Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It ranks #6 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $249.95. The ION Pathfinder 280 ranks #100, rated 2.2/5, at $199.99, $49.96 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party. Its bass reaches about 42Hz before falling 10dB, against 58Hz for the ION Pathfinder 280. At 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) it weighs much less than the ION Pathfinder 280 at 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg). It has a microphone input for karaoke or announcements, which the ION Pathfinder 280 lacks. The catch: It is front-facing, so the sound changes noticeably to the sides and behind it, and bass compression reduces kick-drum impact at maximum volume.
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 15 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 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 Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $49.96 you would save on the ION Pathfinder 280 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party.
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 Essential 2 | ION Pathfinder 280 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #6 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) |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 120W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 100dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | 58Hz |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
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