We live in an older home with plenty of charm—and plenty of carpet. Between our dog, daily foot traffic and the Florida humidity, our floors have definitely seen better days. Replacing the carpet is definitely on our to-do list, but when guests come over, I still want the house to smell fresh. My secret weapon? A super-simple, two-ingredient carpet deodorizer that makes the whole home smell like a boutique hotel in minutes.
VIA MERCHANT
Editor's Pick
Hotel Collection Diffuser Oil Samper Set
These signature scents mimic a high-end hotel lobby.
How to Make a 2-Ingredient Carpet Deodorizer
While it’s not a replacement for a deep clean or new flooring, this DIY carpet deodorizer is my favorite quick fix for when I’m hosting or just want the house to feel fresher. It’s easy to make and adds a signature scent to our home without pricey candles or diffusers.
Materials:
1 cup baking soda
10–20 drops of essential or fragrance oils of your choice. (My favorite is a No. 1111 from Airscent, which gives luxury beach villa vibes.)
Instructions:
Measure one cup of baking soda into a small bowl
Add 10-20 drops of essential oils. Start small here—you can always add more later.
Mix well using a fork or whisk to break up any clumps
Sprinkle evenly over your carpet. Focus on high-traffic or odor-prone areas.
Let it sit for at least 15 minutes—or up to 1–2 hours for a stronger effect. Some recommend leaving it overnight, but I think that’s overkill.
Vacuum it up. I use a Dyson V15 vacuum that’s great at picking up fine particles, but any reliable vacuum works just fine.
Why It Works
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that absorbs unpleasant smells rather than masking them. It’s a temporary fix, but great for freshening up carpets between deep cleans. It works by neutralizing odor molecules, which makes it ideal for pet owners or anyone with high-traffic carpeted areas.
According to cleaning expert Allen P. Rathey, “Baking soda (alkaline) is attracted to human sweat, pet urine, and body oils (acidic)—which cause bacterial odor in carpet—and can neutralize them for a time.”
While a mixture like this isn’t removing the source of the problem, “odors may come from mold (also acidic) in carpeting, and baking soda is a chemical ‘match’ that may also help neutralize the odor.”
FAQ
What types of fragrances can I use?
This DIY deodorizer is fully customizable. Choose a fragrance or essential oil combination that matches your favorite scent profile. Go fresh and citrusy using lemon essential oil or cozy and warm with bergamot. My go-to is this collection of hotel fragrance “dupes” that smell luxurious without being overpowering.
Why does my carpet smell bad?
According to Rathey, “Odor-causing bacteria and mold spores need three conditions to best grow: Moisture, a food source, and relative darkness. These are present in carpet, especially at the base of fibers.” Microbes need very little of these elements in order to grow and flourish. “If the food source is not removed, bacterial or fungal odor will return.”
What’s the best way to get rid of bad-smelling carpet for good?
While you could replace the carpet entirely. Rathey recommends hot water extraction as a more effective solution for getting rid of bad smells. He likens it to your carpet’s version of a shower. He states, “It is important to deep clean carpets using hot water extraction followed by complete drying rather than solely applying a dry treatment.” Commercial cleaning companies have the equipment and knowledge to do this effectively.
About the Experts
Allen P. Rathey is an educator specializing in healthy facilities who cleaned carpets professionally for more than a decade. He has assembled an advisory group of scientists, PhDs, facility and public health experts who share his passion for helping people everywhere create and maintain safe, healthy indoor environments. He is the Director of the Indoor Health Council (IHC) and Founder/Executive Director of the Indoor Exposure Index (INDEX) focused on reducing exposures related to cleaning.
As I drive into town each day from my home in the Central California hills, I come to a corner with two gas stations. Every day, they charge significantly different prices. On one side of the street, the Chevron station is currently advertising $6.29 per gallon, while across the street, Great Gas (a North Carolina-based company) advertises $5.49. Both prices are too high for comfort, but an $0.80 difference between them seems huge to me.
Not only that, but if you drive 400 miles north to Oregon, the average price for gas (as of this post’s publication) is only $5.00. And if you go east, the price is even less. In fact, the national average price for gas as of this writing, according to AAA, is only $4.16, which means that people in some places are paying less than $4.00 per gallon.
What’s up with these price variations? Let’s take a look.
What Determines the Price of Gas?
People love to blame the President when gas prices spike, but as NPR’s Business Desk explains, the President has very little control over gas prices (although government policies can and do have a limited effect). The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) states that the real determinants of the price at the pump are fourfold:
Cost of crude oil
Refining costs and profits
Distribution and marketing
Taxes
The cost of crude accounts for a half of the price at the pump. Recently, the loss of supply resulting from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz caused the price of crude to top $100 a barrel, and that raised gas prices across the globe. The other three factors, however, are more dependent on location.
Refining costs account for about 15 percent of the current gas price, and they are higher in states that require seasonal blends or during periods after disasters, when supplies are stretched. Distribution costs account for another 16 to 18 percent. They are higher in remote areas and areas far from oil sources.
And then there are state, federal and local taxes, which account for about 16 percent of the price.
How Much Do State Gas Taxes Add to the Price?
The federal government imposes an 18 cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline, and states levy 33.55 cents per gallon, on average. State taxes vary, and in some cases there are local taxes to pay as well. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) explains that 24 states levy a fixed tax while 26 states levy a variable tax based on a percentage of fuel prices. Of the latter, 18 states include the cost of transportation in the variable tax rate. State taxes may also include levies for inflation and infrastructure costs and for efforts to reduce vehicle emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
States with the Highest Gas Prices
According to World Population Review, the four states with the highest gas prices in 2026 were California, Hawaii, Washington and Oregon. They are all Western states, as are the next two in the list: Nevada and Alaska.
Why Is Gas So Expensive in My State?
I live in California, and with gas prices currently reaching $7 or more in some places, it takes the cake for having the highest gas prices in the country. Journalist Michael Satterfield explains why he thinks this is so: “There are several reasons why California has higher gas prices,” he says. “The main one that is easy to point to is their higher gasoline taxes. You’re often paying over a $1.50 per gallon just in state and local taxes. Couple this with special fuel requirements, thanks to the California Air Resources Board, which means that only refineries in California produce that special gasoline.” The number of such refineries has fallen from 50 in the year 2000 to about 20 today, he adds.
“Within the state, pricing can vary due to local sales tax rates and additional local environmental fees,” Satterfield continues. “Not only that, but Californians pay a statewide excise sales tax that can be as high as 10.75%, depending on where you are at in California.”
States with the Lowest Gas Prices
The four states with the lowest gas prices in 2026 were Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Why Is Gas So Cheap in My State?
An important factor is distance from supply, which is why the Gulf Coast states (AL, AR, LA, MS, NM and TX), being as close as they are to the oil supply, have some of the cheapest gas in the country, according to the EIA. A fixed tax plan with a lack of surcharges for inflation, infrastructure and environment also works to keep prices down.
FAQ
Do Gas Prices Vary Within the Same State? Why?
Yes. They can even vary in the same city, and two stations located across the street from each other can have significantly different prices. The reasons for this include brand recognition (Chevron and Shell always set higher prices), fuel quality (the advertised reason for the higher prices from suppliers like Chevron and Shell), competition, and traffic volume. Communities within a state can also charge local taxes that raise the price per gallon within those communities.
Are City Gas Prices Higher Than Rural Areas?
Usually, the opposite is true. Rural prices are generally higher because of the cost of transporting gas to remote areas. Add to that a lower volume of traffic, which forces stations to charge higher prices to increase profit margin and stay in business.
About the Expert
Michael Satterfield is an award-winning journalist, branding expert, and founder of The Gentleman Racer—a leading online publication covering automotive culture, travel, and lifestyle.
Sources
American Automobile Association: Fuel Prices; (2025)
Keep pickpockets out of your bag with a makeshift safety pin lock. “Use a safety pin horizontally across a closed zipper of a purse or backpack to deter theft. Once the pin is closed, the purse cannot be opened unless it is removed,” Sawyer says. Thieves will likely move on to easier marks once they encounter your safety pin protection.
Replace a Broken Zipper Pull
In a pinch, use a safety pin to replace a broken zipper pull. Run the pointed end of the pin through the zipper head, then close the pin. Pull the safety pin as you would a zipper pull. I’ve used this trick on coats, luggage and backpacks and it’s simple, easy and convenient. As a bonus, safety pins can also be used to set a stuck zipper back on track.
Quick and Easy Dress Adjustments
Don’t have time to take in that dress before the party? Use a safety pin instead. “A safety pin can be placed at the rear or inner seam of a dress to make quick and non permanent adjustments to the fit of a dress to help shape a garment for that special event,” Grammer says. This simple trick can create a tailored look without the time or added expense of a sewn alteration.
Retrieve a Drawstring
Who among us hasn’t lost the end of a drawstring in a waistband? The good news is this frustrating event can easily be remedied with the help of a safety pin. “Fasten the pin to the end of the drawstring, push it into the waistband, and slide it along, gathering the fabric behind it as you push it through,” Sawyer says. Patience and perseverance pays off when using this safety pin trick.
Travel Tangle Prevention
When traveling, use safety pins and cloth to keep jewelry separated. “Hold necklaces and bracelets on a cloth or ribbon using safety pins to stop them from tangling in your baggage,” Grammer says. Lay necklaces on the cloth or ribbon and secure each with a safety pin near the clasp. Add a second pin on the other end for longer necklaces. Make sure to leave a gap between each piece to further prevent tangling.
Reduce static electricity
If you’ve ever been zapped by static electricity, this tip’s for you. “Clip a safety pin to the inside of your hem to cut down on static electricity conduction – especially during winter!” Sawyer says. Wearing a metal safety pin slowly discharges static electricity, preventing a big build-up (and zap) when you touch something conductive, like a metal doorknob. It’s not a complete deterrent, but can lessen the charge.
Strap Stopping
Use this trick to keep wandering bra and dress straps in place throughout the day. “A safety pin can be placed on the underside of the garment to anchor the outer fabric of the strap to keep it secured in place,” Grammer says. This stops the strap from shifting or falling off the shoulder, an infuriating experience. You can also pin bra straps together in the back when wearing racer back tops.
Small Hole Cleaner
Small and compact, safety pins are easy to have on hand at all times and can help keep small holes in your products or devices clean. “Keep a safety pin clipped to the inside of your makeup bag to open small vials that inevitably become caked with overuse, such as eyelash glue,” Sawyer says. “Use the opened safety pin to clear the small cosmetic nozzle and keep your product flowing.” The same can be said for tiny ports on your cell phone or computer.
Add Decorative Touches
Safety pins are used by professionals like Grammer to fasten feathers, beads or flowers to hats and headpieces, but can be used to adorn other items as well. “As a milliner who creates bespoke fascinators and headpieces, I’ll reach for safety pins on a near daily basis,” she says. “Apart from basic repairs, they can be surprisingly handy for some more inventive styling.” Use safety pins to adorn a bag or jacket with decorative flowers or feathers.
Get creative and add safety pins to clothing for a unique flair. “Safety pins can be placed anywhere on your clothing to add a detail,” Grammer says. “They can be placed on the edge of the lapel, adorn a tie or add some punk to a reworked piece of a hat.” Safety pins come in a variety of sizes, materials and colors to provide endless looks.
About the Experts
Meieli Sawyer, PhD is an advertising executive for the Weimbach Group and a fashion historian. She holds fashion degrees from the London College of Fashion and Syracuse University.
Amy Grammer is a professional milliner and owner of Milliner’s Row in Lousiville, Kentucky, specializing in bespoke fascinators and headpieces.
Odds are, if you’ve driven anywhere in the United States, you’ve probably noticed small, raised blue reflectors on the ground and wondered what they are. You’re not alone, but most people have no idea what they mean or if they actually serve any real purpose.
Well, they’re not random… and they actually play an important role in public safety. Learn what blue reflectors on the ground mean, where drivers are most likely to see them, and why they matter for homeowners and anyone working around a property.
What Blue Reflectors On The Ground Mean
Blue reflectors on the ground are most commonly called “fire hydrant markers” or “blue road reflectors”, and in technical terms, they’re a type of “raised pavement marker”, typically shortened to RPM.
They’re used to mark underground water systems as they identify nearby fire hydrants to emergency crews in areas where they might not be easily seen from the road.
The color coding follows a widely recognized standard. According to guidance from the American Public Works Association, blue indicates potable water systems, which include, but are not limited to, water mains, service lines, and fire hydrants.
Fire hydrants can blend into their surroundings more than you might expect. The blue reflectors are installed by local municipalities when needed by emergency crews. Those reasons could be due to weather, parked cars, landscaping, or some other similar factor that limits visibility.
When it comes to responding to an emergency, firefighters rely on them to find hydrants without wasting time searching block by block as every second counts.
Where Drivers Typically See Blue Road Reflectors
While blue reflectors can be found in just about any area of the country where fire hydrants are present, there are some areas where they are more common.
They follow a standard, but are not installed in every city. In fact, some municipalities rely on visible hydrants alone, while others opt for alternative markers or signage to alert fire crews to available water sources.
Weather might be the most common influence as areas that deal with heavy snowfall or vegetation tend to use reflectors more frequently. That’s because hydrants can disappear from view for long periods in those conditions.
Blue reflectors appear most often on residential roads, more so in neighborhoods with standard curbside hydrants. They also show up in areas where landscaping or elevation changes make hydrants harder to spot, like a large hill, curved road, or dense hedge line.
Also, not all municipalities use them at the same frequency, as their reasoning or standard for what constitutes a visually impaired area might differ. So, similarly sized cities in the same county, state, or region that use blue reflectors might have widely different numbers of them.
Blue reflectors are usually placed in the center of the lane or slightly offset and aligned with the hydrant’s position. That’s the case even if the hydrant sits several feet away from the curb.
What Homeowners Should Know About Blue Reflectors
Knowing about blue reflectors isn’t just for the benefit of first first responders. Homeowners are also better off understanding what these markers indicate, especially when making changes to a yard or driveway.
Because a blue reflector often signals a nearby hydrant or water line connection, that’s an extra reminder that any digging project should start with proper utility checks. Utilize the Call Before You Dig service to locate underground lines before any digging to reduce the risk of damaging essential infrastructure, which could put yourself or others in danger and lead to a very expensive mistake.
The blue reflectors also serve as a reminder to keep the area around hydrants clear. Even if the reflectors help fire crews identify where a hydrant is located, physical access still matters. So keep the area around a hydrant trimmed and unobstructed.
While missing a mortgage payment is never in anyone’s plan, it can happen to homeowners for a myriad of reasons. Unfortunately, it’s on the rise, with 30 percent more homeowners behind on their mortgages in 2026 than in 2025. If you find yourself among this rising group of struggling homeowners, know that you’re not alone and you do have options. Ahead, learn more about what to do when you can’t pay your mortgage with help from Adam Saab of loanDepot.
Common Reasons for Mortgage Hardship
Mortgage hardship often stems from:
Job loss or reduction
Divorce
Serious illness or accidents
Inflation and rising costs
Natural disasters
Why Acting Fast Matters
Mortgage companies want to know if you’re struggling to pay, and the faster you notify them, the better. “Mortgage lenders often have programs to help customers who run into financial difficulties, and the earlier you communicate, the more options may be available,” Saab says. “Making that call can be uncomfortable, even embarrassing, but waiting usually limits the available options.”
First Steps to Take Immediately
You’ll want to first reach out to your mortgage servicer to let them know you’re struggling, then assess your finances to see what changes can be made going forward.
Contacting Your Mortgage Servicer
Call your mortgage servicer, preferably before you have a late or missed payment. This way, you can discover potential fixes before it impacts your credit.
Your mortgage servicer may or may not be the same company as your mortgage lender. Mortgage lenders approve and issue the loan, and some also manage the loan while it is active, while others transfer loan management to a mortgage servicer.
Assessing Your Financial Situation
Get a firm grasp on all of your finances, as this will help you and your mortgage servicer determine what, if any, programs or refinancing options may help you get back on track. Thoroughly review your income, debts and budget to understand if this is a temporary setback or a larger, more persistent problem. Identify any sellable assets and make cuts to household expenses as well.
Mortgage Relief Options
“Depending on the type of loan and your individual circumstances, there may be payment plans, forbearances, deferrals and modifications available,” Saab says. “Early communication and full disclosure of your situation is key to fleshing out the details on the plan that best suits you.”
Payment plans: A structured plan created by the lender, payment plans allow you to pay the missed payment back over time, along with your regular monthly payment.
Forbearance: This involves a temporary hold on payments due to extenuating circumstances, like job loss. Regular payments will resume at the end of the forbearance period, and you will still need to make up past payments.
Deferrals: This relief option moves your missed payments to the end of the loan life, when you will presumably be able to pay them.
Loan modifications: The lender can modify your current loan with the goal of lowering monthly payments. This is usually accomplished with a lower interest rate or extended loan terms. Refinancing the loan is also possible.
Alternatives to Foreclosure
If the above options don’t provide enough relief, there are still ways to avoid foreclosure. These all require lender approval, but most companies will work with you to avoid the foreclosure process. “Contrary to popular belief, the mortgage company does not want your home,” Saab says. “When a home goes to foreclosure sale, everyone loses, including the lender.” Alternatives to foreclosure include:
Chapter 13 bankruptcy: If you have a source of regular income, chapter 13 bankruptcy restructures your debts and creates a three to five-year repayment plan. This type of bankruptcy prevents the lender from repossessing your home during this time, unless you fail to make payments on the plan.
Short sale: To avoid foreclosure, a short sale allows you to sell the house for less than you owe on your mortgage. This must be lender-approved and will still damage your credit, but not as much as a foreclosure would. Short sales can also be difficult to execute and may take months to close.
Deed-in-lieu of foreclosure: In this process, you transfer the deed to the lender, effectively giving up ownership while avoiding foreclosure. This prevents severe credit damage and allows the lender to resell the home and recoup their costs.
Government and Nonprofit Assistance Programs
While it’s always best to start with your mortgage company, there are other assistance programs that can also provide relief. “The Homeowners Assistance Fund is a federal program created to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. It is scheduled to run through September of 2026, or until funds run out. The federal government provides the funds, but the states administer the program,” Saab says. Check with your state’s HAF office for more information.
In addition, there may be city, town and church programs in your area that can offer counseling and even financial help. Try the Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline (888-995-HOPE), a service of the Homeowner Preservation Foundation, for free, independent counseling and advice.
About the Experts
Adam Saab is executive vice president of servicing at loanDepot, a national, non-bank mortgage lender.
If you’re moving or looking to furnish your home, knowing where and how to find free furniture is a budget saver. The lighting company Pooky recently ran a study looking at “landfill tonnage data, renter population percentages, and search volumes for terms including ‘cheap furniture’, ‘furniture disposal’, and ‘bulk trash pickup’,” in 25 of the most populous US states. They used their data to put together a list of the top ten cities that are most promising.
Where Can I Find Free Furniture?
According to Pooky’s findings, the ten cities where you’re likely to find the most free furniture are:
Las Vegas, Nevada
Denver, Colorado
Boston, Massachusetts
Washington D.C.
Houston, Texas
San Jose, California
Nashville, Tennessee
Seattle, Washington
San Diego, California
Columbus, Ohio
If you live in or near any of these cities, there’s a good chance that you can furnish your home for next to nothing. All you need is a good eye, some way to transport your finds, and a little luck.
Why Do These Cities Have More Free Furniture?
According to Pooky, all the cities on the top ten list have something in common: they experience high turnover, “whether driven by tourism, short-term rentals, or transient populations.” The lighting company found that in cities like this, “the opportunity to find usable furniture is significantly higher.”
One other option is college towns. Many of the cities on the list are home to several colleges. Pooky’s study notes that “students leaving for internships, returning home, or relocating often choose to dispose of bulky items rather than pay for storage or transport.” As a result of this cadence, there’s “a predictable, seasonal spike in free furniture availability.”
What Are the Pros and Cons of Finding Furniture This Way?
The large-scale pros and cons of this kind of furniture industry are tightly intertwined. Pooky reports that as people decorate based on trends, they’re less likely to buy high-quality furniture because they don’t want to “waste” money on something that they’ll be replacing when the next trend comes along. As a result, there’s a lot more furniture waste than there has been in decades past.
However, in this case, the abundance of free furniture means that thrifty people can save money and give these abandoned pieces a longer lifespan than they would have otherwise had. This group of people is buying less furniture than they otherwise would have, and so they’re helping to offset the waste.
Source
These U.S. Cities Are a Goldmine for Free Furniture – Here’s Where to Go ‘Curb Shopping’, Pooky, 2026.
Months ago, I took my toddler to Scheels because where else can you grab a coffee, watch fish, see a 65-foot indoor Ferris wheel and browse toys all in one trip? Naturally, as an animal-loving kid, she made a beeline for the taxidermy section.
As we rode the escalator up, I heard it: loud, crystal clear music cutting through the store. Chris Stapleton’s rasp, unmistakable. I followed the sound past the foxes and wild turkeys to find a wall stacked with outdoor-ready speakers. Curiosity piqued.
I’d seen Turtlebox around before. They’re especially popular with young outdoor enthusiasts across the South and Midwest, but I’d never paid much attention. After all, the Bluetooth speaker market is crowded. Still, I was thinking about the wall of audio systems days after our trip to Scheels.
I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to know more, so I got my hands on one. Here’s my take on the Turtlebox Ranger and why it’s now my go-to outdoor speaker.
On Sale
MARY HENN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
Lowest Price in 30 daysWe Tried It
Turtlebox Ranger
A waterproof Bluetooth speaker made for the rugged outdoors
What is the Turtlebox Ranger?
Small but scrappy, the Ranger is Turtlebox’s most compact, portable speaker. It weighs in under 2.5 pounds and is less than 10 inches tall, with convenient USB-C charging.
It packs Bluetooth connectivity (of course), a 12-hour all-day battery, two-speaker stereo pairing and Party Mode to link unlimited Turtlebox speakers—including the Original Gen 3, Ranger and Grande—for immersive surround sound.
Like all Turtlebox speakers, it’s made for the wild. We’re talking fully waterproof, dust- and dirt-proof, and tough enough to handle drops and rough use.
It doesn’t float like the Original Gen 3 (the brand’s popular, mid-size option), but it goes fully underwater (up to 3 feet for 30 minutes) and snaps onto metal surfaces with seriously strong magnets. Cars, boats, coolers, golf carts, you name it, you can put the speaker nearly anywhere.
Add a bottom tie-down and grab-and-go handle, and you’ve got bold sound ready to go wherever life takes you.
Turtlebox Ranger Features
IP67 waterproof (fresh and saltwater), submersible up to 3 feet for 30 minutes
Fully drop-, crush-, and dust-proof
12+ hours of battery life on a single charge
Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
USB-C charging (and device charging)
Up to 105 decibels of sound
Dimensions: 9.5″ H x 3.15″ W x 3.15″ D
Weight: 2.4 lbs
Easy-to-use controls: Party Mode, TWS, play/pause, skip and volume
Stainless steel tie-downs and grippy rubber feet
True Wireless Stereo (TWS) for classic left-right pairing
Dual 2-inch woofers
25.2 Wh lithium-ion battery
Class D digital amplifier with enhanced DSP tuning
Party Mode for infinite pairing and a surround sound experience
Five base color options
Customization available for bumper color and monogram
Free shipping
How We Tested the Turtlebox Ranger
There are plenty of outdoor occasions where music just helps set the scene. Whether fishing, hiking, swimming, gardening or tailgating, it’s nice to have tunes. And I’d been wanting a speaker tough enough to keep up with all of the outside adventures summer brings. But I hadn’t found one that delivered until the Turtlebox Ranger.
So, as the weather started warming up, I put the Ranger to work in the rain, on the trail, even in the shower. After testing the Ranger for just a few months, it’s already proven itself, and I can’t wait to take it on camping trips soon.
Setup
If setting up new tech isn’t your thing, you’ll be pleased to know that getting started with the Ranger is as easy as taking it out of the box. There’s no Wi-Fi (hello, off-grid use), lengthy manual or app download. Just power it on, pair and go.
I had it paired to my phone and playing music in less than a minute. (Mine came almost fully charged, but it’s still smart to top it off first.)
The large, soft-touch buttons are easy to spot, simple to use and light up when the speaker is on for nighttime control. And with a universal USB-C port, you can charge the speaker or even charge your phone on the go.
Sound
Now for the part that really matters: sound. Because what’s the point if it doesn’t actually sound good?
The Ranger’s audio is what hooked me from the start. The loud, crisp music cutting through the noise at Scheels lured me in like a siren. And while many high-quality audio devices feel delicate, the Ranger proves they don’t have to be.
Even outdoors, it delivers rich, full sound with serious volume. Bluegrass, jazz, pop—even Sesame Street—all come through loud and clear, with power to spare (I haven’t needed full volume yet). Audiophiles might notice it leans more punchy than perfectly balanced, but for most listeners, it hits the sweet spot: clear, powerful, with solid bass.
One small note: if it’s sitting on its side, such as on rocks or uneven ground, you may notice a slight dip in volume and clarity.
Durability
After a few months of testing, the Ranger has impressed with its rugged capabilities and durability. It’s fully waterproof, and water does not compromise its sound long term (granted, sound might reach the ear differently if used in a downpour).
I’ve used it in rain, showers and around water outside. I’ve even rinsed it in the sink, and while sound does change a bit after a few minutes submerged, it bounces back once dry. I have zero doubt it’ll hold up on the fishing trip I have planned in the coming weeks.
So far, it’s been hiking, rolled around in the back of my Subaru, dropped off the deck and played with by my toddler in the sandbox. It has hit hard tile, tumbled in the yard, been knocked off tables and still works like new with barely a scuff, even in the lightest color.
Turtlebox speakers are truly built for the outdoors. The ABS plastic exterior is crush- and drop-proof, and the stainless steel hardware resists corrosion, even in saltwater. It’s ideal for the pool, river or lake, whether on foot or on a boat. If you want to swim alongside it, go with the Original Gen 3 over the Ranger because it floats. Otherwise, the Ranger has you covered for nearly every water adventure.
Magnets
This may seem small, but the Ranger’s magnetic mounts are genius and seriously strong. You can stick it to any magnetic surface, including your car. It held tight to the back of my Subaru, no problem, even while driving down the street.
Battery
The Ranger’s 12-hour battery has yet to die on me in a full day of use. I usually charge it overnight if I know I’ll be using it a lot the next day. But with lighter use, like an hour or two at a time, it can stretch close to a week on a single charge.
Another quick tip: Make sure the charging port cover is sealed tight to keep the port dry when using your speaker in and around water.
Cleaning
My Ranger has taken plenty of hits, dirt, rocks, sand and water. I usually just wipe it off, but sometimes I hose it down in the sink, and it comes out looking nearly new. Dirt can collect in the crevices, especially around the magnets, but the speaker cleans up easily with water, a cloth and a cotton swab.
Pros
Gets impressively loud without sounding distorted or flat
Offers full sound and clear vocals, even outdoors
Performs well in windy conditions, where many speakers struggle
Simple setup and pairing
Rugged design looks sleek and feels long-lasting and high-quality, not cheap or plasticky
The Ranger is the smallest and most portable option. The Original Gen 3 is the brand’s mid-size flagship speaker. It’s bigger (a little less portable), louder and longer-lasting. Think Ranger for small groups (1–10 people) and the Original Gen 3 for larger crowds (up to 50).
The biggest difference is simple: the Original Gen 3 floats. It also adds a mic port for karaoke parties and cranks out more power, hitting 120 decibels versus the Ranger’s 105, with larger woofers and a titanium tweeter to boot.
The Ranger weighs 2.4 pounds and comes in five colors. The Original clocks in around 10 pounds, offers similar colorways, plus a few gameday and limited-edition designs, including this beautiful Bass Artist Series edition, designed by Montana artist Casey Underwood.
Bottom line: go with the Ranger if you want ultra-portability and magnetic mounting. Go with the Original Gen 3 if you want floating capability and bigger sound. Just note there’s about a $200 price gap between the two sizes. And if you want to go all out, the nearly 20-pound Grande delivers full-on, concert-level sound.
Final Verdict
Here’s the rundown on Turtlebox speakers: they’re loud, rugged, waterproof and built to last. They’re the perfect accessory for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who loves to listen to music during backyard projects, camping trips, tailgates and lake time.
They might be overkill for quiet indoor listening, but I still use the Ranger inside at low volume becuase of the sound quality. Plus, my toddler can carry it around without me worrying.
At over two pounds, some may still find the Ranger a bit heavy for something like an all-day hike, but I love tossing it in the car and taking it anywhere. It’s not cheap, but for powerful, high-quality sound that can handle rough conditions and water, it’s worth it.
Where to Buy
On Sale
MARY HENN FOR FAMILY HANDYMAN
Lowest Price in 30 daysWe Tried It
Turtlebox Ranger
A rugged outdoor speaker with powerful sound that cuts through wind
You can customize the colors on the Ranger’s bumper or the Original Gen 3’s handle, and even add a monogram to either. Personalize your own speaker or create the perfect gift for any outdoor enthusiast. Either way, Turtlebox delivers unbeatable sound on every adventure.
FAQ
How to pair the Turtlebox Ranger?
Turn on the Ranger and make sure the Bluetooth light is flashing (press the button once if it’s solid) to pair the Ranger with Bluetooth. Then, select “Turtlebox Ranger” in your device’s Bluetooth settings.
Are Turtlebox speakers worth it?
We think so, and we’re not alone. Many reviewers say the premium price is worth it if you want a waterproof, durable, ultra-loud outdoor speaker with sound that cuts through wind and noise.
Are Turtlebox speakers waterproof?
Yes. All Turtlebox speakers are IP-67 waterproof. The Original Gen 3 and Grande models can float.
Always keep the port cover closed near water, and never expose the speaker to water or moisture while it’s charging or plugged in.
If you use it in saltwater, rinse it with fresh water afterward.
Why You Should Trust Us
Mary Henn has years of experience in commerce and product testing. She’s tested a wide range of outdoor goods from grills and smokers to hiking shoes, coolers, fire pits and more. She’s passionate about the outdoors and enjoys hiking, swimming, fishing and cooking outside. In recent years, she’s adapted her adventurous lifestyle to life with a toddler, gaining a fresh perspective and a sharp eye for products that work for the whole family.
