Three Bluetooth Speakers That Beat CMF’s Speaker S and M for Outdoor Use
Tribit, Soundcore and Sony offer more bass, flexible EQ or tougher designs than CMF’s unusual speakers, with prices starting at $64.99.
CMF’s Speaker S and Speaker M pair clear sound with designs that look like miniature milk cartons. If that shape isn’t for you, there are portable alternatives with their own practical strengths: the Tribit StormBox Micro 3 adds bass and mounting options, the Soundcore Motion 300 offers stereo playback and a deeper EQ, and Sony’s ULT FIELD 1 brings a rugged build and a bass boost.
These picks make the most sense for different reasons, so the right choice depends on whether you’re comparing against the smaller Speaker S or the larger Speaker M—and what you want from a speaker outdoors.
CMF’s new Speaker S and Speaker M sound good, with clarity that stands out for their size. But a portable speaker has to work for you in more ways than appearance and sound. Mounting, control over the audio, and protection for outdoor use can all change which one feels like the better buy. Here are three alternatives worth considering.
Tribit StormBox Micro 3: compact with more ways to mount
More bass and mounting options in a fun, compact package.
The StormBox Micro 3 is the closest fit for someone who likes the Speaker S’s compact footprint but wants a speaker that’s easier to attach to gear. In testing, the Tribit had a slightly fuller sound and more bass. The Speaker S still impressed with its clarity, but the extra low-end punch from the Tribit was welcome outdoors, where music can benefit from a more substantial sound.
Tribit also gives you a 9-band EQ in its app. CMF’s Speaker S has a 3-band EQ, so there’s less room to adjust its sound. That doesn’t automatically make the Tribit a better match for every listener: someone who prefers the CMF’s out-of-box presentation may not need more controls. But the extra EQ bands give you more flexibility if you want to tune the sound to your taste.
Its physical design is a useful part of the package. A built-in strap lets you attach the speaker to a backpack or bike, while its magnetic back can hold it on metal surfaces such as a fridge or toolbox. Those options make the Micro 3 easier to position in different settings than a speaker you can only set down on a flat surface.
At $64.99, it's only a few dollars more than the Speaker S, and I'd happily spend the difference for the extra versatility.
The StormBox Micro 3 costs $64.99. For a small price increase over the Speaker S, it offers more bass in testing, a deeper EQ and more ways to mount it. That combination makes it the straightforward pick for buyers who want compact size without giving up flexibility.
- IP68
- Strap
- Price
Small palm-sized speaker ready for your next adventure.
Soundcore Motion 300: stereo drivers and a lower price than the Speaker M
More bass, stereo sound, and a customizable EQ for less money.
If you’re shopping for the larger CMF Speaker M, the Soundcore Motion 300 costs $79.99—about $30 less—and is not much bigger than the Speaker S. In testing, it delivered more bass and better instrument separation than the Motion M comparison in the source review. That gives it a strong case for buyers who want a fuller presentation without stepping up to the Speaker M’s price.
The Motion 300 uses two drivers for stereo playback. Its size limits how wide that stereo effect can feel, so don’t expect a large soundstage from a small portable speaker. The CMF Speaker M, meanwhile, had better clarity straight out of the box in testing. Soundcore’s 9-band EQ lets you raise the treble if you want a brighter balance, and LDAC support can provide higher-quality wireless audio when paired with compatible devices.
Soundcore gives you a 9-band EQ in its companion app.
For outdoor use, the Motion 300 has a rubberized silicone finish, an IPX7 water-resistance rating and a detachable strap. The strap gives you a way to hang it from a backpack or around a campsite, while the protective rating and finish suit the sort of trips where a speaker may be carried with other gear.
The trade-off is that the CMF M had stronger clarity out of the box, and the Motion 300 shouldn’t be bought for a sweeping stereo image. Its appeal is the combination of more bass in testing, two drivers, adjustable sound and a lower price. For a buyer weighing the Speaker M, those are meaningful differences at a $79.99 asking price.
- Hi-Res sound
- SmartTune technology
- Powerful bass
The Anker Soundcore Motion 300 is a budget-friendly audio adventure companion. Featuring an IPX7 protection rating and decent sound in a durable compact package, you don't have to think twice before tossing this speaker into your backpack or gear bin for a weekend getaway.
Sony ULT FIELD 1: a tougher pick when it’s on sale
More bass and a rugged build make the Sony a solid outdoor alternative.
The Sony ULT FIELD 1 is the option for listeners who want more bass and a speaker they feel comfortable packing for outdoor use. In testing, turning on ULT mode produced noticeably more bass than the CMF S and M. That boost won’t suit every track or listener, but you can switch it off when you want a more balanced sound. Sony’s app also includes a 3-band EQ for adjusting the presentation.
The CMF Speaker M has an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, so it’s already equipped for demanding conditions. Sony’s case for outdoor use comes from its rugged exterior, including chunky rubber protection around the passive radiators and a shoelace-style carrying strap. That design makes it feel ready to toss into camping gear, while the CMF speakers’ clarity remains a strength for listeners who don’t need ULT mode’s added bass.
It's the kind of speaker I'd happily toss into my camping gear bin without thinking twice.
At its regular $139.99 price, the ULT FIELD 1 is harder to recommend against the $109 Speaker M. The value changes when Sony’s speaker drops well below $100, as it has on sale. At that price, the extra bass and more rugged construction make a stronger case—especially for outdoor listeners who want a speaker built to travel.
For the smallest setup, the Tribit offers the clearest mix of compact size, mounting options and sound adjustment. The Motion 300 makes more sense for a Speaker M shopper who wants stereo drivers and a lower price, while Sony is the rugged, bass-forward choice when its sale price is right. For other options across price points, see our list of the best Bluetooth speakers.
