Selecting the correct Bluetooth speaker on your wants is such a burdensome activity. This is not due to the dearth of decisions, oh no. Actually, the sheer variety of incredible audio system on the market in any respect worth ranges is what makes the duty so tough and tiresome. Simply whenever you suppose you discovered a fantastic steal, you may uncover one other gem.
That is the place reviewers resembling my colleagues and I are available. We make investments lots of time, consideration, and care in researching and testing all the very best devices so you do not have to.
Tribit’s StormBox Micro and StormBox Micro 2 are two of the most well-liked low-cost Bluetooth audio system on the market. Each look ever so related and the specs are so carefully matched, you would be rightfully confused attempting to decide on a single choose. The truth that one prices a tenner much less would not assist issues both.
Naturally, I needed to get my palms on each audio system and check them myself. I used to be anticipating stark competitors, nevertheless it was surprisingly straightforward to choose the higher possibility.
Tribit StormBox Micro vs. StormBox Micro 2: Listening between the strains
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You may suppose that each Tribit StormBox audio system are similar twins, however they’re not likely. There are very small variations that do not catch the attention at first. As soon as you set each the StormBox Micro and Micro 2 facet by facet, these variations turn into evident.
For starters, the newer StormBox Micro 2 is ever so barely bigger and heavier. Additionally, it has bigger buttons on the material grill space versus the older StormBox Micro. This is not an obstacle for the StormBox Micro 2 because the elevated measurement and weight are menial. One barely notices them except fishing for these items.
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Class
Tribit StormBox Micro
Tribit StormBox Micro 2
Audio energy output
9W
10W
Battery and charging
2,600mAh, As much as 8hrs, USB-C
4,700mAh, As much as 12hrs, USB-C, reverse wired charging
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0, 100ft vary, stereo pairing
Bluetooth 5.3, 120ft vary, stereo pairing
Colours
Black, Blue, Orange
Black, Blue, Mint
IP ranking
IP67 waterproof and dustproof
IP67 waterproof and dustproof
Weight
295 grams
315 grams
Dimensions
99.8 mm x 95.6 mm x 39.4 mm
99.8 mm x 99.8 mm x 42.9 mm
Different
Constructed-in strap, USB A-to-C cable included
Constructed-in strap, USB C-to-C cable included
All the things else concerning the Tribit audio system is a mirror picture of the opposite. The position of all of the buttons, charging ports, and even the built-in straps are the identical. Neither speaker feels cheaply made, fortunately. You get a way of belief from the sturdy development and durable supplies used.
The Tribit StormBox Micro and StormBox Micro 2 audio system are rated IP67 for water and mud resistance, so you possibly can simply pop them within the pool or use them within the bathe. After all, this additionally makes them tremendous pleasant for journey of any type, whether or not it is a demanding hike within the hills or an opulent vacation in a elaborate resort. These lovely Bluetooth audio system are so small, it is simple to slide both one into your backpack or purse.
The StormBox Micro 2 bumps up lots of the StormBox Micro’s specs.
What you possibly can’t see are the interior upgrades. The StormBox Micro 2 bumps up lots of the StormBox Micro’s specs, ditching the two,600mAh cell for a considerably higher 4,700mAh battery. This offers you 12 hours of playback over the previous Tribit StormBox Micro’s 8-hour lifespan.
One other cool replace is that the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 can be utilized as an influence financial institution for those who’re in a pinch. There is a helpful USB C-to-C cable included within the field to help this objective. You possibly can cost any Kind-C machine with it, together with Android telephones and tablets. In the meantime, the OG Micro comes with a daily Kind A-to-C cable.
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(Picture credit score: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)
(Picture credit score: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)
Setting apart all of those tiny little particulars, let’s talk about a very powerful bits — the sound high quality. As I discussed earlier, I truthfully did not suppose that it will be this straightforward to decide on a winner. Tribit made it quite simple although.
The StormBox Micro 2 sounds a lot better than the StormBox Micro. That is to not say that the latter is a nasty speaker. For its modest measurement, the last-gen StormBox Micro will get good and loud, produces crisp notes, and would not warp up vocals or chords. It simply is not superb at pumping out thumping bass. Low notes are simply misplaced, which places the speaker only a tad off steadiness.
(Picture credit score: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)
When you play the very same audio pattern on each audio system, you may immediately discover the distinction. And, additionally, you will perceive why the StormBox Micro 2 is just a little bigger and heavier. Tribit certainly tweaked the interior gear, as a result of the outcomes are superb. This splendidly low-cost little speaker sounds extremely good. The tuning and balancing are on level, supplying you with a satisfying audio high quality. It would not sound flat anymore; the sound has life to it. Punching, kicking, pulsating, life.
If the StormBox Micro had app assist, the flat-sounding bass might simply be mounted. Certain, you possibly can nonetheless do this with third-party apps, nevertheless it ought to be available natively. Fortunately, you get a customized EQ within the companion app for the StormBox Micro 2. Paradoxically, you will not discover the necessity to use it for the newer speaker as a result of it sounds nice out of the field.
Tribit StormBox Micro vs. StormBox Micro 2: Which one must you purchase?
(Picture credit score: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)
The Tribit StormBox Micro had run, whereas it lasted. I need to honor it however on the similar time, we won’t ignore the elephant within the room. The successor is right here for the Micro’s throne and it’s time for it to retire.
Tribit outdid itself with the StormBox Micro 2. I’m an enormous fan of the model, particularly due to the fruity-sounding audio Tribit audio system produce. The Tribit XSound Mega is my go-to advice for anybody and everybody. After testing out each generations of the Tribit StormBox Micro, I believe the Micro 2 has discovered an identical place in my coronary heart.
Girls and gents, please do not miss out on a greater Bluetooth speaker for a measly tenner. The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is unquestionably a worthwhile funding and it simply trumps its predecessor in each side.
The higher speaker
You will not consider how good the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 sounds in comparison with the last-gen Tribit StormBox Micro. It sounds higher, has infinitely higher ranges of bass, lasts two hours longer, and connects in a flash because of Bluetooth 5.3. This rugged Bluetooth speaker is value each penny. You will not remorse this buy!
Good whereas it lasted
It is time to bid the Tribit StormBox Micro a fond farewell. This tiny however mighty little speaker was on the prime of its recreation in its prime. Now that the newer Micro 2 is right here to steal its thunder, it simply cannot sustain even with that ten-dollar worth hole.
