Technology

This is one of the best small-sized Bluetooth speakers I've tested, and it doesn't come from JBL or Bose

January 24, 2026 5 min read views
This is one of the best small-sized Bluetooth speakers I've tested, and it doesn't come from JBL or Bose
  1. Audio
  2. Hi-Fi
  3. Speakers
This is one of the best small-sized Bluetooth speakers I've tested, and it doesn't come from JBL or Bose Features By Harry Padoan published 24 January 2026

Talk about bang for your buck

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Edifier logo on the Edifier ES20 (Image credit: Future) Share Share by:
  • Copy link
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Whatsapp
  • Reddit
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Threads
  • Email
Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google

If you’re looking to get your hands on a new Bluetooth speaker in 2026, you have plenty of awesome options to pick from. I should know, having personally tested more than 30 models during my time here at TechRadar, including big hitters from the likes of Bang & Olufsen, Bose, and JBL.

But the speaker I want to discuss here isn’t from one of those household name brands. It’s also not the most premium option around. But it’s an incredible-sounding, compact, and classy model that I just can’t get enough of. And the best part? It comes in at under $90 / £50 / AU$100.

The model I’m talking about is the Edifier ES20, a palm-sized speaker with a retro-style aesthetic that’s so good that it even made the cut in my guide to the best Bluetooth speakers that money can buy. But what makes it so special? Well, I’ve selected the three main reasons why I’d recommend it down below, so if you’re interested to hear more, scroll on down!

You may like
  • Man holding Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Generation in palm I'm an audio reviewer, and these are the top 5 Bluetooth speakers of 2025 — picks from JBL, B&O, LG and more
  • Edifier ES60 on table, against pink background Edifier ES60 review: a solid speaker that falls just short of the competition
  • Marshall Middleton II being picked up by carry strap I've tested more than 30 Bluetooth speakers, but this model surprised me for one key reason — and it's not from Bose or JBL

Person holding the Edifier ES20

(Image credit: Future)Today's best Edifier ES20 dealsDeal onAmazon Singapore SG$89 SG$65.55ViewEdifier ES20 Premium...Amazon SingaporePrime SG$90.99 SG$69ViewEdifier ES20 Premium...Amazon SingaporePrime SG$69ViewWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

1. Excellent audio with mesmerizing mid-range performance

Person turning the Edifier ES20 on

(Image credit: Future)

First and foremost, the Edifier ES20 is an amazing performer given its small size and equally small price-tag.

When I tested it for my Bluetooth speakers guide, I was particularly blown away by its phenomenal mid-range clarity. The definition and expressiveness of electric guitars and vocals really stuck out to me, and helped the ES20 to stand out over top-tier rivals like the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4.

On top of that, you get satisfying, natural-sounding treble that sounds controlled yet energetic. And even though you won’t get incredible low-end weight from this small audio companion, bass is still punchy and agile, making for an exciting yet clean listening experience.

2. Immersive and ambient listening with customizable lighting

Ambient lights on reverse side of the Edifier ES20

(Image credit: Future)

The Edifier ES20 doesn’t only sound great, it finds a way of immersing you in your tunes so much more than most rivals in this price category.

Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inboxContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

And the main way it does that is with its integrated lighting, which you can customize via the speaker’s companion software. Yep, simply head over to the Edifier ConneX app, you can choose from a wide variety of lighting options, such as Breathing, Glittering and Rainbow. On top of that, you can personalize aspects like light modulation rate, brightness, and the displayed colors.

During my time testing the speaker, the lighting helped me to indulge in more atmospheric listening sessions. And because the ES20’s LED lighting is positioned on the reverse side of the speaker, you can even illuminate a wall behind it, which creates a real sense of ambience

3. A rugged yet classy design

Person holding Edifier ES20 by its carry strap

(Image credit: Future)

One more brilliant thing about the Edifier ES20 is its phenomenal design, which merges rough and ready portability with a surprisingly luxurious look.

You may like
  • Man holding Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Generation in palm I'm an audio reviewer, and these are the top 5 Bluetooth speakers of 2025 — picks from JBL, B&O, LG and more
  • Edifier ES60 on table, against pink background Edifier ES60 review: a solid speaker that falls just short of the competition
  • Marshall Middleton II being picked up by carry strap I've tested more than 30 Bluetooth speakers, but this model surprised me for one key reason — and it's not from Bose or JBL

First of all, this model is IP67-rated – a rating shared with many of the best waterproof speakers. That rating means that it’s fully dustproof, but also highly waterproof, and is able to withstand being submerged in a meter of water for as long as 30 minutes. It’s also got a really solid feel to it, meaning it will likely survive being dropped a few times without accruing any meaningful damage.

However, this model is also a real looker. It’s definitely got that retro-style that Marshall speakers have thrived on over the years – there’s clear inspiration from the Willen line in particular. But that combination of faux-leather casing, golden detailing, and an appealing protective grille really is to die for. And that marriage of practicality with sleekness is just another reason to love this cost-efficient Bluetooth speaker.

Today's best Edifier ES20 dealsDeal onAmazon Singapore SG$89 SG$65.55ViewEdifier ES20 Premium...Amazon SingaporePrime SG$90.99 SG$69ViewEdifier ES20 Premium...Amazon SingaporePrime SG$69ViewWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course, you can also follow TechRadar on YouTube and TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.

Harry PadoanHarry PadoanSocial Links NavigationStaff Writer

Harry is a Reviews Staff Writer for TechRadar. He reviews everything from party speakers to wall chargers and has a particular interest in the worlds of audio and gaming. Harry has a background in business tech journalism, particularly around the telecoms industry.

Show More Comments

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Logout Read more Man holding Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Generation in palm I'm an audio reviewer, and these are the top 5 Bluetooth speakers of 2025 — picks from JBL, B&O, LG and more    Edifier ES60 on table, against pink background Edifier ES60 review: a solid speaker that falls just short of the competition    Marshall Middleton II being picked up by carry strap I've tested more than 30 Bluetooth speakers, but this model surprised me for one key reason — and it's not from Bose or JBL    An IKEA SOLSKYDD Bluetooth speaker on a blue background 6 design-focused wireless speakers from CES 2026 I can't wait to hear    JBL Grip held against screen with beach projection I’ve tested tons of Bluetooth speakers, and this little-known JBL feature is a major reason I recommend its products so strongly    The Edifier M90 straddling a monitor on a PC desk. These understated new desktop speakers have one little feature that'll make them rival your TV's soundbar    Latest in Speakers JBL Grip held against screen with beach projection I’ve tested tons of Bluetooth speakers, and this little-known JBL feature is a major reason I recommend its products so strongly    The Victrola Soundstage at CES 2026, under a Victrola Wave turntable, both in a matching wood finish I heard Victrola's 'soundbase for turntables' speaker, and it might work    Klipsch Atlas Series headphones, left to right: HP-3, HP-2 and HP-1 on a grey background Klipsch and Onkyo celebrate 80 years of audio with the first Klipsch headphones in a decade, plus some cool new concepts    Marshall Middleton II being picked up by carry strap I've tested more than 30 Bluetooth speakers, but this model surprised me for one key reason — and it's not from Bose or JBL    Cambridge's L/R Series in various colors, at Cambridge Audio's Melomania HQ in London, UK Cambridge has unveiled three active bookshelf speakers at CES and it’s not hard to see the KEF resemblance    Man holding Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Generation in palm I'm an audio reviewer, and these are the top 5 Bluetooth speakers of 2025 — picks from JBL, B&O, LG and more    Latest in Features an image of the Galaxy S25 with the Rumors Rated badge I've rated all the key Samsung Galaxy S26 rumors    Roborock Saros 10 navigating around tester's home The 3 biggest lies robot vacuum brands are telling us, by a professional tester    Jennifer Lawrence closes her eyes as confetti falls on her face Die My Love is streaming on MUBI now — here's your camera starter kit inspired by the movie    NYTimes Crossplay NY Times Crossplay — the true story of how it was made    Dana looks down a road The Pitt season 2 episode 3 makes Dana the shining star of the HBO Max show    Boston Dynamics Atlas ‘The robot never gets tired’: Hyundai explains why its Boston Dynamics Atlas robot is ready to take over factories, but not your home    LATEST ARTICLES