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Can you be a "groupie" of a brand? If so, I am definitely a Turtlebox groupie. Ever since I first got a Turtlebox speaker, I've been a convert. Sonos, Bose, JBL—all fine, but none compare to the original. The only thing that maybe set those other brands apart was that they have a smaller, more portable speaker. But now that the Turtlebox Ranger exists, there's no longer any competition (at least, in my opinion).
Being the Turtlebox fan I am, I jumped at the chance to test out the new Ranger. After weeks of putting it through the paces—and by that, I mean blasting some Morgan Wallen and Cody Johnson while enjoying what is finally some warmer weather—here are my thoughts on the brand's latest addition to the speaker lineup.
Quick Overview
Specs
Weight: 2.4 pounds
Dimensions: 8.05 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches
Power: 25.2 Wh Lithium-ion battery
Waterproof: Yes
Pros
Lightweight and compact
Magnetic—can stick to different surfaces
Completely waterproof
Impressive sound quality and volume
Can pair with other Rangers
Cons
Doesn't pair with older Turtlebox speakers
Testing Results and Analysis
Sound Quality and Functionality
I would expect nothing less than near perfection from any Turtlebox speaker—and the Ranger didn't disappoint. It doesn't get as loud as the OG speaker, but for its size, it packs a pretty impressive punch in terms of volume. It's certainly louder than any other portable speaker I've used, and it sounds really good, too.
The battery life is equally noteworthy. We've been using ours for weeks and have honestly only had to charge it a handful of times. According to Turtlebox, it can last for an entire day of play on just a single charge. The touch button controls are also very intuitive and easy to use—even our 2-year-old daughter has them figured out and can work it on her on own.
Durability and Waterproofness
What I like about the Ranger is what I like about the original Turtlebox: It's fully waterproof and it's built to take a beating. I am not gentle with my gear—never have been, never will be. Things get tossed in the bed of the truck, accidentally dropped into the water, and generally just knocked around. Luckily, the Ranger can take all of that without any damage. It's rugged and well-made, and will clearly last for awhile. Just as cool, because of the IP-67 waterproof rating, it's submersible up to 3 feet for 30 minutes (perfect for aforementioned drops in the Chesapeake Bay!). The only downside? It doesn't float like the brand's other speakers. Darn.
Other Features
One of the highlights of the Ranger is that it's magnetic. This is very convenient—and what sets it apart from other Bluetooth speakers I've used. I like that I can stick it to our stainless steel Yeti cooler when we're hanging out outside or on the boat. My husband, HVAC technician that he is, likes that he can stick it almost anywhere on the jobsite without worrying about it getting knocked over.
Another cool feature on the Ranger is "Party Mode," which lets you pair to as many other Rangers as you'd like. This is great if you're hanging out with friends, or if you simply want the surround sound experience outdoors. The only downside to this is that if you, like me, own the older generation Turtlebox, it won't be able to connect with the Ranger. This is a big bummer (but also an excuse to just buy another Ranger, I guess!).
Verdict
Surprise, surprise. It's me, recommending yet another Turtlebox to literally anyone and everyone. The OG Turtlebox still has my heart but the new Turtlebox Ranger is absolutely worth buying if you're looking for a smaller and more portable outdoor speaker.
Why Trust Us
For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.
