The Soulra Rukus Xtreme is a solar powered Bluetooth speaker as well as a charging device for your phones and tablets.
With an IPX4 splashproof rating and a chunky drop-proof construction, the Rukus lives up to its Xtreme name in being outdoor-ready. In use it can certainly take knocks and bangs but watch out for damaging the photovoltaic cells that adorn the top of the device.
On the back you’ll find one 2.4A USB out port for charging phones and tablets, an Aux-in in case you’re living in the dark ages and want to connect your non-bluetooth enabled device and a port for an AC adapter in the unlikely event that you need a boost of juice from the mains.
We say unlikely, because, surprisingly, it’s possible to use the Rukus Xtreme on a regular basis and for long periods of time without ever having to plug it in to the wall, making it truly portable and very useful for camping trips.
The 5200mAh lithium battery will completely charge the average Android smartphone in around 4 hours which is great but you’ll need to plan this carefully as you’ll then be left with little or no battery in the Rukus Xtreme unless you’re simultaneously charging on solar power.
The sound is bass heavy and can be cranked up fairly loud but you start to get clipping - a deterioration in sound quality - if you go too much above normal listening volumes.
It doesn’t quite compete with Sonos or Bose in terms of sound quality but then the Rukus Xtreme can be picked up for less money than the cheapest of either brand’s offerings and has the massive benefit of being solar powered and tough.
