Edifier D32 Review (2026): Is This Beautiful Retro Speaker Still Worth Buying?
Post updates: 25th October 2026
The Edifier D32 is one of those speakers that immediately catches your attention. With its beautiful retro design, wooden cabinet and piano-style controls, it looks like something from another era. But behind that vintage appearance is a surprisingly capable wireless speaker with 60W of power, AirPlay 2 and Hi-Res Audio support.
I really enjoyed the D32 when I first reviewed it in 2024. Since then, Edifier has released newer models, including the ES300 and S300, which I've also had the opportunity to review.
So, is the Edifier D32 still worth buying in 2026, or have newer alternatives made it less appealing?
I think it still has plenty to offer, although there are a few things you should know before buying.
How I Tested the Edifier D32
I tested the brown version of the Edifier D32 in my home, mainly as a living-room speaker.
My listening included Spotify and Qobuz, with music streamed from my iPhone and MacBook Air using AirPlay 2. I also connected my Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB turntable through the speaker's AUX input.
I listened to different styles of music, from classical and acoustic recordings to rock and electronic tracks.
I wasn't simply interested in how loud the speaker could get. I wanted to understand how it handled vocals, how much depth the bass had and whether it remained enjoyable during everyday listening.
Since that original review, I've also tested the Edifier ES300 and S300. Those experiences have helped me put the D32's performance into perspective.
Design and Build Quality: One of Edifier's Best-Looking Speakers
I'll start with the design because, for me, it is one of the biggest reasons to consider the D32.
The brown model I tested has a lovely vintage appearance. The wooden cabinet, textured front grille and piano-style buttons remind me of old radios and traditional hi-fi equipment.
But it doesn't feel like a novelty product trying too hard to look old-fashioned.
The MDF cabinet feels substantial, and the combination of materials gives the D32 a much more interesting appearance than an ordinary plastic Bluetooth speaker.
I particularly like the physical controls. They are easy to reach, satisfying to press and contribute to the overall character of the speaker.
It looks excellent on a sideboard, shelf or desk, particularly if you have a turntable nearby.
At approximately 3kg, it is quite substantial. This is not a speaker I would put in a backpack and take travelling.
However, it is perfectly reasonable to move it from your living room to your kitchen or bedroom.
And because it has a built-in battery, you don't necessarily need a power socket wherever you decide to use it.
The D32 is one of those speakers I would happily leave on display, even when it isn't playing music.
Edifier D32 Sound Quality: Warm, Detailed and Surprisingly Powerful
Of course, a good-looking speaker is of little use if the sound disappoints.
Fortunately, the Edifier D32 performed very well in my testing.
Inside the cabinet are two 1-inch silk dome tweeters and a 4-inch mid-low driver, producing a combined 60W RMS output.
That is plenty of power for a typical living room.
What impressed me most was the overall balance.
The D32 has a warm, enjoyable sound signature, but it doesn't sacrifice clarity to achieve that warmth.
Vocals and Midrange
Vocals were one of the highlights of my listening.
With good-quality recordings, voices sounded natural, clear and nicely positioned in the mix.
There was enough detail to appreciate the texture of a performance without making the sound excessively bright.
Acoustic instruments worked particularly well too. Guitars had a pleasing sense of presence, while strings and smaller details remained easy to follow.
For relaxed listening in the evening, this is exactly the kind of presentation I enjoy.
Bass Performance
The bass is surprisingly substantial for a speaker of this size.
There is enough depth to give rock and electronic music some real energy, but the low frequencies don't completely dominate the sound.
That matters because some compact speakers try to impress with exaggerated bass at the expense of everything else.
The D32 feels more balanced.
I enjoyed the warmth and body it brought to music, particularly when listening at comfortable volumes in the living room.
However, if you're looking for extremely powerful, room-shaking bass, I would consider something larger.
The D32 is designed to be an enjoyable home music speaker, not a dedicated party system.
Volume and Stereo Separation
The D32 can fill a room comfortably without needing to be pushed to its maximum volume.
During my listening, I found the sound clean and controlled, with enough headroom for louder music when I wanted it.
Stereo separation is also respectable considering that both channels are housed inside one cabinet.
However, it is still a single tabletop speaker.
If you want a very wide stereo presentation, a proper pair of bookshelf speakers will generally make more sense.
For everyday music listening, though, I found the D32 thoroughly enjoyable.
AirPlay 2: Excellent Once Connected, But Why Does Apple Make Things So Complicated?
One of the biggest advantages of the Edifier D32 is its support for Apple AirPlay 2. As someone who uses an iPhone and MacBook Air every day, I was particularly interested in this feature.
However, I have to admit that getting everything connected wasn't as straightforward as I had hoped.
And to be fair to Edifier, I don't think the D32 itself is necessarily the problem. My frustration is more with the way Apple handles AirPlay connections and setup.
I still don't understand why Apple sometimes makes something that should be so simple feel unnecessarily complicated.
Once I managed to get everything working, though, I could enjoy streaming music from Spotify and Qobuz through my Apple devices without relying on a conventional Bluetooth connection.
That is one of the main reasons I like AirPlay 2. When I am working from home, I can stream music from my MacBook Air or iPhone while getting on with my day.
The D32 also supports AirPlay 2 multi-room playback with compatible equipment, which is useful if you have other AirPlay speakers around the house.
So, while the initial setup could certainly be more intuitive, the everyday experience is much better once everything is connected.
How to Connect the Edifier D32 to AirPlay 2
There are several ways to connect your Edifier D32 to AirPlay 2. Unfortunately, nothing seems to be instant with AirPlay 2, although some methods are quicker and easier than others.
The good news is that Edifier includes a detailed user guide in the box, with clear instructions explaining the different ways to connect the D32 to AirPlay 2.
My advice? Follow the guide and choose the method that works best for you. Once everything is set up, using AirPlay 2 is much simpler, and you can enjoy streaming music directly from your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
Does AirPlay 2 Deliver Hi-Res Audio?
This is another area where I think buyers need a little clarity.
The D32 supports ALAC through AirPlay and high-resolution audio processing up to 24-bit/96kHz. However, that doesn't mean every track streamed through AirPlay 2 will arrive at the speaker at that resolution.
Actual streaming quality depends on the source, device and playback method.
For me, the more important point is that AirPlay 2 sounded excellent during everyday listening.
Music was clean, full and detailed, and the convenience of streaming directly from my Apple devices made the D32 particularly enjoyable to use.
Bluetooth and LDAC: How Good Is the Sound?
The Edifier D32 supports Bluetooth 5.3 and LDAC, an audio codec that allows Hi-Res Audio transmission over Bluetooth with compatible devices.
Depending on your streaming service and smartphone, the sound quality with LDAC can be really impressive. However, there is one thing worth knowing: not all Android smartphones support the highest LDAC quality settings, and Apple devices don't support LDAC at all.
I tested LDAC with my Google Pixel 9a, and unfortunately, I couldn't use the highest quality setting available. So it's worth checking what your own smartphone supports.
That said, even without the maximum settings, I found the sound quality through LDAC excellent. It's a great option for enjoying high-quality wireless audio without relying on AirPlay 2.
Using the Edifier D32 With My Audio-Technica Turntable
This was one of my favourite parts of the original review.
I enjoy listening to vinyl, and the D32's design makes it a natural companion for a turntable.
I connected my Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB through the AUX input.
The result was excellent.
There was a lovely warmth to the sound, with clear vocals, pleasing detail and enough bass to give older recordings real body.
The retro styling made the combination feel even more appropriate.
I particularly enjoyed how well the D32 handled quieter passages and acoustic recordings.
Of course, a separate stereo system might provide a wider soundstage and more flexibility. But if you want a stylish, relatively compact speaker for your records, the D32 is a very appealing option.
Having subsequently tested the more premium Edifier S300, I would choose the S300 if vinyl listening were my main priority.
Nevertheless, the D32 remains a very enjoyable and practical solution.
Battery Life and Everyday Portability
Edifier claims up to 11 hours of playback from the built-in 5,200mAh battery.
Actual battery life will depend on volume, playback conditions and other factors, so I would treat that figure as a manufacturer's estimate rather than a guarantee.
During my original testing, I mostly used the D32 plugged in at home.
That is probably how I would recommend using it if it is going to sit permanently on a desk or sideboard.
However, having a battery is a genuine advantage.
You can move it between rooms without worrying about finding another socket.
At just over 3kg, it isn't especially lightweight, and it isn't designed to replace a rugged outdoor Bluetooth speaker.
Its portability makes much more sense around the home.
The Edifier ConneX App: Useful, But Not Perfect
The D32 works with the Edifier ConneX app, allowing you to switch sources, adjust sound settings and customise the equaliser.
I like having the option to make small adjustments to the sound, particularly when moving between different types of music.
However, after reviewing several Edifier products, I think the brand could simplify its app ecosystem.
Different speakers and headphones can use different Edifier apps, which is unnecessarily confusing.
The D32 uses ConneX, while newer models such as the ES300 use Edifier Home.
Come on, Edifier. One app would be better.
It is not a reason to avoid the speaker, but it is something Edifier could improve.
Edifier D32 vs ES300 vs S300: Which One Should You Choose?
Since my original D32 review, I've also had the opportunity to test the Edifier ES300 and S300. All three are excellent speakers, but they offer slightly different experiences.
The D32 remains my favourite for its classic retro design, warm sound and excellent connectivity. The ES300 offers a more contemporary look and is perhaps the better all-rounder, while the S300 delivers a more premium audio experience, particularly for serious music listening.
But that doesn't make the D32 any less appealing. I still think it's a fantastic speaker, especially if you love its vintage styling and can find it at a competitive price.
If you're undecided between the three models, I've written a detailed Edifier D32 vs ES300 vs S300 comparison, where I explain their differences and which one I would recommend depending on your needs.
- Beautiful retro design and excellent build quality.
- Warm, detailed sound with surprisingly good bass.
- Powerful 60W output, ideal for a living room.
- AirPlay 2 and LDAC support for high-quality wireless audio.
- Works beautifully with my Audio-Technica turntable.
- Built-in battery for moving it around the house.
- AirPlay 2 setup isn't as straightforward as it should be.
- At around 3kg, it's not particularly portable.
- No native Spotify Connect or Google Cast.
- Edifier's different mobile apps can be confusing.
- The newer ES300 is worth considering if prices are similar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Edifier D32 support Apple AirPlay 2?
Yes. The Edifier D32 supports AirPlay 2 over Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream music from compatible iPhones, iPads and Macs. It also supports AirPlay multi-room playback with compatible equipment.
Can You Connect a Turntable to the Edifier D32?
Yes. I tested it with my Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB using the AUX input. You need a turntable with a built-in phono preamp, or an external phono preamp, to provide the correct line-level signal.
Does the Edifier D32 Support Spotify Connect?
The D32 does not advertise native Spotify Connect support. You can still listen to Spotify using Bluetooth or AirPlay 2 from a compatible device.
Can You Use the Edifier D32 Without Plugging It In?
Yes. It has a rechargeable battery rated for up to 11 hours, although actual playback time varies depending on use.
Is the Edifier D32 Better Than the ES300?
That depends on what matters most. I prefer the D32's traditional retro appearance, but I consider the ES300 a more versatile overall speaker. Both offer good sound and modern wireless connectivity.
Is the Edifier D32 Good for a Living Room?
Yes. Its 60W RMS system has enough power for most everyday living-room listening, and the design makes it particularly attractive on a shelf, sideboard or desk.
Is the Edifier D32 Still Worth Buying in 2026?
Absolutely! If you love retro design and want something a little different from the usual modern Bluetooth speakers, the Edifier D32 is a fantastic choice.
I still think it's one of Edifier's most attractive speakers. The vintage styling, beautiful wooden cabinet and piano-style controls give it a unique personality, while the warm, detailed sound and modern connectivity make it a pleasure to use every day.
Yes, Edifier has released newer models, but the D32 hasn't lost any of its charm. In fact, if you appreciate beautiful design as much as good sound, I think you'll love it.
The Edifier D32 isn't just a speaker that sounds good. It's one you'll actually enjoy having on display.
Jerome
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