The Edifier ES20 fits a useful set of everyday features into a palm-sized cabinet. It includes a microphone, two-device Bluetooth connectivity and customizable lighting, making it suitable for a desk as well as a bag. At 326 g, it is easy to bring along without planning around the speaker.
Its limits are familiar for the size. Bass depth and maximum volume remain constrained, and its sound settings offer four presets with limited tuning flexibility. The ES20 is most attractive for nearby listening where those compromises matter less.
Sound
- 43 mm driver and passive radiator
- 6 W RMS
- Four sound presets
TechRadar found the ES20 lively and clean, with clear mids and controlled treble for its size. The same review heard compression at the highest volume and emphasized that the speaker cannot deliver deep, room-filling bass. That supports choosing it for a desk, a small room or a few people listening nearby. 1
Edifier provides Music, Gaming, Movies and Outdoor modes. They are convenient shortcuts, but TechRadar found their differences limited and wanted a custom EQ. If you regularly tune individual frequency bands, a speaker with more flexible controls will be easier to personalize. 1
Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC
- Two-source multipoint
- Built-in microphone
Multipoint lets a laptop and phone remain connected so the ES20 can serve both during a working day. A built-in microphone adds a hands-free calling role, giving the small speaker a reason to stay on the desk even when music is paused.
Two ES20 units can form a stereo pair. That offers a way to create more separation later, although starting with one is sensible if compact personal listening is the main job. The documented audio input is Bluetooth, so a charging connector should not be mistaken for an additional wired music source.
Battery & lighting
- Up to 15 hours at 50% volume with SBC and lights off
- Five ambient effects
Edifier publishes the conditions behind its 15-hour claim. It uses SBC, half volume and disabled lighting. Those details make the figure more useful than an unqualified all-day promise, and give a practical way to conserve energy during travel.
The ambient effects are part of the ES20’s desk appeal. ConneX controls their behavior along with playback and sound modes, while physical buttons keep ordinary actions accessible. Leave the lighting on when it adds something to the room, and turn it off when runtime matters more.
Design
- 90.4 × 93.7 × 49.7 mm
- 326 g
- IP67
The almost square body occupies little desk space and is shallow enough to pack easily. Its strap makes a short carry or attachment convenient, while the restrained styling is less visually intrusive than a large party speaker.
IP67 combines dust protection with resistance to specified immersion conditions. That is a useful advantage for a small speaker likely to move between a desk, garden and travel bag. The rating does not remove the need to dry the connections before charging.
Alternatives
The Bose SoundLink Micro 2nd Gen offers a replaceable attachment strap and Bose speaker linking, but omits the microphone. The Beosound A1 3rd Gen adds USB audio, a more flexible desk speakerphone connection and a premium finish. The ES20 is attractive when a simple compact feature set is sufficient.
Verdict
The ES20 is an appealing personal speaker for buyers who value compactness, calling and a little ambient light. Its limited EQ and high-volume compression matter most when asked to cover a larger area. Keep it close to the listener and its strengths make more sense.