$199.99

Bluetooth speaker with an IPX7 waterproof rating and shockproof rubber exterior.

I have been writing this column for a long time and I am fortunate to receive many products to review. Sometimes the backlog of products gets too big, however, and some great products somehow fall through the cracks. This installment makes up for one such oversight.

Over the years, I have covered several portable Bluetooth speaker systems, including the Braven 600 and Braven BRV-1. Braven produces some high-quality speakers and over a year ago, I received the BRV-X, the big brother to the BRV-1. After attending CES in Las Vegas this past January, I realized that I had never gotten around to covering the BRV-X, so here you are: the BRV-X is a Bluetooth speaker, hands-free speakerphone and 5200mAh power bank that is both rugged and waterproof.

Design

The BRV-X is a grown-up version of the BRV-1, with the same rugged design. It measures 9.06 inches by 3.63 inches by 2.94 inches. It is definitely bigger than many of the other portable speakers I have reviewed here, but at 1.5 pounds, it is not unwieldy. Its high-impact plastic casing and rubber overmolding (that covers all of the function buttons) means the BRV-X can survive the rigors of outdoor use. Beyond being able to withstand life’s knocks and bumps, the BRV-X is also IPX7 waterproof. This means it can withstand incidental exposure to water of up to one meter for up to 30 minutes. In other words, you can take the BRV-X to the beach or use it in the rain without worrying out it being ruined. According to Braven, the BRV-X is designed to withstand rainfall, water jets and water splashing. However, this requires that you remove all cable connections from the speaker and tightly close the provided water cap. Otherwise, the speaker will not be waterproof.

When Braven says its BRV speakers are waterproof, I believe it. My sister and husband left a BRV-1—which has a lower IPX5 rating—that I had given them outside overnight in the rain, and it came through no worse for wear.

On the top right of the speaker are the up and down volume buttons, while on the top left is the power button and pairing/answer-end call/pause-resume music button.

Behind the rear screw cap is a toggle switch between indoor and outdoor mode (more on that later); check battery button, which lights up to five indicator lights when depressed; reset button; external USB charging port (more on this later as well); AC power plug for plugged-in operation and charging of the internal power bank; and 3.5 mm audio-in jack for non-Bluetooth connections. Keep in mind that if you connect a speaker to the “aux in” port, you cannot attach the protective cap, which leaves the other ports exposed to the elements and reduces its water resistance.

One of my few complaints about the BRV-X is its use of an AC power supply. In this age of USB chargers, I would have much rather have been able to reuse any of the dozens of chargers I have for other mobile devices instead of having to keep track of a power supply that, if I lose, will render the BRV-X un-rechargeable until I get a replacement.

On the bottom are four rubberized feet that creates separation from its resting surface and the speaker’s passive subwoofer, which is built into the bottom of the speaker.

A perforated metal speaker grille protects the front.

Included in the packaging is a 3.5 mm auxiliary audio cable, travel strap, lanyard, AC power supply adapter plugs (US/EU/UK/AU) and AC power supply.

Setup

To get started using the BRV-X, you turn it on by pressing the power button for 2-3 seconds. When you release the power button, you will hear the Braven BRV-X power-up drone. The LED light in the front grille will flash every five seconds when the speaker is on. To turn the speaker off, press the power button for 2-3 seconds.

The next step is to pair the speaker with your Bluetooth-enabled device. Make sure that the BRV-X speaker is turned on, then turn on Bluetooth on your device and place it in pairing mode. To place the BRV-X in pairing mode, press and hold the Play/Pairing/Answer-End Call button for a few seconds until you hear a sonar sound. Select the Braven BRV-X speaker from the list of discovered devices on your Bluetooth device and wait for a few seconds until the connection is completed. If the connection is successful, an audible chime will sound. Once you have paired the speaker with a device, it will automatically search for previous connections whenever it is turned on. The BRV-X can remember the last eight devices it is paired with.

Besides pairing the BRV-X with your mobile device for streaming audio, it also has TrueWireless Technology that allows you to pair two BRV-X modules for left and right audio.

Sound Quality

I thought the BRV-1 had adequate, albeit underwhelming, sound. Furthermore, there is noticeable distortion at high volume.

The BRV-X, on the other hand, is an entirely different animal when it comes to sound quality. Its bigger size makes it considerably louder than the BRV-1 and it can handle high volume playback with no distortion. For a portable speaker, the sound quality is rather impressive and is a tremendous step up from the BRV-1. There is sufficient and noticeable bass, while the high-end is bright and clear.

The BRV-X is equipped with indoor and outdoor audio modes that your toggle with the switch on the back of the speaker. The indoor mode provides fuller sound, while outdoor mode lowers the bass in to boost the mid and high range to let the music carry further. The only thing I really noticed between the two modes is that outdoor mode is considerably flatter. I usually use the speaker on my deck, so I use the indoor mode, with its fuller sound, even when outside.

Device Charging

The BRV-X has a 5200mAh internal power bank that allows you to charge small mobile devices. To charge a device, turn on the speaker, plug your device’s USB charging cable into the USB port on the back of the speaker, and plug the other end into your mobile device.

The BRV-X automatically deactivates external charging when its battery level is too low. If you are playing music and charging a device at the same time, the speaker will give a warning beep and deactivate the charging feature when the battery level decreases to a certain level.

The speaker is optimized to charge 0.3A to 1.1A devices only. It will not charge iPads / tablets and other 2.0A devices. If you plug in a 2.0A device, such as an iPad or other tablet, to charge, the BRV-X’s battery protection mechanism will engage. You will need to power off the speaker and turn it back on again in order to charge an external device again. In addition, if you have a device plugged into the speaker’s 3.5mm jack (aux in), charging is disengaged.

Hands-Free Calling

While this is a feature I never use in the real world with any of my Bluetooth speakers, the BRV-X lets you take incoming phone calls. When the speaker is paired with your phone and someone calls, your phone’s ringtone will play over the speaker. If you are playing music, the music will pause and your ringtone will play over the speaker.

To answer the call, press the Play/Pair/Call button on the Braven BRV-X to answer the call over the speaker. The call is answered using the Braveb BRV-X’s microphone and speakerphone. When the call is over, press the Play/Pair/Call button to end the call or you may end the call via your phone. Once the call is ended, your music will resume playing (depending on your phone).

Battery Life

Braven claims the BRV-X has up to 12 hours of playtime, at least if you are not charging an external device. Even for a larger, more powerful speaker, the BRV-X has the same rated battery life as the BRV-1, thanks to its larger built-in power bank.

Overall

While Braven has positioned the BRV-X for outdoor enthusiasts, it has also become my go-to wireless speaker for those lazy summer afternoons out on my deck. However, I would not hesitate to throw it in a bag and take it to the beach or any other outdoor setting. While the BRV-1 seemed to be more able when it comes to surviving the elements, with audio playback as a bit of an afterthought, the BRV-X delivers high-quality audio in a rugged, waterproof package.

The $200 price tag is not insignificant, but it is easy to find the speaker online for considerable savings. Moreover, when you consider its sound quality, battery life and ruggedness, this may just be the first and last portable speaker you will ever need. Do not forget the 5200mAh power bank either, to make sure your phone or MP3 player can keep streaming the music to the speaker. All of these features make the cost more than reasonable. If you are looking for a Bluetooth speaker to take out and about with you, look no further than the BRV-X.

Pros

• Rugged, waterproof design
• Built-in power bank for charging external USB devices
• Indoor/outdoor sound modes
• 12 hours of battery life

Cons

• Bulkier than many other Bluetooth speakers
• AC power supply instead of USB charger

Braven BRV-X Rugged Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

$199.99 (Currently $147 from Amazon.com)