Edifier ES20
Summary
A compact, retro-styled Bluetooth speaker delivering warm, surprisingly punchy sound via a 1.7″ full-range driver and passive bass radiator. Offers up to ~15 h playtime, ambient lighting, rugged IP67 build, Bluetooth 5.4 with stereo and multi-point pairing—all for about $90. Minor limitations include SBC-only codec, reduced battery life with lights on, limited mic range, and under-performing EQ app controls.
Edifier ES20 Review
There are always the sounds of summer. Sometimes mine were Yuaght Rock, other times Los Angeles Dodgers games, and occasionally new music from Christina Carpenter or Billie Elish, or a Star Talk Radio podcast. More likely than not, this summer’s open spaces were filled with sounds emanating from the Editfer ES20.
The ES20 slides into my speaker collection where minimal size meets maximal usability, and portable audio devices stop behaving like disposable tech and start hinting at enduring craftsmanship.
The Edifer ES20 harkens back to classic guitar amp design and other classic stage gear. It attempts to redefine what small can sound like. Rather than chasing specifications, the Edifer ES20 looks back at analog cues—ambient glow, tactile buttons—while leaning into digital agility (stereo pairing, IP67 resilience, ConneX app). It represents an often loud argument that thoughtful design still matters in consumer audio.
What we like
Pros
- Compact, retro-inspired design with premium feel
- Strong sound for size: clear mids and vocals with warm, punchy bass
- Ambient lighting for atmosphere
- Bluetooth 5.4 with stereo pairing and multi-point connection
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof ruggedness
- Lanyard included for true portability
- Up to 12–15 hours battery life (depending on source)
- Good sustainabilty efforts
The design marries retro charm with modern substance. Wrapped in a soft, matte leatherette finish with clicky top buttons and a ring of ambient lighting, it’s both tactile and atmospheric. The included lanyard reinforces its travel-ready character—and the 326g weight is light enough to feel nimble in hand. Priced at around $89.99, this build’s quality feels unusually well-crafted for the price.
Sound performance defies expectations. A 1.7-inch (≈ 43 mm) full-range driver with a passive 2-inch (approx 55 mm) bass radiator, powered by a 6 W Class-D amplifier, delivers surprisingly robust bass alongside clear vocals and rich mids—far above what similar-sized speakers manage. Though just 6 W, the tuning feels warm and balanced, not thin or tinny.
Ambient lighting adds a sensory layer beyond sound. Five preset effects create a portable stage lighting environment—a small but thoughtfully atmospheric feature.
Connectivity spans practical territory. Bluetooth 5.4 supports pairing two devices simultaneously, and two ES20 units can form a stereo pair—an increasingly common feature in this size category. We did not, however, have two speakers and therefore were not able to test the stereo option.
Cardboard packaging is good, along with cardboard insert and recycleable bags. I would love to see them abandon the plastic overwrap.
Ruggedness also isn’t an afterthought. The IP67 rating promises resilience against dust and up to one meter of water immersion for 30 minutes—worth noting for outdoor or unpredictable environments.
Edifier ES20’s specs offer up to 15 hours of playback (with ambient light off, at moderate volume, using SBC codec) or around 12 hours in other contexts—sufficient for long sessions without recharge.
What could be improved
Cons
- Only SBC codec—no high-resolution audio
- Battery life may dip when ambient lighting is active
- The microphone drops audio if not very close
- EQ presets and manual sound-effect settings in the app seem ineffective
Absence of advanced codecs feels limiting. With SBC the only supported Bluetooth codec, high-resolution enthusiasts may notice a lack of detail or dynamics compared to AAC, aptX, or LDAC alternatives—but for its class, SBC is the only lens available.
The Edifier ES20’s battery life is reduced with ambient lighting engaged. Although still respectable, the runtime dips below the stated maximum under real-world conditions, but turning on more features always yields the need for more power.
The built-in microphone works, but only at very close range. When farther than a couple of feet, voice calls break up—suggesting the mic’s sensitivity or positioning isn’t forgiving–or that for a small speaker, the hardware is designed for more intimate conversations, which is fine. The ES20 was never intended for conference rooms. It has a more under-the-covers vibe.
App-based audio shaping is not impressive. The EDIFIER ConneX app offers four EQ presets and a manual “sound effects” slider—but neither yields much audible difference, implying either a firmware limitation or a disconnect between the interface and DSP.
Edifier ES20: The bottom line
The Edifier ES20 occupies an occasionally loud (though sometimes pianissimo) niche that sits between utility and charm. Retro aesthetics and atmospheric lighting wrap around surprising acoustic depth for a device so compact and affordable. Connectivity features like stereo pairing and multi-point, along with IP67 protection, reinforce that this is a well-engineered gadget. Compromises emerge only in codec support, mic range, and app functionality. Still, for roughly $90, the ES20 acts less like a budget speaker and more like a thoughtful companion built around practical delight.
Edifier provided the Edifier ES20 for review. Images courtesy of Edifier unless otherwise noted.
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