Tribit Stormbox Micro

Tribit Audio is a Chinese company whose current product range comprises four diminutive portable speakers and six wireless headphones. Could its Stormbox Micro be an undiscovered belter to steal the budget crown?

The bottom half of the Tribit Audio Stormbox Micro is rubberised, with two buttons for power and Bluetooth pairing on either side of the rounded bottom edge, looking from above. In between these are a mic and a display of six LEDS for connectivity and battery status. On the right edge is a waterproof USB-C charging port. On the underside, lying flush between the Stormbox Micro’s four rubberised feet is a neat strap you can sling over a bike handlebar.

Underneath the subtle branding on the top of the unit’s fabric jacket are three buttons for volume, play/pause and skipping tracks. A long press summons your device’s voice assistant. The overall design still here feels durable, functional and well-finished.

The Stormbox Micro’s most impressive specs are Bluetooth 5.0, and IP67 rating – meaning the speaker is both waterproof and dustproof. You can also pair two Stormbox Micros in either mono or stereo. The Tribit boasts an eighthour battery life, which isn’t exceptional, but overall, it’s a sleek, handy, durable little cushion-shaped speaker.

We listen to Radiohead’s Paranoid Android and the twinkling pops and rhythmic guitar at the outset are well-integrated, detailed and musical and there’s a lovely distribution of sound all around the room. We stream Stormzy’s Sound Of The Skeng to test the bass. It comes across deep and is quite punchy for its size.

At this end of the market, there are significant gains to be had from spending a little more. But if your budget maxes out at £50, the Tribit is a splendid option. Similarly, if you have a small space in your backpack for a sonic travel companion, this speaker is worthy of filling it.