Tribit’s newest Stormbox Bluetooth speaker is so good for the cash, it is best to in all probability simply purchase it. The sound is obvious and peppy. The design is hearty and waterproof, and the large buttons on its entrance face, closely “influenced” by Final Ears audio system, provide easy management. Even the battery life is spectacular at as much as 24 hours per cost.
You will get a sound improve and a few additional sturdiness by going with pricier rivals from manufacturers like UE or JBL, however the Stormbox 2 is a killer transportable sound machine in its personal proper. When you’re seeking to stretch your {dollars}, it’s among the many finest Bluetooth audio system you may discover at this worth, and even above.
Rugged Familiarity
I’m not pointing any fingers, however the Stormbox seems eerily like somebody put an Final Ears Increase and JBL Flip speaker collectively into one among Dr. Brundle’s telepods. To be truthful, there are lots of audio system sporting an analogous look, however the Stormbox sequence positive seems acquainted.
I’m not complaining, as Tribit’s obvious homage to those two standard portables cleverly blends their finest design traits. The JBL-style passive radiators on the Stormbox’s endcaps assist produce stable low-end punch, whereas the big 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 straightforward entry.
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
Beneath 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 transportable because the micro-size Sony SRS-XB100 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), but it surely’s nonetheless a lot straightforward to take alongside.
The Stormbox 2’s IPX7 certification means it’s waterproof sufficient for a dunk within the pool however doesn’t provide any mud resistance. That’s a minor disappointment since most new audio system we take a look at provide 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 need 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 according to the worth. The speaker nonetheless feels robust and customarily 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 ft by way of Bluetooth 5.3, doubling the earlier mannequin. The latter declare held up effectively 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
