Short answer: the ION Pathfinder 280, if you are buying new, though neither ranks well in its class. The Bumpboxx Flare 6 ranks higher than it (#82 vs #100 of 112 boombox speakers, 2.6/5 vs 2.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the ION Pathfinder 280 is still sold new at $199.99. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 112 boombox speakers; for better sound, the Tribit Stormbox Blast ranks #2 at $179.99.
The ION Pathfinder 280 is the longer-running option. A wheeled all day event speaker with a very long battery, lights, FM radio and a full graphic EQ that gets loud without strain. It is rated for 100 hours of battery against 12 for the Bumpboxx Flare 6. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Bumpboxx Flare 6 lacks. Watch for: Out of the box, the midrange and treble are uneven enough to sound alternately honky and dull, and the bass does not extend as deeply as better party speakers.
The Bumpboxx Flare 6 is the better-sounding, lighter pick. A retro styled stereo party speaker with water resistance and a 12 hour battery. At 13 lbs (5.9 kg) it weighs much less than the ION Pathfinder 280 at 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg). It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the ION Pathfinder 280.
Buy the ION Pathfinder 280 new; the Bumpboxx Flare 6 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A wheeled all day event speaker with a very long battery, lights, FM radio and a full graphic EQ that gets loud without strain.
A retro styled stereo party speaker with water resistance and a 12 hour battery.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ION Pathfinder 280 | Bumpboxx Flare 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $300 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #100 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #82 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 100 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| FM Tuner | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX6 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg) | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (High/Low frequency) | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 120W | 150W |
| Dimensions | 14.8” x 10.6” x 17.6” (375.9 x 269.2 x 447 mm) | 24” x 6” x 14” (609.6 x 152.4 x 355.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 4” (102mm) drivers | 6” woofer + tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (Manufacturer specified) | 115dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
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