Live Free, Listen Louder with the Turtlebox Portable Speaker

I know what you’re thinking, another portable speaker? Yep, we’re going to take a look at a larger, more powerful speaker than we’ve ever reviewed thus far. The Turtlebox, I can only assume, gets its name because of the rugged shell and waterproofness? Either way, this outdoor portable speaker is made for the elements. Boasting an impressive IP67 rating, the Turtlebox can remain submerged at 1 meter for 30 minutes. Not many other speakers can claim that. And dust has no chance of getting into the internals. But how does it sound?

Sound quality and battery life are two of the most important aspects of a portable speaker. How good does it sound? And how long can I listen?

With a 6×9 marine grade polypropylene main speaker and a 1.25″ tweeter, the sound is pretty well rounded. It provides a deeper penetrating bass than the Kicker Bullfrog we tested awhile back. The Turtlebox is designed to project the music directionally. Similar to a home theater speaker. Rather than an omnidirectional speaker. Plus, you can pair two Turtlebox’s together and really take it up a notch with left and right stereo speakers.

A built-in 85 watt-hour 9 cell lithium Ion battery provides the power for this beast. When listening at a reasonable volume, you can expect around 20 hours of run time. Crank it to eleven and you’ll get around 6 hours of your favorite jam. Turtlebox provides an AC wall charger to replenish the big battery. But also provides a USB-C input so you can recharge from other means. Under the waterproof cap is an AUX input for you old schoolers and another USB-C output to charge electronic devices.

“The first Turtlebox was born out of necessity. After breaking every “loud” product on the market through routine outdoor use, the idea of the Turtlebox was born in our garage, not as a business but just for personal use. Nothing else could get the job done.” ~turtlebox.com

TURTLEBOX is loud, portable, waterproof and rugged.  Get crystal clear, distortion-free sound at up to 120dB that you can easily carry with one-hand.

• Waterproof – IP67 Fully Waterproof & Dustproof, Impact Resistant. Waterproof Cap with Tether to Protect Port Openings from the Elements. Stainless Steel Hardware for Corrosion Resistance.
• Sound Designed for Outdoors – Our Frequency Curve Creates Sound that Cuts Through Wind and Travels Distance.
• Big Battery Pack – 20 hours of music at easy-listening volume and 6+ hours at max volume.  85 watt-hour built-in Lithium-Ion battery pack (9 cells); USB-C Charging Port. 
• Charges your Phone – USB-C Output makes the Turtlebox a Portable Power Pack.
• Bluetooth Stereo Pairing – Wirelessly Connect any Two Turtlebox speakers for True LEFT/RIGHT Stereo Imaging.
• Packs a Punch – For its Big Sound, the Turtlebox is Extremely Portable, Lightweight and Compact. Comfortable Rubber Handle and Large Rubber Feet. Dimensions: 11.5″ W x 6.5” D x 8.75” H; Weight: 10 lbs (about the size of a lunchbox)
• Marine Grade Speaker – 6″x9″ Polypropylene Speaker Cone with Rubber Surround and High-Efficiency Driver; 1.25″ tweeter
• LED Control Pad – Illuminated LED Rubber Control Pad including Volume Control and Track Skip 
• Five-Step Battery Level LED Indicator – Works just like a fuel gauge on your car, you’ll always know how much juice is left
• Tie-down Anchors – Located on both sides for use with 1” straps.
• Auxiliary Output – Standard 3.5mm
• MSRP – $399

One of many nice features is the LED lighted keypad. Soft rubber buttons that control Power, Pairing, Skipping tracks and volume. Additionally, there is a 5-step battery fuel gauge to let you know the status of the power storage. Two integrated tie down anchor points on either end of the Turtlebox allow you to secure the device with 1″ nylon straps. Perfect for boats, ATV’s and truck beds.

Final Thoughts:

Although we only had this demo unit from Turtlebox for 2 weeks, we really enjoyed our time with it. We’ve listened to it on the boat when anchored at the sandbar. Saving us from using the onboard stereo and potentially draining the batteries. Sitting on the swim step, the Turtlebox was subjected to deliberate splashing all day long and never skipped a beat. The battery lasted the entire day, including cocktail hour around the fire pit once back on shore. It even charged a phone or two while out on the lake. We even packed it for a 4 day Overland trip to the tip of Michigans Upper Peninsula. Here it provided a soothing music as we relaxed after each day of exploring in our FJ Cruiser.

At a price of $399, you need to know that this speaker is the real deal. Especially with all the cheaper imposters out there. The Turtlebox speaker is like the Yeti of coolers. More expensive because of the R&D and durability built into the unit. Buy once, cry once. Turtlebox also has your back with their 60 Day Risk-Free Trial. A 1-year no questions asked replacement warranty. And their Limited Lifetime Warranty. Soon I’ll be pulling the trigger on my own Turtlebox to keep.