Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

Braven 850 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Audio output power:20.00 WBattery life:20 hoursIP rating:?Bluetooth version:3.0Weight:1520 g

Braven 850 Review: Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

6.5

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 61% of portable speakers
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 79%
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

32%

6.6

Audio

20%

8.1

Battery

18%

5.4

Durability

16%

5.5

Connectivity

8%

6.8

Controls

3%

8.4

Design

3%

5.0

Smart features

â–¼Worse than 52%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £260
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker Braven 850

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

32%

6.6

Audio

20%

8.1

Battery

18%

5.4

Durability

16%

5.5

Connectivity

8%

6.8

Controls

3%

8.4

Design

3%

5.0

Smart features

6.5
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Braven 850 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 59.2% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.3
Audio output power
20 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 20 W which is higher than that of 46.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.4% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
63 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 63 mm which is larger than that of 68.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.7% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
2
This portable speaker has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
40 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 40 Hz which is lower than that of 74.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.6% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 3 which is older than that of 85.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.5% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; HFP
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
20 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 20 hours which is longer than that of 80.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.3% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
8,800 mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 8,800 mAh which is larger than that of 94.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.6% of portable speakers.
Charging time
5 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 5 hours which is longer than that of 87% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.7% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
12 W
This portable speaker has a maximum charging input power of 12 W which is higher than that of 71% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.2% of portable speakers.
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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IP rating
?
Water resistance
no
This portable speaker is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
?
Waterproof depth rating
Not waterproof m
This portable speaker is not rated for underwater use. 47.6% of portable speakers have a native waterproof depth rating.
Drop resistance
no
This portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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On-device controls placement
top
Touchscreen
?
Smartphone app control
no
This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
yes
This portable speaker supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
1,520 g
This portable speaker weighs 1,520 g which is heavier than that of 66.4% of portable speakers.
Height
10.1 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 10.1 cm which is shorter than that of 60.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Width
?
Depth
2.75 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 2.75 cm which is shallower than that of 98.4% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
Show more
Companion app name
?
Firmware updates
no
This portable speaker does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Firmware update method
USB
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Braven 850 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 6,200 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (8,800 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    8,800 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 8 hours longer battery life
    This portable speaker has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (20 hours vs 12 hours).
    20 hours vs 12 hours
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    This portable speaker has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
    Uses microphone noise/echo cancellation for calls or voice.
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • 20 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (40 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    40 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Supports aptX
    This portable speaker supports aptX, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX.
  • Has a power bank function
    This portable speaker has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • 13 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (63 mm vs 50 mm).
    63 mm vs 50 mm
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    This portable speaker has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
    Uses microphone noise/echo cancellation for calls or voice.
  • 20 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (40 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    40 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 13 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (63 mm vs 50 mm).
    63 mm vs 50 mm
  • Supports aptX
    This portable speaker supports aptX, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX.
  • 6,200 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (8,800 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    8,800 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 8 hours longer battery life
    This portable speaker has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (20 hours vs 12 hours).
    20 hours vs 12 hours
  • Has a power bank function
    This portable speaker has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 2 W higher charging input power
    This portable speaker has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (12 W vs 10 W).
    12 W vs 10 W
  • 20 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (60 °C vs 40 °C).
    60 °C vs 40 °C
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • 2 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (2 vs 0).
    2 vs 0
  • Supports playback mute
    This portable speaker supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
    Speaker playback audio can be directly muted.
  • 5.55 cm shallower
    This portable speaker is shallower than the average portable speaker (2.8 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    2.75 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
    5 hours vs 3 hours
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • 2 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5).
    3 vs 5
  • 720 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,520 g vs 800 g).
    1,520 g vs 800 g
  • 4.21x less popular
    Braven 850 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Braven 850 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 6 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    2013 vs 2019
  • 4.21x less popular
    Braven 850 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Braven 850 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 3.2% worse value for money
    Braven 850 offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.31 vs 7.5).
    7.31 vs 7.55
  • 2 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5).
    3 vs 5
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
    5 hours vs 3 hours
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • 720 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,520 g vs 800 g).
    1,520 g vs 800 g
  • 6 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    2013 vs 2019

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
the-gadgeteer.com
26/01/2014
Summary of the review
A
androidpolice.com
14/08/2013
Summary of the review
P
phonearena.com
02/04/2014
Summary of the review
D
digitaltrends.com
24/04/2023
Summary of the review
I
ilounge.com
14/05/2021
Summary of the review
2
2ndopinion.ph
23/09/2014
Summary of the review
E
enceintesbluetooth.fr
24/03/2014
Summary of the review
E
ericboisseau.com
05/08/2014
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Braven 850

  • Massive sound output with clear audio and 20 watts of power
  • Excellent battery life offering up to 20 hours of continuous playback
  • Serves as a powerful built-in power bank capable of charging smartphones and tablets
  • Premium, sturdy build quality made from sleek aircraft-grade aluminum
  • Convenient true wireless pairing capability to link with a second unit for stereo sound
  • Integrated noise-canceling microphone works well for hands-free speakerphone calls

What customers don't like about Braven 850

  • Expensive premium retail price point
  • Noticeably heavy and bulky for a portable speaker, weighing over 1.5 kg
  • Slight audio crackling or distortion can occur at maximum volume levels
  • Control layout can be confusing, such as holding down volume buttons to skip tracks
  • Relies on a proprietary wall adapter charger rather than standard USB charging
  • SRS WOW HD audio enhancement mode performance is underwhelming to some users

Verdict

The Braven 850 is a semi-portable Bluetooth 3.0 speaker featuring a premium aircraft-grade unibody aluminum chassis, a built-in 20-watt amplifier driving twin 2.5-inch aluminum cone drivers, and dual 3.5-inch passive radiators. Key advantages include an impressive 20-hour playback duration powered by its massive 8,800 mAh internal battery, a high-utility 2.1A USB power bank capable of charging tablets and smartphones, aptX codec support for higher-quality wireless audio, an integrated noise-canceling speakerphone, and a True Wireless feature that lets you pair a second unit for distinct left and right stereo channels. However, its substantial 3-pound weight makes it less travel-friendly, its high $300 retail price tag is steep, the built-in SRS WOW HD processing offers lackluster sound enhancement, the dual-purpose control buttons can be confusing to navigate, and its highest-quality wireless audio streaming lacks native compatibility with Apple iOS devices.

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