Short answer: the Tribit Stormbox Flow. It ranks #49 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $60; the JBL Flip 5 ranks #62 and costs $89.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL Flip 5 offers: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Set against that: Not stereo. Boosted upper bass.
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 5 is discontinued, but it still ranks #62 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 5 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 5.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip 5 | Tribit Stormbox Flow | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $89.95 Discontinued | $60 |
| Ranked | #62 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #49 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz | 47Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 200ms | 400ms aac, 200ms sbc |
| Max Volume | 92dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 540 g | 1.4 lbs / 657 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 1x 44x80mm fullrange | 60W: 2x 30mm drivers + passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.9" (181 x 69 x 74 mm) | 7.9" x 3.6" x 2.1" (200 x 91 x 53 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 20W RMS | 25W |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Built in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| App | - | Yes |
| Stereo | - | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Flip 5: $89.95 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Charges via USB-C, topping off in about 2.5 hours. IP67 rated.
Cons: Not stereo. Boosted upper bass. Piercing sound when turned up. Peaky lower treble at higher volumes. Discontinued.
Full JBL Flip 5 review and specifications →
| Aux Input | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 200ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.9" (181 x 69 x 74 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1x 44x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 92dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 540 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Beoplay A1 Denon 250bt JBL Flip 5 Anker Flare 2 More from alanrossreviews →
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- 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
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