Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore 2. It ranks #4 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $330. The ION Pathfinder 280 ranks #100, rated 2.2/5, at $199.99, $130.01 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Partybox Encore 2 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A compact karaoke party speaker with two wireless mics, better balanced sound than the original and a long battery. Its bass reaches about 42Hz before falling 10dB, against 58Hz for the ION Pathfinder 280. At 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) it weighs much less than the ION Pathfinder 280 at 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg). It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the ION Pathfinder 280 cannot. The catch: It still lacks some upper-bass punch and cannot match the scale of the larger PartyBoxes.
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 15 for the JBL Partybox Encore 2. The catch: 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 Partybox Encore 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $130.01 with the ION Pathfinder 280 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A compact karaoke party speaker with two wireless mics, better balanced sound than the original and a long battery.
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 Partybox Encore 2 | ION Pathfinder 280 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #4 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #100 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 100 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes (High/Low frequency) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 100dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) | 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 120W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) | 14.8” x 10.6” x 17.6” (375.9 x 269.2 x 447 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 2x 4” (102mm) drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | 58Hz |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| Microphone Input | - | No |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
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