Ryobi has come out with a new 18V cordless jobsite speaker, PCL615, which can clamp onto a multitude of surfaces and objects.
The new Ryobi Verse speaker is Bluetooth-compatible with a range of up to 250′.
Not only that, Ryobi Verse speakers can be synced together, up to a distance of 150′ from each other.
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The Ryobi Verse has a 1-3/4″ clamping capacity, and can be secured to table tops, 2x4s and other construction framing, and other such surfaces.
Multiple speakers can be synced together without having to use an app or other external means. The volume of each speaker can be adjusted independently, or synchronized via the user’s device.
Runtime is said to be over 32 hours when used with a Ryobi 18V One+ 4Ah High Performance battery.
Ryobi says the speaker delivers “crisp, clear sound for an enhanced listening experience.”
The speaker has a pivoting head and rotating base, allowing for adjustable audio placement.
Ryobi says that users can easily sync 100+ Verse speakers together. While an impressive number, keep in mind you’ll need a separate Li-ion battery for each one.
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They show the speakers being used as jobsites, home, and on-the-go.
Press materials did not mention if the speaker is weather-resistant – that’s something to keep in mind if used outdoors.
Pricing
- Speaker-only (PCL615B) – $59
- Kit with 1.5Ah battery, charger (PCL615K1) – $99
- Speaker-only 2-pack (PCL6152P) – $99
Availability
ETA: May 2023, exclusively at Home Depot
Jared
Looks great when you consider the price. Not sure I need my speaker to have a pivoting head, but it doesn’t hurt. The built-in clamp seems like a handy feature.
Eric
It could be nice depending on how you need to orient the unit to clamp it onto something. I’m sure it’s also just cheaper to just use the same body they’re using for their little fan and one of their lights and just drop the speaker part onto it.
Steve
I like this. Ryobi is priced right. I’ve always thought their tools were cheap, but may have to reconsider this as they have a number of interesting items. Hate to have multiple platforms though…
Jeremiah D
I feel like if you’re more than a casual hobbyist, Diyer, tool minimalist it becomes cost prohibitive to restrict yourself to a single battery platform. This will only become more true moving forward as more cordless devices are available and become integrated into many peoples lives.
It is very possible to keep to one platform without being amish but may be hard to avoid being accused of being a boomer or similar.
Jared
You can get an adapter. None are supported officially, but I have several battery platforms and several adapters and they all work fine.
A couple of limitations to consider is whether the tool you want to use it on has a high power draw or special battery technology. Some adapters don’t have the thickest wiring so it might not be appropriate to use it for a heavy duty cordless grinder, for example.
Some tools might communicate with the battery so it “knows” when it is connected to a certain type of battery – I’m thinking of Ridgid Octane for example – so you might not get peak performance when using an adapter.
Nevertheless, the majority of tools work just fine. I use my Dewalt-battery-to-Ryobi-tool adapter with my Ryobi cordless inflator, 1/2-inch X 18-inch belt sander, rotary tool and cordless ratchet.
I also have a couple Ryobi batteries, but I have way more (and larger) Dewalt packs.
Joatman
I’ve been tempted to buy one of those battery adapter/detonators but not sure my insurance would cover the aftermath. But it’s good to hear that they do have some merit. Like you said, they are probably fine for the lower drawing tools.
MFC
For a couple of years I have been running Dewalt batteries on Ryobi, Ridgid and Milwaukee tools (everything from pump sprayers to Shopvacs) without any issues. Not that there couldn’t be an issue, but I feel pretty confident that the worst thing that could happen is that I drain my DeWalt battery too low and have to give it a jump and maybe reduce it’s life expectancy. So far, I still have 2 and 5ah batteries in use from 2015.
Jack D
I’ve been using adapters for years, as well, with no adverse effects. I extended the life of my 18v BnD lawn tools several years as a result, so I’m pleased overall. It’s a way to minimize your battery platforms while always having a charged one on hand.
Bob
That’s pretty cool. Hopefully it’s ip64 or better weather rated. I wonder the sound quality? Some of these Bluetooth speakers are downright amazing some are meh. Assuming the sound quality is decent and a water splash won’t ruin it, this would be pretty cool at the beach, barbecue or job site.
I’m continually impressed with the tools and entertainment options Home Depot brings to the table with Ryobi. I don’t think the stuff is as robust as team red, yellow or teal BUT they cost a lot less and have EVERY tool you can imagine and even some fun stuff like this that the big guys don’t have.
Tim+E.
I can see the mower handlebars breaking now… 2 of these mounted downwards pointed at you for fake stereo, two of the clamp lights mounted outwards pointed forward to mow later when it’s cooler, and two of the clamp fans mounted upwards pointed at you to still keep you cool since it’s still hot outside. That’s 6 of these clamp-style devices all at once, and I’m sure we can find a use for more.
In all seriousness, this looks pretty good, and is filling a gap left with the retirement of the Score speakers. This looks more versatile than the old Score speakers since if nothing else it does away with dedicated and different master/slave units. The two things they’re missing, plug-in operation, and presumably a true stereo mode, which I wouldn’t really expect here being honest. Being able to plug them in I also see why they didn’t do, the clamp form factor means these are designed to be portable, rather than sat on a surface and left like the old Score speakers. It probably also would have added just enough cost to miss hitting the 2/99 price point, so I can see not including it. With battery life what it is, it probably also won’t really be missed. They seem to have done a good job playing to their market, with reasonably cheap multi-unit audio again. These seem more intended to put several units in a group, which negates the need/possibility of stereo, the price also seems pretty decent, especially comparatively. Hopefully the sound quality is okay.
I’m curious how the usability of the pairing is when you get into multiple devices. It says you don’t need an app or anything which is great, but is there still then a “master” unit and I have to pair other devices to that unit, can I use any existing speaker in a group to add a new speaker to the group, etc.
I have 4 of the Score speakers back when those existed, I got them late in the game when the Depot was clearing them out. It was a lot easier to find slave units than the master units, even when I went to possibly sell them later on, nobody wanted the slave units but everybody wanted “just the master”. I then moved to the Makita XRM11s, which I really like and will keep even if I pick up a few of these. They’re a few more button presses to get set up, you have to set if you’re going to use stereo mode with 2, or multi with several, and then set one as master and the rest as slaves, but at least that’s all on one unit and interchangeable. And once they’re set up, they’ve been solid. Sound quality on them is much better than the Score was, and the added controls and EQ was pretty useful as well. Only 10 speakers in a group and not hundreds, but other than having one in every room of a large house under construction or something, it’s been rare to want more than the 4 I have.
Stuart
My understanding is that there’s a primary connection and then secondary ones. The primary has one range to a user, and secondary speakers have another range to each other.
Chris
Is the 250′ bluetooth range a typo?
The best bluetooth range I can find anywhere on the market seems to max out at 150′, and that was only two speakers.
https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Ears-HYPERBOOM-Bluetooth-Resistant/dp/B07XJ8B9NV?th=1
https://www.amazon.com/Kuryakyn-1952-Portable-Waterproof-Bluetooth/dp/B07ZDW7HLW?th=1
That second speaker may be a better buy if you don’t care for the Ryobi battery swapping and want water resistance (IPx7).
The Kuryakyn also has a 1/4-20 threaded base to mount to clamps and tripods.
The speaker driver might be better as well. Based on the Ryobi literally being a repurposed chassis of the awesome (but tiny) fan. The speaker on the Ryobi looks tiny. I’ll have to wait till I get home to measure it, but based on the pictures, the Ryobi looks like it only has a 1″ driver.
The Ryobi doesn’t have any other connections other than Bluetooth from what I can see. I like small speakers to have at least a headphone jack for times when Bluetooth might not be cutting it (construction sites with heavy interference has been an issue more than once for me).
I suspect the Ryobi can’t achieve a meaningful waterproof rating because the battery isn’t sealed from water intrusion. Maybe IP42 or IP53 at best.
The Kuryakyn seems like a better speaker for the same-ish money and can be used for the same purposes and then some.
If the 250′ rating is true (I would bet that is under the idealist of conditions) and you have ryobi batteries, I guess the Ryobi works.
The big plus is that Home Depot will probably mark these down pretty hard if they don’t sell well and I can get a couple for $15-20 each.
Stuart
PR materials say best-in-class range of over 250 feet to the primary, and up to 150 feet between speakers.
They say the same in this intro video:
https://youtu.be/ozBg81m2ZY8?t=69
According to a quick Google search, Class 1 Bluetooth devices can work at a distance of up to 300 feet.
Saulac
I believe/hope that the body is the same as the fan (small fan with clamp, could be a “limited edition” (?)). This would be a smart design/strategy. After the fan/speaker, the no brainer next thing would be a light. What else could use this form factor?
Tim+E.
Funnily enough, there already is a light! PCL663B (bare) https://www.ryobitools.com/products/details/33287201822
Eric
They have three clamp lights. One that uses this format, and two that use the base clamp and then have a goose neck with either a spot or flood light depending on the model.
Saulac
Indeed. I had no idea. I wonder why Ryobi can justify to make so many tools and varieties (which is great).
Jason
I really want to hear what a Jobsite would would like with 100 paired. I mean they have to have tried it in testing right?
Plain+grainy
That’s probably around $5000.00 for 100 bare speakers, with the batteries on top of that.
Plain+grainy
Ryobi just launched their new 80v mower w/ Joystick control on the Right side, It features a 54” mowing deck. Includes (3) 80v & (4) 40v batteries No double lever controls to hang on to. These speakers should work well on this quiet electric mower. $8000.00 at your local HD!
Joatman
If Milwaukee or DEWALT had something similar at the same price point, I’d buy two or three…….but we all know theirs would probably be double the price, which IMO wouldn’t be worth it. It’s been more than once where I wished I was already on the Ryobi platform…..but just don’t need another set of batteries and charger to keep track of.
Eric
It’s stuff like this that I think makes it worth it for most people to be on the Ryobi platform. My main stuff is M12 and M18. But I also have some Ryobi for things like fans, lights, caulking gun, high volume inflator, etc. Stuff that I’m not using everyday but is useful to have around.
Chris S
just buy an adapter for $15 to $20 and use your existing batteries with Ryobi. Works fine with my M18 on Ryobi tools. The compressor/inflator is the only tool it hasn’t worked on so far and that is because the form factor is too narrow. I’ve got 14 other tools that work just fine.
Joatman
I was solely on the Dewalt 20v platform for years but decided to give the M12 a try for a few specialty tools……then, migrated to the M18s just recently. Plus I have a couple Kobalt tools, which I’m selling.
It makes sense to give the adapter a try. Ryobi has an impressive line up. I probably could have gotten with away using Ryobi for all these years with no regrets….and saved a small fortune. I don’t hear too much feedback on using adapters, so this post has certainly been helpful.
Scott F
Another example of why Ryobi deserves my money – not that I’m buying this, but another clever and inexpensive option from them. I don’t have any need for this speaker, personally, but love that they consistently innovate new things, even if only an incremental change from some other unit (fan, light). And for <$50…
My cousin just bought his first house and sent me a picture of a 7 piece Craftsman 20V kit he bought. I told him to return it and go get the same thing in Ryobi – options like this are the reason.
MFC
All Ryobi needs to do now is have a a security camera that is a similar form factor, battery operated and can be linked to multiple devices. Have a hub that wirelessly receives images and can be linked via sim card to a network and you have a very profitable business solution for job sites plagued by theft.
Jack D
Let me join my voice to the chorus complimenting Ryobi on constantly growing their lineup with new and affordable options. I have friends who swear by them, and even the links system, but I can’t bring myself to pull the trigger…
And it’s all due to that color, I can’t get over that radioactive green!
I wonder if a can of spray paint might not get me started…
PW
Same! I constantly get within a button click of joining the Ryobi platform before I get irrationally detered by the hideous colors.
I miss their old blue/yellow scheme. I have some of their (corded) tools of that vintage. They have done well for me. Then right as I started going cordless they switched to the current off-putting colors.
mark kelly
I can’t seem to find any adapter that allows me to use my ryobi batteries on my makita tools does one exist. Thanks
Andrew D.
Generally, it’s the other way around: there is a stem-pack adaptor that accepts the other brands’ batteries and then the adaptor interfaces with the Ryobi tool. Adapting another brand of tool to accept a Ryobi battery just seems foolish to me, you’re adding an extra 2″ to the assembly height, which just makes the whole thing more cumbersome.
Andrew D.
I see a certain appeal here, definitely for the Ryobi owners, but also in that linkable feature. If, for some reason, you wanted a PA system at an outdoor event that was only going to be a day or two, this could do the trick (if it’s outdoor rated). Any longer than that and people would probably get tired to having to round up, charge, and reinstall the batteries every day/shift really quickly.
Ryobi really hits the mark with some of their tools, but I’m just not sure this one is a home run. Hopefully those who buy it love it.
Mike
‘Verse’? Really? What was Marketing thinking? 🤭
David Z
Are you thinking of it as short for universe or something? I see it as verse as in a song verses. It’s not that bad a name for a speaker.
DavetheTool
I own many Ryobi cordless tools and I like the innovative engineering that comes from Ryobi. Best out there regarding new stuff IMO, however they can’t all be winners and this is a new item that I can’t see being a winner. It’s ugly, looks like their portable clap on fan and the speaker itself is too small to offer great sound. I expect they will get their share of sales when the product first becomes available however I believe within a year or maybe two they will be discontinued and on clearance like their pool speakers or SCORE speakers.
PW
This is a nice solution. I’m constantly impressed with what Ryobi, as a house brand, adds to their lineup. I’m normally put off by proprietary house brands for cordless tools, but Ryobi manages to hit a great price point and tool variety.
The ability to link an arbitrary number of speakers together is excellent, this might be just the ticket for events, shows, places where I would never think to use a “tool company” speaker.
Hopefully the audio quality is passable. I don’t expect brilliant sound from something like this, but sometimes the tool companies seem to put actual sound reproduction at the bottom of the list when developing these things.