Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It ranks #8 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $299.95. The ION Pathfinder 280 ranks #100, rated 2.2/5, at $199.99, $99.96 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. A compact stereo party speaker with great sound, strong output, and splash resistance for backyard parties. Its bass reaches about 38Hz before falling 10dB, against 58Hz for the ION Pathfinder 280. At 13 lbs (5.9 kg) it weighs much less than the ION Pathfinder 280 at 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg). It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the ION Pathfinder 280 cannot.
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 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. 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. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $99.96 saving on the ION Pathfinder 280 is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A compact stereo party speaker with great sound, strong output, and splash resistance for backyard parties.
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 | ION Pathfinder 280 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #8 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 |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | 58Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 100 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | Yes (High/Low frequency) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) | 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 lbs (5.9 kg) | 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 120W |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 14.8” x 10.6” x 17.6” (375.9 x 269.2 x 447 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters | 2x 4” (102mm) drivers |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 100dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| Microphone Input | - | No |
| Lights | - | Yes |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
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