Short answer: the Bose SoundLink Color II for better sound quality, the Tribit Stormbox Mini for the lower price. The Bose SoundLink Color II ranks #98 of 136 medium speakers at $139. The Tribit Stormbox Mini ranks #116 at $23, $116 cheaper.
What the Bose SoundLink Color II offers: Soft-touch rubber coating is comfortable to hold and tough enough for bumps and scrapes. Set against that: Boosted bass on Color II.
The case for the Tribit Stormbox Mini: IPX7 waterproof, excellent battery life (12 hours), RGB LED lighting, app support with AAC codec, true wireless stereo (TWS) capability, USB-C charging. The catch: Lacking quite a bit of bass.
One note: the Bose SoundLink Color II is discontinued, but it still ranks #98 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Color II if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Tribit Stormbox Mini if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Tribit Stormbox Mini. It ranks near the bottom of the 136 medium speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
If water resistance matters to you, the Tribit Stormbox Mini at IPX7 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Bose SoundLink Color II at IPX4 (splashing).
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose SoundLink Color II | Tribit Stormbox Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 Discontinued | $23 |
| Ranked | #98 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #116 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | - |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 600 g | 1.6 lbs / 708 g |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 5.2" x 5" x 2.2" (132 x 127 x 56 mm) | 3.6" x 3.6" x 4.7" (91 x 91 x 119 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm full-range drivers | 2x 48mm 6W full-range drivers + 1x passive radiator |
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~85Hz |
| Lights | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Output Power | - | 12W |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose SoundLink Color II: $139.00 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Soft-touch rubber coating is comfortable to hold and tough enough for bumps and scrapes. IPX4 splashproof. Supports multipoint pairing to two devices at once.
Cons: Boosted bass on Color II. Not as deep of bass as other models. Lacking midrange detail. Rolled off treble. Discontinued.
Full Bose SoundLink Color II review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.2" x 5" x 2.2" (132 x 127 x 56 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 600 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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Tribit Stormbox Mini: $23 Amazon
Pros: IPX7 waterproof, excellent battery life (12 hours), RGB LED lighting, app support with AAC codec, true wireless stereo (TWS) capability, USB-C charging
Cons: Lacking quite a bit of bass. Sounds hollow and thuddy. Just not great overall.
Full Tribit Stormbox Mini review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~85Hz |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.6" x 3.6" x 4.7" (91 x 91 x 119 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm 6W full-range drivers + 1x passive radiator |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 12W |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs / 708 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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