# Sound XP — user reviews > 93 indexed App Store user reviews of Sound XP by ION Audio, rated 3.20/5 from 126 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-xp/id1496116365/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sound-xp/id1496116365.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 50 · 4★ 12 · 3★ 13 · 2★ 15 · 1★ 36 ## What do users think of Sound XP? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 👍 Easy to navigate interface - 🎵 Good FM radio control through app - 🔊 Allows EQ adjustment via phone - 💡 Convenient remote control of speaker features - 🎨 Light control customization options - ⚡ Works seamlessly when functioning properly **Cons** - 🐛 Frequent Bluetooth connection failures - 🐛 App crashes regularly - 🔄 Requires constant reconnection after closing app - 📍 Invasive location permission requirement - 🔌 Requires internet connection to function - ⚠️ Settings don't persist after power off - 🎚️ Limited EQ and customization options - 📱 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions - 🔐 Security vulnerability with no authentication - ⏱️ Inconsistent performance across devices - 🔊 Audio quality degrades when using app - 🎛️ Missing volume control for FM radio **Commonly reported bugs** - App won't connect to speaker despite Bluetooth being enabled - Connection drops after a few seconds - App crashes on launch - Settings reset when speaker is powered off - EQ changes don't save or apply correctly - Light color changes don't register on speaker - Audio breaking up when using app - App requires reinstall to reconnect after disconnect - Location services requirement blocks app functionality - Incompatible with iPhone 15 Pro Max - Bluetooth & Location screen causes iOS compatibility issues - Pairing button missing or non-functional - App doesn't recognize connected speaker - Mic volume overpowers sound in recent updates - Party starter mode not functioning after updates - Preset dropdown menu displays blank **Most requested features** - Power on/off button in app - Battery percentage display - Save custom EQ presets - Save light settings and voice prompt preferences - Dark mode background option - Volume control for FM radio - Speaker lock feature to prevent accidental changes - Radio station presets - Voice effect options for singers - Color customization for speaker lights - Plus/minus buttons for volume instead of slider - Ability to change speaker name without losing functionality - Better preset dropdown menu with visible options ## Newest reviews (12 of 93) ### 2/5 — Pairing issues *2026-03-06, version 2.49* App not helpful no pairing button and directions don’t help either ### 2/5 — Not mut *2025-09-25, version 2.49* Considering there are several options available for this speaker, the app doesn’t give very many options. There is way too much bass. It would be nice to have an actual equalizer where we can time tune it ### 4/5 — It’s good *2025-07-14, version 2.49* It does give you control over the settings well enough but it would be cool if you could save the sound settings and have radio presets basically. ### 4/5 — Too bright *2025-05-26, version 2.49* We need a black background and some Setting memory so we don’t have to adjust it ever time ### 2/5 — App has potential *2024-07-04, version 2.49* This app is basically useless based on how it is now, because half of the time the Bluetooth does not connect, it could have been so much better. I think the developer may not have spent enough time thinking about how the app will be used ### 2/5 — Can’t connect PA Freedom *2024-06-23, version 2.49* I bought a PA Freedom speaker and can’t get this app to find it… yet it works just fine in the sound control app. Problem is I’m at the drive in theatre and can’t use it tonight over this issue… ### 3/5 — Please update the app! *2024-05-14, version 2.49* Awesome line-up of products! Yet, the app needs improvements. We know you’re not dead, because there have been several updates to the other app (on the App Store) However, this one? ....Crickets 🦗 There are thousands of customers that still use sound devices that connect with this app. Could you please update it because it gets buggier the further Apple releases system updates… Unless you’re adding the “Sound XP” devices to the “Sound Control” app, this app should be updated as often as the other one. ### 2/5 — Doesn’t support Ultimate echo or light control. *2023-10-06, version 2.49* When I connect my Ultimate it only shows radio and EQ like it was just a portable speaker. ### 2/5 — Battery and volume *2023-07-28, version 2.49* I got 2 Game day party speakers because they connect to each other… Only after a year or so it would no longer hold a charge and the volume goes in and out. For the speakers to be $120 each it’s not worth it at all. ### 2/5 — App doesn’t stay connected. *2023-03-10, version 2.49* Every time you close the app and reopen you have to reconnect the speaker. Please fix. App looks great when it works. ### 4/5 — Great but… *2023-02-12, version 2.49* I like the app. Wish I could chose the color on speaker, And there should be a plus and minus symbol to click for the volume. Rather than just a slider ### 3/5 — Pls look into the app for Apple Users *2022-10-15, version 2.49* Hi I am a proud owner of the Ion Explorer but as an apple user I have been experiencing some problems with the Bluetooth connections which is inconvenient. 😑 ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — App connection sporadic at best. Rating is for the app. Speaker is great for the price! *2025-09-09, version 2.49* Bad app. When it finally connects it’s fine but that the problem. great speaker for the price though! ### 1/5 — Junk *2025-05-11, version 2.49* Useless app ### 1/5 — Inconveniently Disconnects *2024-08-09, version 2.49* Update: the speaker no longer connects to anything. I wonder if Costco will take it back after 3 years 😂. Are these ion guys still in business??? Before: It’s ok when it works but the app keeps disconnecting from the speaker and then I have to go through the entire adding process almost every time. Hoping they can fix the issue with a firmware update ### 1/5 — Broken audio with app *2024-07-10, version 2.49* If I pair BT only, no issues. When I use the app, audio starts breaking up. ### 1/5 — Not compatible with iPhone 15 pro max *2024-02-03, version 2.49* Neither ion app for pathfinder 280 is compatible with new iPhone 15 pro max. I have settings in Bluetooth turned on and shows connected on iPhone but neither app with pair. ### 1/5 — Hello *2023-11-23, version 2.49* This application does not have the option to add effects to the voice for professional singers, only a basic update option. I think there is still a lot to be done to develop this application. ### 1/5 — Doesn't work with new iOS *2023-08-29, version 2.49* Location services changed with new iOS update, making it impossible to get past the "Bluetooth & Location" screen. Please fix! ### 1/5 — Doesn’t connect to speakers *2023-06-01, version 2.49* Like everyone else says, this doesn’t connect to the speakers. Complete trash system with zero support. ### 1/5 — Not working *2023-04-04, version 2.49* I have had to delete and redos load the app multiple times about once every 5 months because it will get to where it won’t let me connect to my speaker but this time I deleted it and went to re download it and it won’t redownload idk what’s going on but I need it foxed ASAP I have two ion total supreme speakers built into boxes and I can’t control my volume or bass without this app ### 1/5 — App is fcin trash *2023-01-31, version 2.49* Don’t waste your time on this garbage app. Doesn’t connect to speaker and it doesn’t work so don’t waste your time and I advise you return your speaker as well just overall low quality garbage. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Ion 360 *2026-07-04, version 2.49* Does exactly what I needed to do helps change the radio station volume up don’t sound an equalizer + BOOM feature. I got one of these ion speakers for my birthday. I bought a second one and man they rock long battery life, app does the assistance from my Google Pixel 9 phone or iPad tablet! Also, including light control. ### 5/5 — I love it *2025-07-16, version 2.49* My Music is so good I love this app so much😁 ### 5/5 — Could you please update this app? *2023-11-12* Awesome line-up of products! Yet, the app needs improvements. We know you’re not dead, because there have been several updates to the other app (on the App Store) However, this one? ....Crickets 🦗 There are thousands of customers that still use sound devices that connect with this app. Could you please update it because it gets buggier the further Apple releases system updates… Unless you’re adding the “Sound XP” devices to the “Sound Control” app, this app should be updated as often as the other one. ### 5/5 — Thank you, what an awesome line up! *2023-07-10* Hey guys, I just wanted to say thank you for creating such a vast line up of awesome speakers at an affordable price, that add great quality sound to people’s homes! ♡ I just wanted to ask if you could please release an update where we can have the choice to “turn lights OFF” completely, and for the device to remember such setting in the future (same as with voice prompts). Thanks so much in adavance! ♡ ℬ𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝓇𝑒𝑔𝒶𝓇𝒹𝓈, ### 5/5 — Please add an option to *2023-02-02, version 2.49* Please add an option to turn the speaker on/off via the app. It is a hassle to do so manually. Thank you! ### 5/5 — Very Nice *2023-01-26, version 2.49* Does everything it’s supposed to do! Only tried indoors and relatively close, but extremely convenient. ### 5/5 — neat *2023-01-20, version 2.49* lets me use features that aren’t necessarily avaible on the speaker itself, pretty nice ### 5/5 — Can’t this feature be added *2022-11-23, version 2.49* I’ve had an idea for another feature. The Total PA speakers that have lights on them have custom functions like the color cycle, can be set to any series of colors. And for the beat sync can be set to cycle through any colors or just be one color. And, The rainbow wheels can be set to any colors. Lastly there can be a static mode where the woofer is just one color. ### 5/5 — Pay for what you get *2022-08-22, version 2.42* The price is great and on the lower end of outdoor speakers this size. It sounds really and everything is easy to use. The options are very limited and that makes sense based on the cost. Overall very happy with the speaker and the app. ### 5/5 — Works well *2022-08-03, version 2.42* All the features of the app work well, connects easily, very happy. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-01.*