Fugoo Tough XL Review

Build Quality

When looking to find a speaker that encompasses your outdoor lifestyle – look no further! This IP67 speaker is snow-proof, dust-proof, sand-proof, mud-proof, shockproof, waterproof (basically everything-proof!), and ready for any adventure.

Weighing in at 6.2 pounds, the Fugoo Tough XL is pretty solid. As the extra-large counterpart to the Fugoo Tough, the Tough XL is also going to be significantly larger as well. Measuring 13.8 x 4.4 x 4.7 inches in size.

While you probably aren’t going to be able to just toss this speaker into your backpack, you can add a carry strap handle to the speaker shell. This makes the Fugoo Tough XL still just as portable as its smaller variant. Unfortunately, Fugoo does not include this with the speaker but it can be purchased separately.

The collaboration of a fiber-reinforced resin shell, an aluminum and polymer jacket as well as shock-mounted components with protective end caps will help keep your speaker safe no matter what the conditions are.

Audio connections 

The Fugoo Tough XL features Bluetooth version 4.0 which provides wireless connectivity for up to 33 feet. You also have the option to pair up an additional Fugoo speaker to create a stereo pair. This can be done with any of Fugoos 2nd generation outdoor Bluetooth speakers (Style 2.0, Sport 2.0, or Tough 2.0).

Other than Bluetooth connectivity, Fugoo has also included a standard 3.5mm direct stereo jack input for a wired connection.

With the Fugoo Tough XL, you can also access Siri or Google Now through the speaker’s built-in microphone.

Sound Quality 

A well-balanced sound is delivered through eight Fugoo-designed Core-X acoustic drivers, all placed to create a 360-degree sound field. This consists of four tweeters, two mid-woofers, as well as two passive bass radiators. These drivers will reproduce clean highs, a mid-range that punches, and lows that will not disappoint.

With 38 watts of power, the Fugoo Tough XL delivers 100 decibels SPL. Loud enough for almost any adventure! 

Fugoo Tough XL vs JBL Xtreme 2

So you’ve narrowed down your choices but now you’re stuck trying to decide between the Fugoo Tough XL and the JBL Xtreme 2? We’ve got you covered with a quick comparison of the two speakers.

Design & Durability

As we mentioned earlier, the Fugoo Tough XL features a fiber-reinforced resin shell with an aluminum and polymer jacket, as well as shock-mounted components with protective end caps. This, added with the speaker’s IP67 dust and waterproof rating allows the speaker to withstand all the elements effectively.

When looking at the JBL Xtreme 2, it certainly hasn’t been designed to live up to the same harsh weather conditions. While still durable, it features a rubber housing with a fabric covering. The Xtreme 2 features a waterproof rating of IPX7, which means it offers the same waterproof protection as the Tough XL, but does not have a dust rating.

Sound Quality

The Fugoo Tough XL and JBL Xtreme 2 are very similar when it comes to sound quality. Both speakers are clean sounding with a similar frequency range. When it comes to loudness, on the other hand, the Fugoo Tough XL takes the top step of the podium. Featuring a total of eight drivers, compared to the six drivers in the JBL Xtreme 2. 

Battery life 

Not only does the Fugoo Tough XL best describe the size of the speaker, but it seems to be an accurate description of its battery life as well! The Fugoo Tough XL takes the cake here, with 35 hours of play-time at 50% volume.

While the JBL Xtreme 2 lists only 15 hours of play-time, JBL is notorious for being rather conservative in their listing of battery life. In reality, you should be able to get about 25 hours of listening at 50% volume. With that said, the Fugoo Tough XL still offers around 10 hours more.

Both speakers have a 3.5-hour charge time. This means that plugging it in to charge before going to bed will provide more than a full day of music the following day.

Speaker Comparison Table

Conclusion

The Fugoo Tough XL is certainly a tough, rugged, and durable speaker. Fit to handle the elements, it’s a great portable Bluetooth speaker for outdoor activities. The Fugoo Tough XL is affordable and offers excellent bang for the buck, especially in terms of its design features when looking at similar products in this category.

If you enjoy taking your music where ever you go and want some added durability features, then the Fugoo Tough XL is the speaker you are looking for.