bumps. The Xtreme 2 is covered in rubber, which is a great way to protect the speaker.
Additionally, it has IPX7 water-resistant certification, which means it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
The design isn’t actually revolutionary. It is something that is already seen from previous JBL models. The Xtreme 2 comes in three color options to choose from, black, forest green, or dark blue.
More: Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5 vs Studio 6: Should You Upgrade?
Specifications
Xtreme 2 is a very powerful speaker. It has two 2.75-inch woofers and two 0.8-inch tweeters. To accent deeper sounds, it also has two 3.5-inch passive bass radiators that face outward.
The internal amp powers the four active drivers with 10 watts each, making it a 40W Bluetooth speaker while it is connected to an AC power outlet. The power slightly decreases when you are using the speaker on the internal battery. The frequency response can extend from 55Hz to 20kHz.
It delivers outstanding sound quality, and it is extremely loud, just as the name suggests. Even though it has a lot of deep tones followed by the passive bass radiators, the mids and highs still manage to penetrate them, making a perfect balance.
It has a 10,000mAh battery capable of feeding juice to this speaker for up to 15 hours.
Connectivity
The JBL Xtreme 2 supports Bluetooth 4.2 at a very stable connection. Additionally, if you want to connect multiple JBL speakers, you can do that with the Connect+ feature, which amazingly lets you broadcast a Bluetooth signal to up to 100 other Connect+ devices in the area.
The Xtreme 2 also has a built-in microphone, making it easy to answer calls while connected to your phone. For a wired connection, it has 3.5mm AUX socket, micro, and full-sized USB port for charging and updates, and an AC power socket covered in waterproof rubber.
Pros
- A vibrant and loud sound
- Voice activation and speakerphone functionality
- Made from very durable materials
- Waterproof
Cons
- Sometimes very boomy Bass
- JBL Connect app doesn’t have an equalizer
Which is better JBL Xtreme 2 or Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6
It is time to put both Bluetooth speaker to the test by comparing some of the features on both devices.
Sound Quality
Both devices are compelling and can provide enough sound for every occasion. However, they have a different way of delivering that sound.
Xtreme 2 is more powerful and can provide a louder bass kick since it has passive bass radiators. On the other hand, the Onyx Studio 6 has a lower frequency range, which means it can capture deeper sounds better. However, if you play the Onyx Studio 6 at high volume, the Bass is slightly reduced, making the Xtreme 2 a better option.
When it comes to highs and mids, the Onyx Studio 6 has a perfect balance. It delivers more natural sound even compared to speakers from a higher division. It’s rival the Xtreme 2 also has balanced mids and highs, but with the high kick from the Bass, sometimes it is hard to accent the vocals.
Winner: JBL Xtreme 2
More: Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 vs JBL Boombox: Which Bluetooth Speaker Is the Best Choice?
Design
If louder sound and deeper kick is not something you are looking for, and you want a Bluetooth speaker that will accent your living room, the Onyx Studio 6 is a perfect choice.
With its circular futuristic design, it runs rings around the JBL Xtreme 2, which has a more traditional Bluetooth speaker design that might feel outdated.
However, if you want a speaker that could withstand hits and you can carry around anywhere you go, the JBL Xtreme 2 should be the one you go for.
Winner: Onyx Studio 6
Connectivity
The main purpose of buying a portable speaker is wireless connectivity, so it should be one the first thing you compare between devices. Both devices have a very stable Bluetooth connection with an extraordinary range.
Additionally, they both also have wired connection alternatives with AUX or USB cable. However, the only trouble with the Onyx Studio 6 is its lack of connectivity with other Bluetooth speakers.
Unlike the JBL Xtreme 2, which allows connection with every JBL model, the Onyx Studio 6 will only connect with the same Onyx series. Additionally, the dual sound doesn’t mean that the music will be stereo. Both devices will play the same audio.
Winner: JBL Xtreme 2
Battery Life
Bear in mind that we are talking about Bluetooth speakers from the same category. However, there is a big difference in the battery on both devices.
The Onyx only has 3,283mAh Lithium-ion, which gives it up to 8 hours of playtime, whereas the JBL Xtreme 2 has a massive 10,000mAh capable of playtime up to 15 hours. Both devices can outplay the time stated by their manufacturers if played on a lower volume.
Winner: JBL Xtreme 2
More: JBL Xtreme 2 vs Charge 4: Which One Is the Best?
What Is The Difference Between the JBL Xtreme 2 and Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6
Number of Drivers
The main difference between both Bluetooth speakers is the components used in the manufacturing process. If we compare Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 vs. JBL Xtreme 2, we can find out that:
Onyx Studio 6 has only two drivers:
- 4.7 Inch Woofer
- 1-inch tweeter
On the other hand, the Xtreme 2 has four drivers plus passive bass radiators:
- 2x 2.8 Inch Woofers
- 2x 0.8 Inch Tweeters
Although both have a different amount of drivers, their performance is very similar since the Onyx Studio 6 has larger units.
Share Play
The JBL Function 6 feature that allows you to connect multiple Bluetooth speakers is one of the most significant features that Onyx Studio 6 doesn’t support quite as well.
This feature might not play an essential role to you when buying your Bluetooth speaker, but it is a nice commodity to have.
More: JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme: Should You Consider the Upgrade?
Mobile App
Another important thing to know is that the JBL Xtreme 2 connects with an app that you can download for iOS or Android. From there, you can manage music, receive a phone call on paired mobile devices, and a few other functions.
On the other hand, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 doesn’t have a supportive app that will allow you to control different functions on your Bluetooth speaker.
Verdict
Choose the JBL Xtreme 2 if:
- You want to use it more actively outdoors.
- You are looking for a louder bass kick.
- You like playing music with your friends while connected.
- You want a very loud sound.
- Longer playtime
Choose the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 if:
- You like to buy a modern BT speaker that accents your living space.
- You want sharper sound.
- You don’t move it too much with you or take it to extreme conditions.
- You want balanced sounds.
Both speakers are outstanding, and there is no doubt about that. They are just designed for different occasions. The Onyx Studio 6 is more a home-based Bluetooth speaker, whereas the JBL Xtreme 2 is a version lauder intended for outdoor party starting.
JBL Xtreme 2 provides more value for money, so it should be the best choice for you unless you want the latest modern technology and a Bluetooth speaker that looks like a piece of art.
