As an overlander and founder of 4wdTalk, I’ve put more gear through its paces than most. Whether it’s tents, tools, or tech, nothing comes with me unless it can handle being pushed to its limit. Portable speakers have been no exception.
After years of road trips, remote camping spots, and off-the-grid adventures, I’ve lost count of the number of so-called “rugged” speakers I’ve destroyed. I’m actually chuckling as I type this out at some of the epic fails I have encountered from so-called “durable” speakers…
Sure, some looked tough, but when dust, rain, or my 9-year-old son started kicking things up, most didn’t last long. But there are two speakers that have stood the test of time, and today, I’m focusing on my favorite—the Turtlebox Gen 2.
I’ve been through all kinds of environments, from the blazing heat in Joshua Tree to the icy mountain roads of Big Bear for some incredible winter camping. A lot of my gear hasn’t made it out of those trips intact. But the Turtlebox Gen 2, well, that’s a different story! It’s survived everything I’ve thrown at it, and it’s still here, blasting my favorite tunes with sound quality I didn’t think possible from a portable speaker. So, with that, let’s get into the review!
Table of Contents
- The Turtlebox Gen 2 Has Battle-Tested Specs
- This Speaker is Built to Survive
- The Turtlebox Gen 2 Offers Sound That Cuts Through the Noise
- Battery Life That Lasts = Tunes for Days
- Experience Connectivity That Goes the Distance With the Turtlebox Gen 2
- Pros and Cons
- The Bottom Line: A Speaker for the Hardcore Adventurer
The Turtlebox Gen 2 Has Battle-Tested Specs
Before diving into my experience, let’s talk about what this speaker brings to the table:
- Dimensions: 11.5″ x 6.5″ x 8.75″
- Weight: 10 lbs (not exactly lightweight, but more on that in a bit..)
- Power Output: Up to 120 dB
- Battery Life: Up to 25+ hours at moderate volume
- Waterproof Rating: IP67 (this thing is completely waterproof and dustproof)
- Bluetooth Range: 100+ feet
- Pairing: Stereo pairing for two Turtlebox speakers
- Charging: USB-C charging port
- Durability: Built to withstand serious abuse
I’m not one to baby my gear, and the Turtlebox Gen 2 fits right in with my “tough or nothing” philosophy. Of course, as you can see above, its durable build is just one aspect of this fun little camping speaker. Now, let’s dig into why this thing has earned a permanent spot in my rig.
This Speaker is Built to Survive
I first took the Turtlebox Gen 2 on a trip up to Big Bear in the winter. Snow, freezing temperatures, mud—it was a mess, but a good one. Usually, gear starts to show signs of wear after a trip like this. I half-expected the speaker to come back with some scratches or maybe a bit of water damage. Not even close!
The rugged design isn’t just for show. This speaker is built like a tank (seriously). At 10 pounds, it’s not the lightest portable speaker on the market, but that’s a tradeoff I’ll gladly take for its durability. You can throw it in the back of your truck, toss it onto rocky ground, or even drop it in a river, and it keeps going. That’s thanks to its IP67 rating, which means it’s fully waterproof and dustproof. I’ve knocked it off tables, kicked it in the dirt, and left it out in the rain—this thing doesn’t flinch.
I remember one particular trip down the coast of California, where the wind and salty air were relentless. I had a few friends over for a beach camp, and despite the elements, the Turtlebox sat in the sand all day without an issue…
The salty air? No problem. The sand caked into it because someone who had one adult beverage too many knocked it into the sand? Nothing to worry about. By the time we packed up and moved on, the only thing we needed to do was brush off a little dirt. Well, that and I hosed it off when I got home. But that’s it!
The Turtlebox Gen 2 Offers Sound That Cuts Through the Noise
When you’re out in the wild, there’s a lot more to deal with than just setting up camp. The wind, nature, and even the sound of vehicles can drown out your speaker—unless you have the Turtlebox. This thing cranks up to 120 dB, which means it’s loud enough to fill any space, whether you’re in an open field, deep in the woods, or standing beside a roaring river.
One of my favorite experiences was taking this speaker on a camping trip with my son, Caleb, who just turned 9. We were up in the mountains at Kern River, where the wind can howl through the trees at night, and the water noise from the fast river can be very loud.
We’d set up camp, and as usual, I wanted some music to kick off the evening. I cranked up the Turtlebox, and sure enough, even with the wind and river noise, the music carried. It wasn’t just loud, though—it was clear. The sound quality is deep, rich, and full, which, as I mentioned earlier, is what jumps out to me on this speaker. Whether it’s the bass pounding through or the crisp treble notes, you won’t be disappointed.
And this is coming from a self-admitted sound snob. After testing so many speakers over the years, I’ve become picky about what sounds good. I’ll be the first to admit that Turtlebox surprised me. Even at full volume, there’s minimal distortion. Sure, there are a few moments where you might hear a little crackle if you push it to its max, but that’s expected with any speaker. The point is, even when the volume’s cranked, you’re still getting that rich, balanced sound.
Battery Life That Lasts = Tunes for Days
I’ve taken this speaker on week-long camping trips, and not once have I had to worry about charging it mid-trip. With 25+ hours of battery life at moderate volume, you can use it for days without a second thought. I’m usually not the guy who’s going to blast music non-stop, but it’s nice to know I have the option if I want to.
On a desert trip last year, I was out in the middle of nowhere for three days. There was no service, no power, and the only thing I had to entertain me at night was the Turtlebox and a good fire. By the end of the trip, I still had battery life to spare, even after using it every night. And when it does need charging, the USB-C port makes it easy and fast. As a matter of fact, you charge this beast in about 3 hours from stone dead to full.
That being said, if you’re blasting it at full volume for hours on end, you’ll see the battery life drop more quickly, which is to be expected. I’ve only had a couple of trips where I pushed the volume, and I want to say I was getting between 5 and 7 hours of run time. But even then, it outlasts most portable speakers I’ve used. It’s a solid performer in every sense, and battery anxiety isn’t something you’ll need to worry about.
Experience Connectivity That Goes the Distance With the Turtlebox Gen 2
As much as I love sound and durability, connectivity is where a lot of speakers fall short. I’ve had some that lose connection if I walk more than 20 feet away, which is annoying for obvious reasons. The Turtlebox boasts a Bluetooth range of over 100 feet, and in my experience, it lives up to the claim. I’ve walked away from the speaker, moved between obstacles, and the connection holds steady.
One feature I love is the stereo pairing. You can pair two Turtlebox Gen 2 speakers together, creating an even more immersive audio experience. Seeing as I recently picked up a second speaker, I’ve been playing around with this feature and love it.
What I’ll do is set up each speaker on each side of camp. With dual 6×9 speakers firing at me, I must say that the sound is an experience! Having one speaker on each side means we have full, balanced audio no matter where we are in camp. It’s a great feature, especially for bigger gatherings.
Pros and Cons of the Turtlebox Gen 2
Pros
- Durability and Rugged Design:
- The Turtlebox Gen 2 is built to withstand harsh conditions, making it ideal for overlanders, campers, and anyone in rugged environments. Its IP67 rating means it’s completely waterproof and dustproof, and it can survive being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. Dirty? Hose it off!
- The shockproof ABS plastic housing and stainless steel parts make it tough enough for rough handling, including drops and impact.
- Powerful Sound:
- With an output of up to 120 dB, this speaker is loud enough for outdoor events, large campsites, and even parties. It maintains sound clarity without distortion, even at higher volumes. If you listen to podcasts or audiobooks, this speaker sounds amazing.
- It offers a deep, punchy bass that works well for most genres, especially outdoors, where wind and other ambient noises might interfere.
- Battery Life:
- The battery life is a major strength, lasting up to 25+ hours at moderate listening levels and around 6 hours at full volume. This makes it great for extended camping trips without worrying about recharging frequently.
- Waterproofing:
- While I have not kept my speaker submerged in water, numerous reviews highlight its excellent waterproof capabilities. For instance, one reviewer noted that the speaker survived being submerged in a lake for over a month and still functioned well after drying.
- True Wireless Stereo Pairing:
- You can pair two Turtlebox speakers for stereo sound, making it a versatile choice for larger gatherings or broader sound coverage. This is seriously the way to go with these speakers!
Cons
- Weight and Portability:
- Weighing in at 10 pounds, the Turtlebox Gen 2 is on the heavier side, which can make it less ideal for carrying long distances. It’s better suited for short treks from your vehicle to a campsite or beach. (In case you are wondering, the rich sound quality comes from a quality 6×9 speaker. Which has a big old magnet on it (typical of quality speakers)).
- While it has a handle for easier transport, I can see some users feeling that its size and weight can be cumbersome for those looking for a truly portable option.
- Limited Features:
- The speaker is fairly straightforward with no extra frills like voice assistants or built-in smart functions, which may be a drawback for users looking for more advanced functionality.
- Price:
- At $400, the Turtlebox Gen 2 is more expensive than many other portable Bluetooth speakers on the market. Some reviewers argue that while the rugged design and powerful sound justify the price, it could still be a stretch for those on a budget.
- Charging Port and Method:
- The Turtlebox requires a proprietary charger and doesn’t support standard USB-C charging, which can be inconvenient if you lose the charger. So… if you lose the charger, you need to buy a new one from Turtlebox. So don’t lose it.
The Bottom Line: A Speaker for the Hardcore Adventurer
As I said earlier, I’ve been overlanding for years, and I’ve been let down by plenty of gear. The Turtlebox Gen 2, though, is one of those rare pieces that not only survives my trips but enhances them. Whether I’m camping in the rain, setting up at the beach, or trekking through the mountains, this speaker has held up and delivered every time. Kudos to the engineers at Turtlebox.
If you’re like me—someone who’s hard on their gear, spends a lot of time in remote places, and demands quality sound—this is the speaker you want in your rig. It’s tough, loud, and reliable. To date, there are only two speakers I’ve actually enjoyed using, but if I had to pick a favorite based on depth of sound and overall performance, this is it.
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