Short answer: the Turtlebox Gen 3, if you are buying new, though neither ranks well in its class. The Braven XXL 2 ranks higher than it (#81 vs #85 of 91 boombox speakers, 2.3/5 vs 2.1/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Turtlebox Gen 3 is still sold new at $430. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 91 boombox speakers, and the Tribit Stormbox Blast, ranked #2 at $199.99, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The Turtlebox Gen 3 is the longer-running, lighter choice. Waterproof (IP67, and it floats) and crushproof, with stainless steel hardware and quality amplifier parts inside. It is rated for 25 hours of battery against 18 for the Braven XXL 2. At 10 lbs (4.54 kg) it weighs much less than the Braven XXL 2 at 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg). It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Braven XXL 2. Watch for: Sounds basically identical to the original and the Turtlebox Gen 2: each generation mainly added features, not sound quality.
Why pick the Braven XXL 2: 18 hour battery life; USB-A port charges your phone 4 times over. The catch: Not very deep bass.
Buy the Turtlebox Gen 3 new; the Braven XXL 2 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Turtlebox Gen 3 | Braven XXL 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $430.00 | $350 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #85 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #81 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~65Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 10 lbs (4.54 kg) | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Turtlebox Party Mode) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (15V/3A) | USB-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Amplifier Power | 50W | 100W |
| Dimensions | 12” x 7” x 8.7” (305 x 178 x 222 mm) | 22” x 9” x 8” (558.8 x 228.6 x 203.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 6x9” (152x228mm) woofer + 1x 1” (25mm) tweeter | 60W dual drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Microphone Input | Yes (3.5mm) | - |
| Battery Capacity | 85Wh | - |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (measured by Williston Audio Labs) | - |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Braven XXL 2 compares with other leading options:
- JBL Boombox 4 vs Braven XXL 2
- W-King T11 vs Braven XXL 2
- JBL Partybox On the Go vs Braven XXL 2
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs Braven XXL 2
- JBL Boombox vs Braven XXL 2
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Turtlebox Gen 3: $430.00 Amazon eBay
Older models: the Turtlebox Gen 2 (ranked lower, rated 2.1/5) and the Turtlebox (ranked lower, rated 2.1/5). See every Turtlebox generation.
Same family: the Turtlebox Cub (smaller model, rated 3/5), the Turtlebox Ranger (smaller model, rated 3.5/5) and the Turtlebox Grande (larger model, ranked higher, rated 2.6/5).
Pros: Waterproof (IP67, and it floats) and crushproof, with stainless steel hardware and quality amplifier parts inside. Loud for its class: Williston Audio Labs measured 102 dB at max volume, well above a Kicker Bullfrog BF400’s 96 dB. A big 85Wh battery rated for 25+ hours, a USB-C output that charges other devices, aux and microphone inputs, and true multi-speaker Party Mode on top of stereo pairing, plus Bluetooth 5.4. Measured bass extension of ~65Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Sounds basically identical to the original and the Turtlebox Gen 2: each generation mainly added features, not sound quality. The amp is tuned to a V shape, with boosted lows and highs and a dip in the mids, but the boost can’t make up for shallow extension: the bass is only down 10dB at about 65Hz, so there’s little real low end despite the boomy upper bass. The amp delivers only about 12W RMS at 1% distortion. In Williston Audio Labs’ side by side test most listeners preferred the much smaller Kicker Bullfrog BF400 for its cleaner sound, and a Pioneer PBM5 played louder at 105 dB. Nowhere near its claimed 120dB at a reasonable measuring distance. Rattles at high volume. It charges only from its own 15V barrel plug brick, not USB-C, and has no app or EQ. Inside is essentially a car audio 6x9 two way speaker in a plastic box.
Full Turtlebox Gen 3 review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2025 (1 year 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 | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| 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 | 102dB (measured by Williston Audio Labs) |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Turtlebox Party Mode) |
| 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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Turtlebox Gen 3 vs Turtlebox Gen 2
- Turtlebox Gen 3 vs Monster Rockin’ Roller 270
- Turtlebox Gen 3 vs Turtlebox
- Turtlebox Gen 3 vs ION Pathfinder 280
- Turtlebox Gen 3 vs ION Pathfinder 320
- Turtlebox Gen 3 vs Zealot S78
- Turtlebox Gen 3 vs W-King X10
- Turtlebox Gen 3 vs Pioneer PBM5
- See all 98 comparisons
Braven XXL 2: $350 Discontinued eBay
Pros: 18 hour battery life; USB-A port charges your phone 4 times over. IPX5 water-resistant and floats despite weight. Built-in subwoofer delivers powerful bass. Includes bottle opener.
Cons: Not very deep bass. Very heavy. Discontinued.
Full Braven XXL 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 22” x 9” x 8” (558.8 x 228.6 x 203.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 60W dual drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons