Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Culture

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The Stryde 360 is a Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Perfect for Summer

Brendan Hesse
By

stryde 360 waterproof bluetooth speaker
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Warmer weather usually means more time outside, and it’s important to have a speaker that can handle all the hazards that come with activities like swimming, boating, hiking, camping, and the like. Enter the latest from Braven audio’s Active Series of Bluetooth speakers, the Stryde 360. The Stryde 360 includes all the features you would want from a tough, outdoor-ready speaker, just in time for the summer heat.

While Braven has made all sorts of Bluetooth speakers, the Stryde 360’s cylindrical shape is new for the brand. As the name and shape implies, the Stryde 360’s design enables the speaker to output sound in 360 degrees, thanks to dual opposing drivers, along with dual passive radiators for some extra low end force.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The speaker’s battery life is a claimed 12 hours per charge, which is fairly middling for a Bluetooth speaker these days, but it’s enough juice so that you won’t need to worry about it dying on you when you’re out all day. There’s also an LED battery indicator to keep you informed of how much power is left.

Recommended Videos

When it comes to packing it along on all your adventures, the speaker is waterproof with an IPX7 rating, which means it can be dunked in up to three feet of water for 30 minutes with no ill affect. With that kind of waterproofing, splashes won’t even phase it, though Bluetooth signals can’t penetrate through water, so you might lose connection should it wind up submerged. Unfortunately, the Stryde 360 doesn’t float like some other speakers, making it better suited for shallow waters. Should the speaker take a spill onto the pavement, it will likely be safe thanks to a shockproof exterior.

While volume, power, playback, and Bluetooth controls are present on the face of the speaker, the Stryde 360 can also be controlled via voice commands, which means you don’t have to get out of the pool or stop your activity to get up and switch the music. There’s also a built-in speaker phone, and the speaker can also be used as a charging brick for other external devices via USB charging.

These aren’t necessarily revolutionary features to include on a Bluetooth speaker, but they’re handy conveniences, considering the Stryde 360’s affordable price tag of just $100. Plus, it’s a stylish little speaker, coming in two color schemes, including silver and electric yellow, or silver and crimson. The speaker is available now, directly from Braven’s online store, and from retailers like Amazon  and Sam’s Club.

A version of this article also ran on our “brother” site, Digital Trends.

Brendan Hesse
Brendan Hesse
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Please reach out to The Manual editorial staff with any questions or comments about Brendan’s work.
The 10 best Dominican cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024
Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

Every seasoned cigar lover has a preference for where their cigars come from. Cuban and Cuban cigars are the more obvious choices, but there is also Nicaraguan tobacco, Central African, Indonesian, Mexican, Ecuadorian, and Dominican. Some tobacco is even grown in the United States. Each region has a distinct flavor profile that adds a little something extra to the tobacco grown locally, as well as the cigars made there. The Dominican Republic is prized by many connoisseurs because of exactly this -- a rich, unique profile that enhances Dominican-grown cigars. That's in no small part due to the fertile soil and thriving climate of the region, which is ideal for tobacco growth and cultivation. If you've never tried a Dominican cigar, you're in for a real treat, there are some fantastic options out there.
The best Dominican cigars I've tried

Out of all the cigar guides I've put together so far, this one was one of the more interesting experiences for me. I had a great time trying out Dominican cigars, and I've definitely come away with an appreciation for blends made in the region. I'd also like to point out that Corey Suarez helped recommend some of these. If you haven't tried the JR Cigars or Cigars.com concierge service yet, you really should. Here's a little more about all of the best Dominican cigars I've tried:
Ashton Symmetry

Read more
The 12 best Connecticut cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024
Best Connecticut cigars up close and personal

Connecticut cigars are the clear winner for smoking on a hot summer day, in the morning with some coffee, or when you just don't want a swift kick in the teeth (of pepper). There's no shortage of options, either. Connecticut shade wrappers are one of the most prevalent in the world of cigars, and it's certainly the most common natural shade. Maduro is also popular, but the two wrapper types couldn't be any more different. Connecticut wrappers, and by proxy Connecticut cigars, are typically mild to medium in strength and brimming with creamy, smooth flavors. They're composed of tobacco leaves grown in the Connecticut River Valley in the United States -- which is where the name Connecticut comes from. Consistent and flavorful, some of the best beginner-friendly cigars are Connecticut-wrapped, but you should never sell them short. A Connecticut shade cigar can be just as refined, elegant, and premium as any other. If you know where to look, you may even find some of your favorite blends in the category across a wide range of brands and cigar makers.

I'm about to take you on a magical, doughy, and delicious trek through the broad range of Connecticut cigars. In short, here are the best Connecticut cigars tried and tested by a genuine enthusiast of the craft: yours truly.
The best Connecticut cigars I've tried and tested
While the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is considered a Connecticut shade, I did my best to steer clear of recommending them for this list. They're better classified as a Maduro shade or darker cigar. That doesn't mean you should avoid them, quite the contrary. But for this list, I wanted to stick to smooth, relaxing smokes that are strong on flavor but not quite so strong on pepper and spice. I also tried not to choose a lot of repeats. If you see your favorite cigar missing, that might be because it was recommended on another list or it just didn't make the cut. If you have any recommendations of your own, I'm always available through social media or email. Without further ado, let's get this thing started.
Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut

Read more
This is when the Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+ password sharing crackdown starts
The Disney Plus sign-up menu is displayed

The era of password sharing is slowly but surely coming to an end. Netflix has already begun cracking down on people sharing passwords across households, and now, other streaming services are following suit. Before 2024 is over, Disney Plus password sharing will be a thing of the past.

Disney's streaming services are now preparing to crack down on those who are sharing passwords, and the consequences for doing so could be severe. Users across Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus will be warned about password sharing, and if they don't Disney CEO Bob Iger even laid out a timeline for when the crackdown will start, although he didn't get into too many specifics.
Bob Iger says Disney will start its password-sharing crackdown over the summer

Read more