Tribit StormBox Flow Portable Wireless Speaker Review
As the weather gets warmer and we start to move outside for either work or pleasure, having a wireless speaker these days seems necessary. Over the past few years, these wireless portable speakers have evolved into great-sounding music boxes with unique designs and controls to provide the ultimate sound experience inside and outside your home. Speakers are coming to market with longer battery life and compact designs, making it easy to take them wherever you go, like camping, the beach, or to a friend's party. We recently completed testing one of Tribit's newest wireless speakers, the StormBox Flow. This speaker has a good battery life, a unique design, and excellent sound, which you can adjust using the Tribit app with built-in EQ. And at a very attractive and affordable price. Check out the other key features of this Bluetooth portable wireless speaker.
What is Tribit StormBox Flow Portable Wireless Speaker?
The Tribit StormBox Flow Portable Speaker is a Bluetooth wireless speaker designed to deliver unmatched sound quality and versatility wherever you go. With up to 30 hours of battery life, this robust speaker ensures you can enjoy nonstop music all day and night, making it perfect for any outdoor adventure or house party. The StormBox Flow features include the following:
Superior Sound Quality
Experience powerful, room-filling audio with StormBox Flow's 25W superior sound output. Enhanced with bTribit's proprietary XBass tuning DSP technology, the speaker boosts bass by 10dB without additional power drain, ensuring every beat hits harder and every note is crystal clear.
Robust Build and Stylish Design
Rated IP67 for dust and waterproof, the StormBox Flow is built to withstand any weather condition, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Its unique design adds a touch of style and offers versatile positioning—stand it up for personal listening or lay it flat to entertain a roomful of guests with a more expansive sound dispersion.
Smart Features for a Smart User
With Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, the speaker ensures a stable and quick pairing with your devices, maintaining a solid wireless connection for seamless streaming. The integrated Tribit app enhances your control over the speaker, featuring a built-in equalizer with six presets and the ability to create your own custom EQ settings. The app also provides real-time monitoring of speakers' battery life and easy access to various controls like playback adjustments and voice prompt settings.
Custom Sound Modes and Stereo Pairing
Tailor your listening experience with three custom sound modes to match your audio preferences. For an even more immersive audio setup, utilize the stereo/party pairing feature to connect multiple StormBox Flow speakers, perfect for creating a dynamic sound environment for any occasion.
Hands-Free Calls
Enjoy the convenience of hands-free calls when the speaker is connected to your smartphone. The built-in microphone picks up your voice clearly, allowing you to take calls without missing a beat.
How to set up your Tribit StormBox Flow Wireless Speaker
Getting started with your Tribit StormBox Flow Portable Speaker is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy high-quality audio in no time. Here's a quick guide to set up your new Tribit speaker:
- Charge Your Speaker: Before using the StormBox Flow for the first time, ensure it is fully charged. Plug the USB charging cable into the speaker and connect it to a power source.
- Power On: Press and hold the power button on the speaker until you hear a tone indicating the speaker is turned on. Note: You can adjust the tone in the Tribit app if you don't like the sound.
- Pair with Bluetooth: Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone or other devices. Select "Tribit StormBox Flow" from your Bluetooth settings list of available devices. A confirmation tone from the speaker will signal a successful connection.
- Download the Tribit App: Enhance your experience by downloading the Tribit app from your device's app store. This app allows you to customize EQ settings, check battery life, and control playback. You can also check for firmware updates.
- Choose Your Audio Preferences: Explore the Tribit app to adjust the built-in equalizer settings or create your own EQ profile to suit your listening taste.
- Position Your Speaker: Depending on your activity, you can stand the speaker up for a focused sound experience or lay it flat to disperse sound across a larger area.
- Enjoy Your Music: Start playing music from your connected device and enjoy the superior sound quality and extended playtime that the Tribit StormBox Flow offers.
With these simple steps, your Tribit StormBox Flow Portable Speaker is ready to deliver exceptional sound whether you are indoors or outdoors. Enjoy your new auditory companion!
Smart Device Integrations
The Tribit StormBox Flow wireless speaker does not have a voice platform built into the speaker like other portable Bluetooth speakers by Sonos (Sonos Move 2) or Bose. However, it can work as a speaker for a smart display or speaker. Since the StormBox Flow connects to your mobile device, you can use it as the speaker for your mobile device. And if your mobile device has Siri, Bixby, Alexa, or Google Assistant activated, say your voice commands into your smartphone microphone and the assistant's response on the StormBox Flow. So, you can say the StormBox Flow is the assistant's assistant.
How much does the Tribit StormBox Flow cost?
The Tribit StormBox Flow's MSRP is $79.99. It is available on the company website, Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, and other online retailers. Inside the StormBox Flow box are the Bluetooth Speaker, a user manual, a charging cable, and a lanyard.
Is this a reasonable price for a portable wireless speaker? Based on our market knowledge, Tribit StormBox Flow is a reasonably priced Bluetooth portable wireless speaker. The speaker's price of $79.99 can be considered quite competitive, especially when evaluating its features against those offered by similar productHere'she market. Here's a brief comparison to help assess its value:
- The StormBox Flow offers 25W of superior sound, enhanced by Tribit's XBass tuning DSP technology for deeper bass. This level of sound quality and power is often found in more expensive models, making it a strong contender in terms of audio performance.
- With up to 30 hours of playback time, the StormBox Flow stands out among many competitors, where the average battery life for portable speakers in this price range typically varies from 10 to 20 hours.
- The IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating ensures the speaker is suitable for rugged outdoor use and safe for poolside entertainment, adding significant value for users looking for a versatile, all-environment portable speaker.
- Features like multi-link pairing, hands-free calling, and connecting to a smartphone app for advanced EQ settings and controls are typically reserved for higher-priced models. The app's functions, such as custom EQ settings and battery monitoring, are particularly noteworthy at this price point.
- Comparatively, brands like JBL, Sony, and Bose offer portable speakers that might start at slightly higher prices, ranging from $100 to $200 for similar features. These brands often charge a premium for brand recognition, which Tribit manages to undercut while still offering robust features.
- Tribit has established a reputation for providing high-quality audio products at an affordable price, often making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious consumers who do not want to compromise on quality and features.
Considering these aspects, the Tribit StormBox Flow's price of $79.99 is quite reasonable. It delivers a solid range of premium features comparable or even superior to those found in higher-priced alternatives, making it an excellent value for its cost and an attractive option for consumers looking for quality audio solutions without a hefty price tag.
Performance - Testing Results
After several months of testing the Tribit StormBox FIow portable wireless speaker, I've found it to be an excellent portable audio solution, especially given its price point and robust features. The speaker boasts a long-lasting battery life of 30 hours, which is impressive and highly convenient for extended use without frequent recharges. Its compact design enhances portability, making it ideal for travel and outdoor activities like beach outings, poolside entertainment, and camping.
The accompanying app is a standout feature, offering a built-in equalizer for significant sound customization. While the speaker comes with preset EQ options, I preferred using the Customized EQ setting to fine-tune the audio to my liking, as the presets did not provide the level of bass I expected despite the speaker's XBass technology designed to enhance bass response. This was somewhat surprising but was adequately addressed with the customizable EQ settings.
Priced at $80, the StormBox Flow offers good value, particularly considering its feature set and the app's control. Additionally, the speaker often goes on sale for as low as $60, making it an even better deal, particularly when compared to competitors like the Bose Flex or Soundcore Boom 2 speakers.
While the speaker is slightly heavier than other portable speakers of similar size, the durable and sturdy design justifies the extra weight, providing confidence that it can withstand the elements during outdoor use. Overall, I would recommend the Tribit StormBox Flow to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile portable speaker that combines quality, functionality, and affordability.
What are users saying about Tribit StormBox Flow?
Tribit StormBox Flow Portable Speaker users have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, highlighting its enhanced sound quality through adjustable EQ settings in the Tribit "pp, with one "ser noting a "night and day" improvement. Other reviewers have praised its robust features, including exceptional battery life and excellent Bluetooth connectivity, which offer great value compared to more expensive models like the Bose Flex. Its versatile design supports various placement options suitable for personal and entertaining, enhanced by its IP67 dust and water-resistant rating. Additionally, the speaker's durable build is well-regarded and capable of withstanding outdoor use, with one notable instance of a user humorously testing—and confirming—its waterproof capabilities.
While the Tribit StormBox Flow Portable Speaker has received praise for its durable build, some users have found it a bit heavy for portable use, suggesting that its weight could be a drawback for those prioritizing mobility. Additionally, there has been some disappointment regarding the bass performance, particularly at higher volumes, where it tends to diminish. It did not meet some users' expectations set by promotional claims about the XBass feature. Moreover, users have experienced compatibility issues with the Tribit app, particularly on newer iPads and Android phones, which has affected their ability to customize sound settings, leading to some frustration effectively.
The speaker's price point of around $80, often discounted to about $60, is fair. Still, as it approaches the higher end of the spectrum, users advise weighing the balance of features carefully. At $60, the speaker's value for money was highly praised, though at $80, expectations for additional features and flawless performance were higher.
The users' overall sentiment is that the Tribit StormBox Flow is generally well-regarded for its sound quality, especially after EQ adjustments, solid build, and excellent value proposition relative to competitors. It's particularly favored by those who need a durable, reliable outdoor speaker that can handle the elements and deliver powerful sound. However, potential buyers should be mindful of the app's compatibility with their devices and manage expectations regarding the bass performance at high volumes.
Summary
Whether you're looking to create the perfect party atmosphere or enjoy a private concert in the comfort of your home, the Tribit StormBox Flow Portable Speaker is your ideal and affordable sound companion. Its durability, exceptional sound quality, and user-friendly features make it a top choice for music lovers everywhere. The price point is attractive, and it's built strong enough to withstand whatever weather "Mother Nature" throws at it while you're outside with friends and family enjoying a quality sound experience.
I recommend this portable Bluetooth speaker for its performance, durability, and value, making it a competent contender in the crowded portable speaker market.
Pros
- Long Battery Life
- App Integration with Built-in Equalizer
- Robust Design
- Price
Cons
- Weight
- Bass Performance from Presets
- New iPad and Android users experience app compatibility issues
Check out The GearBrain, our smart home compatibility find engine. It can help you find, buy, and connect any smart device. It can even help you find other smart devices or systems that are compatible with your existing smart devices, such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.