The PocketGo combines a very light body with a feature that many small speakers omit, playback from a memory card. That can be useful when the phone needs to stay available for other tasks or when a prepared playlist should travel independently. Its waterproof, floating design adds another practical reason to consider it.
The sound is the compromise. TechRadar found limited expression and audible compression as the volume rose, despite useful EQ options. 1 The PocketGo is a better fit for convenient nearby listening than an attempt to stretch a tiny speaker across a group.
Sound
- 45 mm driver
- 7 W output
- Custom EQ
A single full-range driver handles the music. Tribit provides presets and custom EQ, which are useful for making speech clearer or reducing an emphasis that becomes tiring at close range. Two PocketGo units can form a left/right pair if a more permanent desk setup develops.
TechRadar found the EQ effective but considered the underlying presentation somewhat muddied and dynamically restricted. 1 That distinction matters when comparing a discount against a better-sounding alternative. More controls can improve the balance, but they do not necessarily change how well a small driver handles dense music or higher volume.
Connectivity
- Bluetooth 6.0
- TF card input
- Hands-free calls
The TF card input is the most distinctive connection. A small stored library can keep playback separate from the phone, useful when the speaker is shared or when wireless interruptions are inconvenient. Prepare the card and check file compatibility before depending on it during a trip.
Bluetooth supports AAC and SBC, and the microphone allows calls and access to a connected phone’s voice assistant. TechRadar found the call voice understandable but somewhat distant. 1 It is a handy occasional feature, with a dedicated conference device remaining more appropriate for frequent work calls.
Battery & charging
- 20 hours at 50% volume
- About 3 hours charging
Tribit’s 20-hour rating is specified at 50% volume. That is generous on paper for something this light, but the useful comparison is moderate listening with moderate listening. Turning it up to overcome outdoor noise changes both endurance and the sound limitations already noted in testing.
USB-C charging takes about three hours according to the manufacturer. A small speaker is easy to forget at the bottom of a bag, so charging before packing is more reliable than relying on a remaining indicator from the previous outing. The automatic power-off function helps avoid wasting charge after playback ends.
Design
The low weight is a real advantage when the speaker is only one part of a compact kit. A floating enclosure also makes an accidental drop into water easier to recover from, while IP68 addresses ingress protection. Keep the port cover closed for wet use and dry the connection before charging.
The app supplies EQ and a few operating preferences. TechRadar’s review encountered an unsuccessful firmware update, a result specific to that test session. 1 Complete any desired setup at home so that the outing only requires playback controls.
Alternatives
The StormBox Micro 3 adds a magnetic base, mounting strap and USB-C phone charging, with a larger 13 W system. It is the more versatile choice when attachment matters. The PocketGo remains distinctive if low weight and a local memory-card library are the main reasons for buying.
Verdict
The PocketGo offers useful convenience in a very light package. Buy it for memory-card playback, simple close listening and water-friendly construction. A listener who cares more about expressive music at higher levels should give sound quality greater weight than the long battery claim or Bluetooth version.