You can get a complete bunch of excellent stuff in a Bluetooth speaker for lower than $100, particularly in the event you’re keen to think about up-and-coming audio manufacturers like Tribit. The firm’s $80 Stormbox Flow (which is usually $20 off) is absolutely loaded, providing a glossy but rugged design, loads of options, and battery life that holds out longer than something I’ve examined.

The Stormbox Flow’s sound high quality isn’t as poised or detailed because the best Bluetooth speakers we have examined, and its hefty 1.5 lb weight makes it higher in your again patio than a seashore getaway. Otherwise, Tribit’s newest is surprisingly versatile, making it an actual contender for these looking for a pliable wi-fi companion on a tight-ish funds.

Flex Like a Bose

If you’ve seen Bose’s Soundlink Flex, you’ll really feel proper at house with the Stormbox Flow. Much like what number of of Tribit’s earbuds mimic Apple’s in style AirPods, the Flow does an important Soundlink impression—and that’s a superb factor. Pulling the speaker from its garish yellow field reveals shocking fashion for the value, with glossy strains of matte plastic that appear and feel premium. Like most fashionable moveable audio system, it’s constructed to tackle the weather with an IP67 waterproof ranking, indicating it has been examined to dam mud and survive a fast dunk in a pool or lake.

Along the speaker’s prime panel is a useful band of raised command keys for controlling energy, playback, quantity, and Bluetooth pairing. There’s additionally a key that appears like an infinity image which may pair the Stormbox Flow with a second mannequin for stereo playback.

Rubbery toes on the speaker’s backside panel assist diffuse it from surfaces to maintain it from rumbling when the bass will get heavy, whereas a second set of toes on the speaker’s bottom lets it blast sound upward if you would like. With just one energetic driver beneath the Stormbox Flow’s acoustic grille (together with a passive radiator to increase the bass), the supply of a number of playback positions considerably improves the speaker’s attain when set on a desk or countertop.

A strap alongside the facet to hold the speaker offers one other playback place, however contemplating its weight, you may want a sturdy hook. Tie the speaker to a backpack like the web site reveals and also you’re in for a bumpy trip.

The Full Package

The Stormbox Flow gives almost every little thing you’d count on in an important Bluetooth speaker, and a few you would not, akin to its built-in speakerphone. The once-ubiquitous characteristic has gone out of trend, and I admittedly found it by chance, calling a good friend whereas jamming out. I examined the characteristic over a couple of days and found it produced clear and full calls on my finish and good readability for callers on the opposite finish, with one good friend saying it sounded pretty much as good or higher than my iPhone’s speaker.