Short answer: the JBL Flip Essential for better sound quality, the Tribit Stormbox Mini+ for the lower price. The JBL Flip Essential ranks #66 of 136 medium speakers at $130. The Tribit Stormbox Mini+ ranks #110 at $29.96, $100.04 cheaper.
What the JBL Flip Essential offers: Aux input for wired sources. IPX7 rated. Genuinely portable at under a pound; a cheaper, more basic alternative to the Flip 5. Watch for: Less bass than a Flip 5.
What the Tribit Stormbox Mini+ offers: IPX7 waterproof, app support with EQ presets and AAC codec, true wireless stereo (TWS) capability, USB-C charging, built-in mic for calls, AUX input, microSD card playback. Watch for: Not a great sounding speaker, really weak bass.
Buy the JBL Flip Essential if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Tribit Stormbox Mini+ if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Skip the Tribit Stormbox Mini+ if sound quality matters to you. It ranks near the bottom of the 136 medium speakers.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip Essential | Tribit Stormbox Mini+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $29.96 |
| Ranked | #66 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #110 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | - |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Weight | / 1 lbs / 471 g | 1.2 lbs / 544 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.4 |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 1x passive radiator |
| Dimensions | 6.7" x 2.5" x 2.5" (169 x 64 x 64 mm) | 3.6" x 3.6" x 4.7" (91 x 91 x 119 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Output Power | 16W RMS | 12W |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Charging Time | - | 2.5 hours |
| Lights | - | Yes |
| TWS | - | Yes |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | USB-C |
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- Tribit Maxsound Plus V1/V2/Thunderbox Plus vs JBL Charge 3
- JBL Charge Essential 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Mini+
- JBL Flip Essential vs Soundcore 2
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 Flip Essential: $130 eBay
Pros: Aux input for wired sources. IPX7 rated. Genuinely portable at under a pound; a cheaper, more basic alternative to the Flip 5.
Cons: Less bass than a Flip 5.
Full JBL Flip Essential review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.7" x 2.5" x 2.5" (169 x 64 x 64 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 16W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Weight | / 1 lbs / 471 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Tribit Stormbox Mini+: $29.96 Amazon eBay
Pros: IPX7 waterproof, app support with EQ presets and AAC codec, true wireless stereo (TWS) capability, USB-C charging, built-in mic for calls, AUX input, microSD card playback.
Cons: Not a great sounding speaker, really weak bass.
Full Tribit Stormbox Mini+ review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.6" x 3.6" x 4.7" (91 x 91 x 119 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 1x passive radiator |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 12W |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 544 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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