First Impressions
The first thing I noticed when I unboxed the Tronsmart Trip 2 was how solid it feels. It’s not heavy at 0.341kg/0.752lbs, but there’s a certain confidence to its build (size: 180x80x41mm/7.09×3.15×1.61inch) —like it’s meant to be tossed in a backpack and survive it. The woven fabric finish feels both durable and stylish, and the built-in strap (more of a handle, really) is surprisingly practical. I clipped it onto my bike one morning, not really expecting much. By the time I got to the park, I was impressed that it hadn’t bounced off once.
It’s also worth noting the IPX7 waterproof rating. I didn’t dunk it in water on purpose, but a winter storm caught me off guard one evening. The Trip 2 got wet—really wet—and kept playing as if nothing happened. That’s a relief, especially for something meant for “outdoor adventures.”
Sound Quality: The Real Surprise
If you’ve used portable speakers before, you know what to expect: decent mids, shy lows, and often sharp highs. The Tronsmart Trip 2 changes that balance. Thanks to its 42mm full-range driver and dual passive radiators, it delivers bass that’s genuinely noticeable. Not earth-shaking, obviously—it’s still a small speaker—but full and satisfying.
I tried switching between genres: rock, lo-fi, podcasts. With acoustic tracks, vocals are crisp and close. Podcasts sound natural, without that hollow echo many small speakers suffer from. If I had to nitpick, I’d say that at full volume the highs can get a bit edgy. It’s not distortion, exactly, just a certain brightness that feels slightly uncontrolled. But for a 10W driver, it’s impressive.
Battery Life: It Really Lasts
Tronsmart advertises 20 hours of playtime, and I was skeptical. Most speakers exaggerate. So I tested it the old-fashioned way: started playback in the morning at around 60% volume and let it run while I worked, cooked, and lounged. It lasted through the day—and most of the next morning—before it gave me the low battery chime.
Charging via USB-C takes roughly 3 to 3.5 hours, which is fair. I appreciate that it charges through standard 5V/1A input; no special cables or adapters needed. It also holds standby charge for days, so if you leave it in your bag, you won’t find it dead next weekend.
Bluetooth Connection and Usability
One thing I’ve learned to appreciate is Bluetooth stability, and here, the Bluetooth 5.3 connection shines. Pairing is immediate, and I had no drops even walking 10–12 meters away. Tronsmart claims up to 15 meters (49 feet) of range, and in an open area, that’s realistic.
Another small but useful feature: hands-free calls. The built-in mic isn’t perfect, but for short calls or voice commands, it works fine. I used it once during a backyard barbecue to answer a call, and my friend could hear me without shouting. The speaker also supports voice assistants, so you can summon Google Assistant or Siri with a quick press. It’s not something I use daily, but it’s nice that it’s there.
App and Sound Customization
This is where Tronsmart has started to differentiate itself. Through the Tronsmart App, you can fine-tune the EQ—something you rarely get in this price range. I tinkered with it for a while. The presets are decent, but the custom option lets you push mids and highs exactly how you like them. Personally, I found the “Deep Bass” preset best for outdoor listening. Indoors, “Balanced” works better.
Another subtle perk: the app updates firmware. It’s not a major feature, but it’s good to know the company continues to improve its devices post-launch. That gives me more confidence than a one-and-done speaker brand that disappears after six months.
Portability and Everyday Use
This is the kind of speaker that doesn’t demand attention but ends up being part of your daily setup. It’s small enough to carry everywhere (about the size of a power bank), light enough to hang from a bag, and durable enough to handle bumps. I’ve used it while cooking, showering, and hiking. The rubberized ends keep it stable on surfaces, and it never vibrated or moved even during bass-heavy songs.
One thing I’d like to see improved? Maybe a small LED indicator that’s more visible in daylight. The current one blends with the design, which looks nice but makes it hard to tell battery status quickly.
The Competition Factor
That said, it’s not the perfect all-rounder. There’s no stereo pairing option (at least, not yet), and there’s no built-in playback controls for skipping tracks backward. Still, these are small complaints for what you get.
Real-World Thoughts
Maybe the best way to describe it is this: the Tronsmart Trip 2 is one of those gadgets that quietly earns your trust. It doesn’t wow you on day one, but a week later, you realize you’ve been reaching for it every time. There’s something honest about that. It’s the speaker I grab when I go to the beach, or when friends come over and I just want background music that doesn’t sound tinny.
The battery, the build, the sound—they all come together in a way that feels deliberate, not accidental. You can tell Tronsmart has refined its approach over the years. Perhaps the Trip 2 isn’t revolutionary, but it’s dependable, and in a market full of gimmicks, that counts for something.
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
I think it’s fair to call it one of the best sub-€40 outdoor speakers I’ve tested this year. It won’t shake the ground, but it’ll fill your moments—picnics, bike rides, or lazy Sundays—with sound that feels alive. And really, that’s what matters.
Pros
- Strong, punchy sound for its size
- 20-hour battery life actually holds up
- IPX7 waterproof and rugged build
- Bluetooth 5.3 with stable connection
- Handy strap and portable design
- Custom EQ via app
Cons
- Slightly bright at max volume
- No stereo pairing
- LED indicators are hard to see in daylight