Edifier ES20 Speaker Review: The Edifier ES20 delivers premium performance on a budget. A flawless 5-star effort.
{Tech} for Travel
Edifier ES20 Speaker Review
Portable speakers often mean compromise, but Edifier keeps finding ways to prove that travel-friendly audio can still sound serious. The brand has been gradually refining its approach with each release, from the retro-styled MP230 that looked as good on a bookshelf as it sounded, to the MP100 Plus, a tough little speaker made for life outdoors.
The new Edifier ES20 sits right between them. It takes the clean design language of the MP230 and the portability of the MP100, combining the two into something distinctly modern.
It’s compact, minimalist, and clearly designed to be as easy to live with as it is to carry.
Visually, the ES20 feels more mature than playful, with understated lines and a finish that wouldn’t look out of place beside a laptop or on a hotel nightstand.
The ES20 Portable Speaker is part of the wider ES Series, which includes the recently reviewed ES850NB ANC Headphones, and together, they make an impressive audio pairing.
Highlights
- + Strong, balanced sound
- + 15-hour battery life
- + IP67 resistance
- + Customisable lighting
- + Edifier ConneX app
- + Price
Drawbacks
- – No high-res codec support
- – Lighting in daylight
Features Edifier ES20 Speaker Review
The Edifier ES20 Speaker Review takes a closer look at a small Bluetooth speaker that’s been built with genuine care. The shape is clean, the finish is tidy, and it feels made for travel more than a desk corner.
Inside sits a 43mm driver powered by neodymium magnets, supported by a 55mm passive bass radiator. Together they produce 6 watts RMS, which doesn’t sound like much on paper but makes a strong impression in person. The audio has been tuned for balance rather than brute force.
The IP67 rating ensures this little speaker can handle more than its appearance suggests. Dust and rain aren’t a problem, so it’s as happy outdoors as it is indoors. Battery life comes in at up to 15 hours, and the USB-C port makes topping up simple when you need it.
Bluetooth 5.4 takes care of the connection and allows two ES20 speakers to be linked together for a more immersive stereo soundstage pairing. Codec support is SBC, the most reliable and compatible option for stable playback and efficient battery use. A built-in high-sensitivity MEMS microphone supports clear voice calls, enhanced by intelligent noise cancellation to reduce background interference.
The ambient lighting is where the ES20 starts to show some flair. Around the rim at the back of the ES20 speaker is an LED strip neatly concealed between the frame and mesh. Instead of flashing patterns, Edifier has opted for something far more relaxed. A soft ring of light glows around the edge, shifting gently between colours or holding one steady, depending on how you set it in the Edifier App.
It lends the speaker a touch of character and atmosphere, particularly in low light, without being showy or distracting.
The easy-to-use Edifier ConneX app lets you switch sources, control playback, adjust sound and lighting effects, and dig into settings or the built-in user guide.
Hands On Edifier ES20 Speaker Review
When I first unboxed the Edifier ES20, my immediate thought was that it was designed for indoor use only. The smooth lines, clean finish, and compact footprint made it look more like a small, stylish speaker for a tiny space in the house somewhere.
It had that calm, desk-friendly aesthetic that Edifier does so well. But after a quick charge and a sunny afternoon by the pool, that assumption went straight out the window.
The ES20 didn’t just hold its own outdoors; it thrived there. The IP67 rating gives real peace of mind, and it shrugged off splashes and humidity without a hint of trouble.
Sound Performance
What caught me off guard most was how confident the ES20 sounds for such a small speaker. That 6-watt output might not look impressive on paper, but Edifier has clearly tuned it for balance rather than brute volume.
The result is a warm, rounded sound that stays consistent across different genres of music. Acoustic tracks sound intimate, with vocals sitting forward and clear, while bass-heavy playlists still carry decent punch without muddying the mix.
I’m always a bit sceptical when small speakers promise “big bass,” but the ES20 actually delivers some low-end weight, and that’s thanks to a 55 mm passive radiator built inside.
In simple terms, it’s like a second, silent speaker cone that doesn’t make sound on its own but moves in response to the main driver. When the main speaker pushes air, the radiator moves with it, adding depth and warmth to the sound without needing extra power.
It gives the ES20 portable speaker a fuller tone, especially on acoustic tracks or slower songs where the bass needs space to breathe.
Indoors, it comfortably fills a medium-sized room, and outdoors, it holds clarity and direction well. It doesn’t throw sound across a large space like a party speaker would, but for personal use or small gatherings, it’s spot-on.
Controls
The controls are simple and intuitive, which is exactly what a portable speaker needs, in my opinion. The physical buttons are raised slightly and have a satisfying click, making them easy to find by feel. Power, volume, and pairing all work without delay, and I never had to double-check which button did what. Sometimes simplicity really is the best design choice.
That said, the real power sits inside the Edifier ConneX app. From there, I could manage almost everything: source selection, playback, sound effects, and lighting preferences.
As I’ve said in previous Edifier reviews, the interface is clean and responsive, with each control responding instantly. Switching between Bluetooth devices takes seconds, and stereo pairing through the app is almost effortless. I particularly liked being able to tweak the ambient lighting from my phone, and the inclusion of an emergency light option is a thoughtful touch.
Design & Build Quality
The ES20’s build quality is far more premium than its price suggests. It has a solid, reassuring density when picked up, and nothing about it feels hollow or fragile. The casing is firm, with no creaks or flex, and the matte surface finish gives just enough grip to make it easy to hold or carry.
It looks minimal, but every detail feels deliberate.
All the images have been taken at the end of the Edifier ES20 Speaker review. Over a month of testing, I tossed it into a day bag, carried it between rooms, and used it outdoors. It’s held up beautifully. No scratches or scuffs are present; the button symbols remain intact, and the speaker grille shows no signs of marks.
It’s not pretending to be a “tough” speaker with thick bumpers or covers, but it’s built well enough to survive everyday knocks. Edifier seems to have found that sweet spot between elegance and resilience. It’s both stylish and practical, without feeling like a compromise.
Final Thoughts Edifier ES20 Speaker Review
The Edifier ES20 Speaker review period proved to me that great tech doesn’t always come with a high price tag. This little speaker has completely redefined what I expect from the budget end of portable audio.
I could confidently hand the ES20 to someone and tell them it’s a $250/£250 speaker. On design and build alone, that claim wouldn’t raise an eyebrow. The finish feels premium, the proportions are spot on, and it’s one of those products that looks and feels far more expensive than it really is.
The sound quality held up brilliantly throughout testing. It’s pleasant and well-balanced across most volume levels, never harsh or strained, and remains easy to listen to for hours at a time. As a compact speaker, it was genuinely convenient to carry from room to room or throw in a bag for a weekend away. The battery easily lived up to the promised 15 hours during moderate outdoor use.
And if you think the lighting sounds like a gimmick, it’s not. Edifier has integrated it beautifully, hiding the glow neatly along the rear edge so that you only really notice it when the light’s low. It adds a bit of atmosphere without turning the ES20 into a disco ball, which is precisely how lighting should be handled on a portable speaker.
Audiophiles might point to the lack of advanced codec support, and yes, that’s technically true. But honestly, at this price, it’s an entirely fair omission. What you get in return is solid, reliable wireless performance, a speaker that’s a joy to use, and audio that will surprise anyone hearing it for the first time.
After several weeks of use, the ES20 has proved itself to be one of those rare bits of kit that fit into daily life. It sounds great, feels reassuringly well-made, and has just enough intelligence through the app and lighting to feel modern without becoming complicated.
It’s stylish, sturdy, and a genuine pleasure to use, easily one of the most impressive compact speakers I’ve tested this year.
Specifications Edifier ES20 Speaker Review
| Features | ES20 Portable Speaker |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 90×90×45mm |
| Weight | 334g |
| Colour Options | Black White |
| Driver Unit | 43mm Full Range |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz – 18kHz |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4 USB-C |
| Codec Support | SBC |
| Battery Life | Up to 15 hours playback |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 certified |
| App Support |
Android iOS |
| Features | Built-in MEMS Microphone with Noise Cancellation Customisable Ambient Rear Lighting |
| In the Box | ES20 Speaker USB-C Cable Lanyard Manuals |
| Website | edifier.com |
Price & Availability Edifier ES20 Speaker Review
The Edifier ES20 portable Bluetooth speaker is available now, priced at $89/£49.99 at edifier.com or local Amazon stores.
It comes in two finishes, Black and White, both matching the clean, understated design language that makes this model so versatile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Edifier ES20 produces clear, well-balanced audio with a warm low end from its 43 mm driver. It’s loud enough for outdoor use and stays distortion-free even at higher volumes.
You can expect up to 15 hours of playback on a single charge, depending on your volume level and lighting settings.
Yes, it’s IP67-rated, meaning it’s dust-tight and can handle splashes, rain, and poolside use without damage.
Yes, you can wirelessly link two ES20 speakers for true stereo sound. It’s quick to set up and instantly widens the soundstage.
It does. The high-sensitivity MEMS microphone uses noise cancellation to keep your voice clear during hands-free calls.
The speaker works with the Edifier ConneX app on Android and iOS, which lets you control sound modes, lighting, and other settings from your phone.
A subtle light ring around the back of the speaker glows softly in different colours or patterns. You can adjust or switch it off entirely through the app.
It’s very travel-friendly. At just 334 g and around 9 cm across, it fits easily into a bag or hand luggage.
The ES20 charges via a modern USB-C connection, and a cable is included in the box.
Inside you’ll find the ES20 speaker, a USB-C cable, lanyard, and user manuals — everything you need to get started.
