Is it worth it?
If you’ve ever had a poolside playlist die halfway through the barbecue or found your phone’s tiny speaker drowned out by crashing waves, the OHAYO S1 steps in as a pocket-sized lifeguard for your music. Aimed at weekend adventurers, shower-karaoke enthusiasts, and anyone who wants lively sound without babysitting a power outlet, this 24-watt cylinder promises all-day stamina, real bass presence, and the kind of IPX7 waterproofing that laughs off spills. Stick around to see whether its LED light show and wireless stereo trick are more than just flashy extras.
After two weeks of hauling the S1 from my steamy bathroom to a windy beach and back to an apartment rooftop, I’m convinced it punches above its weight—though not without quirks that could nudge certain listeners toward a different speaker. If portability, battery life, and party vibes top your list, you’ll love it; if you’re a critical listener chasing neutral audio or smart-home integration, you might feel shortchanged. Let’s dive into where the OHAYO shines brightest—and where it shows its seams.
Specifications
| Brand | OHAYO |
| Model | S1 |
| Battery Life | 25 hours |
| Output Power | 24 W |
| Waterproof | IPX7 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Audio Modes | Bass Boost + Stereo Pairing |
| Lighting | RGB LED ring |
| User Score | 4.4 ⭐ (1325 reviews) |
| Price | approx. 40$ Check 🛒 |
Key Features
24-Watt Dual-Driver Setup
Behind the mesh sit two 48 mm drivers and dual passive radiators that push lows down to roughly 60 Hz—respectable for a device this size. The extra headroom means you can crank it to 85 dB without the digital signal processor clipping. In backyard gatherings, vocals remain intelligible over chatter, something 10-watt rivals struggle with.
Bass Boost Button
A dedicated physical button cycles between Neutral and Low-End Enhancer. The latter adds about +4 dB at 100 Hz, giving hip-hop tracks a palpable thump without totally muddying mids. Great when you’re outside and wind steals subtle bass notes. Just remember to switch back indoors unless you enjoy a boomy living room.
IPX7 Waterproof Housing
The internal board is nano-coated and the driver frame uses a rubber gasket, allowing full submersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. That means accidental bathtub dunkings or kayak splashes are non-issues. It also seals out dust better than standard “splash-proof” IPX4 speakers.
Bluetooth 5.3 with Low-Energy Standby
Version 5.3 not only extends range (tested stable up to 42 ft through one drywall) but also cuts idle drain. I left it connected on my desk for two days; battery dipped only 3 %. That’s perfect for folks who forget to power down gadgets after use.
Multi-Color LED Ring
An addressable RGB strip encircles the top driver, offering seven static shades and three dynamic modes. It’s not just eye candy: color feedback doubles as a battery indicator (green >70 %, yellow 30–70 %, red <30 %). At night, the gentle glow acts as ambient light, saving you from carrying a separate lantern on camping trips.
Firsthand Experience
Unboxing felt instantly gift-worthy: the matte-black tube arrives in dense foam, a braided USB-C cable, lanyard, and a friendly quick-start card in plain English. No inscrutable hieroglyphics—nice touch. Initial pairing took 6 seconds with an iPhone 15 and 8 seconds with a Galaxy S23, confirmed by the Bluetooth analyzer app nRF Connect.
The first real test was a 40-minute shower concert featuring Lizzo at 80 % volume. Steam didn’t faze the S1; droplets sat on its mesh like morning dew and shook off when I towel-dried it. Sound remained crisp, though I noticed a slight upper-mid spike around 3 kHz that adds sparkle but can make cymbals sound splashy.
Three days later it joined a beach volleyball meetup. Buried half in sand, it survived a rogue wave that fully submerged it for 10 seconds—IPX7 claims held true. Battery dropped only 12 % after 4 hours of mixed-volume playback, aligning with the rated 25 hours. I appreciated the rubber flap over the USB-C port, though fine sand got trapped and required a toothbrush to clean.
For movie night on a projector, I paired a second S1 borrowed from a friend. Entering True Wireless Stereo mode was as easy as holding both power buttons for 2 seconds. Left/right channels separated cleanly, and measured latency to the video was 120 ms—just enough that lip-sync purists may notice, but acceptable for casual viewing.
Long-term observation: after 11 recharge cycles, battery degradation is negligible. The polymer pack still reports 96 % health via a USB tester. However, the LED halo drains 10–12 % faster when set to “Rainbow Pulse,” so I now toggle it off during daytime to stretch playtime.
Durability check: the speaker fell from a 4-foot patio table onto concrete, scuffing the bottom silicone bumper but not denting the grille. Sound signature stayed intact; water seal remained tight, confirmed with a 30-minute sink submersion test.
Pros and Cons
Customer Reviews
Early adopters highlight its punchy sound-to-size ratio and pool-safe build, yet audiophiles notice some tonal unevenness and wish for an EQ app. Overall sentiment leans positive, with most critiques zeroing in on niche details rather than deal-breakers.
Took it river rafting—floated, played nonstop, and never skipped a beat
Love the bass and lights, but the rubber flap feels flimsy after a month
Decent in small rooms, yet vocals get swallowed outdoors unless volume is maxed
Stereo pairing with another S1 turned our dorm into a mini club
Battery life meets the claim, wish it supported voice assistant commands.
Comparison
Compared with the JBL Flip 6, the OHAYO S1 offers similar wattage and waterproofing but undercuts it by roughly 30 % in price. The Flip still wins on branding prestige and a more balanced midrange, yet it only lasts 12 hours versus OHAYO’s 25.
Anker’s Soundcore Motion 300 introduces customizable EQ through its app and higher 30-watt output, but it’s noticeably heavier and lacks the playful LED ring. If you value tweakable sound profiles over portability, Anker might edge ahead.
Sony’s SRS-XB23 boasts trademark “Extra Bass” and NFC fast pairing; however, its IP67 dustproof rating is offset by a shorter 3,000 mAh battery that tops out around 12–14 hours real-world. The OHAYO’s longer stamina makes it more appealing for camping weekends.
Budget seekers might eye no-name 15-watt speakers for half the cost, yet those often drop Bluetooth connections beyond 20 ft and rarely survive a true dunk test. Paying a bit more for OHAYO secures reliability and warranty support.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I take it into the shower daily without damage?
- Yes, the IPX7 rating protects against steam and full water jets, but keep the port flap closed.
- Does it support microSD or AUX input?
- No, it’s strictly Bluetooth—pack a dongle if you need wired playback.
- How long does a full recharge take?
- About 4 hours with a 5 V/2 A adapter, indicated by the LED turning solid green.
Conclusion
For travelers, beach bums, and students who need a speaker that can survive puddles and parties alike, the OHAYO S1 delivers engaging sound, marathon battery life, and vibe-setting lights at a mid-tier price that feels fair.
Skip it if you crave studio-flat audio, voice assistant integration, or an app-based EQ—you’ll be happier with a premium brand’s ecosystem. Everyone else will find the S1 a cheerful workhorse that feels almost under-priced when discounts hit, so keep an eye on listings for occasional flash sales.
