Short answer: the JBL Charge Essential 2 for better sound quality, the Tribit Stormbox for the lower price. The JBL Charge Essential 2 ranks #35 of 136 medium speakers at $130. The Tribit Stormbox ranks #93 at $68, $62 cheaper.
What the JBL Charge Essential 2 offers: Doubles as a power bank. IP67 rated. Close to Charge 5 performance at a lower price. Watch for: Not stereo. Slightly less bass than a Charge 5.
What the Tribit Stormbox offers: IPX7 water resistant, dual pairing for stereo setup, excellent battery life (20 hours), instant on/off buttons, 97dB max volume Watch for: Muffled sounding, treble dips from 5khz-12khz. Listening from the front is the worst frequency response, lay it down facing up with xbass off for the smoothest response. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear.
Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2 if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Tribit Stormbox if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge Essential 2 | Tribit Stormbox | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $68 |
| Ranked | #35 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #93 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz | 52Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | - |
| Stereo | No | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 930 g | 1.2 lbs / 535 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.7" (180 x 68 x 68 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 2x 45mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Output Power | 40W | 20W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | - | Yes |
| Aux Latency | - | 0ms |
| Built in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 166ms |
| Max Volume | - | 97dB |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
| TWS | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 27, 2026 at 10:09 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Charge Essential 2: $130 eBay
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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Tribit Stormbox: $68 Amazon eBay
Pros: IPX7 water resistant, dual pairing for stereo setup, excellent battery life (20 hours), instant on/off buttons, 97dB max volume
Cons: Muffled sounding, treble dips from 5khz-12khz. Listening from the front is the worst frequency response, lay it down facing up with xbass off for the smoothest response. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear.
Full Tribit Stormbox review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 52Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 166ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.7" (180 x 68 x 68 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 45mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 97dB |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Output Power | 20W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 535 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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