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Hiring trustworthy, qualified employees is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses, and that’s where background screening platforms like First Advantage come in. As one of the most established names in employment verification, First Advantage helps organizations make informed decisions by providing in-depth background checks, identity verification, and compliance support.

Whether an employer is hiring new staff, screening tenants, or vetting volunteers, the platform provides fast and reliable insights drawn from global databases and public record sources.

Let’s take a look at how First Advantage works, explore its pricing structure, analyze its pros and cons, and determine which types of organizations will benefit most from its services.

For more like this, we've reviewed the best employee background check services.

First Advantage: Pricing

(Image credit: Pixabay)

First Advantage’s pricing is customized based on several factors, including the type and volume of background checks, organizational size, the number of locations, and specific services required. Employers pay per report, with basic criminal checks starting around $20–$30. Comprehensive packages, which can include drug screening, credit checks, employment verification, and international searches, typically cost $50–$100 per report.

Enterprise clients can access volume-based discounts or subscription plans designed for ongoing, high-volume hiring. While this pricing structure benefits large organizations with recurring screening needs, smaller businesses may find it less competitive than budget-friendly alternatives.

First Advantage: Features

(Image credit: Shutterstock / Krakenimages.com)

First Advantage offers an extensive range of background screening tools designed to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes. The platform supports a full suite of services, including criminal background checks at the federal, state, and county levels, as well as employment and education verification to ensure candidate information is accurate and complete. Employers can also incorporate drug and health screenings to help maintain compliance with workplace safety and substance policies. At the same time, credit history checks provide additional insight for positions that handle finances or sensitive data.

Beyond domestic capabilities, First Advantage delivers global sanction and watchlist searches, anti-fraud measures, and international screening in more than 200 countries, making it a reliable option for multinational companies. Each client can create customized screening packages that align with their compliance requirements and risk management goals, giving them control over the depth and scope of investigations.

Both employers and applicants benefit from First Advantage’s self-service portals. Candidates can securely complete consent forms, upload required documentation, and track progress online, while hiring managers gain access to detailed dashboards with real-time status updates and centralized reporting. This combination of breadth, transparency, and automation helps streamline hiring workflows, reduce manual effort, and maintain high accuracy throughout the background screening process.

Check out how AI-powered background checks are becoming a business necessity

First Advantage: Setup

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Implementing First Advantage can range from straightforward to complex, depending on integration needs. Basic users can start within days, while companies requiring system integrations — such as with HRIS platforms like Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or BambooHR — may need additional configuration.

Setup typically includes:

1. Needs assessment and consultation with a First Advantage representative.
2. Account creation and administrative training.
3. Integration setup with HR or applicant tracking systems (if applicable).
4. Configuration of screening packages, user permissions, and compliance alerts.

Smaller businesses may find this process more involved than lightweight platforms. However, once implemented, the system becomes a seamless part of the hiring workflow.

First Advantage: Ease of use

The First Advantage platform is designed for function and reliability rather than visual flair. Employers have access to detailed dashboards to track candidate progress, view completed reports, and manage compliance notifications.

While many users appreciate its structured workflows and organizational clarity, some reviewers note dated design elements, occasional load delays, and session timeouts that interrupt workflow. The candidate portal, however, receives positive feedback for its simplicity and mobile accessibility, helping to reduce applicant friction during sensitive onboarding steps.

First Advantage: Security and privacy

First Advantage maintains strict security and compliance standards that align with major regulatory frameworks, including FCRA, GDPR, CCPA, and EEOC guidelines. Data encryption, audit trails, and permission-based access controls protect sensitive candidate information throughout the process.

Key privacy and security measures include:

• Secure data encryption in transit and at rest.
• Regular third-party security audits and certifications.
• GDPR-compliant data handling for international screenings.
• Configurable data retention policies to comply with regional laws.

For organizations operating globally, this attention to data protection provides confidence that background checks will remain legally compliant and ethically managed.

First Advantage: Support

Customer support is offered through multiple channels, including phone, email, and ticket-based requests. Enterprise clients may receive access to dedicated account managers or implementation specialists.

However, user reviews present a mixed picture. Some clients report delayed responses or difficulty resolving data disputes, especially when candidates challenge report findings. Documentation and online help resources are solid, but round-the-clock live support coverage remains limited compared to more tech-driven competitors.

First Advantage: The competition

First Advantage competes in a crowded background screening market that includes providers such as Checkr, Sterling Check, GoodHire, HireRight, and Certn. Each competitor offers a slightly different balance of cost, coverage, and user experience, giving employers several viable alternatives depending on their needs.

Checkr is known for its modern design, fast turnaround times, and strong API integrations that make it popular with technology-focused companies and gig-economy platforms. However, it lacks the same depth of international coverage and compliance sophistication that First Advantage provides. Sterling Check takes a similar enterprise-focused approach, offering robust global screening and compliance tools, but it often comes at a higher price point that can challenge smaller organizations.

GoodHire, by contrast, caters more directly to small and mid-sized businesses with transparent pricing and an easy-to-use interface. While it’s a practical and affordable option, it doesn’t offer the same level of scalability or advanced configuration as First Advantage. HireRight also serves larger enterprises with comparable breadth of screening services and strong ATS integrations, though users sometimes report a steeper learning curve and similar pricing tiers.

Newer players like Certn bring AI-driven technology and sleek, cloud-native interfaces to the market, emphasizing speed and user experience over enterprise complexity. Yet, as a younger company, it lacks the long-standing reputation and global compliance backing that First Advantage has built over decades. In this competitive field, First Advantage distinguishes itself through its longstanding industry presence, deep regulatory expertise, and global reliability, making it a preferred choice for organizations operating across multiple geographies or within highly regulated sectors.

First Advantage: Final verdict

First Advantage remains a gold standard in the background screening industry for accuracy, compliance, and global reach. Its ability to tailor screening packages, integrate with HR systems, and deliver fast results positions it as an ideal choice for mid-sized to large enterprises that hire frequently or across multiple jurisdictions.

That said, pricing and usability challenges may deter smaller companies seeking a simple setup or lower costs. For organizations that prioritize compliance, scalability, and comprehensive verification, First Advantage justifies its premium cost — offering peace of mind, reduced hiring risk, and dependable service on a global scale.

The app will recommend things for you to do with your friends IRL, like concerts, based on the activities you share.

The next-generation T3 Aire 360 delivers impressive results at a price that undercuts its closest rivals

T3 Aire 360: two-minute review

It's only been two years since T3 first launched the Aire 360 which was, at the time, the world's first ceramic air styler and it's quickly become one of the best hair dryers on the market. That hasn't stopped T3 revamping and relaunching the styler as what it's calling the "next-generation" T3 Aire 360.

Like the original, the new Aire 360 is a ceramic air styler designed to dry, smooth, and curl hair in a single tool. It launched in the US in March 2026 at $349.99 and is due to launch in the UK towards the end of the summer.

At $349.99 (about £260 / AU$490), the next-gen model is $50 more than the original and the headline upgrades are dual voltage, a shorter handle and a lighter base. Thankfully, the styling system itself that made the original so good has stayed the same.

The CeraGloss ceramic curling barrels remain the tool's best feature: they consistently create bouncy, glossy curls that hold well into the next day. Especially on my fine hair. The ceramic coating makes a visible difference here, not just to the finish but to style longevity. Plastic-barrels just don't come close.

The SoftAire concentrator dries faster than its compact size suggests too. My fine, mid-length hair was ready for styling in just over three minutes, even though the wand shape of the base makes directing airflow at the roots awkward and uncomfortable at times. T3 recommends starting with hair that's around 80% dry before moving to the attachments but this means very little in reality. It takes a fair amount of experimentation (and patience) to get the very best results but the Aire 360 still creates "good enough" styles, even while you're on this learning curve.

The oval brush takes the most practice of the four attachments, which was a surprise given that it's effectively just a hot brush. However, its large size coupled with the 1.3lb / 590g weight of the base feels awkward at times. Its bulk will also only likely suit mid-length to long hair and short hair styles may not see the full benefit.

All that said, the rewards outweigh the effort. The oval brush turns even fine hair into voluminous styles that are hard to achieve with a round brush alone. Elsewhere, at 71dB, the Aire 360 isn't loud and isn't quiet; it's comparable to most standard hair dryers I've tested.

Compared to its closest rivals, the case for the T3 Aire 360 is strong. Not only does it undercut its most like-for-like, ceramic air styler the Shark Glam, it also sits well below the Dyson Airwrap range while matching, and at times bettering both, in terms of performance. If you're buying a multi-styler for the first time, or even looking for an upgrade, you could do a lot worse than this flagship styler.

T3 Aire 360: price & availability

• List price: $349.99
• Available: US only / UK coming summer 2026
• Launch date: March 2026

There are currently two versions of the T3 Aire 360 on sale.

The original launched in 2023 at $299.99 / £249.99. This is currently the only model on sale in the UK. In March 2026, T3 launched what it's calling the next-generation Aire 360 in the US. Since launching the next-gen version, the original has been discontinued in the States and we're assuming that when it eventually comes to the UK later this year, the original will also be removed there, too.

This review covers the next-generation model, which costs $349.99 for the Standard bundle, or $359.99 for the Diffuser version. It's sold directly from T3 as well as Sephora and Amazon in Satin Blush or Milk Grey colorways.

For $50 more than the original, you're getting a lighter, redesigned base, a shorter handle and dual voltage for international travel. The styling system itself – the CeraGloss ceramic barrels, Aire 360 airflow technology, SoftAire concentrator and oval brush – is the same as before.

The T3 Aire 360's attachments include oval brush (left), SoftAire concentrator (top) and two ceramic curling barrels (right) (Image credit: Future)

At this price, the next-generation T3 Aire 360 lands in the thick of what's become a competitive (and growing) multi-styler market. The closest like-for-like in terms of price is the Shark FlexStyle that also retails for $349.99. However, the FlexStyle lacks the ceramic barrels of the T3 version.

To get the same ceramic design and finish, as well as range of attachments, you need to pay an extra $100 for the $449.99 Shark Glam. The Dyson Airwrap is the most expensive alternative, ranging from $549.99 / £399.99 for the Origin up to $749.99 / £579.99 for the latest Co-anda 2x. The most like-for-like comparison is the Airwrap i.d. at $649.99 / £479.99, which adds Bluetooth connectivity and personalized curling options on the Dyson app.

If you already own the first-generation Aire 360, and rarely travel abroad, there's limited reason to upgrade. However, if you're buying a multi-styler for the first time, this is the model to get because it represents considerably better value than the Dyson and Shark alternatives without sacrificing much on results.

• Value score: 4.5 / 5

T3 Aire 360 Next-Gen: specs

Model:

T3 Aire 360 Next-Generation

Wattage:

1,400W

Weight (without cord, approx):

1.3 lbs / 590g

Size (H x W x L, approx):

9.2 x 1.8 x 1.7in / 23.37 x 4.57 x 4.32cm

Airflow settings:

3

Temperature settings:

3

Noise level

71dB average

Attachments:

2x 1.35in CeraGloss ceramic curling barrels; SoftAire drying concentrator; oval brush; vegan leather storage tote

Cord length:

9ft / 2.74m swivel

T3 Aire 360: design

• Slim, lightweight base with a shorter handle than the original
• Four twist-and-lock attachments
• Three heat settings plus cool shot, three speed settings

As has been the case since the Dyson Airwrap put the multi-styler category on the map, the next-generation Aire 360 looks more like a curling wand than traditional hair dryer.

It has a slim, cylindrical shape that, at 1.3 lbs / 590g is almost half the weight of the original Aire 360 and on par with the Airwrap i.d. The handle has been shortened, compared to the original Aire 360, and this makes the whole styler more balanced, even when the attachments are in place.

The styler comes in Satin Blush and Milk Gray; the Satin Blush leans into what's become a crowded market of blush-toned tools but the Milk Gray model that I reviewed is more traditional and understated. I was worried the glossy, plastic finish would pick up fingerprints but it's slightly dusty rather than shiny which makes it easy to grip without leaving marks or smudges.

The speed and temperature buttons (pictured) each cycle through three settings indicated by LEDs, with the power switch sitting just below (Image credit: Future)

All of the controls run down the front of the handle: the top button cycles through the three speed settings; the middle button controls the three temperatures including the Cool shot function, and the power switch sits just below.

Each are within easy reach during styling but don't get in the way, which means you don't have to worry about knocking them mid-session. The heat and speed buttons also sit ever-so-slightly below the surface of the handle, too, meaning every press needs to be deliberate.

At the base of the handle are two LED indicators that show which voltage the styler is running at – 110 V or 220 V – and the filter sits on its own with a magnetic cover that twists off easily. Albeit a little too easy sometimes, mid-style.

The Standard Aire 360 ships with four attachments. The Diffuser bundle adds a ceramic diffuser to the mix. You can get the diffuser with the styler for $359.99 or buy it after the fact for $29.99.

• SoftAire drying concentrator: Softens the airflow for fast drying; works like a traditional blow dryer nozzle but is more compact and directional.
• 2 x CeraGloss ceramic curling barrels (left and right): These use a mix of airflow and ceramic heat to wrap hair and create curls.
• Oval brush: SmoothGrip bristles and T3's CeraGloss ceramic surface smooth and lift. It sits somewhere between a round brush blowout and a hot brush.
• Ceramic diffuser: Gently disperses airflow over natural curls and wave patterns.

The oval brush (pictured) mixes SmoothGrip pins with bristles on a CeraGloss ceramic surface to smooth and lift at the roots without snagging (Image credit: Future)

All of these attachments twist and lock onto the base with a single hand movement and stay in place until you flick the unlock switch on the rear of the handle. The two curling barrels are handed, one for each side of the head, and both have T3's CeraGloss ceramic coating designed to hold the heat more than plastic rivals.

The SoftAire concentrator is small and nozzle-shaped, doing a similar job to a traditional blow dryer concentrator but more compact. The oval brush is then the chunkiest of the four, with SmoothGrip bristles on a ceramic surface. This is designed to smooth and lift at the roots but the size will suit mid-length to longer hair better than shorter styles.

Everything packs neatly into the included vegan leather tote, which is one of those details you don't think much about until you're trying to travel with four attachments and a styling base.

• Design score: 4.5 out of 5

T3 Aire 360 review: performance

• Fast and gentle drying
• Curling barrels produce bouncy curls that last well
• Oval brush delivers a smooth, lifted finish but takes practice

The Aire 360's central promise, that it can style hair with airflow and ceramic heat rather than direct, damaging heat, is bold but for the most part, it holds up.

The SoftAire concentrator, which is where most sessions begin, dried faster than I had expected from something so compact; knocking most of the moisture out of my fine, mid-length hair in just over three minutes on the highest heat and speed setting. The wand shape takes some getting used to for just drying; directing airflow at the roots with any precision requires a bit more wrist work than a traditional dryer.

T3 recommends starting with hair that's around 80% dry before moving to the styling attachments but in reality, it's hard to know exactly what this means. If your hair is too wet, it can take a while to get the best finish, but if it's too dry, the style won't hold.

From my tests, I found that hair that's no longer damp but which still feels slightly cool when you run your fingers through it is about right. It's also worth working in sections, and if you're unsure, err on the side of slightly wetter rather than drier.

The styler itself runs warm rather than hot. My hair felt noticeably less frazzled after drying than it does with a traditional dryer and the airflow is powerful enough to be useful but not so aggressive that it sends fine hair flying in every direction. This is a balance that's harder to strike than it sounds.

The gold cool-touch strip (pictured) runs along the top of the SilkiPro Straight body, providing a safe place to grip during use (Image credit: Future)

The curling barrels, which are the Aire 360's best feature in my opinion, are easy to use once you've got the hang of which barrel best suits which side of your head. One barrel makes curls wrap from your face, while the other wraps them towards your face and while this sounds simple, it makes a big difference to the look you're trying to achieve.

To use each one, you move the styler towards a section of hair and the airflow does the wrapping; pulling the hair towards and around the barrel. You then hold the hair in place for around 10 seconds, depending on your hair type, how tight you want the curl and how damp the hair is. It takes a session or two to get the positioning and timing right, particularly on fine hair where letting go too soon can loosen the curl before it's set.

Once you've found the right rhythm, though, the results are impressive: bouncy, glossy curls that look natural and which last well into the next day on fine hair. This is undoubtedly down to the ceramic coating on each barrel. Ceramic holds heat better than plastic and this makes a noticeable difference to the finish; there's a shine to the curl that holds rather than dropping to a frizzy wave by mid-afternoon.

I had expected the oval brush to be the easiest attachment to use but it also required a bit of practice and technique to get the best results because the positioning and size make it awkward to move around your head.

Two LED indicators at the base of the handle (pictured) show whether the styler is running at 110V or 220V (Image credit: Future)

On my fine, mid-length hair it smoothed well and added a lifted, voluminous finish at the roots that's difficult to achieve with a traditional round brush alone, unless you're skilled at blow-drying. The ceramic surface again adds a shine that lasts, and the SmoothGrip bristles are gentle enough that they don't snag or pull.

In my experience, it works best on hair that has a little more moisture than is needed for the curling barrels, for example, and it also rewards the kind of tension and wrist action that takes a few attempts to get right and which can ache after a while. Its large size was also ideal for my hair length, but it will likely have limited benefits to short hair styles.

Noise-wise, the Aire 360 runs at an average of 71dB, it's not offensive but it's not subtle either which is on par with most standard hair dryers.

Across the board, the Aire 360 rewards patience. The first session is unlikely to produce the results you're hoping for, and fine hair in particular needs some experimentation with heat and speed settings before you land on the right combo.

• Performance score: 4 out of 5

How I tested the T3 Aire 360

I tested the next-generation T3 Aire 360 over three weeks, using it as my go-to styler on both wash days and when I wanted to refresh second-day hair.

I have fine, mid-length naturally curly hair, which gave me a good sense of how the tool performs on hair that needs both volume and definition, without being weighed down.

I worked through all of the attachments across a range of scenarios starting with the SoftAire concentrator to rough-dry freshly washed hair, moving to the curling barrels to style, and using the oval brush on days when I wanted a smoother, more polished finish rather than curls. I tested the curling barrels on hair at different levels of dryness and paid particular attention to how well the curls held across different heat and speed settings. I also used the oval brush on both damp and dry hair.

Throughout testing I noted how easy each attachment was to use, how long the results lasted into the following day, and noise levels using the DecibelX app. I didn't test the ceramic diffuser, which is sold separately.

Read more about how we test

• First reviewed April 2026

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Tribit Stormbox Micro 3: two-minute review

Four years after its predecessor launched, the Tribit Strombox Micro 3 has landed — and it’s been well worth the wait. This new model offers plenty of improvements over what came before, with a higher power output, extended battery life, faster charging, and a refined look. But is it worth picking over the competition? Here’s what I think after a week of testing.

First of all, we have to talk about sound. This speaker may be small, but it packs 13W of output power, which is nothing to sniff at. Its dynamic full-range driver links up with two passive radiators for impressive volume, and genuinely hard-hitting bass. When listening to low end-focused genres like House and Hip-Hop, I was wowed by the speaker’s bass output — it’s powerful and full-bodied, but never seems muddy or compromising to other sounds in the frequency range.

You also get clear mids and articulate treble, with solid balance using the speaker’s default sound signature. Sure, you’re not going to get the high-fidelity, openness, or detail that some more premium options in our best Bluetooth speakers guide offer, but the Stormbox Mini 3 still sounds admirable given its limited confines and tempting low price.

Something else I love about the Stormbox Micro 3 is its plentiful playtime. You get up to 24 hours here — double of what the Stormbox Micro 2 could deliver. Combine that with faster charging speeds and the capability to charge external devices, and you’ve got a seriously strong performer in the battery life category.

Other changes, like improved waterproofing, a newer Bluetooth version, and a novel magnetic base only help to make the Stormbox Micro 3 feel like a worthy successor to the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 — a model we absolutely loved.

A lot of returning features, including a built-in mic, multi-speaker pairing, and extensive EQ options also stand Tribit’s small-sized speaker in good stead against the competition. The much-beloved JBL Go 4, say, doesn’t have hands-free calling capabilities, has a more humble output power, and lacks the detailed EQ controls you'll get here.

Still, that’s not to say that the Stormbox Micro 3 is perfect. I touched on its revamped design earlier, which gives it a more rounded look and provides the logo with a cleaner, more striking feel. But this speaker still isn’t the prettiest I’ve seen, and the lack of color options hold it back from greatness in terms of design.

Regardless, its dust and waterproofing, drop-proof build, and compact size ensure that the Stormbox Micro 3 is a highly practical model, and one that’s ideal for taking on the go. And many of my other complaints are mere nitpicks — the lack of backwards compatibility with the Stormbox Micro 2 plus a modicum of compression when listening at higher volumes, but these are extremely common gripes for speakers of this size.

All in all, the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 is a very capable small-sized speaker. And the fact its price has barely changed from last time out makes it a seriously attractive proposition. At $64.99 / £62.99 (about AU$130), it’s an absolute steal, and considering the quality it posts across the board, I’d say that it’s one of the best value Bluetooth speakers I’ve ever tested. As a result, it’s an easy recommendation for me to make.

(Image credit: Future)Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 review: price and availability

• List price of $64.99 / £62.99 (about AU$130)
• Released in April 2026

The Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 was first released in April 2026, about four years after the Stormbox Micro 2. Thankfully, the new speaker comes in at an extremely similar price to its predecessor — it will only set you back about $64.99 / £62.99 (about AU$130), which is a great price given its talents.

Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 review: specs

Weight

0.7lbs / 330g

Dimensions

4.4 x 4.1 x 1.8 inches / 112 x 103 x 45mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Battery life

24 hours

Speaker drivers

1x 48mm dynamic

Waterproofing

IP68

(Image credit: Future)Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 review: features

• Battery life has been doubled to 24 hours
• Lots of customization options with Tribit app
• Multi-speaker pairing, but no backwards compatibility

The Stormbox Micro 3 has had quite the refresh in terms of features. The most striking is its improved battery life — you’re getting up to 24 hours this time out, which is double the amount of playtime you got on the Stormbox Micro 2. Of course, if you’re listening at higher volumes and using the XBass function, you’ll struggle to get that maximum 24 hours, but in my testing I found that number to be pretty accurate.

On top of that, the Micro 3 charges a lot faster than its predecessor. Tribit notes that you can get its lil’ speaker’s battery to 100% from empty in just 2 hours — a big leap from the 2.5-3 hours required to juice up the Stormbox Micro 2.

As we saw last time out, you can also use the Strombox Micro 3 to charge up other devices with a USB-C cable. That’s a pretty handy feature if you need to give your phone or wireless earbuds a boost, for instance, and the higher battery capacity makes this feature feel more worthwhile.

The new Stormbox Micro also has an improved Bluetooth version — it’s using Bluetooth 6.0, which gives you 45m of range, ideal if you want to keep the tunes moving while in a different room.

What’s more, the Stormbox Micro 3 packs 13W of power from its full-range driver (which is accompanied by a couple of passive radiators). That’s better than its predecessor’s 10W, and results in a louder, meatier sound.

Another nice inclusion is the built-in mic, which enables you to take calls hands-free like a speakerphone. I tried this out, and was genuinely surprised by the clarity of my speech. Given that a lot of rivals (JBL Go 4, I'm looking at you) skipped the mic, this was great to see.

You can also customize the sound of this speaker using the Tribit app. There are a nice range of EQ presets, including genre-specific options, and some designed for specific environments, like Outdoor. There’s also a nine-band equalizer, giving users the chance to tailor sound to their specific tastes.

In addition, there’s an XBass mode for those that really want to ramp up the low-end. I steered clear of this, though, as it just made the low-end sound overpowering, and caused the speaker’s battery to drain at a faster rate.

Finally, you can pair the Stormbox Micro 3 with a second, identical unit to activate stereo sound. Typically, audio will be downmixed to mono, so this is a useful feature — I just wish Tribit had let us pair with the Stormbox Micro 2 as well, something that would’ve given owners of that model a better reason to upgrade.

• Features score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Future)Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 review: sound quality

• Powerful, well balanced sound
• Seriously commendable bass from such a small speaker
• Lacks the mid and treble range finesse that premium rivals supply

Given its limited confines and low price, the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 doesn’t sound perfect — you’ll experience some compression at higher volumes, and there are no fancy codecs like LDAC or aptX Adaptive. But still, the speaker performed pretty admirably in my testing.

I’ll start by saying that I spent most of the time using Tribit’s Signature EQ — XBass is here for a bumped-up low end, and there are a few other presets, but the standard tuning had a more balanced, controlled sound, so I rarely felt tempted to deviate from it.

For me, the most impressive thing about the Stormbox Micro 3 is its bass output. So many small-sized speakers fall flat here — even some more premium models sound as if there’s nothing going on whatsoever in the low-end, resulting in a thin, de-energized presentation.

But not the Stormbox Micro 3. In tracks like Harmony in the Distance by M-High, I was struck by the pumping, impactful bass that never sounded lethargic or bloated. Indeed, the low-end hit pretty hard considering this model’s small form-factor, but at the same time, it never drowned out synths in the mids or higher frequency percussion.

In this track, treble also sounded surprisingly sharp, with a rapid decay to ensure drums hit with rhythmic precision. They didn’t have the full-sounding fidelity you’d expect to hear on more premium speakers, though — something I’ll get onto shortly.

Moving over to one of my favorite tracks, Space Cowboy by Jamiroquai, and the Stormbox Micro 3 maintained impressive quality. Vocals were nicely weighted in the mix, and funky bass occupied a well-defined pocket, never seeming over-eager or muddy. At one point, the vocals and bass cut, as the tune built towards its euphoric climax, and the speaker recreated the re-entry of various instruments with finesse, indicating its solid dynamics.

With really deep, demanding records, such as Morning Wonders - Leo Pol Remix by Kolter, Tribit’s tiny speaker still managed to hold its own. The dark, rippling bass was perhaps a little too much for it to handle, but it still put up a valiant effort, while translating the aggressive higher-pitched percussion with control, rather than letting it fly off the handle.

So far, the Stormbox Micro 3 was doing pretty nicely, but I wanted to turn up the temperature, so I decided to test it against a pricier rival from a big name: the Bose SoundLink Micro Gen 2. Now, for all of my gripes with Bose’s small-sized speaker, I have to say it sounds pretty good, with vibrant treble, expressive mids, and clean bass. So how did Tribit’s mini rival compare?

I started with a tech house track, Good Luck from ADR (UK) and OUTTEN, and straight away, I realized how the Tribit replicated low-end sounds with much more confidence and vigor than its Bose counterpart. Despite lacking some low-end punch, the SoundLink Micro Gen 2 produced cleaner overall audio in my view, with more refined clarity in the treble range in particular.

It was similar in Shinchiro Yokota’s Do It Again, with Tribit conjuring up more regimented, full-sounding bass, but less polished highs. The Bose really did struggle with some of the darker sounds, though, and despite its impressive clarity further up the frequency range, you’d expect more given its hefty asking price.

It’s with softer tracks, though, like Yellow Giant Reprise by Tatsuhiko Asano, where the Stormbox Micro 3’s limitations are laid bare. Mids just sounded more detailed, open, and separated on its Bose rival, and although Tribit’s speaker still plated up perfectly clear and non-distorted sound, it failed to offer that premium edge.

Overall, though, this comparison showed me the fantastic sound for pound value of the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3. Sure, it lacked the nuance and grace of the SoundLink 2 in the mid-range and treble, but it still performed solidly in those areas, while also producing far more energized bass and higher volume potential than its Bose rival.

It’s also worth noting that I mainly kept the Stormbox Micro 3 upright, typically while magnetized to my fireplace. It sounded great with this configuration, but you can also lay it flat, which has a less rounded, but still enjoyable sound.

• Sound quality score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 review: design

• New rounded design still not the prettiest
• Magnetic base with handy silicone strap
• IP68-rated and drop-proof

The Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 looks pretty similar to its predecessor, but it's got a slightly more rounded build and a neater, more striking logo at its center. It’s not the prettiest small speaker I’ve seen — the retro-style Marshall Willen II and modern Bose SoundLink Micro 2 have a more premium, eye-catching aesthetic, although they’re also quite a bit pricer.

What I do like, however, is the practicality of the Stormbox Micro 3. First of all, this new model comes with a magnetic base, which makes it easy to fix to a shower or fridge. I had the speaker attached to the fireplace by my desk, which worked fantastically.

There’s also a strap on the reverse side of the model (carried over from previous iterations), which makes it easy to hook onto a bag, bike, or hook, so this is a very versatile speaker placement-wise. And it’s incredibly compact, which means you could easily chuck it in a bag when it’s out of use as well.

What’s more, the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 has an IP68 rating, meaning its fully dustproof, and can survive a 1.5m dunking underwater for as long as 30 minutes. That’s an improvement over the previous model’s IP67 rating, and while it’s fairly unessential, it’s pleasing to see Tribit keep up with the likes of JBL’s water-resistant tech.

The Stormbox Micro 3 is also drop-proof, making it ideal for taking on the go. Tribit says that it can survive being dropped from about 1.2m, in-line with US military standards — so you shouldn't have to worry about it taking the occasional tumble.

Other than its average looks, my only complaint would be the Stormbox Micro 3’s lack of color options. You can only grab it in Black at the moment, while its predecessor could be purchased in Blue, Red, or Mint instead. Hopefully more colorways will be released down the line, but that lack of vibrancy is a shame, particularly given the vivid options supplied by Bose and JBL, among others.

• Design score: 4/5

(Image credit: Future)Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 review: value

• Plenty of improvements over predecessor with next to no price bump
• Strong sound at this price-point, with great bass output
• High battery life and durable build make it a slam dunk

When it comes to value-for-money, I’m not entirely sure you can do better than the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3. We already raved about its predecessor's high quality paired with a low price, and things are much the same here.

There’s been next to no increase in list price against the Stormbox Micro 2, in spite of macroeconomic pressures, and you get even more for your money this time. More power, better battery life, a magnetic design, a more rounded look…this is a worthy improvement over a speaker we already loved.

For just over $60 / £60, you’re going to make a few sacrifices. You don’t get the stellar detail, nuance, and open sound that some small-sized rivals can offer — but they’ll come at a significantly steeper price-point. The Stormbox Micro 3 still sounds very good overall too — even if it can be outclassed, the clarity and balance on offer is highly commendable.

And given that the Stormbox Micro 3 performs very nicely in the low-end — an area where a lot of small speakers struggle, you’re getting plenty of bang for your buck as far as sound goes.

I was also delighted by the Stormbox Micro 3’s exceptional battery life, which is higher than a lot of premium rivals. Combine that with a durable build, and almost everything you could want from a small speaker can be yours at a very modest price indeed.

• Value score: 5/5

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

No backwards compatibility, but excellent battery life, neat mic, and faster charging.

4.5/5

Sound quality

Clear, confident sound with great bass for a speaker of its size, but lacks the refined mids and highs some rivals supply.

4/5

Design

Highly waterproof, drop-proof, and magnetic, but not the most beautiful, and no color options.

4/5

Value

Fantastic quality at a sensational low price.

5/5

Buy it if…

You want a small speaker with plenty of bass
So many tiny Bluetooth speakers fail to offer pumping bass, but not the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3. Its powerful, regimented low-end output separates it from a lot of its competitors — including some pricier models.

You’re always forgetting to charge your gadgets
The Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 is perfect for anyone that hates charging their devices. Its 24 hour battery life is wonderful for a model of its size, and means that you’ll rarely have to plug it in — unless you’re consistently listening at top volumes, that is.

Don’t buy it if…

You want top-class sound quality
Although the Stormbox Micro 3 supplies weightier bass than a lot of its small-sized rivals, it lacks some of the skill and subtlety that some rivals supply in the mid-range and highs. For those in search of incredible audio, I’d suggest going a little larger, with either the JBL Flip 7 or the premium Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Gen.

You’re all about style
Although the Stormbox Micro 3 made some tasteful improvements over its predecessor, it’s hardly the most flashy looking model on the market. The likes of JBL and Bose might do it for you — speakers like the JBL Clip 5 and Bose SoundLink Micro Gen 2 have neat looks, and come in plenty of fun color options.

Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 review: also consider

Tribit Stormbox Micro 3

JBL Clip 5

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4

Price

$64.99 / £62.99 (about AU$130)

$79.95 / £59.99 / AU$89.95

$99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149

Weight

0.7lbs / 330g

0.6lbs / 285g

0.9lbs / 420g

Dimensions

4.4 x 4.1 x 1.8 inches / 112 x 103 x 45mm

3.4 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches / 86 x 134.5 x 46 mm

4.1 x 3.8 x 3.8 inches / 104 x 95.3 x 95.3mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.2

Battery life

24 hours

12 hours

14 hours

Speaker drivers

1x 48mm full range

1x 45mm full range

2x 40mm active drivers

Waterproofing

IP68

IP67

IP67

JBL Clip 5
The Clip 5 is a bit of an oddball in JBL’s Bluetooth speaker line-up, but I absolutely love it. Everything from its carabiner design through to its awesome audio and lightweight feel helped it to achieve an impressive four-and-a-half star rating from us here at TechRadar, and in spite of its middling battery life, I’d still recommend checking it out if you need a small speaker. Read our full JBL Clip 5 review.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4
If you want a bass-heavy sound, then the UE Wonderboom 4 is for you. With seismic low-end output, great waterproofing, and stunning design, this thing really has it all. If you want a speaker with brighter colors, this is also a nice option, but it might set you back a little further than Tribit’s model. Read our full Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 review.

How I tested the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3

(Image credit: Future)

• Spent one week testing
• Mainly streamed tunes over Tidal
• Reviewed by someone who’s tested more than 40 Bluetooth speakers

I spent one week testing the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3, predominantly using it at home — both stood upright and resting on its base.

When listening to music, I made sure to stream tunes over Tidal, starting with the TechRadar testing playlist, which features tracks from a wide variety of genres. I also bumped a range of tunes from my personal library, and tried out the speaker’s different sound modes and mic functionality.

More generally, I’ve spent in excess of two years testing audio gear here at TechRadar, which includes everything from the best wired earbuds through to premium wireless headphones. I’ve tried more than 40 Bluetooth speakers during my time here, and personally curated our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers, so I know exactly what is required for a model to stand out in this heavily convoluted market.

• Read more about how we test
• First reviewed: April 2026

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