Short answer: the ION Pathfinder 280, if you are buying new. The Soundcore Rave Party 2 ranks higher than it (#64 vs #100 of 112 boombox speakers, 3.1/5 vs 2.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the ION Pathfinder 280 is still sold new at $199.99.
The Soundcore Rave Party 2 is the better-sounding, lighter option. A stereo party speaker with LED lights, a karaoke mic input and linking for up to 100 speakers. At 10.1 lbs (4.6 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. It links with other speakers (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers), which the ION Pathfinder 280 cannot. Watch for: Only IPX4 splash resistance, and bass extension seems limited.
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 16 for the Soundcore Rave Party 2. 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 ION Pathfinder 280, since the Soundcore Rave Party 2 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A stereo party speaker with LED lights, a karaoke mic input and linking for up to 100 speakers.
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
| Soundcore Rave Party 2 | ION Pathfinder 280 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.99 Discontinued | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #64 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #100 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 100 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with reverb effect) | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) | 23.8 lbs (10.8 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (High/Low frequency) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 80W RMS / 120W peak | 120W |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 7.8” x 15.7” (191 x 198 x 400 mm) | 14.8” x 10.6” x 17.6” (375.9 x 269.2 x 447 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 4” (100mm) woofers + 2x 2” (50mm) tweeters | 2x 4” (102mm) drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 58Hz |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
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