If you’re wondering whether the Teufel Rockster Cross 2 is the right portable Bluetooth speaker for your next outdoor gathering or just chilling at home, it packs a serious punch. This latest iteration from Teufel brings some welcome upgrades, focusing on even longer battery life, enhanced connectivity, and a robust design that’s ready for almost anything you throw at it. It’s a speaker that really aims to balance portability with powerful sound, making it a strong contender in a crowded market. Whether you’re upgrading from the original Teufel Rockster Cross or looking for a new portable powerhouse, this review will break down everything you need to know about the Teufel Rockster Cross 2 Bluetooth Speaker to help you decide.
One of my go-to tricks when looking at new tech is to see what improvements were made from the previous model. Teufel listened to a lot of feedback and brought the Rockster Cross 2 into the modern era with some significant refinements. For instance, the original Rockster Cross was already known for its robust sound, but the second generation dials up the practicality. It now boasts an impressive battery life that goes way beyond its predecessor, and finally, a USB-C port for charging and even acting as a power bank. Plus, there’s a dedicated app to fine-tune your sound, which was a big miss on the first one. So, if those features sound like podcast to your ears, you’re off to a good start!
The Evolution of Sound: What’s New with the Rockster Cross 2?
Remember how good the original Rockster Cross sounded? It was a real favorite for many, but some things felt a little… well, a little behind the times. The Rockster Cross 2 tackles those head-on, bringing a refresh that makes it far more competitive today.
First up, let’s talk about power. The original Rockster Cross offered a respectable 16 hours of playback. That was decent back then, but world of all-day events and weekend trips, it could feel a bit short. The Rockster Cross 2 absolutely blows that out of the water, offering up to 38 hours of playback at medium volume and an incredible 46 hours in Eco mode. That’s more than double, and honestly, it’s a must for anyone who doesn’t want to constantly worry about finding an outlet. This kind of battery performance means you can go for several days without a charge, even during extended outdoor activities.
Then there’s the charging situation. The previous model used an older Micro-USB, which, let’s be honest, is a bit of a pain now that almost everything else uses USB-C. Good news: the Rockster Cross 2 has fully embraced USB-C for charging. Not only that, but it also features a power bank function, letting you top up your phone or other gadgets on the go, which is super handy when you’re out and about. It supports fast charging up to 60W, so you won’t be tethered to a wall for too long.
Another big leap is the introduction of a companion app, the Teufel Go app. The original speaker, like the Fender x Teufel Rockster Cross, lacked an equalizer or smartphone app, which was a common complaint. Now, you can tweak the sound with an equalizer, activate additional functions, and easily manage your speaker settings right from your phone. This really gives you more control over your audio experience, letting you customize it to your personal preferences or the environment you’re in.
When it comes to the actual sound, Teufel made some subtle but noticeable adjustments. While the core driver setup remains largely the same as the predecessor a 2-way system with two tweeters, a central subwoofer, and two rear passive radiators, the Rockster Cross 2 offers a slightly different sonic profile. Some reviews suggest the new model has a “boomier,” more mainstream bass, while the old one was “punchier”. It seems Teufel tuned the Cross 2 to deliver a bass that’s a bit more audible and robust, appealing to a wider audience, especially for those who love a deep, resonant low-end. The maximum volume remains impressive, with the Cross 2 reaching around 100.6 dBc with EQ, very close to its predecessor’s 100.2 dBc in Outdoor Mode. Oppo Reno14 AI Phone Review: A Deep Dive into Smart Innovation
Visually, the changes are minimal, keeping the same rugged, familiar look. However, Teufel did introduce some new color options: alongside the classic Black/Red, you can now find it in Black/Green and Light Gray. These new options give you a bit more choice to match your style, whether you’re looking for something bold or more understated.
Design That’s Ready for Anything
One of the first things you notice about the Teufel Rockster Cross 2 is its robust and adventure-ready design. It’s not just about looking tough. it’s built to handle real-world conditions, making it an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who wants their podcast to follow them wherever they go.
The speaker features a reinforced casing with an IPX5 certification, meaning it’s protected against water jets from any direction. This isn’t full submersion proof, but it means you don’t have to stress about splashes by the pool, unexpected rain showers at a picnic, or even taking it to the beach where sand and water are common. It’s designed to be shockproof too, so those accidental bumps and drops won’t immediately spell disaster for your tunes. This kind of durability is essential for a portable speaker meant for the great outdoors. If you’re looking for a speaker to brave the elements, this one really delivers on that front. You can check out other Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers if that’s your main priority.
Portability is clearly a key focus here. The Rockster Cross 2 measures around 39 cm wide, 15 cm high, and 13 cm deep, weighing in at 2.4 kg. While it’s not the smallest speaker out there, it’s certainly manageable for its power. To make carrying it easier, Teufel has included integrated side handles and a wider carrying strap than the previous generation. This strap is a really practical addition, allowing you to sling it over your shoulder for comfortable transport, whether you’re hiking a trail or just walking to a friend’s house. Fujifilm x e5 mirrorless digital camera review
A clever design element that often gets overlooked is its tilting base. This allows you to angle the speaker slightly when it’s placed on the ground, directing the sound upwards towards your ears. This might seem like a small detail, but it significantly improves sound projection and clarity, especially in open spaces where sound tends to dissipate. It’s thoughtful touches like these that show Teufel understands how people actually use their portable speakers.
As mentioned before, you’ve got three color options: Black/Red, Black/Green, and Light Gray. These choices allow you to pick a style that fits your vibe, whether you prefer a classic look or something a bit more modern and vibrant. The overall aesthetic maintains Teufel’s recognizable ROCKSTER family traits, combining ruggedness with a clean, functional design.
Unpacking the Audio Experience: Sound Quality & Technology
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty: how does the Teufel Rockster Cross 2 sound? After all, that’s what we’re really here for, right? Teufel has packed some serious audio engineering into this portable beast.
At its core, the Rockster Cross 2 features a 2-way acoustic architecture. What does that mean for you? It means the sound is handled by different specialized drivers: two tweeters for clear highs, a central subwoofer for powerful mids and lows, and two rear passive radiators that enhance the bass response. This setup ensures a more balanced and detailed sound profile compared to speakers with just full-range drivers. The amplification stage delivers 39 Watts RMS, a solid figure that allows it to fill large rooms or outdoor spaces with sound without struggling.
Teufel’s proprietary Dynamore® technology is also at play here. Developed in Berlin, this tech aims to expand the soundstage, creating a wider, more immersive stereo presentation from a single speaker. If you’ve ever heard a compact speaker that sounds surprisingly big, it’s often due to clever processing like this. It helps make your podcast feel more spacious, even when you’re listening to a mono source. Panasonic Arc5 Palm-Sized Razor Review: Your Ultimate Guide to a Portable Powerhouse
For those moments when you take your party outside, the Outdoor Mode is a lifesaver. When activated, this mode automatically adjusts the equalization to compensate for the typical loss of bass and clarity in open-air environments. This means your podcast won’t sound thin or distant when you’re enjoying it at the park or on the beach. It’s a smart feature that genuinely improves the listening experience outdoors, ensuring your tunes retain their punch.
The speaker boasts a frequency range from 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz. This wide range means it can reproduce deep bass notes and crisp, detailed highs, offering a full spectrum of sound. The maximum sound pressure level is specified at 98 dB, which is pretty loud for a portable speaker of this size, ensuring your podcast can cut through ambient noise at gatherings.
Now, how does this translate into what you actually hear? Based on comparisons with its predecessor, the Rockster Cross 2 seems to lean towards a slightly more “mainstream” sound profile in the bass, making it a bit “boomier” and more immediately noticeable. While the original might have had a “punchier” bass that felt tighter, the Cross 2’s bass is designed to be more expansive and impactful, which many users prefer for party podcast. For the highs, some reviewers noted the original felt a bit “spritzier,” while the Cross 2 might be slightly more reserved, possibly to enhance the perception of that bigger bass. The mid-range remains strong and similar between both versions, with good vocal clarity and instrument separation, especially benefiting from the angled tweeters and Dynamore technology that helps create a broader soundstage.
Some earlier Reddit discussions about the original Rockster Cross mentioned it could sometimes sound “overpriced” or that rivals like the Tribit Stormbox Blast or Soundcore Motion Boom offered better sound for the money. However, with the Rockster Cross 2’s refinements, including the app-based EQ, Teufel is clearly addressing these points, allowing users to tailor the sound more closely to their preferences and the environment.
Power Through Your Adventures: Battery Life & Charging
For any portable speaker, battery life is king, especially when you’re taking your podcast off the grid. The Teufel Rockster Cross 2 doesn’t just meet expectations. it truly excels here, setting a new benchmark for endurance in its category.
As I mentioned before, this speaker offers an incredible 38 hours of playback at medium volume, and if you switch to the Eco mode, that jumps to an astonishing 46 hours. To put that in perspective, that’s easily enough power to last you a long weekend camping trip, multiple beach days, or countless backyard barbecues without needing a recharge. This extended battery life is a massive upgrade from the original Rockster Cross, which offered around 16 hours. You won’t be constantly scrambling for an outlet, and that freedom is invaluable.
When it does come time to power up, the Rockster Cross 2 keeps things modern and convenient with a USB-C charging port. This is a welcome change from older connectors, meaning you can likely use the same charger for your phone or laptop. It supports fast charging up to 60W, which means less downtime and more podcast.
But wait, there’s more! The USB-C port isn’t just for charging the speaker. it also functions as a power bank. Imagine you’re at a festival, and your phone battery is critically low. You can simply plug it into your Rockster Cross 2 and give it a boost. This dual functionality is incredibly practical and adds another layer of utility, making the speaker a true indispensable companion for any outing. An LED indicator keeps you updated on the battery level, so you won’t be caught off guard.
Seamless Connections: Connectivity & Controls
A great portable speaker needs to be easy to connect to and simple to control, and the Teufel Rockster Cross 2 pretty much nails this. It’s packed with modern connectivity options and user-friendly controls that make your podcast experience smooth. Soundcore rave 3s 200w portable bluetooth speaker review
First off, wireless audio transmission is handled by Bluetooth 5.3. This is the latest Bluetooth standard, offering a more stable connection, better energy efficiency contributing to that awesome battery life, and a longer range – up to 15 meters, which is roughly 50 feet. It also supports the AAC codec, ensuring high-quality audio streaming from your devices, especially if you’re an Apple user. For Android users, the Google Fast Pair feature makes connecting a breeze, allowing for quick, seamless pairing with compatible devices.
One of my favorite features in modern Bluetooth speakers is multipoint connection, and the Rockster Cross 2 has it. This means you can connect two phones at the same time and alternate playback without having to disconnect and reconnect. It’s perfect for parties where everyone wants to be the DJ for a bit!
Beyond wireless, Teufel didn’t forget about wired connections. The USB-C port isn’t just for charging or power bank duties. it also lets the Rockster Cross 2 function as a USB-C sound card for PC and Mac. This is a fantastic bonus if you want to use it as a high-quality external speaker for your computer setup. And for those older devices or situations where Bluetooth isn’t an option, there’s still a traditional 3.5mm AUX input.
Now, for those times when one speaker just isn’t enough, Teufel has you covered with its linking functions. You can link two Rockster Cross 2 units for true stereo playback. This creates a much wider and more immersive soundstage, really elevating the listening experience, especially for larger rooms or outdoor spaces. But if you’re really looking to throw a massive party, the Party Link function allows you to synchronize up to 100 compatible Teufel speakers. This includes models like the Teufel ROCKSTER NEO, Teufel MYND, or Teufel ROCKSTER GO 2. Imagine the sound coverage you could get with that many speakers!
Controlling the speaker is straightforward. Teufel has simplified the controls with larger, more responsive buttons centrally located on the top of the device. This makes them easy to find and operate, even in low-light conditions. These buttons typically cover power, Bluetooth pairing, volume, playback, and activating the Outdoor Mode or Party Link.
And for those who love to fine-tune everything, the Teufel Go app is your friend. This app allows you to adjust the sound with an equalizer, letting you customize the bass, treble, and other sound characteristics to suit your taste or the genre of podcast you’re playing. It also offers access to other settings and updates, making sure your speaker is always running at its best.
How Does It Stack Up? Teufel Rockster Cross 2 vs. The Competition
In the fiercely competitive world of portable Bluetooth speakers, the Teufel Rockster Cross 2 enters the arena with some serious aspirations. But how does it really compare to some of the household names and other strong contenders out there? Let’s take a look.
One of the most common comparisons, especially on Reddit and YouTube, is against JBL’s popular offerings like the JBL Charge 5 Bluetooth Speaker or the larger JBL Xtreme 3 Bluetooth Speaker. The JBL Charge 5 is often praised for its compact size and punchy sound, while the Xtreme 3 offers more power 50W RMS compared to the Cross 2’s 39W. However, some users have noted that the Teufel Rockster Cross and by extension, the Cross 2 with its similar sound profile can deliver a more room-filling and warmer sound than the JBL Boombox 2, despite being smaller. In terms of bass, while the JBL Boombox 2 might offer more sheer bass quantity, the Teufel’s 2-way system with a dedicated subwoofer and passive radiators ensures a deep and impressive low-end that often surprises for its size. Some Reddit users even explicitly stated a preference for the Teufel Rockster Cross over the JBL Xtreme for sound quality and bass.
The Teufel Rockster Cross 2’s impressive battery life of up to 46 hours in Eco mode certainly gives it an edge over many competitors. For instance, the JBL Xtreme 3 offers around 15 hours, and even the Charge 5 is rated for up to 20 hours. If longevity is your priority for extended trips or events, the Rockster Cross 2 truly shines.
When we consider features, the addition of the Teufel Go app for EQ customization and settings on the Rockster Cross 2 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, which lacked this functionality. Many rival speakers in this price range, like the Ultimate Ears Everboom or Sonos Roam 2, do offer companion apps, so Teufel bringing this to the Cross 2 keeps it competitive.
Another interesting comparison mentioned is with the Soundcore Boom 2. One reviewer noted that the original Teufel Rockster Cross “crushing it in the highs and mids,” providing a better listening experience than the Boom 2, particularly in instrument separation. While the Soundcore Boom 2 offers great value for its price, the Teufel often provides a more refined and spacious sound, thanks to its angled tweeters and Dynamore technology.
The Rockster Cross 2’s Party Link feature, allowing connection of up to 100 compatible Teufel speakers, is a standout, comparable to JBL’s PartyBoost but within the Teufel ecosystem. The ability to stereo pair two Cross 2 units also enhances the versatility for a more immersive audio setup.
In terms of build quality, the Rockster Cross 2’s IPX5 water resistance and shockproof design make it a robust option. While many competitors like the JBL Charge 5 IP67 offer higher levels of waterproofing, IPX5 is still more than adequate for splashes and rain, making it suitable for most outdoor adventures. Nomad 100w slim power adapter review
Ultimately, the Teufel Rockster Cross 2 stands out for its exceptional battery life, robust build, and powerful, customizable sound. While some competitors might offer slightly different sound profiles or higher IP ratings, the Cross 2 delivers a well-rounded package that prioritizes endurance and quality audio for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s a strong contender if you’re looking for a speaker that can truly keep the podcast going, no matter where your day takes you.
Is the Teufel Rockster Cross 2 Right for You?
So, after all that, is the Teufel Rockster Cross 2 the speaker you’ve been searching for?
If you’re someone who loves to take your podcast everywhere – from the park to the beach, on a camping trip, or just moving around your home – then the Rockster Cross 2 is definitely worth a closer look. Its stellar battery life, ranging from 38 to 46 hours, means you can enjoy your tunes for days without a worry. That alone is a huge win for portability.
The rugged, IPX5-rated design also makes it incredibly appealing for outdoor use. You don’t have to baby this speaker. it’s built to withstand splashes, dust, and bumps, so you can focus on enjoying your time without stressing about your tech. The integrated handles and wide carrying strap are practical touches that make it genuinely easy to transport.
When it comes to sound, if you appreciate a powerful, full-bodied audio experience with a strong, yet clear bass, the 2-way system with Dynamore technology and Outdoor Mode will likely impress you. The ability to tweak the sound with the Teufel Go app’s equalizer is also a fantastic bonus, allowing you to tailor the audio to your personal preferences or the acoustics of your environment. Birdweather puc portable birding device review
However, if you’re an audiophile chasing the absolute highest fidelity or need the most extreme waterproofing like submersion-proof IP67, you might want to consider all your options carefully. While the sound is excellent for a portable speaker, some may prefer a different sonic signature, and IPX5 means splash-proof, not fully waterproof. Also, at its price point of around €299.99, it’s a significant investment, so you’ll want to make sure it ticks all your boxes.
All in all, the Teufel Rockster Cross 2 is a fantastic, versatile Bluetooth speaker that offers a compelling blend of durability, impressive battery life, and high-quality sound. It’s perfect for anyone who values robust performance and wants their podcast to keep up with their active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main improvements of the Teufel Rockster Cross 2 over its predecessor?
The Teufel Rockster Cross 2 brings several key upgrades. The most significant are its extended battery life up to 46 hours compared to 16 hours, the inclusion of a modern USB-C port for charging and power bank functionality, and the introduction of the Teufel Go app for sound customization via an equalizer and other settings. It also features Bluetooth 5.3 for more stable connectivity and new color options.
Is the Teufel Rockster Cross 2 waterproof?
The Teufel Rockster Cross 2 has an IPX5 rating, which means it is protected against water jets from any direction. This makes it resistant to splashes and light rain, making it suitable for environments like the beach, pool deck, or during a sudden downpour. However, it is not designed to be fully submerged in water.
How long does the battery last on a single charge?
The Teufel Rockster Cross 2 offers an impressive battery life of up to 38 hours at medium volume and can extend to 46 hours when using the Eco mode. This extensive battery performance ensures long periods of playback without needing to recharge, making it ideal for extended outdoor activities or multi-day use. Nothing Ear (1) Review: Still Worth It in 2025? A Deep Dive into Design, Sound, and Value
Can I connect multiple Teufel Rockster Cross 2 speakers together?
Yes, absolutely! The Teufel Rockster Cross 2 supports two types of multi-speaker connections. You can pair two Rockster Cross 2 units together for true stereo playback. Additionally, it features a Party Link function that allows you to wirelessly synchronize up to 100 compatible Teufel speakers, including models like the Rockster NEO, MYND, or Rockster GO 2, for massive sound coverage.
Does the Teufel Rockster Cross 2 have an equalizer or app control?
Yes, it does! Unlike its predecessor, the Rockster Cross 2 can be controlled via the Teufel Go app. This app provides access to an equalizer, allowing you to adjust the sound profile to your liking e.g., customize bass and treble, as well as manage other settings and functions of the speaker.
What kind of sound quality can I expect from the Rockster Cross 2?
The Rockster Cross 2 delivers powerful and dynamic sound thanks to its 2-way acoustic architecture, which includes two tweeters, a central subwoofer, and two passive bass radiators. It features Dynamore® technology for a wider soundstage and an Outdoor Mode that optimizes sound for open spaces. Many users report deep, impactful bass and clear highs, making it well-suited for various podcast genres and outdoor listening.
Can I charge my phone with the Teufel Rockster Cross 2?
Yes, you can! The Rockster Cross 2 features a power bank function via its USB-C port. This means you can plug in your smartphone or other USB-powered devices to charge them, which is incredibly useful when you’re away from traditional power outlets.
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