Short answer: the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, if you are buying new. The JBL Flip Essential ranks higher than the Tribit Stormbox Mini+ (#90 vs #142 of 175 medium speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, is rated 3.6/5 at $113.82 and is still sold new.
The JBL Flip Essential is the better-sounding option. A genuinely portable 1 lbs (471 g) speaker with IPX7 water resistance, a 3.5mm aux input and 16W output from two full-range drivers. Watch for: Bass is lighter than the JBL Flip 5 and the 80Hz claimed low-frequency limit means it cannot deliver real low-end weight.
The case for the Tribit Stormbox Mini+: 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. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Flip Essential lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Flip Essential lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Flip Essential. The tradeoff: Not a great sounding speaker, really weak bass.
Buy the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, the replacement for the discontinued JBL Flip Essential; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Tribit Stormbox Mini+.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip Essential | Tribit Stormbox Mini+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $31.99 |
| Ranked | #90 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #142 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) | 1.2 lbs (544 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| 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) | - |
| Amplifier 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 |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Charging Time | - | 2.5 hours |
| Lights | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, ranked higher, estimated 3.6/5, released Apr 2026. See every JBL Flip Essential generation.
Pros: A genuinely portable 471g speaker with IPX7 water resistance, a 3.5mm aux input and 16W output from two full-range drivers. It is a simple, no-app option for wired sources, travel and casual listening where its cylindrical shape and modest size are a genuine advantage.
Cons: Bass is lighter than the JBL Flip 5 and the 80Hz claimed low-frequency limit means it cannot deliver real low-end weight. Battery life is only a claimed 10 hours, there is no speakerphone, EQ or party mode, and its older Bluetooth 4.1 platform and discontinued status make it a basic used-market choice.
Full JBL Flip Essential review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2019 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Tribit Stormbox Mini+: $31.99 Amazon $31.99 eBay
Older model: the Tribit Stormbox Mini (ranked lower, rated 2.4/5). See every Tribit Stormbox Mini generation.
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 →
| Released | Jul 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 12W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| 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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