Short answer: the JBL Charge 2 for better sound quality, the Tribit Stormbox 2 for the lower price. The JBL Charge 2 ranks #69 of 136 medium speakers at $149. The Tribit Stormbox 2 ranks #80 at $70, $79 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Charge 2: Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank. The catch: Bass compression at higher volumes.
On the Tribit Stormbox 2 side: A little better sounding than the Stormbox 1, less of a rolled off treble. Watch for: Drivers on the side, so it will have a rolled off treble listening to it face on.
One note: the JBL Charge 2 is discontinued, but it still ranks #69 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the JBL Charge 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Tribit Stormbox 2 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Tribit Stormbox 2 is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the JBL Charge 2.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 2 | Tribit Stormbox 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 Discontinued | $70 |
| Ranked | #69 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #80 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 3.0 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm fullrange | 2x 48mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 8.5" x 3.4" x 3" (216 x 86 x 76 mm) | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.7" (180 x 69 x 69 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 15W RMS | 34W RMS |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| App | No | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg | 1.3 lbs / 593 g |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX7 |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| Aux Latency | - | 200ms |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 400ms AAC, 400ms SBC |
| Max Volume | - | 99dB |
| Stereo | - | No (front/rear drivers) |
| TWS | - | Yes |
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- JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Charge 2
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Charge 2: $149 Discontinued
Pros: Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank. ~10-12 hour battery life. Social Mode pairs up to 3 phones; works as a speakerphone.
Cons: Bass compression at higher volumes. Warm sound. slightly rolled off treble. Not as loud as other speakers. Discontinued.
Full JBL Charge 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 3.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.5" x 3.4" x 3" (216 x 86 x 76 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 15W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Tribit Stormbox 2: $70 Amazon
Pros: A little better sounding than the Stormbox 1, less of a rolled off treble. Keep Xbass on for best frequency response.
Cons: Drivers on the side, so it will have a rolled off treble listening to it face on.
Full Tribit Stormbox 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Latency | 200ms |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 400ms AAC, 400ms SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.7" (180 x 69 x 69 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Output Power | 34W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Stereo | No (front/rear drivers) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 593 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Alan Ross Reviews: Tribit Stormbox 2 - wow is this deliberate? 🤔 More from alanrossreviews →
- Storytripper HD: Tribit Micro 2 vs Tribit STormBox 2 vs Tribit StormBox Mini More from storytripperhd →
- Reddit Search for Tribit Stormbox 2 Review
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