Tribit’s newest Stormbox Bluetooth speaker is so good for the cash, it’s best to in all probability 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, provide 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 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. Should you’re trying to stretch your {dollars}, it’s among the many finest Bluetooth audio system you will discover at this worth, 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 truthful, there are a number of audio system sporting an identical look, however the Stormbox collection positive appears acquainted.
I’m not complaining, as Tribit’s obvious homage to those two common 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 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 heart for simple 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 whole 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 lots simple 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” towards mud. That mentioned, I’ve owned an IPX7 speaker for years with no unwell 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 robust and usually well-made, sitting a lower above no-name Amazon choices.
Strong Extras
Tribit’s newest is well-armed on the characteristic 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 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 out of doors 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
