Short answer: the ION Pathfinder 280, if you are buying new, though neither ranks well in its class. The Demerbox DB2 ranks higher than it (#74 vs #100 of 112 boombox speakers, 2.8/5 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 pick. 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 40 for the Demerbox DB2. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Demerbox DB2 lacks. The tradeoff: 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 Demerbox DB2 is the better-sounding, lighter choice. A nearly indestructible waterproof speaker built from a Pelican case, with a 40 hour battery and dry storage. At 5.4 lbs (2.47 kg) it weighs much less than the ION Pathfinder 280 at 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg). It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the ION Pathfinder 280. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the ION Pathfinder 280. Watch for: Bass is not as deep as better speakers.
Buy the ION Pathfinder 280 new; the Demerbox DB2 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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 nearly indestructible waterproof speaker built from a Pelican case, with a 40 hour battery and dry storage.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ION Pathfinder 280 | Demerbox DB2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #100 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #74 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 100 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| FM Tuner | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP67 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg) | 5.4 lbs (2.47 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 | AC Power brick |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 120W | 22W RMS |
| Dimensions | 14.8” x 10.6” x 17.6” (375.9 x 269.2 x 447 mm) | 10.6” x 9.7” x 6.9” (270 x 246 x 175 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 4” (102mm) drivers | 2x 3” (76mm) aluminum cone full-range drivers |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
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