You may get an entire bunch of fine stuff in a Bluetooth speaker for lower than $100, particularly if you happen to’re prepared to contemplate up-and-coming audio manufacturers like Tribit. The corporate’s $80 Stormbox Stream (which is usually $20 off) is totally loaded, providing a glossy but rugged design, loads of options, and battery life that holds out longer than something I’ve examined.
The Stormbox Stream’s sound high quality isn’t as poised or detailed because the best Bluetooth speakers we have examined, and its hefty 1.5 lb weight makes it higher on your again patio than a seaside getaway. In any other case, Tribit’s newest is surprisingly versatile, making it an actual contender for these searching for a pliable wi-fi companion on a tight-ish finances.
Flex Like a Bose
In the event you’ve seen Bose’s Soundlink Flex, you’ll really feel proper at dwelling with the Stormbox Flow. Very like what number of of Tribit’s earbuds mimic Apple’s in style AirPods, the Stream does an excellent Soundlink impression—and that’s a great factor. Pulling the speaker from its garish yellow field reveals stunning model for the worth, with glossy traces of matte plastic that feel and look premium. Like most trendy moveable audio system, it’s constructed to tackle the weather with an IP67 waterproof score, indicating it has been examined to dam mud and survive a fast dunk in a pool or lake.
{Photograph}: Tribit
Alongside the speaker’s high panel is a helpful band of raised command keys for controlling energy, playback, quantity, and Bluetooth pairing. There’s additionally a key that appears like an infinity image which may pair the Stormbox Stream with a second mannequin for stereo playback.
Rubbery toes on the speaker’s backside panel assist diffuse it from surfaces to maintain it from rumbling when the bass will get heavy, whereas a second set of toes on the speaker’s bottom lets it blast sound upward if you would like. With just one lively driver beneath the Stormbox Stream’s acoustic grille (together with a passive radiator to increase the bass), the provision of a number of playback positions considerably improves the speaker’s attain when set on a desk or countertop.
A strap alongside the facet to hold the speaker offers one other playback place, however contemplating its weight, you will want a sturdy hook. Tie the speaker to a backpack like the web site exhibits and also you’re in for a bumpy experience.
The Full Package deal
The Stormbox Stream provides almost the whole lot you’d count on in an excellent Bluetooth speaker, and a few you would not, similar to its built-in speakerphone. The once-ubiquitous function has gone out of style, and I admittedly found it by chance, calling a pal whereas jamming out. I examined the function over a number of days and found it produced clear and full calls on my finish and good readability for callers on the opposite finish, with one pal saying it sounded pretty much as good or higher than my iPhone’s speaker.
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
