"The StormBox Micro is durable, sounds great, and is remarkably affordable."
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IP67 weather resistance
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Exceptional Bluetooth range
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Good sound quality
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Lightweight, portable design
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Boring aesthetics
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Battery could be better
A number of events happened in near perfect sequencing: One weekend, I rediscovered my love of river swimming, a relaxing, socially remote activity that is considered one of the most enjoyable activities on a warm summer Sunday afternoon. The main missing ingredient was good, easy-to-hear music. I had bluetooth speakers but none that I would safely take near the water.
When my editor announced over the next week that I'd be editing the Tribit StormBox Micro portable bluetooth speaker for $ 50, I couldn't wait to get started.
Out of the box
The packaging, like the speaker itself, is quite small. Accordingly, the contents of the packaging are minimal; There is the StormBox Micro, a USB-C charging cable and a quick guide. That's essentially it, and frankly, that's all you really need.
Nick Woodard / Digital Trends
The setup process is almost non-existent. Simply turn on the speaker using the button on the side of the Micro, hold the Bluetooth button next to it for two seconds and the Micro will go into pairing mode. From there, you'll know the exercise: find the speaker in your device's bluetooth settings, connect and enjoy your music.
I put the micro at one end of my back yard and walked as far as my property would allow, and the micro kept pumping out music without interference.
The StormBox Micro is equipped with Bluetooth 5 technology, and Tribit claims it supports a range of 100 feet. While I can't confirm this exact number, I can say the range is impressive. I put the micro at one end of my back yard and walked as far as my property would allow, and the micro kept pumping out music without interference.
design
Stop it if I've said this before, but the StormBox Micro is small. The square speaker is 3.87 "by 3.87" and about 1.4 ". It weighs around 10 ounces, which is harder to understand, heavier than your standard smartphone, but no bulkier than a crowded wallet. In other words, the dimensions of the Micro call for portability.
Nick Woodard / Digital Trends
The aesthetics of the Micro aren't great. In fact, I'd say it's downright boring, with a fluted mesh cover on top and the Tribit logo sitting right in the middle. Even so, I'd also say that aesthetics shouldn't be an issue for most of the people interested in this speaker. You should focus more on its durability, and the Micro feels like it can take a beating. And from my experience it can. I dropped it as I crossed a steep bank on the way to the river, but I was able to retrieve it, dust it off, and keep jamming like nothing had happened.
There are three controls on the top of the speaker: volume up, down and a multifunction button. The volume buttons do exactly what you think, and the multi-function button can pause and skip tracks, activate your smart assistant, or navigate phone calls. Yes, you can answer, decline, and switch between two different phone calls with this $ 50 bluetooth speaker.
The Micro also has a tear-resistant strap that, according to Tribit, can be used to attach the speaker to your bike or backpack. It's a bit small to be universal, but it's flexible and I looped it through a strap on my hiking backpack with no problem. To be clear, I didn't use the micro while hiking. Please don't be the person who blows up Cardi B while hiking.
properties
For most people, this will be the most important part of this review. The fact is, you can buy an unlimited number of bluetooth speakers, many of which will give you pleasantly decent sound for a similar price. However, if you're looking for something that can handle the elements and take on the constant influence of an outdoor lifestyle for hours on end, the options are dramatically limited.
Nick Woodard / Digital Trends
The StormBox Micro has IP67 weather resistance that protects it from dust and immersion in up to a meter of water. To test the limits of this speaker, I took the Micro out on the river with a few friends. It was on a rope at the edge of our raft and kept absorbing water as we paddled away from rocks and sharp sticks. I stopped dropping the Micro underwater because of concerns about both the buoyancy of the speaker and the depth of the river, but it got thoroughly soaked and didn't miss a beat during our swim.
You'll want the USB-C charging cable ready for a multi-day camping trip, but the Micro has just the right amount of juice for a full day of fun.
The Micro also has a claimed eight hours of battery life, which is reasonable for a speaker of this size. The micro provided us with constant music for two consecutive swimming rides and the subsequent barbecue. You'll want the USB-C charging cable ready for a multi-day camping trip, but the Micro has just the right amount of juice for a full day of fun.
Audio quality
I'm not going to tell you that the Micro is capable of things that are physically unlikely for a speaker of its size. If you're looking for a larger than life sound, try the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom. If you're looking for more high-fidelity sound with the same weather resistance, try the Marshall Emberton or even the Sonos Move.
Nick Woodard / Digital Trends
If you're looking for a pocket-sized speaker that plays louder (and clearer) than seems possible for something this small, you've come to the right place. The Micro delivers decent bass, especially for its size, despite not rattling your raft. It sounds pretty clear and doesn't distort at high volumes. Speaking of high volume, this may not be the speaker of choice for a high octane house party. But did we meet some Beastie Boys or Zac Brown Band every time we passed spectators on the bank of the river? You bet we made your bluetooth.
The cutest part of the Micro's sonic capability for me is the ability to pair with another Micro to create a stereo soundstage. This stereo mode – or party mode as Tribit calls it – is activated after you hold down both Bluetooth buttons on your Micro at the same time for five seconds. The result greatly improves the audio mentioned above, doubling the volume and bass capabilities. After all, that's how music should be listened to, and I think such a setup would be far more ideal for a hangout in the back yard or weekend camping by the lake. The only downside is that it will only cost you twice as much.
To my surprise, it's actually pretty decent for phone calls when you need this feature. The mic on the mic isn't great, but I wouldn't expect it anyway. In short, this is not a speakerphone for answering calls, but you can do it effectively when needed. That is more than we can say for the Marshall Emberton.
Our opinion
The StormBox Micro does not sell itself. It appears to know what type of consumer it is intended for and it checks all the boxes required. It's durable, it sounds good, and it's remarkably affordable for what it offers.
Are there any better alternatives?
The $ 100 UE Wonderboom has a better battery life of 10 hours, but worse weather resistance (IPX7). Same goes for the $ 100 JBL Flip 4, which has a 12 hour battery life and an IPX7 rating. Does more battery but less protection justify doubling the cost of the Micro? I would say it all depends on what you are using your bluetooth speaker for. The new river bum in me would choose better resistance to the elements.
How long it will take?
Tribit offers an 18-month replacement guarantee, a 30-day money-back guarantee and lifetime support for the product. In combination with an IP67 weather resistance, the StormBox Micro doesn't seem to fail anytime soon.
Should you buy it?
Yes. There are bluetooth speakers with better sound and improved battery packs, but for a $ 50 package that offers great weather resistance, good sound, and convenient portability, the StormBox Micro is impressive value for money.
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