Short answer: the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2. It ranks #65 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $90; the ION Pathfinder 280 ranks #100, rated 2.2/5, and costs $199.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 is the better-sounding, lighter choice. An affordable waterproof party speaker with a big woofer, lights, a karaoke mic input and FM radio. At 11 lbs (5 kg) it weighs much less than the ION Pathfinder 280 at 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg). It is rated IPX7 against IPX5 for the ION Pathfinder 280. It has a microphone input for karaoke or announcements, which the ION Pathfinder 280 lacks. The catch: Lacking detail compared to the Onn Large Party gen 2 and not as deep of bass.
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 20 for the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 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 Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the ION Pathfinder 280 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
An affordable waterproof party speaker with a big woofer, lights, a karaoke mic input and FM radio.
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
| Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 | ION Pathfinder 280 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $90 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #65 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #100 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 100 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| FM Tuner | Yes (16 presets) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX5 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Sync Mode) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (High/Low frequency) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 200W peak | 120W |
| Dimensions | 9.6” x 10.9” x 15.1” (244.1 x 277.9 x 383 mm) | 14.8” x 10.6” x 17.6” (375.9 x 269.2 x 447 mm) |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) | 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg) |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer + tweeters | 2x 4” (102mm) drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 58Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
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