Edifier ES20 Review – Powerful Portable Speaker with a Retro Look

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I’m a big fan of Edifier. I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing quite a few of their products over the years (from the D32 to the beautifully designed MP230), and there’s just something about that signature Edifier sound that I genuinely love. It’s warm, immersive, and always feels a bit more refined than what you'd expect for the price.

And now, we’ve got the Edifier ES20—a brand-new entry in their higher-end ES series. It’s small, stylish, and absolutely packed with personality. Designed for portability but built like a premium product, this is one of those speakers that feels like it’s punching well above its category.

First Impressions

Edifier ES20 Retro Look!

When the box arrived, I was genuinely surprised by how compact it was. The Edifier ES20 is ultra-portable, and the packaging reflects that. The speaker itself has a beautifully retro-inspired design that immediately stood out. It feels like a stylish blend between vintage aesthetics and modern build quality. The body is wrapped in a matte rubbery finish that feels great in the hand, and the buttons have a clicky, satisfying feedback that I love. It even comes with a lanyard—ready to follow you anywhere.

I’ve reviewed the MP230 and D32, but honestly, the ES20 feels even more premium in some ways. It’s clean, compact, and very well thought out.

Edifier ES20 Portable speaker

Let’s Talk About the Sound

I’ll be honest—I wasn’t expecting miracles from a speaker this small. But wow. The sound quality is just incredible.

There’s bass. Proper, punchy bass. Not the kind that tries too hard and ends up muddy—but deep and warm, just the way I like it. The mids and vocals are clear and rich, and the overall tuning is exactly what you’d expect from Edifier.

Whether I was listening to chilled playlists in the evening, watching YouTube while working, or playing background music during dinner, the ES20 delivered every single time.

And here’s the best part: you can pair it with a second ES20 for a stereo setup. That completely transforms the experience. Wider soundstage, deeper immersion—perfect for creating a mini sound system without wires or fuss.

That Ambient Light Vibe

One thing I absolutely love: the ambient light feature.

I’ve got a Philips OLED TV at home with Ambilight, and I’ve always been drawn to products that incorporate soft lighting in a clever, atmospheric way. The ES20 includes multiple light presets that gently glow while playing—adding a subtle but stylish vibe, especially in the evening. It’s a small touch, but one that makes the speaker feel special.

Real-Life Use

Over the past week, I’ve taken this little speaker with me everywhere. From my office desk to the kitchen, even outside while walking the dog—it’s small enough to throw in a bag, and thanks to the IP67 rating, it’s dustproof, waterproof, and ready to handle a bit of British rain.

Pairing is super easy, and the Bluetooth 5.4 connection is stable. You can even connect to two devices at the same time, which is such a useful feature when you're switching between your phone and laptop. Battery life is great too—I’ve had no issues getting through the day without a recharge.

Edifier Portable Bluetooth Speaker with IP67 Waterproof & Dustproof, 12 Hours Playtime, Wireless Connectivity for Home Office Outdoor (Black)

EDIFIER

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Pros and Cons

👍 What I love:

• Surprisingly powerful sound with proper bass and clarity

• Stylish retro design with a modern premium finish

• Ambient lighting adds a cool, cosy touch

• Stereo pairing takes it to the next level

• IP67 waterproof and dustproof

• Lanyard included—truly portable

• Multipoint Bluetooth pairing

👎 What could be better:

• Doesn’t support Hi-Res Audio (only SBC codec)

• Battery life drops a bit with ambient lights on—but it’s still great

Final Thoughts

The Edifier ES20 is one of those rare speakers that nails it across the board: design, sound, and practicality. It’s small but full of charm. It looks retro but feels modern. And most importantly—it sounds fantastic.

Whether you're looking for a travel companion, a stylish speaker for your desk, or a thoughtful gift, I can confidently say this one is worth it. For under £60, you’re getting way more than you pay for.

Well done, Edifier—you’ve done it again. The Edifier ES20 is available on Amazon.com (click here) , and on Amazon.co.uk (click here)

Jerome

Jerome is a full-time lifestyle blogger and tech reviewer based in the UK. Since 2014, he’s been running Dapper & Groomed, helping men over 40 discover the best gadgets, headphones, and accessories through personal, real-world testing.