Short answer: the JBL Flip Essential 2. It ranks #80 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.3/5, at $85.90. The Tribit Stormbox 2 ranks #104, rated 3.0/5, at $69.99, $15.91 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
Two different designs. The Flip Essential 2 fires one 44 x 80mm racetrack driver forward. The Stormbox 2 puts its two drivers on the sides, so its treble sounds rolled off when you face it. Keep its XBass mode on for the most even response.
The Stormbox 2 plays louder and lasts longer, measuring about 99dB with a claimed 24 hours against the Flip Essential 2’s 10. It also has a 3.5mm aux input, which the Flip Essential 2 lacks.
The Flip Essential 2 is smaller, at 1.1 lbs (520 g) against 1.3 lbs (593 g), and its bass stops growing above about 70% volume. Neither has an app.
Both are IPX7.
Buy the JBL Flip Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $15.91 saving on the Tribit Stormbox 2 is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip Essential 2 | Tribit Stormbox 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $85.90 | $69.99 |
| Ranked | #80 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #104 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Drivers | 1x 44x80mm racetrack fullrange + 2x passive radiators | 2x 48mm fullrange |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 34W RMS |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| App | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Stereo | No | No (front/rear drivers) |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (520 g) | 1.3 lbs (593 g) |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.7” x 2.8” (175 x 68 x 70 mm) | 7.1” x 2.7” x 2.7” (180 x 69 x 69 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Aux Latency | - | 200ms |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 400ms AAC, 400ms SBC |
| Maximum SPL | - | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
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