The Bottom Line
The Turtlebox Gen 2 is a rugged, weatherproof, and loud heavy-duty Bluetooth speaker that is designed for outdoor use. It is available in white, green, and gray variants. The speaker is so durable that it can be placed in the military-grade speaker category if such a thing existed.
The speaker is eye-catching and honest in its intent. It delivers on almost every promise, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts or people who haul their speakers to wild and crazy places. The speaker grabbed our attention from the moment we first heard it, and we have since decided to take a deeper look at this unique portable Bluetooth speaker.
The white version looks clean, but it is more prone to superficial discoloration when bumping into objects, as is often the case with rugged Bluetooth speakers. Choosing the black model will assist in preventing these small scuff marks.
In conclusion, the Turtlebox Gen 2 is a great speaker for outdoor use. It is rugged, weatherproof, and loud. It is a unique portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers on almost every promise.
Design, Build and Feel
The Turtlebox Bluetooth speaker is built to be the most durable Bluetooth speaker on the market, thanks to its rugged design. The speaker is housed in a rugged case resembling a military lunchbox made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel. The waterproof cap over the speaker grille, coupled with the rubber-like material sealing the buttons on the control panel, makes for an IP67 weather-resistance rating. This deems the Turtlebox waterproof, dustproof, and impact-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and beach trips.
The integrated carry handle is covered in a rubber-like plastic for a secure grip, and the control panel is found beneath this handle. The inputs and outputs are protected by a flip-open type seal, which keeps them safe from exposure to the elements. However, the lid doesn’t seal shut easily, and the latch feels like it could break off at some point, compromising the entire device’s IP67 rating.
The Turtlebox’s design is unique and eye-catching, and its ruggedness is effective. However, this negatively impacts the user experience in some way. The Turtlebox is incredibly heavy, making it uncomfortable to carry for extended periods. It is reasonably small considering the output volumes it’s capable of, making it easy to transport to tailgates or house parties. But if you plan on taking the Turtlebox to the beach, hiking trail, or anywhere else where a bit of walking is required, the way it gets carried can be uncomfortable for some.
Overall, the Turtlebox offers a lot of bang for your buck. It is compact in design and offers an IP67 rating, making it waterproof, dustproof, and impact-resistant. The speaker’s aesthetics are impressive, and it comes in various color options, making it visually appealing. The side compartment houses the inputs and outputs, which are protected from the elements. The plastic used in the construction of the Turtlebox is impact-resistant, ensuring its durability. The speaker’s water resistance makes it perfect for outdoor activities, even in the rain or near water bodies. The Turtlebox’s ruggedness and durability make it stand out among similarly-sized Bluetooth speakers, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize these features.
Connectivity
The Turtlebox speaker offers several connectivity options for users. The speaker utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 technology, which provides stable connectivity over long ranges and a latency-free listening experience. This ensures that users can stream music wirelessly from their devices with ease.
Aside from Bluetooth connectivity, the Turtlebox also supports auxiliary connections through a 3.5mm cable. This provides a wired connectivity option, which is a great feature to have on a Bluetooth speaker.
In addition, the Turtlebox supports a 3.5mm microphone input for karaoke sessions. While the microphone preamp doesn’t sound great, it’s a nice feature to have for some loose karaoke jams or party announcements.
The Turtlebox also supports mobile phone charging through its USB-C output. This output can charge mobile devices, making it a convenient feature for users on the go. However, it’s worth noting that the previous Turtlebox model supported a USB-C input, which is less commonly seen nowadays.
Overall, the Turtlebox offers a good range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, auxiliary, and microphone inputs, as well as a USB-C output for mobile charging.
The Battery
The Turtlebox portable speaker is equipped with a lithium-ion battery that is advertised to last for 25+ hours. However, the actual battery life depends on the volume level. At high volume levels, the battery can last for around 8 hours, while at lower volume levels, it can last for up to 15 hours or more. The speaker’s control panel features a strip of LED lights that indicates the current battery charge level. This feature allows the user to monitor the battery status easily and avoid sudden battery depletion. The Turtlebox comes with a charging cord and is compatible with USB-C charging. Overall, the battery life of the Turtlebox is reliable and can last for a decent amount of time.
Sound Quality & Volume
The Turtlebox Bluetooth speaker is one of the loudest Bluetooth speakers in the world, capable of reaching an average reading of 120dB at a distance of 6 feet. This makes it ideal for medium-sized house parties indoors or outdoors, and its sound signature has been crafted to excel in outdoor environments where other speakers fall short. The speaker’s volume capabilities are so monstrous that the source volume needs to be lowered to 0% and then gradually increased to avoid accidentally hitting Play while the speaker is set on full blast.
Despite its high volume capabilities, the Turtlebox is able to push high volume levels with minimal distortion, maintaining high-quality, crisp, and well-defined sound at any volume level. This is particularly impressive in noisy environments where other speakers begin to fall apart as they approach maximum output levels. The speaker’s sound signature is unique but undoubtedly one of the favorites among users. The low end is tight, punchy, and warm, while the midrange is full-bodied yet bright enough not to be overpowered by the bass, and the higher frequencies are clean and crisp.
At lower volumes, the low end can be a bit muddy, depending on the track, but generally, the speaker sounds best when its volume level is running at around 30% or higher. For a speaker that runs on a single driver and tweeter, the frequency range is nicely represented, though, with all speakers, it has a “sweet spot,” which is found in the lower midrange between 100 and 350Hz.
The Turtlebox separates left and right information better than many other speakers on the market, though it still falls just behind the UE Hyperboom in terms of stereo imaging. However, two Turtlebox speakers can be linked to form a stereo pair, which will solve this issue, provided you have another on hand. Compression-wise, the Turtlebox retains dynamic separation at high output volumes, making it an appropriate speaker to use for watching films.
In summary, the Turtlebox Bluetooth speaker is a powerful speaker that delivers high-quality sound with minimal distortion, making it ideal for outdoor use. The speaker’s sound signature is unique, with a tight, punchy low end, full-bodied midrange, and clean, crisp higher frequencies. While the stereo imaging is not as good as the UE Hyperboom, it is still better than many other speakers on the market. Overall, the Turtlebox is an excellent choice for those looking for high-end speakers that deliver distortion-free sound at maximum volume levels.
Portability
The Turtlebox is a highly portable and lightweight Bluetooth speaker that weighs only 10 lbs, making it easy to carry around. It features a rugged design that allows it to be treated more like a piece of camping equipment than a speaker. The speaker’s hooks on the sides can be used for tying it down to trucks, boats, or four-wheelers, making it an ideal option for outdoor enthusiasts who want to take their music with them on the go.
While some reviewers had conflicting thoughts on how comfortable it was to carry, the Turtlebox’s handle position may feel awkward for some when walking. However, its superior weather resistance and ruggedness make it highly portable and durable, perfect for outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and beach parties.
The Turtlebox’s compact size and tie-down anchors make it easy to transport in a cooler or backpack, and its loud volume makes it perfect for backyard parties or outdoor events. Its portability and durability make it an excellent choice for those who want a portable speaker that can withstand the rigors of nature.
Overall, the Turtlebox is an excellent portable Bluetooth speaker that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to take their music with them on the go. Its lightweight, rugged design, and superior weather resistance make it an ideal option for those who want a speaker that can handle the great outdoors.
The Turtlebox Is A Fairly Small Speaker With Big Sound
The Turtlebox speaker is a unique Bluetooth speaker that is designed for outdoor use and hazardous conditions. Although it lacks fancy features, it performs its job well. The Turtlebox speaker is the best all-around speaker for people who want a rugged, badass box. It is also great for home use. Despite its small size, the Turtlebox speaker produces big sound that is sure to impress.
Liked
The speaker’s IP67 water and dust resistance provides incredible durability. It’s also astonishingly loud for its size, with phenomenal overall sound quality.
Disliked
Stereo Imaging
One area where the Turtlebox Gen 2 could improve is in stereo imaging. While the speaker still sounds great, some users have noted that the stereo imaging could be better. This means that the sound doesn’t always feel like it’s coming from multiple directions, which can be a drawback for some listeners.
Scuff Marks on White Model
Another downside to the Turtlebox Gen 2 is that the white model is prone to scuff marks. This can be frustrating for users who want to keep their speaker looking clean and new. However, this issue is cosmetic and does not affect the performance of the speaker.
One Year Later…
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Turtlebox Gen 2 has proven to be a durable and reliable outdoor Bluetooth speaker. One year after its initial review, the speaker still sounds great and has withstood rough handling without any issues. No features have broken or given the impression of poor quality over time. The Turtlebox Gen 2 remains the best rugged outdoor Bluetooth speaker on the market.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Differences Between Turtlebox Gen 1 and Gen 2
Turtlebox Gen 2 is an upgrade from the previous version, Gen 1. The Gen 2 model has a larger 1.25-inch tweeter, which results in a fuller and richer sound with more bass. The battery life has also been improved with three more battery cells, resulting in a 9-cell Lithium-Ion Battery. Additionally, the Gen 2 model includes a USB-C charging input and output for charging your phone, and a five-step battery level indicator.
Comparison Between Turtlebox and DemerBox
Both Turtlebox and DemerBox are rugged outdoor speakers that are designed to withstand harsh environments. In terms of durability, Turtlebox has a higher IP rating of IP67, making it more resistant to water and dust than the DemerBox. However, the DemerBox has a built-in storage compartment that can hold small items like a phone or wallet, making it more convenient for outdoor activities. In terms of sound quality, both speakers have their own unique sound signature. Turtlebox has a fuller and richer sound with more bass, while DemerBox has a more balanced sound that is suitable for a wider range of music genres.
Deals on Turtlebox During Black Friday or Other Sales
Turtlebox occasionally offers discounts on their speakers during Black Friday and other sales events. It is recommended to check their website or sign up for their newsletter to stay updated on any upcoming deals.
Comparison Between Turtlebox and Soundboks
Turtlebox and Soundboks are both powerful outdoor speakers that are designed for large gatherings and events. In terms of loudness, Soundboks has a higher maximum volume than Turtlebox. However, Turtlebox has a fuller and richer sound with more bass, making it more suitable for music with heavy bass. Additionally, Turtlebox is more rugged and durable than Soundboks, with a higher IP rating of IP67.
Warranty Period and Coverage for Turtlebox Speakers
Turtlebox offers a limited one-year warranty on their speakers. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage caused by accidents, misuse, or unauthorized modifications.
Comparison Between Turtlebox and JBL Boombox
Turtlebox and JBL Boombox are both powerful outdoor speakers that are designed for large gatherings and events. In terms of loudness, JBL Boombox has a higher maximum volume than Turtlebox. However, Turtlebox has a fuller and richer sound with more bass, making it more suitable for music with heavy bass. Additionally, Turtlebox is more rugged and durable than JBL Boombox, with a higher IP rating of IP67.
