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The Yoto Mini is a tiny but powerful audio device for all of the family. This incredible tool is the smaller but more versatile version of the Yoto player. I love that music box and my youngest daughter listens to it daily. Accordingly, when we had the opportunity to get our hands on its portable sibling, we jumped at the chance.
This tiny device requires some minor compromises. However, this doesn’t undermine your listening experience and I believe you get great value for money. Additionally, you enjoy Yoto radio, unlimited audio, and every exceptional story via the Yoto digital store or physical cards. Consequently, if your kids love audiobooks or music, the Yoto Mini is the perfect tool for them.
What are the compromises?
The Yoto player is a powerful audio device that is suited for a bedroom or living area. Furthermore, it can be charged wirelessly and it has a massive battery life. On top of this, there is stereo sound, a thermometer, and a nightlight. As such, it packs plenty of tech into its compact design.
The Yoto Mini focuses on a portable approach. Subsequently, a few of these elements have had to be removed. The battery is around half the Yp capacity and it can only be charged via USB. Furthermore, it has mono sound and there is no nightlight or thermometer. None of these compromises bothered me as I loved the portability and the large chunky buttons.
What’s in the box of the Yoto Mini?
- The packaging is cute but refined. The robust layers keep the contents safe and they can be recycled.
- The Yoto Mini is tiny. This adorable device is lightweight but hard-wearing. Moreover, it has a small display screen, large dials, and a slot for each Yoto card. Finally, there is an audio jack for headphones.
- Charge the device with the USB-C cable.
- A blank Yoto card is provided to create a digital story via the Yoto app.
- Learn the fundamentals with the user guide.
Technical aspects.
This compact player packs an almighty punch. Though it only offers mono output via its speaker, I didn’t mind. The audio quality is still impressive and there weren’t any uncomfortable or flat moments. Additionally, the volume levels are powerful and your kids can crank it up when they are listening to their favourite song or book.
The up to 14-hour battery life may disappoint some parents. Yet, I found that this was sufficient. Thanks to the fast charging facility, the Yoto Mini was rarely out of juice. Furthermore, whenever we were out and about, it could be charged from my Cuktech power bank for added convenience. Word of warning! Make sure that children do not charge this in their bed. The Yoto player and Yoto Mini need ventilation and a solid flat surface whenever they are being charged.
Finally, if your kids have wireless headphones, they can use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly. This was great as it reduced clutter and kept things streamlined. Thankfully, this was easy to master and connecting the headphones was a simple task.
Audio quality.
The Mono sound may seem disappointing. However, the Yoto Mini offers size-defying sound. The powerful speaker was impressive and the music and spoken clarity were fantastic. My daughter tends to set everything at maximum volume and this didn’t falter. No matter how hard she pushed the volume, the audio didn’t crack! Moreover, the range of tones was comfortable and every piece of dialogue was clear and easy to understand.
Build quality of the Yoto Mini.
The build quality is phenomenal. The hardened plastic shell can take some rough and tumble. What’s more, the little digital display is cute and vibrant. This screen helps you to keep on top of your settings, and this improves usability. If you have youngsters, you know they love to fiddle with everything. Thankfully, every vital port and element is well positioned. The USB and audio ports are robust, reducing the risk of damage.
Alongside this, the 2 chunky control knobs are easy to handle. The large orange design is eye-catching and the fundamentals are obvious without having to grab the user manual. If you are using physical audiobook cards, the recessed slot is located at the top of the device. Though kids could pour liquid into this area, they’d struggle to insert other foreign objects. As such, this helps to reduce risk and potential issues. Whenever the cards are inserted, they are held tightly within the player and I had no concerns with damage or losing them.
Usability.
The Yoto Mini is so easy to use that a child can master it. This was good as my 9-year-old was all over it like a rash. The tactile buttons are fun to use and the display screen highlights the consequences of her actions. Furthermore, clear audio tones highlight whenever any task has been completed. This was great as you can’t go wrong.
If your kids love to listen to white noise or they need a clock to stay in bed, this player accommodates those needs. This was an unexpected extra that was a pleasant surprise. Both features are easy to find and simple to set up. We’ve all used YouTube and other streaming services. These free-to-use platforms are great, but the constant ads are infuriating. Thankfully, Yoto is ad-free and you know that the included Yoto radio and other features are child-friendly and great to listen to.
Audio cards.
I was provided Yoto’s latest Harry Potter series and The Famous Five audio collection. These stories were brilliantly told and the acting, sound effects, and music create a sense of drama. Subsequently, you can easily lose hours as you drift away and listen to each tale unfold. If you love either of these story collections, you will not be disappointed.
The blank Yoto cards are another great solution. You can download a large selection of stories via the free Yoto app. The blank card can be wiped and reused as much as you wish. Accordingly, your children can enjoy new stories or games every night if they wish.
The audio cards are the size of a standard business card. Moreover, they are robust and can take some minor mishaps. However, they will get damaged if you twist or pull them. As such, some care is needed when you handle each card.
Is the Yoto Mini worth it?
The Yoto Mini 2024 version is available for under £60. This is unbelievable value when you consider every feature. Additionally, the free radio service, downloadable audiobooks, and exceptional build quality make this an appealing device. I loved its versatility and powerful mono speaker. What’s more, the design was great and it is effortless to use. Therefore, this would make a great Christmas present and I recommend buying it here!
(More information on Yoto can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! Yoto provided a sample for an unbiased and free review!)
