Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2 for better sound quality, the Tribit Stormbox Flow for the lower price. The JBL Charge Essential 2 ranks #35 of 136 medium speakers at $130. The Tribit Stormbox Flow ranks #49 at $60, $70 cheaper.
What the JBL Charge Essential 2 offers: Doubles as a power bank. Set against that: Not stereo. Slightly less bass than a Charge 5.
The case for the Tribit Stormbox Flow: Up to 30 hours of battery life, roughly double most rivals (~20-24 hrs with XBass on). The catch: Not stereo. Midrange and bass are weirdly recessed about 4db below 700hz.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Tribit Stormbox Flow if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Tribit Stormbox Flow is rated for 30 hours versus 20 hours for the JBL Charge Essential 2.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential 2 | Tribit Stormbox Flow | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $60 |
| Ranked | #35 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #49 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz | 47Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 930 g | 1.4 lbs / 657 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) | 7.9" x 3.6" x 2.1" (200 x 91 x 53 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 60W: 2x 30mm drivers + passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Power Input | USB-C | - |
| Output Power | 40W | 25W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 400ms aac, 200ms sbc |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Charge Essential 2: $130
Pros: Doubles as a power bank. IP67 rated. Close to Charge 5 performance at a lower price.
Cons: Not stereo. Slightly less bass than a Charge 5.
Full JBL Charge Essential 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 930 g |
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Tribit Stormbox Flow: $60 Amazon
Pros: Up to 30 hours of battery life - roughly double most rivals (~20-24 hrs with XBass on). IP67 rated with a loose handle for carrying/hanging. Pairs with a second Flow for stereo; USB-C port charges your phone too.
Cons: Not stereo. Midrange and bass are weirdly recessed about 4db below 700hz. You need xbass mode for it to not sound like a clock radio with missing bass. You also can’t turn up the bass enough in the custom EQ modes to get it neutral, so it will sound bass light. Firmware 1.2.3 fixes the distortion issues with xbass mode on, but bass still sounds wobbly and uncontrolled.
Full Tribit Stormbox Flow review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 400ms aac, 200ms sbc |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.9" x 3.6" x 2.1" (200 x 91 x 53 mm) |
| Drivers | 60W: 2x 30mm drivers + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 25W |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs / 657 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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