You can get a complete bunch of fine stuff in a Bluetooth speaker for lower than $100, particularly in case you’re keen to think about up-and-coming audio manufacturers like Tribit. The firm’s $80 Stormbox Flow (which is usually $20 off) is absolutely loaded, providing a modern but rugged design, loads of options, and battery life that holds out longer than something I’ve examined.
The Stormbox Flow’s sound high quality isn’t as poised or detailed as one of the best Bluetooth audio system we have examined, and its hefty 1.5 lb weight makes it higher on your again patio than a seashore getaway. Otherwise, Tribit’s newest is surprisingly versatile, making it an actual contender for these looking for a pliable wi-fi companion on a tight-ish funds.
Flex Like a Bose
If you’ve seen Bose’s Soundlink Flex, you’ll really feel proper at residence with the Stormbox Flow. Much like what number of of Tribit’s earbuds mimic Apple’s in style AirPods, the Flow does an amazing Soundlink impression—and that’s a very good factor. Pulling the speaker from its garish yellow field reveals shocking model for the value, with modern strains of matte plastic that feel and appear premium. Like most fashionable transportable audio system, it’s constructed to tackle the weather with an IP67 waterproof ranking, indicating it has been examined to dam mud and survive a fast dunk in a pool or lake.
Photograph: Tribit
Along the speaker’s prime 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 Flow with a second mannequin for stereo playback.
Rubbery ft 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 ft on the speaker’s bottom lets it blast sound upward if you would like. With just one energetic driver beneath the Stormbox Flow’s acoustic grille (together with a passive radiator to increase the bass), the supply of a number of playback positions considerably improves the speaker’s attain when set on a desk or countertop.
A strap alongside the aspect to hold the speaker supplies one other playback place, however contemplating its weight, you may want a sturdy hook. Tie the speaker to a backpack like the web site exhibits and also you’re in for a bumpy journey.
The Full Package
The Stormbox Flow affords practically every little thing you’d count on in an amazing Bluetooth speaker, and a few you would not, equivalent to its built-in speakerphone. The once-ubiquitous characteristic has gone out of vogue, and I admittedly found it accidentally, calling a pal whereas jamming out. I examined the characteristic over a couple 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 nearly as good or higher than my iPhone’s speaker.
Photograph: Ryan Waniata