Sound Quality

There’s no doubt that this portable Bluetooth speaker can fill a room, but if you are searching for an intensely loud bass-pumping speaker, this is not the best option. The BRV does boast 20 watts of output with dual drivers and a passive radiator.

The bass (for most genres of music) is deep and enhanced. However, with the volume at the maximum, you might notice a slight rattling sound. It almost sounds as though the internal pieces of the speaker are shaking with each boom of the bass.

Unfortunately, there is no app that is specially made for this speaker, meaning that it is not easy to control the EQ. If you are tech-savvy, you can figure out a way to do this on your phone or with a third party app. With that being said, the EQ is good and most songs sound crisp and clear.

As for connectivity, this device can be paired to your phone using Bluetooth 5.0 or an aux cord. The aux provides clear audio with no lag or interruptions. The Bluetooth 5.0 also works very well and holds the connection up to about 25 feet. Additionally, you can connect two BRV speakers together for stereo sound.

Durability

As the full name of this product says, this is a rugged speaker. It’s a great option for hiking, camping, or other outdoor activities. There are two small metal handles (not large enough to grab it with) that allow you to strap the speaker down if needed.

In terms of water resistance, the Braven BRV - X/2 has an Ingress Protection rating (or IP rating) of X7. IPX7 means that it can be submerged in water up to three feet for up to thirty minutes. If the speaker is submerged in anything other than tap water, for example saltwater or chlorine, you should run it under tap water afterward and dry it. To top off this great news, the BRV also floats!

The X that is before the number 7 tells us about the dust resistance. Unfortunately, this item was not tested for dust or particle resistance. Luckily, if sand or dust does stick to the product, at least you know you can rinse it without harming it.

Moving on to the materials and design, this thing is a brick (but not as heavy). The textured rubber base ensures that the device will not easily slide. The corners are rounded which helps them to absorb most of the shock if you drop the speaker.

Portability

The Braven BRV - X/2 weighs only 1.9 pounds and measures 8.28” by 3.18” by 3.46”. Comparing its size, weight, and durability - it all makes sense. While this isn’t a speaker that you can toss in your purse, you will definitely be able to find room for it in your hiking backpack.

However, if you can’t find room for it in your backpack, you can strap it on the outside. There is a carrying strap included that you can connect to the small metal handles on top. While this is very convenient, the strap is very small.

You could put it around your wrist, attach it to a bag, or hang the speaker from a tree. It would be nearly impossible, not to mention uncomfortable, to throw it over your shoulder. If you prefer, you can always purchase a different type of carrying strap that is longer.

Extra Features

You can listen to music for 18 hours on a single charge. Of course, this depends on the volume of the speaker and any other features you might be using. This speaker can also continue to play music while it is being charged up for your next adventure.

Another great feature that is quite common in portable speakers these days is that you can use the BRV as a portable charger. There is a USB outlet on the device that allows you to plug your phone (or other electronic devices) charger right into it.

There is no app to download with this speaker, but all of the controls you need are on the top. There are four buttons. One for the power, one for Bluetooth, and two volume buttons. The volume buttons also function as track-skipping buttons.

Oddly enough, it isn’t advertised much, but there is a built-in speakerphone and microphone. This is a great feature that allows you to have convenient hands-free phone calls. You may even be able to use voice assistants but I have not tested it.

As far as aesthetics go, this speaker looks pretty plain. It is available in four colors- black, gray, blue, and red. It should be noted that the blue is more like a navy and the red is more like a burgundy color.

Below the power button, you will notice a set of coordinates. To satiate your curiosity, these are the coordinates of Braven’s headquarters in Utah.

Another popular Braven speaker is the Braven Balance. It is similarly priced with slightly different features. First of all, the shape of this speaker is much different. It weighs a little bit less than the BRV X/2 and its dimensions are 8.2” by 2.2” by 5.1”. As you can imagine, this device is taller and thinner.

It boasts the same IPX7 rating and can be connected using an aux cord or Bluetooth. The Bluetooth technology for the Balance is 2.1, making it outdated and less stable. The playback time is the same for both speakers. If the color of your accessory is important to you, you’ll be happy to know that the Balance is available in many different colors.

Changing brands, the Sony SRS XB43 is a durable speaker with great bass. However, big bass comes at a big price. This device costs nearly double the BRV. It is waterproof, dustproof, and can play music for up to 24 hours.

One of the major downfalls of this Sony speaker is the weight. It weighs 6.5 pounds. If you are looking for something less portable and more party, you might prefer the XB43.

The Braven BRV - X/2 isn’t the best speaker for indoors, but it is a great option for rugged outdoor activities. It is affordable, durable, and easy to use. Perhaps in the future, Braven will integrate EQ controls and a louder volume, but I imagine that will also come with a higher price tag.

There is a two-year limited warranty included with the purchase of this device. However, considering the fact that it is waterproof and shockproof, I doubt you’ll need to claim it.