We Put the New Speaker to the Test

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The first time I tried out a Turtlebox, it was love at first sight. Or should I say love at first sound. Since that day a few years ago, my collection of speakers has grown to include multiple OG Gen 3s, the Grande, and the Ranger. And now, I’ve added one more: the Turtlebox Cub.

I had the chance to test out the newest Turtlebox speaker ahead of its release. Usually, I’m skeptical of products that blow up on social media. But after years of using the brand’s speakers everywhere from the beach to the boat, I had high expectations for the Cub. After spending time with it on the water, I can confidently say it lived up to them.

Turtlebox Cub

Pros

Loud and clear sound quality
Rugged—completely waterproof and crushproof
Floats in the water
More lightweight than bigger speakers

Quick Overview

Specs

Dimensions: 8.6 x 7.2 x 5.75 inches
Weight: 5.3 pounds
Price: $330

How We Tested the Turtlebox Cub

To test the new Turtlebox, we used it the one place it could really shine: on the boat. We hauled it to the dock in the bed of a truck, let it rattle around underway, and spent the day blasting Morgan Wallen while zipping around the Chesapeake Bay. Along the way, it got splashed with saltwater, baked in the sun, and knocked around like any piece of gear on a summer boating afternoon. If the Cub was going to shine—or fail—this was the place to do it.

The Cub claims to be totally waterproof. (Photo/Turtlebox)

Testing Results

Surprise, surprise—the Turtlebox Cub is just as rugged, durable, and overbuilt (in the best way!) as its predecessors. Despite its smaller footprint, it feels every bit like a Turtlebox the moment you pick it up, from its rubberized feet and tough shell to its chunky design. It handled all the bumps, sea spray, and heat with no problem.

As for the sound volume and quality, here’s where things got a little less black and white. The big question we had was how would it compare to the OG Gen 3 Turtlebox. The Gen 3 still has the edge in outright volume and clarity, but the Cub holds its own in a way that’s impressive for its size. It easily outperforms most portable speakers I’ve tested, especially in open-air settings. Even with wind, boat noise, and everyone talking (including my very noisy kids), we never struggled to hear it.

The battery lasted the entire day, and even with using it a few times since, we have yet to have to charge it. I also like the smaller size. It’s a lot more lightweight than the Gen 3, which makes it easier to toss in a bag, set on the boat console, or simply carry when you have 500 other things you’re lugging to the dock.

Final Verdict

There’s a reason Turtlebox has such a good reputation. If you like loud music, being on the water, and gear that doesn’t need to be babied, the Cub is totally worth price tag. I’ll still recommend the Gen 3 Turtlebox as the best entry point into the brand. But if you already own one and want to expand your setup—or simply want something smaller and easier to take anywhere—the Turtlebox Cub is a worthy investment. Sure, it’s pricey, but it will hold up for years, and sound dang good doing it.

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.

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