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Tribit StormBox Micro
In the world of Bluetooth speakers, the Tribit StormBox Micro Bluetooth speaker seeks to strike the balance of being affordable, portable, durable, and loud. In a market full of other water-resistant and portable speakers, let’s see if the Tribit StormBox Micro stands out on its own.
What you need to know about the Tribit StormBox Micro Bluetooth Speaker
- Tribit StormBox Micro: $59.99 USD / $69.99 CAD / £52.99 / €49.99
The Tribit StormBox Micro is a portable Bluetooth speaker for home or on the go. The speaker is IP67 dust and water-resistant, meaning it can withstand dust entirely and handle submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes, and works as a shower speaker. It also has a tear-resistant strap, so you can take it with you to the beach, on a hike, or on your bike securely. It comes in black, blue, and orange.
The speaker has a mono driver facing upward and a passive bass radiator facing the bottom. Two of these speakers can be paired together to produce stereo sound, which is a great option for parties and gatherings. It also has a microphone in it, so you can use it as a speakerphone if you get a call while using it. The multifunction button on the speaker can control calls if you don’t want to get up and use your phone.
It uses Bluetooth 5.0, and supports the SBC codec. It doesn’t have any wired input options like 3.5mm. It charges using USB-C, but doesn’t play audio using the USB-C input. The StormBox Micro also has Bluetooth multipoint, so you can connect two devices to the speaker at once.
What’s good about the Tribit StormBox Micro Bluetooth Speaker?
The Tribit Stormbox Micro functions really well as a simple Bluetooth speaker. Music generally sounds good through it. It’s very loud and bassy, making it great for get-togethers of any kind, since it can easily fill a living room with sound. LEMONADE by SOPHIE sounds great, with everything from the strong bass to the high crackles coming through really well. Them Changes by Thundercat also sounds great, and the bassy sound profile makes the iconic bassline sound prominent without overwhelming Thundercat’s voice or any other instruments in the track, at low volumes at least.
The IP67 rating makes it great for outdoor events or beach days, since you’ll be sure it can withstand sand, dirt, spills, rain, and the sea itself, to an extent.
The connectivity strength provides a decent wireless range. I can walk around my apartment while my phone is connected to the speaker, and the connection doesn’t drop out anywhere. Multipoint connectivity also works well, seamlessly switching between devices without issue. The battery life is also good, and the claim that it’ll last 8 hours appears to be on point.
Controls on the speaker are intuitive, with volume buttons and a multifunction button for controlling audio and phone calls. I don’t experience any misfires with the buttons, and they all work really well. Having tactile button controls rather than touch gestures ensures that you know when you execute a control, and the speaker makes little sounds to indicate pairing mode, power on, and power off.
The microphone on the speaker works really well, and you’ll sound clear and audible on phone calls. It can pick up my voice from up to a meter away while still sounding clear.
What’s not so good about the Tribit StormBox Micro Bluetooth Speaker?
When I turn up the volume loud, the bass starts to sound distorted. Considering how loud this speaker gets, you likely won’t need to turn it up loud enough for this to happen, but it’s still worth noting.
If you’re anything like me, you might be inclined to place a Bluetooth speaker on a couch or blanket from time to time. Don’t do this, because getting the best sound out of the speaker requires a flat solid surface. Surfaces that cover the bottom of the speaker will compromise the sound, as the bass radiator opening is on the underside. There are small rubber feet to keep it slightly elevated, but it doesn’t allow much room for error. Even placing it on a beach blanket with sand underneath might not cut it.
Speaking of the beach, even though the Tribit StormBox Micro is waterproof, it does sink in water. So don’t let it get lost in the sea, or a pool, or any other vast body of water you can’t easily retrieve it from.
Tribit StormBox Micro Bluetooth Speaker specs
The Tribit StormBox Micro may be simple, but there are some things you’ll have to know, so here are the important specs to keep track of.
| Tribit StormBox Micro | |
|---|---|
Size | 99.8mm x 95.8mm x 39.4 mm |
Weight | 294.8g |
IP certification | IP67 |
Wireless audio connection | Bluetooth 5.0, SBC codec |
Controls | Buttons |
Battery life | 8 hours |
Fast charging | No |
Connector | USB-C |
Price | $59.99 USD |
Tribit StormBox Micro Bluetooth Speaker review: Should you buy it?
The Tribit StormBox Micro is a solid choice for anyone looking for a cheap Bluetooth speaker. It performs really well with most popular music, and the durability and tear-resistant strap makes it a great option for outdoorsy people. The fact that two can be paired together to create stereo sound is a really nice feature, especially considering how affordable the speaker is.
The JBL Clip 4 speaker is also portable and has an IP67 rating, and features a single dynamic driver. The JBL Clip 4 is a wonderful companion to outdoorsy people who want music with them. You can find the JBL Clip 4 for$59 at Amazon. The JBL GO 3 is even cheaper than the StormBox Micro with the same IP67 rating, you can pick it up for $39 at Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi don’t work underwater, so you won’t be able to play music underwater with this speaker. You also shouldn’t keep it submerged under water for more than 30 minutes.
Yes, the Tribit StormBox Micro should be totally fine if you leave it in the rain or take it for a hike in the rain. It’s always best practice to not leave your electronics out in the rain, but it won’t cause any harm to the speaker.
First, you’ll need to go into “Party mode” with both speakers. This is done by holding the Bluetooth button for two seconds on one speaker, and then holding the Bluetooth button on the other speaker for five seconds. The speaker will say “Party mode” when you’re successfully in it. Then, you can short press the Bluetooth button on any of the two speakers and the Tribit StormBox Micro will say “left” and “right” through each speaker to indicate the channels.