Short answer: the JBL Pulse 5 for better sound quality, the Tribit Stormbox Flow for the lower price. The JBL Pulse 5 ranks #42 of 136 medium speakers at $199.12. The Tribit Stormbox Flow ranks #49 at $60, $139.12 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Pulse 5: Cool light show, although not synced to the music like the Pulse 2. Set against that: Not quite as deep bass as others. Plastic scratches easily.
On the Tribit Stormbox Flow side: 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.
Buy the JBL Pulse 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Tribit Stormbox Flow if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Tribit Stormbox Flow is rated for 30 hours versus 12 hours for the JBL Pulse 5.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Pulse 5 | Tribit Stormbox Flow | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.12 | $60 |
| Ranked | #42 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #49 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | 47Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1500 g | 1.4 lbs / 657 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 4.2" x 8.4" x 5.2" (107 x 214 x 131 mm) | 7.9" x 3.6" x 2.1" (200 x 91 x 53 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter | 60W: 2x 30mm drivers + passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Input | USB-C | - |
| Output Power | 40W | 25W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 400ms aac, 200ms sbc |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Pulse 5: $199.12 Amazon
Pros: Cool light show, although not synced to the music like the Pulse 2.
Cons: Not quite as deep bass as others. Plastic scratches easily.
Full JBL Pulse 5 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.2" x 8.4" x 5.2" (107 x 214 x 131 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1500 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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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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