Tribit’s newest Stormbox Bluetooth speaker is so good for the cash, it’s best to most likely simply purchase it. The sound is evident and peppy. The design is hearty and waterproof, and the large buttons on its entrance face, closely “influenced” by Final Ears audio system, supply easy management. Even the battery life is spectacular at as much as 24 hours per cost.
You may get a sound improve and a few further sturdiness by going with pricier rivals from manufacturers like UE or JBL, however the Stormbox 2 is a killer moveable sound machine in its personal proper. If you happen to’re seeking to stretch your {dollars}, it’s among the many best Bluetooth speakers you may discover at this value, and even above.
Rugged Familiarity
I’m not pointing any fingers, however the Stormbox appears eerily like somebody put an Final Ears Growth and JBL Flip speaker collectively into one in every of Dr. Brundle’s telepods. To be honest, there are quite a lot of audio system sporting the same look, however the Stormbox collection certain appears acquainted.
I’m not complaining, as Tribit’s obvious homage to those two in style portables cleverly blends their finest design traits. The JBL-style passive radiators on the Stormbox’s endcaps assist produce strong low-end punch, whereas the massive management keys that recall Final Ears audio system make playback instructions a cinch. I’d even say Tribit improves on UE’s design, setting a multifunction management key on the middle for simple entry.
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
Underneath the Stormbox 2’s dimpled acoustic grille are twin 48-mm drivers powered by a claimed 17 watts every, offering an additional 10 watts of complete energy over its predecessor. At 7 inches tall and simply over 1.5 kilos, its measurement slots in practically identically to the Flip and a slew of rivals. It’s not fairly as moveable because the micro-size Sony SRS-XB100 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), however it’s nonetheless lots straightforward to take alongside.
The Stormbox 2’s IPX7 certification means it’s waterproof sufficient for a dunk within the pool however doesn’t supply any mud resistance. That’s a minor disappointment since most new audio system we take a look at supply IP67 certification for “full safety” in opposition to mud. That mentioned, I’ve owned an IPX7 speaker for years with no ailing results—you’ll simply wish to watch out on sandy seashores.
As for aesthetics, the bottom management keys and awkward rubber cowl for the USB-C charging port really feel a tad low cost, however that’s completely consistent with the value. The speaker nonetheless feels powerful and usually well-made, sitting a minimize above no-name Amazon choices.
Stable Extras
Tribit’s newest is well-armed on the function entrance, together with trendy conveniences like the flexibility to pair with a second Stormbox 2 and prolonged wi-fi vary of as much as 150 toes through Bluetooth 5.3, doubling the earlier mannequin. The latter declare held up nicely in my line-of-sight testing, offering loads of vary for wandering round your subsequent outside get-together. There’s even a 3.5-mm enter and onboard microphone for taking calls, choices many pricier audio system have dropped.
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
