Short answer: the Tribit Stormbox Flow. It ranks #49 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $60; the JBL Flip 4 ranks #63 and costs $70, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL Flip 4 offers: Less bass than a Flip 5. Set against that: Battery failures are common.
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.
One note: the JBL Flip 4 is discontinued, but it still ranks #63 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the Tribit Stormbox Flow. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Flip 4 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Tribit Stormbox Flow is rated for 30 hours versus 12 hours for the JBL Flip 4.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip 4 | Tribit Stormbox Flow | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $70 Discontinued | $60 |
| Ranked | #63 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #49 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz | 47Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 300ms | 400ms aac, 200ms sbc |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | - |
| TWS | No | - |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs / 510 g | 1.4 lbs / 657 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange | 60W: 2x 30mm drivers + passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 6.9" x 2.8" x 2.6" (175 x 70 x 65 mm) | 7.9" x 3.6" x 2.1" (200 x 91 x 53 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 16W RMS | 25W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Max Volume | 92dB | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| App | - | Yes |
| EQ | - | Yes |
| Stereo | - | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Flip 4: $70 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Less bass than a Flip 5. Peaky lower treble.
Cons: Battery failures are common. Discontinued.
Full JBL Flip 4 review and specifications →
| Aux Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 300ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.9" x 2.8" x 2.6" (175 x 70 x 65 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 92dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 16W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs / 510 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DLX Willington: JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 4 :Sound Battle: Almost to the size of the JBL Charge 3? More from DLXWillington →
- GYMCADDY: Best $100 Speaker? JBL Flip 4 Vs Sony XB20 Vs UE WONDERBOOM Vs Altec Mini Lifejacket 2 More from GYMCADDY →
- GYMCADDY: Best $100 Speaker? JBL Flip 4 Vs Sony XB20 Vs UE WONDERBOOM Vs Altec Mini Lifejacket 2
- Reddit Search for JBL Flip 4 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Tribit Stormbox Flow has deeper bass than the Bose Flex but……….. More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Tribit Stormbox Flow firmware update 1.2.3 game changing moment in portable bluetooth history!
- Alan Ross Reviews: Tribit Stormbox Flow firmware update 1.2.5 - stuff gets fixed ✔
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Tribit Stormbox Flow vs XSound Mega - Sound Comparison, Stock EQ, Both Mono Sound 😶🌫️ A Family Feud More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
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- Oluv Patreon: Tribit Stormbox Flow - after firmware update More from Oluv’Sone →
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- Reddit Search for Tribit Stormbox Flow Review
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