If the ROCKSTER GO 2 is built for mobility, the Fender x Teufel ROCKSTER CROSS is built for impact. This heavy-duty Bluetooth speaker brings serious volume, deeper bass, and stage-inspired aesthetics to backyard parties, beach gatherings, tailgates, and outdoor events where sound needs to carry.

Born of the collaboration between Fender’s legendary American guitar heritage and Teufel’s 45 years of German-engineered audio expertise, the ROCKSTER CROSS is designed to look like stage equipment—and perform like it, too.

After we spent several months of real-world testing in our backyard, at outdoor get-togethers, and inside the home, here’s how the ROCKSTER CROSS performs and who it’s best suited for.

Key Specs at a Glance

ROCKSTER CROSS unboxedGearBrain

• Speaker type: Heavy-duty portable Bluetooth speaker
• Water resistance: IPX5 splash-proof
• Drivers: Two tweeters, one woofer, two passive radiators
• Battery life: Up to 16 hours
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX
• Extra features: Built-in powerbank, speakerphone
• Controls: On-speaker buttons
• Weight: 5.3 lbs
• Dimensions: 15" W x 6.3" H x 5.1" D
• MSRP: $249.99 (often on sale around $199.99)

Fender x Teufel ROCKSTER CROSS Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – Rugged, Waterproof, 16 Hours of Battery, Powerful Stereo Sound, Subwoofer, Built-in Power Bank, Fender Guitar Strap (Black & Steel)

Real-World Testing & Performance

Backyard & Outdoor Parties

The first thing you notice about the ROCKSTER CROSS is how quickly it gets loud. Even a small turn of the volume knob delivers a noticeable jump in output. During backyard testing, we rarely pushed it past a few notches because it was already filling the space comfortably — and we didn’t want to test our neighbors’ patience.

What impressed us most was how well the speaker maintained clarity at higher volumes. Many portable speakers distort or lose balance when pushed hard. The ROCKSTER CROSS doesn’t. The two tweeters keep the highs crisp and detailed, while the dedicated woofer and dual passive radiators deliver strong, controlled bass.

Whether playing classic rock, pop, country, or hip-hop, the speaker stayed balanced. Vocals remained clear, guitars cut through nicely, and basslines had real presence without sounding muddy.

Indoor Listening

While clearly built for outdoor use, the ROCKSTER CROSS also performs well indoors. In a large living room or open-concept space, it delivers room-filling sound without feeling overwhelming. You won’t need a full home stereo setup for casual gatherings.

At moderate volumes, it sounds polished and refined. At higher volumes, it still retains its composure — something not every Bluetooth speaker can claim.

Portability & Design

Front view of Fender Teufel Rockster CrossGearBrain

At 5.3 pounds, this is not a lightweight travel speaker. It’s portable — but not pocketable. That said, the included Fender guitar strap makes a real difference. Slinging the speaker over your shoulder feels natural, and the strap adds a stylish touch that guitar fans will appreciate.

Visually, the ROCKSTER CROSS leans heavily into Fender’s iconic amplifier aesthetic. From the grille design to the subtle branding details, it feels like stage gear has been shrunk into a portable form. It even includes a Fender guitar pick, which is a fun bonus for musicians or music fans.

The IPX5 rating means it can handle splashes and light rain, making it suitable for outdoor use — though it’s not submersible like the smaller GO 2 model.

backside of Rockster Cross speaker with controls on top of speaker.GearBrain

Sound Quality Breakdown

The ROCKSTER CROSS delivers what we’d describe as bold, confident sound.

• Bass: Strong and punchy, with good depth thanks to the woofer and passive radiators. It hits hard outdoors without overwhelming mids.
• Mids: Warm and present. Vocals and guitars are especially satisfying.
• Highs: Crisp without being harsh, even at elevated volume levels.
• Stereo Separation: Noticeable width, especially when positioned properly.

Unlike some speakers that require EQ tweaking to sound right, the CROSS sounds excellent straight out of the box. While this version does not include app-based EQ control, we didn’t feel the lack of it during testing. The factory tuning is well-balanced for most listening scenarios.

Connectivity & Extra Features

Ports on back of Rockster Cross Bluetooth SpeakerGearBrain

Bluetooth 5.0 ensures stable connections, and aptX support helps maintain higher audio quality when streaming from compatible devices.

The ability to connect two smartphones simultaneously is useful during parties, allowing seamless switching between playlists.

The built-in powerbank is a practical addition. During longer outdoor sessions, we used it to top off a phone battery without needing a separate charger.

The speakerphone function works well for quick calls, though it’s not its primary purpose.

Pros & Cons

Who Should Buy the ROCKSTER CROSS?

The ROCKSTER CROSS is ideal for:

• Backyard party hosts
• Outdoor entertainers
• Musicians and guitar enthusiasts
• Tailgaters and campers
• Buyers who prioritize volume and sound presence

It’s less suited for travelers seeking ultra-light portability or those who want detailed EQ customization via an app.

Fender x Teufel ROCKSTER CROSS Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – Rugged, Waterproof, 16 Hours of Battery, Powerful Stereo Sound, Subwoofer, Built-in Power Bank, Fender Guitar Strap (Black & Steel)

Final Verdict

The Fender x Teufel ROCKSTER CROSS is a statement speaker. It’s bold in both design and performance. If you want big, room-filling sound, strong bass, reliable outdoor durability, and unmistakable Fender styling, this speaker delivers.

It’s not the lightest portable speaker on the market — but it wasn’t built to be. It was built to make an impression.

For parties, outdoor gatherings, and music lovers who want power without distortion, the ROCKSTER CROSS earns its place in the spotlight.

Check out The GearBrain, our smart home compatibility find engine, to find other portable Bluetooth speakers, including ones that are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.

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