Is the FUGOO Style-S Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker for You?
FUGOO offers high-quality Bluetooth speakers that won’t break the bank. The company’s newest product, the indoor/outdoor FUGOO Style-S speaker, is now available and here’s our review.
Design and Hardware
- Battery lasts 15 hours between charges
- Waterproof, rated IP67
- Pair it for stereo or double the sound
As its name suggests, the FUGOO Style-S has been designed for the limelight. In doing so, it offers a sleek, yet rugged design.
Like the recently released FUGOO GO, the FUGOO Style-S is for both indoor and outdoor use. As such, it has a rating of IP67, which means that it’s fully protected from dust and can also withstand being submerged in around 3 feet of water for up to 30 mins. It’s also mud, snow, and shock proof.
At launch, the FUGOO Style-S is available in one color, sand. It measures 211mm by 65mm by 77mm, weighing just 655 grams (1.69 pounds).
FUGOO has elected to surround the speaker with a coarse canvas that hides dirt and handles everyday use well. Underneath, you’ll find a resin case and waterproof covering. Inside are four custom-designed acoustic drivers; two are full-range drivers, while the other two are bass radiators.
I'll stick with my FUGOO GO, which offers the same features as the FUGOO Style-S, but with a better design, at least in my mind.
The FUGOO Style-S has inputs on three sides. You’ll find the power and Bluetooth buttons on one side. The power button changes colors depending on the device’s energy and connectivity status. On the opposite side, there’s a charging port for the included Micro USB charging cable and a line-in audio jack.
FUGOO says the speaker offers 15 hours of use between charges. During my tests, I found similar results, recording 14.5, 15.5, and 14.5 hours between charges.
On the top are three rubberized buttons used to control the volume and pair two FUGOO Style-S speakers. On the bottom of the device, see an accessory mounting socket. Bike and strap mounts are available for $9.99 each.
Pairing the FUGOO Style-S speaker to my iPhone and iPad took just a few seconds. A male voice alerts you when pairing has been successful.
Sound
Overall, I was impressed with the sound the FUGOO Style-S provides. It’s relatively balanced, both on the highs and mids. The bass is adequate, but not overpowering. Keep this in mind.
FUGOO was nice enough to ship me two FUGOO Style-S speakers for review purposes. I’m glad that they did. When paired, the speakers can provide stereo sound or double the music. If you plan on using your FUGOO Style-S inside, you should consider buying two because it adds to the experience.
The Bottom Line
There’s much to love about the FUGOO Style-S Bluetooth speaker, including its long battery life and pleasant sound, especially when paired and in stereo. Having tested both the FUGOO GO and FUGOO Tough XL, however, I’ve come to the conclusion that the FUGOO Style-S isn’t for me.
Adding a burlap-like material to the outside of the speaker was supposed to make it look more rugged. I found the opposite to be true.
Because of this material, the FUGOO Style-S looks like an indoor speaker only, not one you would carry on a hike or place near a pool, even though both of these uses are fine from a technical standpoint.
Perhaps were FUGOO to offer the Style-S in a dark color, my feelings would change. Instead, I’ll stick with my FUGOO GO, which offers the same features as the FUGOO Style-S, but with a better design, at least in my mind.
The $149.99 FUGOO Style-S speaker is available through the FUGOO website and at retailers such as Amazon.com.
