Braven released the new BRV-1M rugged wireless speakers earlier this year and we have a set for review now. The Braven BRV-1M is meant to be an update to the well-liked BRV-1 released back in 2013. Check it out!
The Braven BRV-1M builds on the original BRV-1 in a few ways. Whilst the size and weight has increased a little (from 12.2 oz to 1.2 pounds), it is still relatively compact. But what is packed in this device? Braven has not released any technicalities on this, unlike the BRV-1 but side by side with the Braven BRV-1, the 1M clearly packs much more of a punch than the predecessor. Battery capacity has increased from 1,400mAh to 2,200mAh though the rated battery life is still similar – probably compensating for the extra power that the upgraded speakers needed.
In the box, the Braven BRV-1M comes with a motion mount (and the screws), 3.mm AUX cable, microUSB cable as well as a strap.
In design wise, the Braven BRV-1M looks almost identical to its older brother – Volume controls, play and power buttons are on top of the speaker with tie-down bars are on the side.
On the back however, Braven has added an extra safety mechanism so that the cap is no longer fully detachable from the speaker. So no way will it go missing – again, after charging.
The charging ports for both the device and as a powerbank as well as the AUX and battery indicator are all still within the water sealed casing of the cap.
Sound quality wise, Braven added a little more bass to the speaker and it is louder than the BRV-1, however, at its higher volume region, the clarity and distortion kicks in, yet again. However, at the comparable maximum volume of the BRV-1 and the BRV-1M seems to perform better and still distortion has yet to kick in, so this is still an improvement over the BRV-1.
For its size and price, this speaker is almost perfect for bringing out to a camp or to the beach. Why almost? If the speaker could charge wirelessly or via the sunlight like the BRV-PRO, it would have been quite a device for everything. But at 2/3 the price of the BRV-PRO, this is a compromise that one has to take.
All in all, if you are on a moderate budget and looking for a portable speaker that can be used in so many different scenarios, no matter where you are going, be it out camping or just chilling by the pool or the beach, this solid speaker will be able to take on pretty much anything you can throw at it – less the fires of a BBQ pit. Coming in 3 colors – grey, red and black – the Braven BRV-1M has you covered for choice.
The Braven BRV-1M is available on both Amazon.com and Braven’s website for just USD$99.99!