AYL Mini Speaker System Portable Plug in Speaker with 3.5mm Aux Audio Input External Speaker for Laptop Computer MP3 Player iPhone iPad Cell Phone (Black)

I'll cover a fact or two that may not be apparent about the little wired speaker (AYL), but keep in mind that this speaker has been sold for several years, and from other reviews it is clear that it has undergone some design changes over that time - so everything here applies only to the one I happened to receive, in early December 2022. Also, bear in mind that I am not an audiophile, and am using the speaker on a QRP (low power) amateur radio that has a very small and inadequate built-in speaker, not for listening to music.Volume control: Mine has a traditional continuous control, zero to full volume, not the push or flick side-to-side volume control many others have reported. Either will work; I prefer this control.Charging port: USB C. The included short USB C cable is claimed to be only for charging, not data transfer. The speaker charges fine from other USB C charging cables & chargers intended for phones. The USB C port has an intriguing "CHARGE AUDIO" labeling on the device. Surely this doesn't mean it will accept USB audio input? I did not check. It probably is just an artifact of sharing parts with another model that does, or of carelessness in labeling. Perhaps some brave soul will test it and report back in a review or comment.It came with a microscopic instruction manual, written in "stiff" English. Also a greeting card from the USA seller, with phone # and web site.The "Aux" output jack (labeled "AUDIO" on the device), intended for daisy-chaining multiple speakers together to get more sound, appears to be a pass-through (it is active whether the speaker is on or off). Take Note: it can be used as an input as well. It is more handy for me to use a male-to-male (plug to plug) stereo 3.5 mm jumper cable to connect my audio to the speaker than to unfurl the short stereo cable and plug from its position tucked away on the bottom of the speaker (this plug/cable is labeled "AUX IN" on the device). A 3.5mm stereo extension cable (female to male / jack to plug) was included to help get that short plug/cable on the speaker bottom to an audio source more than a couple of inches away (I did not measure its length), but since I don't use that cable input, I simply tested this extension cable (it works fine) and stored it away with other audio cables and connectors.Some people have complained that the speaker will not stay "shut". Mine can be squeezed down to compress the accordion pleats and twisted to lock it into a compact ball. It will stay that way while handled. I did not feel the need for the extra bass the extension "pop-up" is intended to deliver. That might get music "thumbing" the bass rhythm, but for radio communications, it has plenty of bass when "closed". I expect the audio quality is fine for the kind of casual music listening for which it is intended.For any hams reading, the radio is a tr(uSDX), with its tiny, tinny speaker (better than nothing, but still). The AYL speaker gives great audio, with a decent range of volume, with the radio set to volume levels of 10 or so. You can turn up the volume on the radio without triggering feedback (owners will know what I mean), but at some point the little speaker will overload and start to distort. It should be enough volume for working outdoors in all but the very worst conditions. For those times, give up and use a headset.I don't have any experience on ruggedness, longevity, battery life, etc., though the battery seemed to be holding up fine for some extended listening, right out of the box, without charging it at all.The LED on the bottom is blue during operation, red during charging, and blue again when charging is complete. I don't know yet whether the LED somehow signals a low battery. (Hopefully, not with that creepy voice some reviews report!)The only thing I'd change is the top; it is too open for my taste, potentially allowing dirt and debris into the speaker diaphragm area. I'd prefer a fine screen. A very minor design complaint. It did not come with a bag or case, but I'll find something to keep it safe and clean during transport.If it fails early, or there is "news", I'll try to come back to this review and update it.

This little unit has really good volume levels, and the bass is deeply resonant. I love the slinky-like way it opens up and boosts the range significantly, and then folds back up for easy portability. Great investment!

Great sound and compact for the money. At full volume charge only lasts for about 90-120min.

WOW WOW WOW, this little hamburger style speaker has GREAT sound. I have a few jbls which are def better BUT for what this offer and the fact is has a 3.5mm cord. Trust me its a very good speaker with bass. Your gonna say to yourself damn how does it sound that good ! It also comes with an extender 3.5mm cord. Amazing they thought of everything. USB C.. A plus ! Great product and price

I will say that I bought this product based upon its features, price and reviews, but I was a tad skeptical if it would meet my expectations. After all, it is less than $20.After receiving the AYL Mini Speaker System today, and immediately opening and testing it with my MP3 player, I have to say, I am blown away! This truly is an amazing little speaker!The company packaging was excellent and not wasteful at all, but provided protection for the enclosed unit to prevent damage. Very easy to open. The instructions are very clear and easy to understand.And then there are all the features you just can't beat! The compact size makes it very portable which I love. I use my MP3 for around the house, outside yard work, and long road trips, but when it comes to the latter, I had no way of continuing to use it. This little speaker has solved that issue since it fits nicely in the palm of your hand taking up minimal space. With a simple twist, you can open it up for more sound range, or not, as is your preference.Next, is its ability to be recharged directly through any USB port; this means I can use my phone charger in the wall to plug this little gem in and charge it, or use my laptop. USB cord is included. I LOVE not having to deal with batteries!Cords/plugs: The cord to plug this into your accessory wraps nicely on the underside, and is short, which I like, so I don't have a lot of extra to manage. BUT - it also comes with a longer accessory jack cord which is very nice!I like that the unit can be hooked up to multiple units with the accessory jack. This is great is you want more sound to fill a larger area, have a party, etc.The controls are simple and easy to understand; ie: volume, on/off.And the sound? Perfect! This little single unit plays better than my laptop speaker or my small Craig stereo speakers. Sharp, clear; no vibrations or issues of any kind.I was also impressed with the little 'Certificate of Appreciation' the company included. AYL (which I didn't pay attention to before the purchase) is a small, family owned American company. They provide you with a couple of means for contacting them should you have any issues.So the bottom line? Get one - right away! This is a must have if you love having hands free music while you play or work. You get a lot of 'bang' for your buck with the accessories, sound quality and styling.I am incredibly happy with this purchase and can see myself purchasing more AYL products in the future as the needs arise.Well done AYL! Bravo!