Price When Reviewed

$149.99

Best Prices Today: Edifier MP230

$145.99

As my coworkers know, I like a superb discount. Finding gear that performs effectively however prices little offers me a thrill. But curiosity is a strong lure, and when the ultra-compact Edifier MP230 crossed my desk, I couldn’t resist—despite the fact that it’s dearer than the same old type of speaker I consider.

This Bluetooth speaker additionally sports activities USB and aux connections, making it a flexible possibility. No matter how you are feeling about cable muddle, there’s a technique of connecting to the MP230 that may work together with your desk setup. And it’s not simply multi-talented, however cute, too. It matches completely with the continued mania for mid-century trendy, giving it a retro aptitude with extra persona than typical low-cost laptop audio system.

Best of all: It sounds improbable. Despite its small footprint, the MP230 produces startlingly nice audio.

Further studying: See our roundup of the best budget computer speakers to find out about competing merchandise.

Design & construct

Pull the Edifier MP230 out of a field and it’s obvious instantly simply how compact this speaker is. You can simply tuck it underneath a monitor—it measures simply 6.38 x 3.33 x 3.8 inches (162 x 84.6 x 97 mm).

For my evaluate I obtained the brown model, which leans onerous right into a mid-century trendy vibe however in an understated and stylish method. A black-and-green model additionally exists, however it has extra of a low-key neon ’80s vibe. Both fashions sport a picket enclosure and 4 tiny rubber toes. A black USB-C and three.5mm aux cable are included within the field.

The design of the speaker could be very clear. On the again are the USB-C port (which can be utilized to connect with a PC for each energy and audio transmission) and three.5mm aux-in jack. There’s additionally a micro SD slot if you wish to insert a card loaded with music, which is a barely uncommon transfer for a contemporary speaker however will increase its flexibility of use. A charging indicator mild sits subsequent to the USB-C port.

Alaina Yee / Foundry

On the entrance of the speaker are the controls—energy, Bluetooth, play/pause, quantity down, and quantity up. A few these “piano key”–fashion buttons (as Edifier calls them) pull double obligation. 

The energy button additionally capabilities because the mode selector: Hold it to energy on or off, and press it to modify between USB-C, Bluetooth, aux-in, and micro-SD card mode. An LED mild adjustments shade primarily based on the mode—purple for USB-C, blue for Bluetooth, inexperienced for aux-in, and yellow for micro SD card. Meanwhile, holding down the Bluetooth button causes it to disconnect all units and enter pairing mode.

When working on battery energy, the speaker mechanically powers down when not in use.

Specs

• Connection sorts: USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm aux-in
• RMS ranking: 10W per speaker
• Driver measurement: 40mm
• Amplifier sort: Class D
• Battery capability: 2,500 mAh
• Dimensions: 6.38 x 3.33 x 3.8 inches (162 x 84.6 x 97 mm)
• Weight: 1.87 kilos (850g)
• Cost: $150 USD

Sound

Alaina Yee / Foundry

For such a small speaker, the MP230 produces startlingly good audio. It’s clear and crisp, but nonetheless layers in heat, pleasing bass. I loved listening to a wide range of music on it, in addition to watching video.

However, there’s one actual downside to the MP230’s diminutive measurement—its stereo audio system throughout the unit don’t have sufficient house, making their impact weak. For something the place positional audio is essential, the precise spatial placement is difficult to discern. (For instance, the opening to “Where Has Our Love Gone” by The Supremes nearly sounds just like the mono model of the track.) But that’s a bodily limitation and never essentially a design flaw.

Of the obtainable enter modes, the audio high quality is greatest over USB-C and Bluetooth. The bass isn’t as wealthy over aux-in, and with out that heat, every thing sounds little brassier.

As for quantity, the MP230 can get fairly loud. It won’t fully maintain its personal towards the noise of a loud social gathering, however you’ll be able to push it decently excessive. (If you actually wish to crank it up, aux-in is your greatest wager—you’ll be able to management quantity on the speaker unbiased of Windows and visa versa.) And this little speaker stays impressively clear at its max volumes—there’s minimal distortion, regardless of its small measurement.

Battery life

If you utilize the Edifier MP230 with a PC, it’s possible you’ll plan to depart it on the USB-C cable indefinitely—which you’ll positively do. But the one draw back is the danger of affecting the battery life (and battery longevity).

If you do find yourself working off battery, it does dwell near its estimated battery life, which Edifier lists as “up to nine hours.” At medium quantity, I acquired between eight to 9 hours of playback, or simply sufficient to get me by a day of labor.

Price & availability

The Edifier MP230 retails for $150 USD, although it goes on sale periodically for 15 to twenty p.c off on Amazon. In the U.S., you should buy it straight from Edifier’s site or by Amazon.

Should you purchase the Edifier MP230?

You can spend much less on a superb set of audio system, however you’ll be hard-pressed to search out one that mixes glorious, clear audio in such a small bundle. The Edifier MP230 not solely performs effectively, however it’s versatile and simply stashed underneath a monitor—or moved round when pulling a number of shifts in your house.