Harman Kardon manufactures premium audio equipment, including car sound systems, speakers, and personal audio devices sold through their official website. This page aggregates shopper reviews and ratings to help you understand real customer experiences with Harman Kardon products and services.
HarmanKardon Reviews
2.4
16 reviews
What Shoppers Say About HarmanKardon
Created with AI, based on recent reviews
Harman Kardon receives consistently negative feedback, with shoppers expressing disappointment in the quality and value of current products. Multiple reviewers report that the brand's reputation has declined significantly, particularly regarding car audio systems that fail to justify their premium pricing. Return and customer service experiences emerge as major pain points, with customers citing difficult return processes, unresponsive support systems, and representatives lacking authority to resolve issues.
A small segment of reviewers praise older Harman Kardon equipment as durable and superior to modern alternatives, suggesting the brand's quality has deteriorated over time. Current products are frequently described as overpriced relative to performance, and some customers report misleading marketing claims about product capabilities, particularly regarding wireless functionality and compatibility with other signals.
Customer Reviews (16)
Sorted by: Most recentTimothy H.Jul 17, 2021
Dealt with several technical problems with their product throughout the past year. Setting those issues aside though, their customer service reps really stepped up and went the extra mile to help me out. They replaced my unit not once but twice without giving me a hard time. That premium price tag made sense to me because I knew I'd get this kind of support behind it. They deserve credit for that.
Robert M.Jun 26, 2021
Purchased the JBL Quantum One gaming headset, which is their top tier model. Just a couple months in and the ear pads started coming apart. When I tried to use the warranty to get them replaced, the company basically said I must have abused them and wouldn't cover it. Shocking customer service from a company that should know better.
Christopher V.May 10, 2020
The absolute worst customer service I've experienced. I dropped thirteen hundred fifty dollars on their soundbar three years ago and the bluetooth stopped working. They wouldn't send me a replacement and bounced me over to a third party repair service that wanted me to pay even more money for a fix that might not even work. Skip their products entirely. Between the high price, how unreliable the gear is, and the zero support after the sale, it's just not worth it.
William K.Feb 13, 2020
This is about the Arcam division under HarmanKardon. I own a SoloMovie/Music 5.1 system that worked decently until the disc drive failed. I called my retailer first because that's the only way they'll do repairs. They suggested I reach out to Arcam directly since the unit just barely fell out of the warranty window, thinking maybe Arcam would do a repair at a better price. Their fixed repair fee? Fifty percent of what I originally paid for the entire unit. No way. When I contacted Arcam, they basically said tough luck. That's when I realized their business model seems designed to discourage people from buying their products. Their after-sales support is so bad that I honestly think the industry would be better off if they shut down. Don't say you weren't warned.
Andrew L.Feb 7, 2020
Got a Harman Kardon Go+Play back in December 2015 from an online retailer and loved it for the first four years. Now it won't turn on using AC power and we're way past the warranty window, so basically my two hundred dollar speaker is a paperweight. Just go with Bose or B&O instead. Harman Kardon is a joke. Just look at all the terrible reviews online, they tell you everything you need to know.
Jennifer F.Nov 25, 2019
Bought the Onyx 3 speakers back in 2017. Within a year both units started having battery problems. HK tested them and sent replacements, the Onyx 4's. Fast forward another year and one of the replacement speakers developed a really annoying buzzing sound. When I contacted them about fixing it, they said the replacement units don't have warranty coverage even though they were sent to replace units that had warranty issues. Their solution? A 10% off coupon to buy yet another speaker. Pass. I've had three speakers now and two of them failed within a year. For the price these cost, that kind of failure rate is unacceptable. Throw in the fact that their customer service response was unhelpful and you've got a recipe for disappointment.
HarmanKardon Review FAQ
What is Harman Kardon's average rating on RetailCoupons.com?
Harman Kardon is rated 2.4 out of 5 based on 16 shopper reviews. The rating distribution skews heavily negative, with 63 percent of reviews being one-star ratings.
What do shoppers praise about Harman Kardon?
Reviewers consistently commend older Harman Kardon equipment for durability and superior audio performance compared to newer products from most competitors. Some customers note that vintage gear remains worth repairing and using despite cosmetic wear.
What are the most common complaints about Harman Kardon?
Shoppers report three primary concerns: declining product quality and value compared to the brand's premium pricing, particularly in car audio systems; difficult and unresponsive return processes; and customer service issues including representatives who lack authority to resolve problems. Customers also cite misleading marketing claims about product capabilities.
Do shoppers recommend buying from Harman Kardon?
Based on review feedback, most recent shoppers do not recommend current Harman Kardon products. Reviewers suggest exploring alternative brands or piecing together audio systems independently for better value. The only positive recommendations apply to older used Harman Kardon equipment rather than new products sold on their site.
How can I write a review for Harman Kardon on RetailCoupons.com?
To share your experience with Harman Kardon products or services, visit the store page on RetailCoupons.com and look for the review submission option. Your feedback helps other shoppers make informed purchasing decisions and provides valuable insights about product quality, customer service, and overall value.