The ION Pathfinder Go is a party speaker that's designed for on-the-go use. It has a smaller and more portable design compared to other party speakers from the manufacturer, with a built-in handle for easy transport. Its RGB lights let you choose between lots of different colors and patterns to set the mood at your next party, and there are plenty of sound customization features to make the most of your listening experience. It doesn't come with as many features as some larger and more premium party speakers on the market, though, so you can't connect instruments like microphones or guitars to sing along.
Our Verdict
The ION Audio Pathfinder Go is a party-centric speaker that's acceptable for music. Its default sound is pretty uneven, with a peak in the bass that adds a boomy and muddy quality to the sound, as well as a peak in the high-mids that makes instruments honky and harsh. Fortunately, you can access many customization tools, including a 3-band graphic EQ and some presets to switch up its sound. Still, given its smaller size, it can't reproduce the extended thump and rumble in the low-bass you get with larger party speakers.
- 3-band graphic EQ and presets.
- Customizable RGB lights sync to music.
- Lacks low-bass.
- Not loud enough for larger and more open spaces.
The ION Audio Pathfinder Go isn't designed for watching movies. However, if you want to watch a video on a paired smartphone, it can get the job done. It's loud, which is a nice touch, even if dialogue is a little muddied out-of-the-box. You can customize its sound a little, which is nice. However, there's some latency with iOS and Android devices over Bluetooth, so you notice a slight delay between the audio you hear and the visual on screen.
- 3-band graphic EQ and presets.
- Lacks low-bass.
- Not loud enough for larger and more open spaces.
The ION Audio Pathfinder Go is alright for podcasts. While voices sound a little muddy due to the emphasis in the high-bass that carries over into the mid-range, you can still understand the conversation between your favorite hosts. The speaker gets loud enough for typical living rooms, too, though it's not ideal for larger spaces. It's also portable enough to move from room to room during longer episodes, even if it's a touch on the heavier side.
- 3-band graphic EQ and presets.
- Portable design.
- Not loud enough for larger and more open spaces.
This speaker doesn't support voice assistants.
The ION Audio Pathfinder Go is okay for outdoor use. This speaker is battery-powered with a built-in handle, so it's easy to bring to your backyard for your next barbecue. It gets pretty loud for its size, and its build is quite sturdy and durable. It's also rated IPX5 for water resistance, so it can handle some exposure to the elements. That said, it struggles to fill up larger and more open spaces with sound due to its smaller design.
- Portable design.
- IPX5 rating for water resistance.
- Lacks low-bass.
- Not loud enough for larger and more open spaces.
Changelog
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Updated Mar 13, 2025:
We've added a mention of the ION Tailgater Tough in the Bluetooth box because it has lower Bluetooth latency.
- Updated Sep 01, 2023: Review published.
- Updated Aug 25, 2023: Early access published.
- Updated Aug 21, 2023: Our testers have started testing this product.
Check Price
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The ION Pathfinder Go is only available in Black. You can see the label for the model we tested here.
If you come across another version of this speaker, let us know in the forums so we can update this review.
Popular Speaker Comparisons
The ION Pathfinder Go is a smaller and more portable party speaker from this manufacturer. It has a similar design to other ION party speakers, with customizable RGB lights to set the ambiance at your next event. However, given its budget-friendly price, it's no surprise that it lacks some more premium features. For example, you won't find inputs for instruments like microphones or guitars, and its low-frequency extension isn't enough to bring out the deep thump and rumble in the low-bass.
See also our recommendations for the best party speakers, the best portable Bluetooth speakers, and the best-sounding Bluetooth speakers.
The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go and the ION Pathfinder Go are both party speakers designed with portability in mind. The ION is the smaller of the two, and it comes with some additional sound customization features through its app, including a 3-band graphic EQ and presets. Others may prefer the JBL, which comes with microphone and guitar inputs so you can play along with your favorite songs. The JBL also brings a touch better low-frequency extension, and it can play stereo content, unlike the ION.
The ION Pathfinder 280 is better than the ION Pathfinder Go. The 280 is a larger and more premium speaker that's louder and lasts longer off a single charge. It comes with more physical controls, too, so you don't have to rely on the app as much, and they're backlit to make them easier to use at a party. Plus, the 280's default sound is more balanced and neutral, which some users may prefer.
Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Monster Rockin' Roller 270X or the ION Pathfinder Go. They're both party speakers with more portable designs, though the ION is smaller and more lightweight. The ION also features a 3-band graphic EQ for sound customization, while the Monster is limited to bass and treble adjustments. However, the Monster gets louder, and it has microphone and guitar inputs for musicians.
The ION Pathfinder 320 is a larger and more premium alternative to the ION Pathfinder Go. They're both party speakers with similar designs, though the Go is smaller and more portable. As a result, it doesn't get as loud as the 320. It doesn't have as many physical controls, and they aren't backlit, which isn't ideal for dark parties. Plus, the 320's battery life lasts much longer.
Test Results
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