STEREO GUIDE verdict
The Tribit StormBox Flow impresses with its long battery life, robust design and flexible application options. The sound quality is very good for this size class, especially the deep and precise bass. However, distortion can occur at high volumes with the XBass switched on.
Advantages
- Bass kicks well, feels rich and precise for its size
- Useful app with sound presets and equalizer
- Extensive button functions
- Integrated microphone for phone calls and voice assistants
Disadvantages
- XBass can lead to strong distortion at high volumes
- Buttons sometimes barely recognizable
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Sound: Tonal balance / transparency7.4
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Sound: Bass / Dynamics9.1
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Ease-of-use / Connectivity7.2
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Price/Performance8.1
The Tribit StormBox Flow is a portable Bluetooth speaker characterized by exceptional battery life, versatility and a robust design. With a battery life of up to 30 hours with the XBass switched off (24 hours with the XBass switched on) and the ability to fully charge the mobile Bluetooth speaker equipped with a 25 watt amplifier in just 4 hours. This speaker, which is similar in shape and size to the Bose Soundlink Flex we reviewed some time ago, offers long-lasting music playback. Thanks to its 4800 mAh battery, the StormBox Flow can also be used as an emergency power supply for a smartphone as long as the battery is more than 50% charged.
The Tribit StormBox Flow can be used both upright and lying flat. In the upright position, it offers a direct radiation aimed at a listener, while the flat position allows a wider sound distribution and is ideal for larger groups of listeners. The speaker is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, making it perfect for use on the beach or at pool parties. The speaker grille on the back is an indication that Tribit uses a passive diaphragm to support the round full-range speaker in the bass, despite a different driver constellation to Bose – with an oval radiator to the left of it.
The controls of the StormBox Flow are only partially well designed. The volume buttons and the playback controls in between (start/stop, track skip forward or backward) are large and high-contrast printed, while the tiny buttons for Bluetooth pairing, EQ and TWS (True Wireless Stereo), which are minimally highlighted from the rubber-like housing surface, are barely recognizable, especially indoors. The middle button can also be used to answer calls and make phone calls via the integrated microphone. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection up to 40 meters away with the A2DP, AVRCPHFP and HSP protocols.
Tribit app with EQ options
The StormBox Flow has an EQ button with three functions: XBass on, XBass off and Audiobook. These settings can also be changed without the Tribit app – free for iOS and Android – with visual feedback via an LED (off, light blue, dark blue). However, for a clearer display and access to the remaining sound presets, we recommend using the app. The Tribit app also offers other useful functions such as firmware updates and the activation of voice prompts for various operating states.
With the app, users can choose between different presets such as classic, rock and jazz or use a graphic 9-band equalizer to save user-defined setups. Tribit’s own XBass tuning DSP technology boosts the bass by 10 dB and ensures a deeper and more powerful bass response.
Listening test: This is what the StormBox Flow sounds like
In the listening test, the Tribit StormBox Flow shows itself from its best side, revealing a multitude of tonal nuances that are remarkable for a speaker of this size class. In an upright position, the sound is clear and transparent, with voices appearing quite clear and detailed. However, the not one hundred percent neutral sound tuning can lead to vocals sounding somewhat harsher, which is particularly noticeable with vocal-intensive tracks. The upright position is ideal for listeners who prefer maximum resolution and transparency and want to hear every nuance of the music.
In the horizontal position, on the other hand, the speaker produces a more harmonious and smoother treble response, resulting in an overall more pleasant and relaxed listening experience. This configuration is particularly advantageous for longer listening sessions or when the speaker is used in a room full of guests. The bass, an outstanding feature of the StormBox Flow, is surprisingly deep, rich and precise for this compact Bluetooth speaker. Without the XBass bass boost, the bass is powerful and well defined. It can even be said to have a certain kick.
XBass – the killer app
However, with the XBass switched on and at a higher volume, distortion can occur, especially with bass-heavy electronic music such as “Beachball” by Nalin & Kane. In these cases, it is advisable to keep the volume below 50 to 60 percent to ensure clean and undistorted sound reproduction. The XBass function boosts the bass by 10 dB, which results in an impressively deep and full sound at moderate volumes, but can noticeably overstrain the drivers at high volumes. Then it booms and grumbles in such a way that at least sober listeners quickly lose their sense of fun.
Overall, the achievable volume of the Tribit StormBox Flow is decent and sufficient, provided that no excessive demands are made. Particularly noteworthy is the ability of the small outdoor Bluetooth speaker to deliver a balanced and powerful bass response even at medium volumes. This feature makes the StormBox Flow an ideal companion for different music genres and listening environments. Whether smooth jazz melodies or powerful rock tracks – the StormBox Flow masters every challenge with flying colors as long as the XBass boost is used moderately.
Tribit StormBox Flow: Conclusion and alternatives
The Tribit StormBox Flow is a powerful and versatile Bluetooth speaker that impresses with its long battery life, robust design and flexible application options. The sound quality is really very decent for a speaker of this size, especially the deep and precise bass – although distortion can occur at higher volumes with the XBass switched on. The Soundcore Motion 300 , which was reviewed last fall, has a similar profile and price. However, the big role model for this type of Bluetooth speaker remains the Bose Soundlink Flex, although you have to pay a considerable premium for the big name and better details – such as the buttons.
Buy Tribit StormBox Flow
Technical data Tribit Stormbox Flow
- Manufacturer’s recommended retail price: 84 euros
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 22.28 x 11.48 x 5.89 cm
- Weight: 666 g
- Battery life up to 30 hours
- Special features: Waterproof according to IPX7, carrying strap, app with equalizer
- More at: www.tribit.com
