A Beloved Desktop Speaker System from the Early 2000s Gets a Modern Hi-Fi Overhaul

The update comes 26 years after the iconic transparent speaker system was first introduced.

Modern home office setup with a laptop, purple-lit speakers, and a glass humidifier on a sleek desk with a green swivel chair and brown bean bag.

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By Tucker Bowe

Published January 7, 2026

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Harman Kardon’s SoundSticks is one of the most iconic and recognizable desktop speaker systems of all time.

Originally released in the 2000s, the speaker-and-subwoofer combo has a futuristic, transparent design that earned it a place in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). And, because it was first developed with Apple’s Jony Ive, many consider it the desktop speaker system that Apple would’ve made.

Over the years, Harman Kardon has released numerous updated versions of its SoundSticks with modern features, such as Bluetooth streaming. The most recent version, the fall-2025-released SoundSticks, has an HDMI ARC input so you can use them as TV speakers.

Now, 26 years after the originals were released, the venerable audio brand is making its tiny 2.1-channel system even more versatile than ever before.

Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi

Two transparent Harman Kardon Soundsticks 5 speakers with visible drivers and white circular bases on a white background. — Harman Kardon’s latest iteration of its iconic transparent speaker system, the SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi, promise higher-resolution streaming thanks to built-in Wi-Fi.

A transparent speaker system

As its name suggests, the Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi’s major addition is Wi-Fi streaming support.

The Wi-Fi connectivity allows the system to play higher-resolution audio while streaming. It supports for Apple Airplay, Google Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect. The system is also Roon Ready.

Wooden sideboard with marble top holding two vertical speakers and a black smart speaker with purple light in a living room. — The system boasts an HDMI input and can be used as TV speakers.

Like its predecessor, the SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi supports streaming over Bluetooth, too. However, the version also supports Auracast, making it easier to stream audio to it from sources that support it (a number of newer turntables, for example, now do) and allowing you to configure it in a multi-room audio system with any other Auracast-enabled speakers.

Harman Kardon black and purple transparent speaker system with two tall satellite speakers and a rounded subwoofer. — You can customize the lighting or choose between 6 presets.

As far as the speakers, the SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi are pretty much identical to the recently released SoundSticks 5. Both satellite speakers feature four drivers: three 1.6-inch mid-range drivers and a 1-inch tweeter. The separate 5.25-inch subwoofer handles the bass.

White circular electronic device with AUX, service, HDMI ARC, two USB-C ports, and power cable connected. — The back of the subwoofer houses all the wired connections.

What’s also cool is the fact that the speaker-and-subwoofer combo are integrated with LED lighting. You can use the Harman Hardon One app to customize the colors and brightness of the lights, or you can switch between six different color presets.

Wooden media console with slatted doors holding books, a globe, and decorative items under a wall-mounted TV. — The next-gen system will go on sale in March, but only for those in England and Europe.

Price and availability

Harman Kardon’s next-gen desktop system, the SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi, will go on sale starting March 2026. It will cost £350 in England and €380 in the UK.

US pricing and availability information have not been released.

Transparent Harman Kardon speaker system with blue-green glowing subwoofer and two vertical satellite speakers.

Harman Kardon SoundSticks 5 Wi-Fi

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About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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