Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Audio / Video
  3. Reviews

Braven goes all in with the feature-packed 710 portable speaker

By
braven throws kitchen sink new 710 portable speaker 1 edit
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Bluetooth gurus at Braven announced today another addition to its already loaded line-up of portable speakers, unveiling the new Braven 710. Boasting an aircraft grade aluminum enclosure crafted in Braven’s signature minimalist style, the 710 bears a striking resemblance to its siblings, appearing to be yet another metallic block of sound to add to the prodigious bloodline. But the latest member of the family hosts a bevy of spoils beneath its mild-mannered exterior, including an IPX5-coated shell for water resistance, and an impressive array of features that make the 710 one of the most alluring of the series we’ve seen yet.

The 710 seems to be the amalgamation of all of Braven’s best features, packed into one handsome portable. While it retains the sleek, bullet-shaped body of the 600 and 650, the addition of IPX5 coating and rubberized protective shells at the sides make it a much better candidate for your rain-soaked outdoor adventures. Like the water resistant Braven BRV-1, the 710’s command center is protected by a removable plate, guarding the speaker’s Aux In and Aux Out ports, a USB port for charging your smartphone, and aBRAVEN - 710 (2) edit battery indicator with 5-array LED.

Recommended Videos

Thanks to its ample set of connections and advanced audio resolution with the inclusion of the APTX codec, the 710 should work well as a go-between from your transmission device to a stereo, making any stereo system wireless. A muting feature kills sound on the speaker as well, so you only hear your home theater while using the function.

As for the sound of the speaker itself, Braven promises superior sound reproduction via the speaker’s “HD audio drivers,” which are likely set in the same dual active driver configuration with sympathetic passive radiators as the 710’s predecessors. The speaker also includes the option of pairing two of the units for discrete stereo channels, a welcome feature that’s becoming more prevalent in the portable speaker market these days.

Other features for the new 710 include an estimated 12-hour battery runtime, a built-in speakerphone with noise cancellation, a more sturdy rubber base pad than its siblings, NFC technology, and a trio of color options including blue, silver and graphite.

Keeping in line with the rest of the Braven clan, the 710 is a bit more pricey than most speakers in its class, offered at $170. But with a rugged, water-resistant design, reams of features, and, hopefully, that premium Braven sound, the 710 is poised to become a worthy competitor in the ubiquitous field of entry-level Bluetooth speakers.

We got a pair of Braven 710 for review this morning. Check out our unboxing and hands-on video below. 

 DT unboxing and hands-on video:

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Ryan Waniata
Ryan Waniata
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Waniata is a multi-year veteran of the digital media industry, a lover of all things tech, audio, and TV, and a…
Bose has a bigger Bluetooth speaker to power your next pool party
Bose SoundLink Max in blue.

Sometimes, your outdoor (or even indoor) gatherings require a bit more power when it comes to blasting out the tunes. Bose's new SoundLink Max is designed for just that scenario, and it can be preordered in black or blue starting May 2 for $399. Shipping expected on May 16 -- just in time for the start of the summer season.

The SoundLink Max is essentially a larger, more powerful version of the existing SoundLink Flex. The two Bluetooth speakers share a lot in common, including their design. Both are fully waterproof and dustproof (and can float) thanks to an IP67 rating, both have a USB-C connection for charging, and both can be wirelessly linked to other Bose Bluetooth speakers and soundbars via SimpleSync.

Read more
Sony’s ULT Power Sound headphones and speakers go big on powerful bass
Sony ULT Wear and ULT Field 1.

Sony has announced a line of wireless audio products under a new sub-brand called ULT Power Sound (or ULT for short). They look familiar because they are the next-gen versions of three of Sony's existing product lines: Extra Bass headphones, portable Bluetooth speakers, and tower-shaped party speakers.

They'll all be available this spring, but Sony hasn't given exact timing for release dates.

Read more
We’ve tried them all — these are the best Sonos speakers in 2024
Sonos Move 2 in white.

One of the best speaker brands is Sonos so it’s a smart move to kit your home out with some great Sonos speakers. The range is busy enough that it can be tricky to know where to start. To an extent, any Sonos speaker is sure to delight you with some of the best wireless speakers around coming from Sonos. There’s also the benefit of Sonos’s multi-room system so you can easily get all your speakers to work together across the house. However, certain speakers are better for certain scenarios so a little research is always wise.

Below, we’ve picked out all the best Bluetooth speakers from Sonos. That includes some more affordable options, speakers that can be taken out and about with you, and ones that give you sound that will fill the room with joy. Whatever you pick here, you’re going to love it. A great speaker really does make the ambience at home so much better and you’ll soon notice some details you wouldn’t hear through inferior speakers. Keen to learn more? Let’s get straight into the best Sonos speakers.
The best Sonos speakers in 2024

Read more