Brane X Review: The First Truly Portable Subwoofer-Driven Speaker

The current market for portable speakers that deliver big bass is primarily limited to the “party box” category, which can be underwhelming for serious music listeners and somewhat obnoxious for most people.

A party box speaker is the audio equivalent of slamming a 20oz energy drink in public; no one wants to see that or hear it. The Brane X targets a more discerning listener who seeks a clean design, excellent sound, and various streaming and connectivity options. Unfortunately, the smaller and more refined you get, the less bass you get, and it has just been a sacrifice you had to make.

Oh, but you know where I’m going with this already, don’t you? Your bass problem has been solved! So when Brane Audio claimed their Brane X could deliver deep, powerful, physical bass from a wireless, battery-powered speaker the size of a lunchbox, I was intrigued and a bit wary of a new line of speakers touting such features in such a compact unit.

What Brane has pulled off with the X is on par with what they claim on their website: amazing sound in a truly portable speaker. I don’t say this lightly: this is the most full-range, hi-fi-sounding portable speaker I’ve ever tested. And yes, that includes the Sonos Move 2, which is also a speaker I really like; however, the Brane X edges it out in the lower end of the sound spectrum.  

If you’re a music-first person—someone who actually listens to your records, playlists, and mixes—and not just looking for a Bluetooth background noise box, the Brane X might be the item you need to buy. They should consider a Star Wars collaboration and make it resemble R2-D2 because you’ll want your little buddy around all the time, or, if you can afford it, multiple buddies (two is better, trust me).

Big Bass, Small Box: The RAD Driver That Breaks the Rules

At the heart of the Brane X is a RAD (Repel Attract Driver)—a proprietary subwoofer mechanism that utilizes a magnet and spring system to cancel internal air pressure, enabling lower-frequency reproduction than almost any portable speaker I’ve encountered. Initially, there was some concern from the Brane team due to Denver’s high altitude, but the X performed amazingly here in the mile-high city, so there were no problems on that front. Once switched on, you will notice a slight whirring noise, which is the speaker equalizing the air pressure, and this noise will dissipate quickly. 

I tested the speaker both in solo and stereo modes using a pair, and the results were quite good. In single mode, the Brane X sounds far larger than its size suggests, and it performs well in both outdoor settings, such as the patio, and indoor spaces like the kitchen, which are both challenging acoustic environments. With two paired speakers, it begins to rival bookshelf speaker setups, enjoying true stereo separation, nice imaging, and a soundstage when set up in the right room, and you find yourself in the sweet spot. The bass produced fills smaller rooms almost as if you have a separate sub, especially when the bass is set to high mode.

I tested them as a stereo pair with Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, both indoors and outdoors, and found that this mode works best when inside, where you can find better acoustic conditions to let the stereo separation shine.

How It Stacks Up to the Sonos Move 2

The Brane X invites an obvious comparison: Sonos Move 2, the current poster child for premium portables. I’ve spent time with both, and here’s what stood out to me. If you don’t have Sonos at home and are looking for a high-end portable solution that works with both Bluetooth and your WiFi network, the Brane X is the better choice for the extra $100 you will spend. The Brane X hits harder, digs deeper in the mids, and creates a wider, more immersive stereo field— in a paired configuration.

Additionally, the Move 2 can only be paired in WiFi mode and must be of the same generation as the speaker. However, there is no stereo pairing available in Bluetooth for the Move series, which could also be a deterrent for some. The Sonos Move 2 offers smoother integration with smart homes and multi-room ecosystems, but when it comes to music playback, the Brane X excels in terms of emotion, impact, and fidelity.

Music Testing: From Boom-Bap to Jazz to Techno

In my listening tests, the Brane X proved its range across a wide array of genres. I listened to the speaker as an individual source and also as a stereo pair, and it worked well in both configurations, although I preferred pairing them as an L/R stereo setup.

  • In hip-hop and electronic music, the sub-bass was tight, accurate, and clean—kick drums in Flying Lotus tracks landed like body blows, and snares were crisp and clean. Note that the bass mode should be set to Medium or High to achieve the full impact of these genres; you can adjust the EQ on the app to suit your preferences.
  • Indie rock and acoustic material revealed the speaker’s solid midrange detail and stereo spread.
  • Even delicate, complex arrangements, such as Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue or the layers in Brian Eno’s ambient albums, felt precise and crystal clear.

There were a few instances, particularly at max volume, where the upper registers started to fray slightly—Bob Marley’s “The Heathen” got a little spitty on the top end. But honestly, you have to push this thing to its absolute limit to get there, and even then, it’s more edge than distortion.

Portability & Use Cases: More Than a Backyard Boombox

With its IP57 rating, the Brane X is dustproof, splash-resistant, and travel-friendly. If I’m being honest, there’s no way I’m taking these speakers somewhere they’ll get doused in dust and water; they’re just too nice. However, it’s reassuring to know they can handle a bit of weather if you’re using them outside.

However, if you are so inclined, these are built to manage the elements from patio to poolside, camping trip to cabin getaway. That said, at over seven pounds, it’s not your typical toss-it-in-the-tote speaker—it’s more like a carry-it-with-intention speaker. You are bringing these along because you want great sound, and you are not going to sacrifice that.

The integrated, rubberized strap makes it easy to move around, and I appreciated that bit as I moved them around a lot. However, some might see the handle as a visual distraction versus a convenience, so that’s just a matter of design taste. Please note that it performs best on a solid, hard surface. Set it on a wooden table, tile floor, or stone ledge, and it sings.

On a blanket or soft couch?

Not so much—the bass response takes a noticeable hit. And if you’re working with limited space at home, this speaker may even replace your bookshelf system. We could easily see a pair of Brane X units serving as primary audio setups in apartments, lofts, or creative studios.

Software, Setup & Connectivity

The Brane app is clean and minimal, offering:

  • Grouping for up to eight Brane speakers
  • A 5-band EQ and 3-level bass adjust
  • Stereo pairing
  • Spotify Connect integration

It lacks Chromecast and has limited WiFi streaming options unless you use Amazon Alexa voice commands. Still, the setup was fast and painless, and both WiFi and Bluetooth 5.1 streaming were solid. The 3.5mm aux input is a welcome addition for analog heads or vinyl setups, and the built-in Alexa support is convenient if you’re already part of the ecosystem.

Audio Specs

Microphones – Four waterproof microphones for accurate voice recognition

Adjustable EQ – Adjustable bass, midrange, and treble via the Brane mobile app

Amplifiers – Four class-D digital amplifiers with combined output of over 200 watts

Subwoofer – One high excursion 6.5” x 9” (165 mm x 229 mm) RAD subwoofer for thundering bass and sub-bass

Midrange – Two 2.5″ (64 mm) midrange drivers provide distinct stereo separation in the mid-frequency band A

Tweeters – Two 0.75″ (19 mm) dome tweeters produce clear highs and an ultra-wide soundstage

Controls / Features

  • Six capacitive touch buttons for Bluetooth, bass, volume, mic, and voice control
  • IP57 Fully waterproof; can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes
  • Weight 7.7 lb. (3.5 kg)
  • Dimensions H 6.1” x W 9.3” x D 7” (H 155 mm x W 237 mm x D 177 mm)

Feature Rundown

  • Proprietary Repel Attract Driver Subwoofer with internal air pressure cancellation
  • Dual tweeters and side-firing midrange drivers
  • Stereo pairing support
  • Link up to 8 speakers with the ability to group
  • WiFi, Bluetooth 5.1, AirPlay 2
  • Amazon Alexa voice control
  • 12-hour battery life
  • IP57 water and dust resistance
  • Aux input
  • Brane App with EQ and speaker management

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Game-changing bass in a truly portable speaker
  • Excellent mids, highs, and stereo separation
  • Solid build with weatherproofing and 12-hour battery
  • Works great solo or as a stereo pair
  • Clear, distortion-free output, even at high volumes, for the majority of music that I tested

Cons

  • Lacks Chromecast and some streaming options
  • Slight edge on the upper register at max volume
  • Price ($499) may be a barrier for casual users

Final Verdict: Magnetic Magazine Editor’s Choice

The Brane X is a bold, brilliant step forward in portable audio. It doesn’t just compete with the likes of Sonos—it offers something unique: a real, physical, low-end experience from a portable speaker that still nails clarity and soundstage.

Is it expensive?

Yes. Is it worth it?

Also yes. If you’re serious about music and want something you can move around the house, take on trips, or even use a home stereo pair without compromising fidelity, the Brane X is in a class of its own. Add a second one, and you’ve got a system that challenges far bigger, pricier home setups.

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