Among the finest sub-$100 Bluetooth audio systems available.

Tribit consistently excels in crafting electrifying Bluetooth audio systems, impressively undercutting competitors with impressive margins. The StormBox Pro exemplifies this, serving as a top-notch outdoor speaker option for those seeking a premium solution.

Tribit has launched an upgrade to its innovative StormBox, introducing the StormBox 2. Equipped with amplified audio quality, extended battery longevity, cutting-edge Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities, and the ability to seamlessly sync with another identical device for a comprehensive stereo experience. The price of the StormBox 2 remains unchanged, with an affordable option available at $62 right now.

The StormBox 2 boasts a sleek cylinder profile, exuding a premium aesthetic that belies its affordable price point; one doesn’t get the impression of using a budget Bluetooth speaker at all? I appreciate the straightforward design and durable construction of the product, particularly the plastic chassis covered in a sturdy cloth cowl that facilitates easy handling of the speaker. Equipped with miniature rubber pads at its base, the StormBox 2 remains steadfast in its position, yet I frequently placed it horizontally for optimal use.

Designed for seamless integration, this device can fit snugly into the StormBox 2, securing comfortably within your vehicle’s cup holder or motorbike’s water bottle holder. Moreover, its IPX7-rated protection ensures complete peace of mind against water infiltration. While it’s generally recommended to apply mudguards for optimal protection, this particular speaker still performs well in outdoor settings without them.

The StormBox 2 stands out in more ways than just its design; its twin 17W drivers deliver 360-degree sound that can be heard loudly and clearly, even surpassing the Stream’s volume despite being priced lower. Having utilized the Stream extensively at the start of the year, I no longer felt the need to employ the other speaker following my acquisition of the StormBox 2.

The StormBox 2’s most appealing feature lies in its prominent, tactile buttons, which offer both volume control functionality and a multifaceted key that seamlessly integrates search capabilities alongside play/pause controls. Tribit’s design for the StormBox 2 shines with its generous button layout, making it a breeze to operate this device.

You gain an additional set of controls: energy boost, seamless connectivity via Bluetooth, the option to fine-tune your audio experience with XBass mode, and the ability to create a seamless stereo pair for enhanced immersion. The StormBox 2 features a 3.5mm input, which allowed me to effectively connect and utilize my Arturia MicroFreak synthesizer. The charging port is situated at the rear, flanked by a 3.5mm audio jack and a USB-C connector.

While Tribit claims its headphones offer 24 hours of battery life, users can expect significantly less usage time in practical scenarios. With XBass activated and the quantity adjusted to approximately 70%, I was able to extend battery life beyond expectations, recovering from a total usage time of around 20 hours without needing to recharge – more than sufficient. While it surpasses other budget-friendly Bluetooth audio systems I’ve tested in durability, I’m pleased with its performance in this respect.

While the StormBox 2’s slow charging speed at 5W is a drawback, its generous 5200mAh battery does mean that recharging takes around three hours and fifty minutes to complete. While there’s no such thing as truly instant charging, you won’t need to constantly plug in the speaker. During my three-month usage, I consistently charged the device roughly every seven days.

The StormBox 2 truly shines in terms of sound quality – it could potentially be the most impressive sounding sub-$100 speaker I’ve encountered thus far. You gain a profound understanding of the low-end frequencies, characterised by an abundance of vibrational energy, accompanied by robust rumble and exceptional definition. The midrange clarity is consistently maintained across the frequency spectrum, with no compromise on purity, while the treble notes exhibit a pleasing sense of airiness through their well-extended high-frequency response. While notable sibilance occurs when amplifying the sound, a quick adjustment to the equalization settings may effectively mitigate this issue.

Utilize the Tribit app to personalize your audio experience by applying preset filters or fine-tuning the equalizer settings to suit your unique preferences? By linking two StormBox 2 units, you can craft a stereo pair that elevates the overall audio experience to new heights.

I’m impressed by the way Tribit fine-tunes the sound of its products; without adjusting the EQ in any way, the StormBox 2 sounds great on its own.

I didn’t notice any connectivity issues between the devices; the StormBox 2 paired seamlessly with my Vivo X50, as well as several other units I tested, without any notable drawbacks or distortions in signal quality.

The StormBox 2 is a straightforward and uncomplicated option for most users. For those seeking a portable Bluetooth speaker that balances decent sound quality with robust water resistance, the options within the $100-or-less range are hard to surpass. Tribit has successfully delivered another impressive product, consistently offering an exceptional value – truly one of the best in its class.