Short answer: the JBL Boombox 3. It ranks #27 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $349.95. The ION Pathfinder 280 ranks #100, rated 2.2/5, at $199.99, $149.96 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Boombox 3 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. A loud, fully waterproof boombox with a dedicated subwoofer, a 24 hour battery and power bank charging. Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 10dB, against 58Hz for the ION Pathfinder 280. At 14.8 lbs (6.7 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. The catch: Dips in mid bass range which makes the bass sound undefined, bass boosted, peaky at 700Hz, not quite as good mids and treble as the Blast.
The ION Pathfinder 280 is the longer-running choice. 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 24 for the JBL Boombox 3. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Boombox 3 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.
Buy the JBL Boombox 3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $149.96 you would save on the ION Pathfinder 280 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A loud, fully waterproof boombox with a dedicated subwoofer, a 24 hour battery and power bank charging.
A wheeled all day event speaker with a very long battery, lights, FM radio and a full graphic EQ that gets loud without strain.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 3 | ION Pathfinder 280 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.95 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #27 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #100 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 25ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz | 58Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 100 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 100dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) | 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (High/Low frequency) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| FM Tuner | No | Yes |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 180W AC / 136W battery | 120W |
| Dimensions | 19” x 10.1” x 7.9” (482 x 257 x 200 mm) | 14.8” x 10.6” x 17.6” (375.9 x 269.2 x 447 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 189mm subwoofer + 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 4” (102mm) drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Strap | No | - |
| Lights | - | Yes |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
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