Photograph: Ryan Waniata
The Brane X (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is unlike any other portable speaker I’ve tested because of one thing: RAD. I’m not talking about the adjective or even the nostalgic BMX movie. In this case, RAD is an acronym for Repel Attract Driver, the technology behind the Brane X that provides a true, fully operational subwoofer inside a speaker the size of a lunchbox.
Using a specialized magnetic spring system that cancels internal air pressure forces, the speaker hits hard in the deep bass, well below anything else I’ve tested at its size, while also delivering clean and clear treble and midrange frequencies from a multi-driver system above. Add in both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, solid software, and up to 12 hours of battery, and you’ve got real home theater punch in a portable package.
A sub-to-go isn’t just great for 808s and kick drums; it brings authentic, deep grooves to everything from Anderson.Paak to Springsteen. The price is the one thing that separates the Brane from no-brainer, but especially on sale, the Brane X is well worth considering for those who crave powerful, emotionally impactful sound on the run.