Ryobi USB Lithium VERSE Compact Speaker
Ryobi USB Lithium VERSE Compact Speaker
Whether I am relaxing or working, I almost always carry a Bluetooth speaker with me to listen to music or sports radio. I have two Ryobi portable speakers that work with Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ batteries. I enjoy them both, but I have recently become very excited by the new Ryobi USB Lithium lineup of devices. The new USB Lithium VERSE Compact Speaker is the perfect blend of portability and premium sound.
Specifications
- Powerful 15w mid-range speaker and 5w tweeter
- Has an IP67 dust proof and waterproof rating
- Can connect 100+ RYOBI VERSE products without the use of an app (USB Lithium Compact Speaker, 18V ONE+ Clamp Speaker and 18V ONE+ LINK Stereo)
- Up to 250’ of Bluetooth streaming range and up to 125’ to VERSE secondary speaker
- Up to 6 hours of runtime with included 2Ah battery
- On-board USB-C port can provide unlimited runtime
- On-board LED indicators signal battery and connection status
- Includes a FVB02 USB Lithium 2Ah Lithium Battery, USB Cable, and Lanyard
- 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Available at The Home Depot for $79.00 until December 29, 2024 (normally $99.00)
Physical Footprint
The Ryobi USB Lithium VERSE Compact Speaker (FVA51K) feels quite substantial in your hand, but it is also still compact and very portable. The body of the speaker is approximately 8.75 inches long, 2.75 inches wide, and 2.75 inches high. I had no problems picking up the speaker with one hand and carrying it with me wherever I went. Whether I placed it down vertically or horizontally, the speaker fit in almost every location I chose. It even fit perfectly inside my car’s cup holder–which might make it the perfect in-car listening device for those needing to add a little more ambiance to their daily commute.
Ryobi designed the Compact Speaker using a 6-sided approach. This unique body design is actually quite appealing to the eye and it’s also fun to hold in your hand. Ryobi also manufactured a very attractive 6-sided recyclable cardboard box to package the speaker.
Protective Design
Ryobi strategically placed rubber bumpers and rubber feet in multiple locations to improve stability and provide scratch protection for the speaker. On the base are 4 raised rubber feet to give it a stable grip on most surfaces. Both sides of the speaker have 6 raised feet if you were to stand it up vertically. The front-side and the back-side both have raised bumpers on the left and right sides. Collectively, these protective rubber feet really provided me with peace of mind when I placed the speaker down on hard or uneven surfaces that could have scratched or damaged the speaker. The rubber feet also keep the speaker from rattling or “walking away” when played at higher volumes.
On the right-side of the speaker are all of the music controls. In the very center is the power button. When the speaker is on, this power button is illuminated. To the left and to the right of the power button are the volume down and volume up buttons, respectively. Directly below the power button is the play/pause button. Finally, directly above the power button is the VERSE connect button. All of the buttons provide a firm, tactile response when depressed. Each of the buttons are also completely sealed for dust and waterproof protection.
On the backside of the speaker, Ryobi added a small metal post for attaching the provided lanyard. The lanyard loop was just large enough to affix it on my wrist. I liked having a lanyard to help carry the speaker, though I would not recommend using it to hang the speaker from a backpack since the speaker itself is hefty.
The Compact Speaker also has a valuable IP67 dust and waterproof rating to withstand most dirty and damp conditions, as well as being fully submersible for a short period of time. Owning a waterproof speaker makes this the perfect device for beach days and pool parties.
Battery Powered Convenience
One of the things I appreciate most about the Ryobi USB Lithium line-up of tools are the batteries themselves. The 2Ah and 3Ah Lithium batteries provide tremendous portability and sustained power. I can carry several batteries with me since they are small (3 inches long by 0.75 inches wide) and they are easily charged with a USB-C cable. These Ryobi USB Lithium batteries are a very attractive option in the world of battery-operated devices.
Ryobi included a a 2Ah Lithium battery in their USB Lithium VERSE Compact Speaker. This battery itself has an integrated fuel gauge button to indicate the remaining power based on the color of the LED indicators. When the speaker is playing, you can also check the battery’s remaining charge by looking at the power button itself—a green button indicates a healthy, charged battery and a red power button indicates the battery is near the end of its charge.
There is a single flat side on the battery which helps you quickly orient it when placing it inside the speaker, and it also helps prevent the battery from rolling away when placed on the counter.
The battery is safely housed behind a door on the left side of the Compact Speaker. There is a recessed plastic latch that must be lifted to unhook it from the body of the speaker in order to access the battery. The latch is quite secure and it takes some effort to unhook. This was a unique design compared to the screw-on battery covers in most of my other USB Lithium devices. I appreciated the design since it helped to bolster the speaker’s IP67 dust and waterproof rating, though I do worry that unhooking it repeatedly could compromise the plastic clamping mechanism.
Considering the latch’s plastic design, I was very excited that Ryobi included a second option to recharge the USB Lithium batteries. While you can still remove the battery to charge it, Ryobi included an on-board USB-C port in the back of the speaker that can be used to recharge the battery when it’s connected to an outlet. Using the included USB-C on-board charging port also allows you to simultaneously charge and listen to the Compact Speaker.
While the battery is charging, the play button flashes to indicate charging is in progress. Maintaining the speaker’s USB-C connection to an electrical outlet provides continuous run-time when your party-goers demand music–this should be a big bonus for many users. The only improvement I would make would be a protective cover for the USB-C port for when conditions are dirty and damp.
Like the many other Ryobi Lithium batteries that I have tested, the battery charges in approximately 100-105 minutes using the provided USB-C cord. Having a couple of affordable 2Ah Lithium batteries inside your pocket as spares would allow for quick swaps during the recharging process.
Bluetooth and VERSE Connectivity
I once heard this phrase on television–“Everything is better with Bluetooth.” While that might be a stretch, it’s my opinion that portable speakers are certainly better with Bluetooth. It is important to note that there is no 3.5mm audio port on this speaker, so you need to use Bluetooth to play your music.
The first time I turned it on, it was very easy to pair my iPhone with the “Ryobi USB Speaker” inside the phone’s Settings App. Once paired, each time it was turned on, it announced “Bluetooth connected” since it remembers the last device it was connected to. To disconnect from a device in order to pair a new one, you need to hold down the Play/Pause button on the speaker.
Ryobi boasts that the speaker has up to 250 feet of Bluetooth range. While working outside this fall raking leaves, I always brought the Compact Speaker with me. I could leave the USB Lithium VERSE Compact Speaker in one place and travel across my entire yard with my phone in my pocket and the music played flawlessly. Inside my home, I could travel to the second floor or the basement while the speaker was in my living room and the connection never dropped and the music never faltered. Ryobi really offers superior Bluetooth range in this USB Lithium VERSE Compact Speaker.
Ryobi utilizes their VERSE technology in several of their new Bluetooth speakers. This USB Lithium VERSE Compact Speaker can either be used alone or you could use VERSE technology to connect additional speakers for even greater sound, all with no App required. According to their online directions, you could quickly connect 100+ RYOBI VERSE speakers with up to 125′ of speaker-to-speaker connection range. I sadly don’t own any other Ryobi speakers that utilize this VERSE technology, so I couldn’t connect to any other speakers. However, this technology sounds really appealing if we were hosting a larger outdoor get-together and we could spread speakers across our yard for everyone to enjoy.
Powerful Playback
The Ryobi USB Lithium VERSE Compact Speaker does exactly what it was designed to do–it plays music and it plays that music really, really well. An added bonus is that it can play your music for 5.5 – 6 hours on a fully charged 2Ah Lithium battery. I really appreciated the battery’s extended runtime since I consistently achieved almost 6 hours of music everytime I used the speaker.
I used the Compact Speaker for almost 2 months in so many different locations because it was so easy to pack in a bag or carry in my hand. Whether I was in my basement, my office at school, or in my backyard, I was always thoroughly impressed by the quality and the clarity of the audio it produced. In a closed space, the music was warm and inviting and it filled the entire room. Even outdoors, all varieites of music sounded live and engaging. The speaker could also achieve surprisingly loud volume levels with almost no distortion. The internal 15w mid-range speaker and 5w tweeter were very proficient at generating powerful highs and resonating lows.
The new technology inside the Compact Speaker is a significant improvement over the Ryobi 18V One+ Compact Bluetooth Radio/Speaker when you listen to the two speakers side-by-side. The highs and lows were much more pleasing coming from the Ryobi USB Lithium VERSE Compact Speaker. When compared to the Ryobi PAD01B Bluetooth Speaker that I also reviewed, the PAD01B can be played louder, but the music’s quality is no better. If I had to choose only 1 Ryobi Bluetooth speaker to use in and around my home, I would absolutely choose the Ryobi USB Lithium VERSE Compact Speaker.
I am not alone in my appreciation of the Ryobi Compact Speaker as 100% of the online reviewers on The Home Depot website also recommended it (as of November 19, 2024).
Final Thoughts
Listening to music can elevate our mood. I carried the Ryobi USB Lithium VERSE Compact Speaker with me for 2 months and it brought me great pleasure. Its size, battery life, and Bluetooth connectivity were all terrific, but the quality of the music it produced is the real reason you need to own the Ryobi USB Lithium VERSE Compact Speaker. It is the perfect addition to the new Ryobi USB Lithium lineup of tools and other devices.
Ryobi has recently released many different USB devices that use their 2Ah lithium batteries. These tools each can satisfy a unique need in your home, office, or workshop. I encourage you to have a look at some of these other handy devices here:
