Tribit Stormbox
The Bottom Line
I’m always impressed when a new, more affordable brand can compete with the big boys. I feel the Tribit StormBox has certainly managed this feat. The StormBox offers much of the same features as its premium counterparts, like the JBL Flip, with similar quality and execution.
Is it a JBL Flip 4? Is it an Ultimate Ears Boom 3? No, it’s the Tribit StormBox Bluetooth Speaker. Tribit is relatively new to the market, but the company is already competing with some of the more prominent brands in the consumer electronics space. The Tribit StormBox is a portable Bluetooth speaker designed to rival the JBL Flip series, Sony, and the Ultimate Ears Boom. Does Tribit achieve this? Let’s take a closer look and see.
Tribit StormBox Specs
| Speaker drivers: | 2 x 1¾” full-range drivers, 2 x passive bass radiator |
| Bluetooth: | V4.2, 66ft range |
| Power Output: | 24W |
| Battery: | 20 hours playing time (4-hour recharge from flat) |
| Weight: | 19.2 oz |
| Color: | Black |
Design & Features
On the first inspection, the Tribit StormBox looks identical to the JBL Flip 4, with a touch of the UE Boom 3. The shape and rear control panel look similar to the JBL Flip 4, while the large control panel on the front of the Tribit StormBox resembles a similar layout to that of the UE Boom 3.
Like the Flip 4, a rubberized mesh covers the StormBox. This mesh cover offers protection while giving the speaker a premium look and feel. The StormBox is IPX7 rated, which protects against submersion to a depth of 1m for 30 minutes. Great for use around the pool or in the shower.
Where the Tribit StormBox has the edge over the Flip 4 is its ability to float in water. The Flip 4 sinks! If you have ever used a speaker at the pool or lake, you’ll know accidents happen. If you’re in a particularly deep body of water, you can say goodbye to your Flip 4 while the StormBox will bob to the surface, still playing music.
Enjoy 20 Hours of Battery Life
Another feature where the StormBox has an edge is in battery life. The StormBox features a 20-hour battery life which is 8 hours better than the JBL Flip 4. Now, it’s important to note that this will only be achieved using the AUX input at 40% volume and not Bluetooth. If you play the StormBox and Flip 4 on 50% volume using Bluetooth, you get similar battery life results.
The StormBox allows you to pair a second Tribit StormBox to double your sound. Here is where the Flip 4 has an edge, allowing you to connect multiple Bluetooth speakers using JBL Connect +. The UE Boom 3 can also connect multiple Boom 3 speakers. The likelihood that users will pair two, let alone several compact speakers, is low enough that I don’t see this as a significant feature.
The StormBox features a built-in microphone that allows you to make calls and voice commands. The speaker works with Siri, Google, and Alexa. It is important to note you will need to pair with an Alexa device for Alexa voice commands. We’ll discuss call quality later in this review.
Inputs and Controls
The Tribit StormBox offers Bluetooth and 1/8-inch AUX for audio inputs. The speaker features Bluetooth 4.2 with a range of up to 66ft, more than enough for a speaker this size. The connectivity is stable and should hold out even when you go into a different room.
Like the Flip 4, the AUX and power inputs are located behind a watertight cover, protecting against moisture and debris.
There are two button layouts on the StormBox. Starting on the front panel, you have a volume up and down control with a multi-function button in the center.
The multi-function button allows you to play/pause, manage incoming calls, and activate voice commands.
On the rear of the StormBox is the second set of buttons. Here, you’ll find power on/off, Bluetooth pairing, and the XBASS button. XBASS engages a bass boost feature, which we cover below.
Speakers and Sound
The StormBox features two 13/4-inch full-range speaker drivers with two passive bass radiators. Each speaker delivers 12W, giving the Tribit StormBox a 24W power output. The JBL Flip 4 only has a power output of 16W, so the StormBox has an edge here.
When it comes to bass, the StormBox is on par with the Flip 4 and Boom 3. While the Boom 3 does have a more prominent bass sound, the difference is marginal. One thing the StormBox does well is bass consistency. Whether you listen to the speaker loud or soft, the bass sound remains constant. Often, cheaper speakers lose some punch in bass response at lower volumes, so it’s good to see the StormBox manages this element well.
As mentioned, the StormBox features XBASS with a button to activate the bass boost. When engaged, I didn’t feel the speaker produced significantly more bass. The increase in bass was very slight and a little underwhelming. Still, at least it didn’t make the speaker sound bad, I guess.
The midrange clarity of the StormBox is also on par with the Flip 4 and Boom 3. The treble sound is similar to a standard Bluetooth speaker this size.
The only place where the sound quality is an issue is with hands-free calling. Not many manufacturers get this right for ultra-compact Bluetooth speakers, so it’s not like Tribit is alone here. The Flip 4 sounds equally bad in terms of call sound quality. Voices seem distant, and the incoming caller often complains of echo or feedback.
Overall, the sound quality of the StormBox is excellent. The speaker doesn’t sound better than the Flip 4 or Boom 3 but rather matches quality and performance. The StormBox is, however, only slightly louder.
What’s in the Box?
- 1 x Tribit StormBox
- 1 x Micro USB charging cable
Tribit StormBox Conclusion
I’m always impressed when a new, more affordable brand can compete with the big boys. I feel the Tribit StormBox has certainly managed this feat. The StormBox offers many of the same features as its premium counterparts with similar quality and execution. Most other Tribit products are significantly cheaper than its premium competitors. The StormBox costs in the vicinity of $60. Substantially less than the JBL Flip 4 or the new Flip 5. With features so closely matched, it’s hard to say which I would choose!
I totally agreed, I was using S8 from Zealot and I thought it was a great speaker 4 years passed and my S8 had to retire. I saw Flip 4, Sony and Tribit, initially I was skeptical on Tribit for 2 reasons; first because of the company’s relatively new entry into the market; second because it claims 360 audio and the speakers are positioned perpendicular to the listener ( I was like, wouldn’t there be loss of audio? my S8 faced me so I liked it). BOYYYYY was I wrong, I made the purchase and listening to music with my Tribit MaxBoom was phenomenal, the 360 audio was immersive, bass was just right not too low or too high all ranges can be heard clearly no muffling. I would recommend this over any other brands.
Nice comparison. Just few days ago, I bought jbl flip 4 and at that time I was not aware about tribit. I have few questions regarding jbl flip 4.
1. What is low frequency and high frequency music? Is it safe to listen music in high volume in LFM (low frequency mode) in JBL FLIP 4? Many users commenting LFM damage their products. I also inquired jbl support team. Their team members have varied opinions! One team member said it is totally safe to turn on LFM whereas other team member advised not to turn on LFM if u want to listen high frequency music.
2. After listening songs in jbl flip 4, I find it doesn’t produce loud sound as reviewed in internet. It doesn’t shake windows/doors while logitech R20 speakers (6 times cheaper than jbl flip 4) can do it easily. What u say in this regard?
Looking to replace a flip4 and this popped up. Our problem with the flip4 is the auto-shutoff, which has a disastrous propensity to shut off at the wrong time during a meeting. Does this one have auto-shutoff? Thanks!
Hey Rick – yes, the StormBox will shut off automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity. Most Bluetooth speakers have that feature. Important for some, an annoyance for others.