Edifier ES60: Two-Minute Review
Elegant and Supreme. According to Edifier, these are the two words that define its ‘ES’ line of speakers. My expectations were high for the Edifier ES60, a Bluetooth speaker that promises immersive and high-quality 360-degree sound.
In some respects, it met my expectations, particularly in terms of aesthetics. The retro-style design, reminiscent of Marshall speakers, features golden accents, faux-leather casing, and an appealing speaker grille that caught my eye.
While it may not be the lightest speaker in its class, its IP66 waterproof rating allows for some splashes, making it portable enough for outdoor use. However, I found the audio performance lacking. The ES60 produces solid sound with clear output and decent bass, but it lacks the nuance offered by similarly priced competitors. Vocals aren't well-separated, and the treble can be harsh at higher volumes.
The speaker's features are a mixed bag. I appreciated the customizable ambient lighting, USB-C audio passthrough, and built-in mic for hands-free calls. However, the EQ options are basic, lacking a custom setting that could help balance the treble.
With a battery life of just nine hours, the ES60 falls short compared to rivals like the JBL Flip 7, which lasts up to 16 hours, and the Marshall Emberton III, which boasts 32 hours of playtime.
Priced at $199.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.99, the Edifier ES60 doesn't offer great value for money, especially when competitors excel in audio quality, battery life, and waterproofing. While it’s a solid speaker with an attractive design, I can’t recommend it unless it’s on sale.
Price and Release Date
- $199.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.99
- Launched in March 2025
The Edifier ES60 launched in March 2025 as part of Edifier’s ‘ES’ line, which includes models like the palm-sized Edifier ES20 and the larger Edifier ES300. It typically retails for $199.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.99, though it can occasionally be found for under $150 on Amazon US. Available colors include Black and Ivory.
Specifications
| Drivers | 1x 18W mid-bass driver; 2x 8W tweeters |
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 3.6 x 3.9 inches / 190 x 92 x 98mm |
| Weight | 2.3lbs / 1kg |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C |
| Battery Life | 9 hours |
| Waterproofing | IP66 |
Features
- Customizable lighting
- Limited EQ options
- Short battery life
The Edifier ES60 features a standard configuration for its size, including a single 18W mid-bass driver and two 8W tweeters, providing a maximum output of 34W. While it offers multi-point connectivity and dual-speaker pairing, the EQ settings are basic, lacking genre-specific options or custom tuning.
One highlight is the integrated LED lighting, which can be customized via the Edifier ConneX app to create an ambient listening experience. The USB-C port allows for wired audio, enhancing sound quality.
Sound Quality
- Decent at mid volumes with solid bass
- Treble can sound overzealous
- Lacks nuance and instrument separation
The sound signature of the Edifier ES60 is generally pleasant at mid-volumes, with clear vocals and balanced bass. However, the treble can be overstated, especially at higher volumes, leading to a lack of instrument separation.
Compared to the JBL Flip 7, the ES60 struggles to deliver the same level of vocal clarity and instrument definition. The Flip 7 offers a more nuanced sound, making it a superior choice for audio quality.
Design
- Appealing retro aesthetic
- Decent IP66 waterproof rating
- Solid build quality
The Edifier ES60 excels in design, featuring a retro style that stands out. Its faux-leather casing and golden accents enhance its luxury appeal. The speaker is well-built and IP66-rated, making it dustproof and resistant to water jets.
Value
- Pricey for its performance
- Better value options available
- Not a bad speaker overall
At $199.99, the Edifier ES60 is relatively expensive, especially given its audio performance and feature limitations. Competing models like the JBL Flip 7 and Marshall Emberton III offer better sound quality and longer battery life at lower prices.
Should I Buy the Edifier ES60?
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Features | Neat built-in mic and lighting, but poor EQ options and battery life. | 3.5/5 |
| Sound Quality | Decently clear with solid bass, but lacks nuance and treble gets overexcited. | 3.5/5 |
| Design | Appealing aesthetic, well-built, IP66 rating isn’t too bad. | 4.5/5 |
| Value | By no means a bad speaker, but it can’t keep up with the competition in this price category. | 2.5/5 |
Buy it if...
You want a speaker that’s also a statement piece. The Edifier ES60’s retro aesthetic makes it a standout choice.
You’re looking for an ambient listening experience. The customizable LED lighting enhances the atmosphere.
Don't buy it if...
You want the best sound quality. The JBL Flip 7 outperforms the ES60 in audio quality.
You don’t want to charge your speaker too often. The ES60’s nine-hour battery life is underwhelming compared to competitors.
Also Consider
| Edifier ES60 | Marshall Emberton III | JBL Flip 7 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 / £119.99 / AU$199.99 | $159 / £159 / AU$289 | $149 / £129 / AU$179 |
| Drivers | 1x 18W mid-bass driver; 2x 8W tweeters | 2x 10W full-range drivers, 2 passive radiators | 1x 45 x 80mm mid/bass 'racetrack' driver, 1x 16mm tweeter |
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 3.6 x 3.9 inches / 190 x 92 x 98mm | 6.3 x 2.7 x 3 inches / 160 x 68 x 76.9mm | 2.8 x 7.2 x 2.8 inches / 70 x 183 x 72mm |
| Weight | 2.3lbs / 1kg | 1.5lbs / 0.7kg | 1.2lbs / 0.6kg |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C |
| Battery Life | 9 hours | 32 hours | 16 hours |
| Waterproofing | IP66 | IP67 | IP68 |
The Marshall Emberton III is a strong competitor, offering balanced sound and impressive battery life. The JBL Flip 7 is another excellent choice, known for its sound quality and value.
How I Tested the Edifier ES60
- Tested over the course of one week
- Mainly used in the music testing space at Future Labs
- Predominantly tested using Tidal
I spent hours testing the Edifier ES60, exploring its features and sound quality across various genres. I utilized the Edifier ConneX app for light customization and EQ settings, and compared its performance against competitors.
For more details on our testing methodology, read more about how we test.