Short answer: the JBL Boombox is the better all-round stereo speaker, while the Turtlebox Gen 2 is a rugged specialty product whose case and battery matter more than sound quality, though neither ranks well in its class. JBL has stereo drivers, 24-hour claimed runtime, Connect+ party mode, aux input and a power bank. Its limits are no app or EQ and only IPX5 protection. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 91 boombox speakers; for better sound, the Tribit Stormbox Blast ranks #2 at $199.99. The Turtlebox Gen 2 has been replaced by the Turtlebox Gen 3. The JBL Boombox has been replaced by the JBL Boombox 4. If you are buying new, get the JBL Boombox 4.
The discontinued Turtlebox has IP67 protection, a crushproof housing, 25-hour claimed battery, USB-C charging and stereo pairing. Its own notes flag limited bass, rattling at volume and output claims that do not translate to standard one-meter measurements.
Buy the Turtlebox Gen 2 only if the crushproof IP67 build and USB-C power bank are the primary reasons for the purchase.
Buy the JBL Boombox if you want better all-round stereo playback, party linking and a more conventional portable-speaker feature set.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Turtlebox Gen 2 | JBL Boombox | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $400 Discontinued | $399 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #86 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #62 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~65Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 10 lbs (4.54 kg) | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (15V/3A) | USB-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Amplifier Power | 50W | 60W AC / 40W battery |
| Dimensions | 12” x 7” x 8.7” (305 x 178 x 222 mm) | 10” x 18.1” x 7.7” (254.5 x 458.5 x 195.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 6x9” (152x228mm) woofer + 1x 1” (25mm) tweeter | 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Battery Capacity | 85Wh | - |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Microphone Input | Yes (3.5mm) | No |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (measured by Outeraudio) | - |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Boombox:
- Tribit Stormbox Blast vs JBL Boombox
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs JBL Boombox
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Boombox
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs JBL Boombox
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs JBL Boombox
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Turtlebox Gen 2: $400 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Turtlebox Gen 3, ranked higher, rated 2.1/5, released Feb 2025. It adds party mode.
Older model: the Turtlebox (ranked lower, rated 2.1/5). See every Turtlebox generation.
Pros: Waterproof (IP67) and crushproof, and loud: Outeraudio measured about 104 dB at one meter. An 85Wh battery rated for 25 hours at low volume and about 6 at full volume, a USB-C output that charges other devices, aux and 3.5mm microphone inputs, and stereo pairing with a second Gen 2. Measured bass extension of ~65Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Sounds basically identical to the original and the Turtlebox Gen 3: each generation mainly added features, not sound quality. The nearly identical Turtlebox Gen 3 measured a V shaped tuning, with boosted lows and highs and dipped mids, yet bass only down 10dB at about 65Hz, and only about 12W RMS from its amp; Turtlebox rated this one at just 50W. Outeraudio found its balance and treble middling, with slight harshness at higher volumes, and it rattles at high volume. Nowhere near its claimed 120dB at a standard one meter distance. It charges only from its own barrel plug adapter, not USB-C, and has no app, EQ or party mode. Inside is essentially a car audio 6x9 two way speaker in a plastic box. Discontinued.
Full Turtlebox Gen 2 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~65Hz |
| Battery Capacity | 85Wh |
| Battery Life | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12” x 7” x 8.7” (305 x 178 x 222 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 6x9” (152x228mm) woofer + 1x 1” (25mm) tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (measured by Outeraudio) |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (15V/3A) |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 10 lbs (4.54 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Outeraudio: Turtlebox Gen 2 Review
- Outeraudio: Turtlebox vs EcoXgear Defender Sound Comparison
- Risk Profile: TurtleBox Demo Risk Profile Podcast
- Everyday Man: Soundboks Go Vs Turttlebox Vs EcoXGear Defender
- Turtlebox Audio: Turtlebox Gen 2 - Live Sound Demo
- KosherTech: Soundcore Rave VS Turtlebox- (Sound Test Only)🎧 More from KosherTech →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Boombox: $399 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Boombox 4, ranked higher, rated 4/5, released Jul 2025. See every JBL Boombox generation.
Pros: At 5.2 kg, JBL Boombox combines 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators with Bluetooth and aux. Claimed 24 hours (manufacturer specified) battery life, ipx5 protection and stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. JBL Connect+ links up to 100 compatible speakers.
Cons: There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Treble is not very smooth. Discontinued.
Full JBL Boombox review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60W AC / 40W battery |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10” x 18.1” x 7.7” (254.5 x 458.5 x 195.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) |
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