Rather than build a handle into the speaker’s top, the Ready Elite comes with a removable and adjustable shoulder strap. If you’ll be using the speaker on a boat this summer or while riding on an ATV or UTV, you can use the four anchor points to strap it down so it doesn’t go flying.
The free Braven Ready Outdoor Speaker app connects to your speaker and allows you to check the exact battery left. You can turn the speaker on or off through the app, and you can choose from various audio sources (including auxiliary) from the app. There is a rudimentary music app built in; I was playing Spotify, and when I opened the app it recognized the source and allowed me to advance or reverse songs, but there was no way to see the full playlist or album.
Pressing the speaker settings button in the upper right-hand corner opens the area where you can change the speaker’s name, adjust the equalizer through 6 presets (the Braven Audio was my favorite), enable the Siri or Google control (you’ll see Siri on iPhones and the Google option on Android), and then there’s an option to set an alarm. It’s not a traditional alarm clock in the sense that you can’t set it to go off at a given time each day, but you can enter a time and a particular date you want the alarm to sound. Why might this be handy? Well, if you need to leave the pool by 4:30, and you’re having too much fun, it may help you remember that it’s time to go. Maybe. 😉
You can set the speaker to give you full voice prompts (which my husband very much likes), minimal voice prompts, or no voice prompts, and you can press the ‘Tap for Sound’ option on Find Me to locate your missing speaker; it will play a tune. There’s a True Wireless Tutorial if you need help pairing two Ready Elite speakers together using Braven’s TrueWireless Technology; doing so gives you a more immersive (and loud) stereo experience.
Next is the option to choose from multiple paired audio sources, to show or not show the display lights, and there is a keylock which will keep buttons from being jostled. You can do firmware updates through the app, and you can put Bluetooth into power saving mode which will require you to manually turn your speaker on or off rather than using the app; using this setting will increase the standby battery time on your speaker if you enable it. Overall, the app is a pretty solid add-on, and I recommend that you download it.
The Braven Ready Elite is built like a tank, it has a battery that will give up to 12-hours playback; it can be dunked in the water, sprayed with water, or left outside to the elements. It can be hung from your shoulder, strapped to a boat, and it’s ready to go on your next adventure.
But how does it sound?
As it turns out, it sounds pretty darn good. As I mentioned, my favorite EQ setting was the eponymous Braven Audio. In that default setting, highs are decent, the bass is strong, and the midrange is acceptable and not too muddy. I tried it across an assortment of Rap, Indy, and Alternative songs, and it sounded very good.
The Braven Ready Elite is fine to use indoors, but where it really shines is outside. It is powerful and loud enough to handle the music on your back deck or at a backyard pool party. I found that even on its highest volume setting, the bass didn’t bottom out, and although the treble got a little fuzzy on some songs, it didn’t largely distort.
The Ready Elite is one of the loudest and best sounding outdoor speakers I’ve tried in its size; it’s perfect for someone who doesn’t want the bulk and heft of an outdoor boombox. If you want more than the usual portable outdoor speaker can provide, the Braven Ready Elite should be your go-to this summer.
The Braven Ready Elite retails for $299.99, and it is available directly from the manufacturer.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: IP68 dustproof and waterproof certified; Rugged build can survive drops and shocks; Four tie-down points, Included shoulder strap; Can be used as a speakerphone; Smart button can be assigned to work with Siri or Google; Light enough to carry with you yet large enough to produce big sound; Can be paired with a second Ready Elite speaker for even larger, stereo sound; 12 hours battery life; Has a USB port to charge your devices; App is handy for checking battery life, controlling speaker and changing EQ settings; Speaker sounds great outdoors; Even on loudest setting, the speaker doesn’t bottom out or distort; Ready for travel, it includes UK, US, EU, and Australia power cables; Includes a free multi-tool; Can pair with and remember up to 8 devices
What Needs Improvement: On the highest volume, treble could get a little fuzzy, but it didn’t largely distort
