Music just makes things better and, in the case of some activities, more tolerable. Chilling by the pool? Blast some tunes. Camping in the middle of the forest? Blast some tunes. Shredding down a mountain path aboard a bike? Blast some tunes. “But,” you ask, “aren’t those kinds of environments really dangerous for speakers?” You’re right, but what we have here isn’t just any speaker—it’s the everything-proof Braven BRV-Pro.
Specifications:
- Connections: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm stereo input, microUSB, USB
- Audio: Built-in microphone and speakerphone
- Profiles supported: HFP 1.6; A2DP 1.2; AVRCP 1.4; HSP 1.2; DI 1.3
- Waterproof rating: IPX7, up to 1 m submersion
- Battery: 2200 mAh Li-Ion, rated for up to 30 hours of playtime; power bank function
- Size: 6.4 x 1.5 x 2.8 inches
- Weight: 0.65 kg
Design: 4/5
The Braven BRV-Pro’s design clearly conveys its ruggedness. Its innards are protected by an aluminum body that’s available in either silver with blue side latches or black with red side trims. Both feature a removable plastic piece emblazoned with the brand’s marque up top as well as the volume up/down, power, and play buttons; four rubber feet and water drain holes at the bottom; and more protective rubber on either side.
The rubber pads can also be found at the back sandwiching the I/O’s security cap. Lifting the latch reveals the battery indicator, connection reset button, microUSB charging port, full-sized USB port for charging other devices, and the 3.5 mm audio jack. The speaker grille occupies the entire front of the device.
Overall, the Braven BRV-Pro’s aesthetic result in an intimidating device that can double as a bludgeon. I’m not kidding—don’t drop it on your feet.
Hardware: 3.5/5
Like I said above, the Braven BRV-Pro features an aluminum body that’s tough as nails and exhibits no creaking no matter how hard pressure is applied. However, I couldn’t find any technical details about its sound system, just that it’s reliably loud outdoors.
Interestingly enough, the BRV-Pro’s most eye-catching knickknack is its aftermarket accessories. Using a hex key on the four screws at the top will allow users to bolster the device with either a solar charging panel, rechargeable battery pack, sound-doubling stacking plates, glow deck, or an action camera mount. That’s a lot of flexibility for a speaker that promises not to give.
User Experience: 4/5
If they ever made a tank that blasts audio instead of shells, it would be made out of the Braven BRV-Pro. This thing is ridiculously well-built that you can probably use it to hammer nails through plywood. Not that I did that—the review unit wasn’t mine after all—but I did give it a few good smacks against a wall and it still works. I even threw a couple of punches in and let’s just say BRV-Pro one, my knuckles zero.
Now let’s talk about sound quality. The BRV-Pro gets an “okay” in this aspect—not particularly bland but at the same time won’t blow you away. The drivers favor the mids a lot and the sound in the upper end of the spectrum is crisp. But while the bass is there, the speaker won’t give you as much thumping as pricier affairs. On the plus side, the BRV-Pro manages to retain enough audio texture at loud volumes without distorting sound.
Batter-wise, this thing can easily last through a whole day of constant playback. Keep in mind that the 30 hour rating is likely at the softest audio levels, so unless you’re going to treat it like a headphone and stick it up to your ear, the juice won’t live up to that promise. However, my experience with the BRV-Pro saw it easily lasting 12 hours with tons of battery left to spare. Additionally, the Braven BRV-Pro also boasts a power bank function that, combined with the optional solar charger, should pretty much keep this and its accompanying smart device topped up during daytime.
Value: 4/5
The Braven BRV-Pro certainly is a hard pill to swallow with its PHP 6,750 price tag, though it’s actually affordable compared to other outdoor speakers. Don’t splurge on this one and expect a theater-like aural experience. Rather, expect a sturdy, long-lasting speaker that you can take with you anywhere that’s not under the sea. I’d personally get it for myself just to give my once-in-a-blue-moon outdoor adventures the musical score they deserve.
What’s Hot:
- Loud
- Built like a tank
What’s Not:
- Sound quality doesn’t impress
Bottomline:
- Nature, meet your match.
Final Score: 15.5/20
