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

The sound from my laptop is okay but nothing special and, depending on what I am listening to, isn't always loud enough for my old ears. This item performs above expectations for its small size and affordability. It sounds great (no distortion) at either the high or low end of frequencies for watching movies/video clips or listening to music on a computer. I am not a hard-core audiophile so I am sure there are some folks out there who would be more discerning about the sound quality but I think it sounds quite good (so much better - crisper, clearer and louder) than my laptop speaker. I wouldn't mind if the cord used to plug into the computer was a bit longer, but that is not a big issue for me. As an added bonus, it works with my classic iPod (yes, I know I am a dinosaur). I would really love it if this awesome little speaker came with a neoprene pouch or some other protective storage case to keep it and its associated cords safe and dust free when stored in a computer bag (or anywhere else). It appears to be of good quality, is easy to use, provides amazing sound, and is very affordable. Other than a nice storage pouch/box, what more could you want? Highly recommended.

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 purchased the AYL mini speaker because the charging port on my previous speaker (LiveBass) became permanently dislodged after 5 months, preventing me from being able to charge it at all. Seeing the large number of positive reviews on this product - and after looking at numerous other speakers - I felt confident that the AYL would be a very good replacement.When the package arrived it was nicely boxed. It came with the speaker, a durable mesh bag for transportation, a USB charger, and an cord extender. The speaker came fully charged, and I wasted no time plugging it into my phone and trying it out. Sound wise, its pretty decent. I listen to a wide variety of music: Classical, Rock, Industrial, Progressive House, Trance, and Drum/Bass among many others, so I need something that can adapt well to the different tones of music. The AYL typically did a good job at projecting the different styles successfully, but some genres were more crisp, and resonated better than others. The volume level was decent as well. Despite this - and in comparison - I must admit that my previous LiveBass was slightly more acoustic and offered higher volume control. Regardless I was no way put off by the AYL's performance. It's a nice speaker, especially for the price. I certainly don't regret buying it.Another feature I enjoy about AYL is that you can downsize it for transportation. This makes it very convenient for traveling. I also like that I can plug it in and charge it while I'm listening to music. This is especially important to me because I work from home and love to listen to my music throughout the entire day. Even if the battery dies, I'm able to plug it in so I can keep listening to Pandora while I work.Overall, this is a very good product. I'm only giving it 4 stars because of the decent (not excellent) sound projection and the overall volume level which is again decent but not amazing. Still, for the price, the quality is very acceptable.

This little speaker actually has amazing sound quality for the price and it's compact size is perfect.

Small and compact. Good sound for the size. Accidently bought two but can connect for a better sound.