Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used, though neither ranks well in its class. Used, the ZZA K8 is the better pick: it ranks #64 of 91 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 2.9/5), against #86 (rated 2.1/5) for the Turtlebox Gen 2. If you want one new, the Turtlebox Gen 3 replaces the Turtlebox Gen 2 and is rated 2.1/5 at $430. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 91 boombox speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the Tribit Stormbox Blast instead, ranked #2 at $199.99.
Why pick the Turtlebox Gen 2: Waterproof (IP67) and crushproof, and loud: Outeraudio measured about 104 dB at one meter. Watch for: Sounds basically identical to the original and the Turtlebox Gen 3: each generation mainly added features, not sound quality.
The ZZA K8 is the better-sounding, lighter option. Completely insane value for the money. At 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Turtlebox Gen 2 at 10 lbs (4.54 kg). The catch: Very V curve frequency response, can be harsh in the treble range.
Buy the ZZA K8 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Turtlebox Gen 3, which replaces the Turtlebox Gen 2.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Turtlebox Gen 2 | ZZA K8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $400 Discontinued | $40 after clipped coupon, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #86 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #64 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~65Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) | ~30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX6 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 10 lbs (4.54 kg) | 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| 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 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W | - |
| Dimensions | 12” x 7” x 8.7” (305 x 178 x 222 mm) | - |
| Drivers | 1x 6x9” (152x228mm) woofer + 1x 1” (25mm) tweeter | 8” woofer + tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Battery Capacity | 85Wh | - |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Microphone Input | Yes (3.5mm) | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (measured by Outeraudio) | - |
| Outputs | - | Aux |
| Wireless Microphones | - | Yes 2 Included |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for ZZA K8:
- EarFun Uboom X vs ZZA K8
- Tribit Stormbox Blast vs ZZA K8
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs ZZA K8
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs ZZA K8
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs ZZA K8
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
ZZA K8: $40 after clipped coupon Discontinued eBay
Pros: Completely insane value for the money. Comes with 2 metal body wireless microphones that are USB-C chargeable. Comes with Chinese labeled infrared remote control. Has voice delete function that works quite well. Adjustable microphone reverb. Pretty good build quality. The default EQ is the most balanced, the other two sound muffled.
Cons: Very V curve frequency response, can be harsh in the treble range. Treble is boosted a good +10dB. Midbass is recessed. Slight distortion issue at all volume levels due to the bass high pass filter being set too low. Discontinued and no longer sold new.
Full ZZA K8 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | ~30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Drivers | 8” woofer + tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Outputs | Aux |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons