AYL Mini Speaker System, Portable Plug-in Speaker with 3.5mm Aux Input, External Audio 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.

I needed a little external speaker to use with my iPad and this works well. Since the attached cord isn’t very long, I got an extender cord so I can move it a little further from the iPad if I need. As it comes it’s a very nice speaker with great sound. I use it outside when I’m working on a project or grilling and want to listen to some music or watch a YouTube video and when I’m inside watching videos and want the sound to be stronger and in front of the iPad. I would definitely recommend it.

Bought this speaker for my mother to plug in to her phone so that she can hear better. Easy solution for an 89 year old! It really is a simple plug and play. I do wish that the cables that came with it were longer than they are, but we made it work.

WOW! what sound out of such a little speaker. no, it's not stereophonic surround sound but for such a little portable speaker, great. had an iLuv b-4 this. no comparison. i am considering buying another one to link together.

Bought this for my Dad (aged 80). He is able to use it with his music player and says it has great sound. He is not technically minded, but manages to charge and plug this in so he can shuffle around to the Rolling Stones etc. He is extremely happy!

This a great speaker! We have several old iPods that are full of music. We bought this speaker to listen to our favorite songs on our back porch. This speaker takes up very little space, but it also delivers excellent sound. It works perfectly with all of our iPods. Battery life seems excellent as well. We’re on 3 hours right now. We are delighted with this purchase!

An important factor in buying this was the 10-hours of usage. I charged it for a few days when I received it 2 weeks ago before hanging it on the bicycle handlebar for a long ride. It stopped after about 2 1/2 hours. It has worked fine for 2 other 1 1/2 hour rides but I have yet to take another long ride.I left a message on the AYL support voicemail last week and sent an email but have not heard back yet.