Portable Bluetooth speakers enable you to enjoy great sound anywhere. And Turtlebox has become one of the most popular options with their rugged, waterproof designs perfect for life’s adventures. Turtlebox released their Gen 2 speaker in 2022 as an upgrade over the original version. But should you upgrade from Gen 1 or choose the latest model if buying your first Turtlebox?
We’ll compare the Turtlebox Gen 1 and Gen 2 speakers side-by-side on key factors like sound quality, battery life, bluetooth and charging, durability, and extra features. Read on for a detailed breakdown of how the Turtlebox generations stack up to help you decide which is better for your personal needs and budget.
Brief Comparison Table
| Speaker | Turtlebox Gen 1 | Turtlebox Gen 2 |
| Sound Quality | Bold, punchy audio | Enhanced bass & clarity over Gen 1 |
| Battery Life | 20 hours wireless runtime | 30+ hours runtime – 50% longer |
| Bluetooth | BT 5.0, 1 device pairing | BT 5.3, Multi-point 2 device pairing |
| Charging | 2-3 hrs (Micro USB) | 1.5 hrs (USB-C) – 50% faster |
| Water Resistance | Equal IP67 rating on both | Equal IP67 rating on both |
| Drop Protection | Same 6 ft military grade durability | Same 6 ft military grade durability |
| Extra Features | Basic color, speakerphone | Colors, Outdoor Boost, Stereo Pairing, Stack Charge |
| Price | $99.99 | $149.99 – Costs $50 more |
Sound Quality
Arguably the most important factor in any speaker is how good it sounds. You want great audio with punchy bass that makes listening enjoyable. Here’s how the two Turtlebox models compare:
Gen 1 Sound
The original Turtlebox speaker sounds fantastic for its compact size. It pumps out rich, bold sound with emphasized bass that’s still clear.
While not audiophile-grade, it can fill a room with party-worthy beats. Overall, impressive loudness and audio for the speaker’s cost and mobility.
Gen 2 Improvements
Turtlebox Gen 2 introduces a fully upgraded driver and passive bass radiators. The 40mm driver and dual 3.1” radiators provide even deeper bass and crisper highs than Gen 1. We’re talking room-rocking sound that belies the speaker’s portable form.
The upgraded components make a noticeable impact – Gen 2 has better sound balance with enhanced clarity across mids and highs. Music sounds fuller while retaining detail even at higher volumes. Definitely a level up in audio performance.
Verdict
While Gen 1 sounds great, Gen 2 takes it to the next level with major bass boost and audio quality improvements that justify upgrading.
Battery Life
Battery life hugely impacts actual portability for Bluetooth speakers. Short life means constantly recharging. How long can you listen wirelessly on the Turtlebox models?
Gen 1 Playtime
The first Turtlebox touts up to 20 hours of battery life per charge. That translates to several days of occasional use without needing to plug in. Enough for most camping trips or a full weekend by the pool before charging.
Gen 2 Endurance
Turtlebox really amped longevity in Gen 2. The latest model achieves an impressive 30 hours of advertised wireless playtime on a charge. Over 50% longer runtime that provides nearly a full week of moderate listening.
Verdict
While Gen 1 already had respectable battery life, Gen 2 blows it out of the water with over 30 hours that can last an entire trip off the charger. Big advantage for Gen 2 here.
Bluetooth And Charging
Fuss-free wireless connectivity and charging also matter for an on-the-go speaker. Here’s how Turtlebox Gen 1 and 2 compare on convenience features:
Gen 1 Connectivity
The first Turtlebox utilizes Bluetooth 5.0. It pairs seamlessly with smartphones, tablets, and laptops for cable-free audio streaming up to 30 feet away. Gen 1 only allows connecting one device at a time.
Charging the internal battery happens through an included micro USB cable. Recharging the speaker fully takes about 2-3 hours from empty.
Gen 2 Upgrades
Turtlebox Gen 2 features Bluetooth 5.3 for slightly stronger and more reliable wireless performance at the same 30ft range.
But the key upgrade is fast and multi-point Bluetooth pairing. Gen 2 speaker remembers previous pairings and lets you simultaneously connect two devices. Seamlessly switch audio sources or have a friend DJ tracks.
For charging, Gen 2 adopts USB-C for faster wired power delivery. It now requires about 1.5 hours for a full battery top-up.
Verdict
Gen 2 introduces meaningful Bluetooth improvements especially with multi-point pairing flexibility and 50% quicker USB-C charging that increase convenience.
Ruggedness And Water Resistance
A hallmark of Turtlebox speakers is their durability. These models can withstand wet environments and accidental drops that would damage more fragile audio gear. Here’s how the ruggedness compares between generations:
Gen 1 Toughness
The first Turtlebox speaker flaunts an IP67 rating signifying strong water and dust resistance. It can survive full immersion in 1 meter depth for 30 minutes—more than enough for pool parties.
This speaker also meets military drop test standards. It can handle up to 6 foot drops onto concrete without operational issues thanks to the rugged rubberized exterior. Gen 1 comes with a braided lanyard for easy hanging during adventures.
Gen 2 Protection
Turtlebox Gen 2 matches the IP67 rating for withstanding dust exposure and depth immersion. It goes toe-to-toe on H2O and particle protection.
For drop durability, Gen 2 endures the same 6 foot military grade test height as its predecessor. No change in mechanical ruggedness between generations.
Verdict
Both Turtlebox iterations rate equally for impressive waterproofing and drop resistance. No clear winner here. Either will survive your outdoor excursions!
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Extra Features And Options
Besides core functionality, some bonus traits can improve the overall user experience. Let’s examine the extra characteristics of each generation.
Gen 1 Features
The inaugural Turtlebox came in one color option – classic black. It focuses on nailing the basics without many bonus features.
You do get speakerphone functionality thanks to the inbuilt microphone. Answer calls from a paired phone directly through the speaker. And Turtlebox 1 provides battery status updates through audio voice prompts.
Regarding accessories, Gen 1 bundles a USB to micro USB charging cable only. You need to buy other Turtlebox add-ons separately if desired.
Gen 2 Extras
Turtlebox 2 introduces SIGNIFICANTLY expanded feature options starting with 4 colorful variants – sunrise yellow, sunset red, river blue, and midnight black. Express yourself with bright colors!
Gen 2 also debuts an Outdoor Boost mode that turbocharges volume to over 90 decibels for spaces like patios and parks. Enable beast mode audio louder than Gen 1 can achieve.
For connectivity, Gen 2 features stereo pairing to wirelessly link two units for bigger left-right channel separation—a welcome upgrade for music enthusiasts.
Plus the latest model debuts stackable charging allowing you to power up to three speakers vertically through their bottoms and use just one wall outlet. Convenient for trips with friends or families!
Verdict
Turtlebox Gen 2 brings substantially more versatility through color options, Outdoor Boost loudness, stereo pairing for better separation, and stack charging convenience. Clear win for Gen 2 when considering bonus characteristics beyond core functionality.
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Cost Comparison
With all factors weighed up, what’s the final price breakdown? Here are the costs:
- Turtlebox Gen 1 – $99.99 USD
- Turtlebox Gen 2 – $149.99 USD
Gen 2 costs $50 or 50% more than the Gen 1. The higher MSRP reflects the audio upgrades, significantly longer battery life, better Bluetooth connectivity with multi-point, USB-C quick charging, and extra feature set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Turtlebox Gen 2 reaches over 90 decibels of peak volume output in Outdoor Boost mode which is crazy loud for a compact Bluetooth speaker! The upgraded 40mm driver and amplified twin radiators allow it to fill large outdoor spaces like patios and parks with vibrant stereo sound. Standard volume levels can also comfortably fill smaller rooms.
Both Turtlebox generations boast impressive lifespans thanks to their IP67 water and dustproofing as well as military-grade impact resistance. They can last for years with proper care. Turtlebox Gen 2 specifically achieves over 30 hours of continuous playtime on a full battery charge. Plus its USB-C charging supports thousands of quick top ups over the lifespan.
Turtlebox Gen 2 newly supports stereo pairing which means you can wirelessly connect two Gen 2 speakers to split left-right audio channels for wider soundstage immersion listening to music or watching videos. Note that Gen 1 does not have stereo pairing capability.
Unfortunately, neither Turtlebox generations have settings for further adjusting bass or an EQ beyond overall volume levels. However, both speakers emphasize bold bass out of the box that preserves good balance with mids and highs. And Gen 2 specifically enhances low-end punch over Gen 1 thanks to the upgraded driver and amplified radiators.
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Conclusion
Turtlebox Gen 2 is clearly the superior Bluetooth speaker with noticeably better sound, over 50% longer battery runtime, fast USB-C charging, multi-point Bluetooth, four vibrant color options to choose from, Outdoor Boost volume, stereo pairing support, and vertical stack charging.
The Gen 2 upgrades justify spending extra to get the latest and greatest Turtlebox model if wanting excellent portable audio in more scenarios with fewer compromises. It outperforms across the board—a true next generation leap over the already great Gen 1.
That said, if on a tighter budget, the original Turtlebox speaker still pumps out very solid bang for the buck at under $100 with good sound, 20+ hour endurance, ruggedness, and waterproofing. For basic needs, Gen 1 gets the job done and will save you 50 bucks.
But those looking for the very best performance, versatility and latest features should go with Turtlebox Gen 2. The additional $50 cost brings much more than 50% increased value considering the improvements. Turtlebox noticeably leveled up their speaker game with the 2nd generation model that finds the sweet spot of premium features, stellar audio and reasonable pricing.