Tech can move on pretty quickly, but the Bluetooth speaker that still accompanies me on my travels was, until last week, the same one I’ve been using for four years. My Tribit StormBox Micro 2 was finally replaced by … the Tribit StormBox Micro 3.
Admittedly, the changes are relatively modest and most of those who own the original likely won’t need to upgrade, but they may be worthwhile if you’re trying to choose between the older and latest versions – especially with early-bird pricing …
Like I said in my original review, nobody is going to mistake a $65 Bluetooth speaker for a hi-fi system. However, both volume and sound quality are way better than they have any right to be for both the size and the price. This is the speaker that slips into my roller bag when I’m traveling to listen to music in my hotel room or Airbnb apartment.
Visually, it’s almost entirely indistinguishable from its predecessor. It has a black mesh design with oversized raised buttons for volume up, down, and play/pause, along with a Tribit logo. It measures just over four inches square and less than two inches thick, weighing about the same as a can of Coke.
It has a stretchable rubber strap to attach the speaker to things like bicycle handlebars and backpack straps. Last time I mentioned this, some in the comments objected to this idea, pointing to people causing noise pollution with cycle-mounted speakers. I’d certainly agree with them if it’s done in an environment with other people around, but I do love listening to music while cycling alone on quiet roads.
The speaker has a second hidden function: you can use it as a USB-C power bank to recharge your iPhone.
This update is a modest one. So what do you get for the Micro 3 over the Micro 2?
First, audio output is up by 30%, from 10W to 13W. I don’t see this as especially relevant as I have never personally used the speaker at more than about 50% volume, but I could see that it might be useful in some circumstances.
It’s not just the audio power that has been boosted. A new 4800 mAh battery doubles the playtime from 12 hours to 24.
The waterproofing has been upgraded from IP67 to IP68. I’ve never had an issue when using the speaker in the rain, but this does add a level of additional reassurance. It’s also drop-rated for 1.22M.
Bluetooth has been upgraded to 6.0, giving it a range of over 140ft. It’s hard to see a practical need for this kind of distance, but the later the Bluetooth version, the more solid the connection is likely to be.
Finally, we come to what I consider the biggest upgrade: the attachment strap is now supplemented by magnetic attachment. You can, for example, simply stick one to a fridge. It’s not exactly a huge deal, but it does further add to the versatility of the speaker.
In other respects, check out my review of its predecessor.
The Micro 2 retailed at $60, though was often available for less. The Micro 3 will retail for $5 more at $65, but between now and Sunday you can get early-bird pricing of just $45.49 by using code MICRO3EDM. It’s a good buy at full price, but at the early-bird price it’s an absolute bargain.
Early-bird pricing of $45.49 is available until 12th April on Amazon using checkout code MICRO3EDM.
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