Tribit StormBox Micro vs. StormBox Micro 2: A ten-dollar upgrade that's worth your while

Picking the right Bluetooth speaker for your needs is such a burdensome task. This isn't because of the lack of choices, oh no. In fact, the sheer number of fantastic speakers out there at all price ranges is what makes the task so difficult and tiresome. Just when you think you found a great steal, you'll discover another gem.

This is where reviewers such as my colleagues and I come in. We invest a lot of time, attention, and care in researching and testing all the best gadgets so you don't have to.

Tribit's StormBox Micro and StormBox Micro 2 are two of the most popular cheap Bluetooth speakers out there. Both look ever so similar and the specs are so closely matched, you'd be rightfully confused trying to settle on a single pick. The fact that one costs a tenner less doesn't help things either.

Naturally, I had to get my hands on both speakers and test them myself. I was expecting stark competition, but it was surprisingly easy to pick the better option.

Tribit StormBox Micro vs. StormBox Micro 2: Listening between the lines

You might think that both Tribit StormBox speakers are identical twins, but they're not really. There are very small differences that don't catch the eye at first. Once you put both the StormBox Micro and Micro 2 side by side, these differences become evident.

For starters, the newer StormBox Micro 2 is ever so slightly larger and heavier. Also, it has larger buttons on the fabric grill area as opposed to the older StormBox Micro. This isn't a disadvantage for the StormBox Micro 2 since the increased size and weight are menial. One barely notices them unless fishing for these things.

Everything else about the Tribit speakers is a mirror image of the other. The placement of all the buttons, charging ports, and even the built-in straps are the same. Neither speaker feels cheaply made, thankfully. You get a sense of trust from the sturdy construction and sturdy materials used.

The Tribit StormBox Micro and StormBox Micro 2 speakers are rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, so you can easily pop them in the pool or use them in the shower. Of course, this also makes them super friendly for travel of any sort, whether it's a demanding hike in the hills or a luxurious holiday in a fancy resort. These adorable Bluetooth speakers are so small, it's easy to slip either one into your backpack or purse.

What you can't see are the internal upgrades. The StormBox Micro 2 bumps up a lot of the StormBox Micro's specifications, ditching the 2,600mAh cell for a significantly better 4,700mAh battery. This gives you 12 hours of playback over the preceding Tribit StormBox Micro's 8-hour lifespan.

Another cool update is that the Tribit StormBox Micro 2 can be used as a power bank if you're in a pinch. There's a handy USB C-to-C cable included in the box to aid this purpose. You can charge any Type-C device with it, including Android phones and tablets. Meanwhile, the OG Micro comes with a regular Type A-to-C cable.

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Setting aside all of these tiny little details, let's discuss the most important bits — the sound quality. As I mentioned earlier, I honestly didn't think that it would be this easy to settle on a winner. Tribit made it very simple though.

The StormBox Micro 2 sounds much better than the StormBox Micro. That's not to say that the latter is a bad speaker. For its modest size, the last-gen StormBox Micro gets nice and loud, produces crisp notes, and doesn't warp up vocals or chords. It just isn't very good at pumping out thumping bass. Low notes are easily lost, which puts the speaker just a tad off balance.

Once you play the exact same audio sample on both speakers, you'll instantly notice the difference. And, you will also understand why the StormBox Micro 2 is a little larger and heavier. Tribit surely tweaked the internal gear, because the results are amazing. This wonderfully cheap little speaker sounds incredibly good. The tuning and balancing are on point, giving you a satisfying audio quality. It doesn't sound flat anymore; the sound has life to it. Punching, kicking, pulsating, life.

If the StormBox Micro had app support, the flat-sounding bass could easily be fixed. Sure, you can still do that with third-party apps, but it should be readily available natively. Thankfully, you get a custom EQ in the companion app for the StormBox Micro 2. Ironically, you won't find the need to use it for the newer speaker because it sounds great out of the box.

Tribit StormBox Micro vs. StormBox Micro 2: Which one should you buy?

The Tribit StormBox Micro had a good run, while it lasted. I want to honor it but at the same time, we can't ignore the elephant in the room. The successor is here for the Micro's throne and it is time for it to retire.

Tribit outdid itself with the StormBox Micro 2. I am a big fan of the brand, especially because of the fruity-sounding audio Tribit speakers produce. The Tribit XSound Mega is my go-to recommendation for anyone and everyone. After testing out both generations of the Tribit StormBox Micro, I think the Micro 2 has found a similar place in my heart.

Ladies and gentlemen, please don't miss out on a better Bluetooth speaker for a measly tenner. The Tribit StormBox Micro 2 is definitely a worthwhile investment and it easily trumps its predecessor in every aspect.