So this is the ES20 portable Bluetooth speaker from Edifier, and while it may look quite small, that shouldn’t put you off, because it delivers.
The speaker comes in either a black or cream finish, and includes a total output of 6watts, powering a 43mm full range driver and accompanied by a 55mm passive bass radiator to the rear. It’s IP67 rated, meaning it’s dust and water resistant, so no need to worry about it getting splashed or wet from rain, but note this cannot be submerged in water, not that you’d need that anyway. Battery capacity sits at around 15 hours, which I can confirm is accurate after my time using the speaker, and for the way I used the speaker, it was more than enough. Over the course of a week, using the speaker on and off for a couple of hours each day, I only needed to charge it once, near the end of the week, which to me seemed good.
Connection via Bluetooth, version 5.4 to be exact, and support is there for a stereo set-up, so if you had two of these together, you can pair them, creating a stereo sound. Multi point connection features too, so connect multiple devices at once to play and control content. There is a microphone built into the speaker, allowing you to make and receive calls as well.
Want more? There is app support, so via the device you’ve paired with the speaker, download the Edifier Connex app and gain access to some additional settings, such as changing the EQ, from music to game, movie or outdoor, control volume and adjust the lighting effects. Yes, lighting. To the rear of the speaker is a slim, colour-changing strip light that will illuminate in coloured patterns, a solid light, or act as a red SOS signal in the event of an emergency.
The controls are simple, push buttons for power, volume control, play, pause, changing songs and turning on the lighting effects. To the top, there are small indicator lights as well, showing connection status and battery level.
I took this away with me on our family holiday and only received compliments from everyone who asked where the music was coming from. Given its size and price tag, it’s powerful and punchy. Volume was more than enough as background music while outside, or inside, even louder, and I found myself not turning it up that loud. The sound is vibrant and balanced; it doesn’t sound tinny or cheap in any way, the bass is present and it’s just been a pleasure to use.
While away, the speaker got wet, it got splashed on as it was around the pool most of the time. It also took a couple of tumbles while the kids tried to balance the speaker on top of their tablet, holding their drink and walking around. Did it affect the speaker in any way, no, it kept playing and barely had a scratch on it, showing just how durable it is. A carry handle is provided in the box, which can be looped through a cut out on the side of the speaker, to help with holding and carrying the speaker, by hand, or tied to your backpack.
The price for all this is less than fifty pounds at retail and often on sale for slightly less. I can’t fault the ES20, it performs, it’s compact, lightweight and durable. The ES20 will be with me on my future holidays and days out in the garden for the foreseeable future.
To find out more and to purchase, head over to the official Edifier ES20 webpage.
