Quick Answer

The Edifier MR4 is the better choice for a fixed desk setup where you want accurate, wired monitoring from a mixer, audio interface, or computer. The Edifier ES60 is the better choice if you need a portable, battery-powered speaker for flexible listening around the home or outdoors. They serve different jobs, so the right pick depends on whether your priority is reference sound at a desk or grab-and-go convenience.

Sound and Power: Reference vs Portable

The MR4 is built around a 1-inch silk dome tweeter and a 4-inch diaphragm woofer, with MDF wooden cabinets that minimize acoustic resonance. That combination points to a smooth frequency response intended for audio reference work, so mixes and recordings translate more predictably. The ES60 takes a different route: 34 W RMS total output from dual 22 mm tweeters and one oval mid-bass driver with neodymium magnets, plus an oval passive radiator. That design is tuned for bigger, more energetic sound from a small portable box rather than flat reference monitoring.

Connections and Controls

The MR4 connects simply to mixers, audio interfaces, computers, or media players, and it puts a headphone output and AUX input on the front where you can reach them. A multi-functional knob handles power, volume, and sound effects toggle, and you can switch between monitor and music modes depending on whether you want a flat or more colored response. The ES60 relies on Bluetooth V5.4 with stereo pairing and multipoint connection, plus a USB-C input. It also has a built-in high-sensitivity microphone for calls, which the MR4 does not offer.

Portability, Battery, and Placement

The ES60 is the only one of the two designed to leave the desk. Its high-capacity battery provides up to 9 hours of continuous playback, and an IP66 dust and water resistance rating means it can handle outdoor use and splashes. The MR4 has no battery or weather rating because it is meant to stay plugged in at a fixed position. If you plan to move your speaker between rooms or take it outside, the ES60 is the practical option; if it will sit in one spot, the MR4's cabinet-based design is the more appropriate choice.

Price and Value at a Glance

At catalog prices, the MR4 is listed at USD 145.27 against a comparison price of USD 199.00, while the ES60 is listed at USD 113.23 against a comparison price of USD 169.00. That puts the ES60 lower on upfront cost, but the two are not competing for the same job. The MR4's value comes from its reference-oriented driver and cabinet design for desk work; the ES60's value comes from battery power, Bluetooth, and IP66 durability in a portable format.

Trade-offs to Weigh

  • Reference accuracy vs portable convenience: The MR4's MDF cabinets and silk dome tweeter are built for stable desk monitoring. The ES60 trades that fixed-position design for Bluetooth and battery power. Pick the MR4 if you sit in one place to listen or work; pick the ES60 if the speaker needs to move.
  • Wired inputs vs wireless freedom: The MR4 connects to mixers, interfaces, computers, and media players with front AUX and headphone access. The ES60 uses Bluetooth V5.4 with multipoint and USB-C. Choose the MR4 for a permanent wired chain; choose the ES60 for phone and tablet listening without cables.
  • Indoor-only build vs weather resistance: The MR4 has no battery or IP rating because it is meant to stay plugged in. The ES60 offers up to 9 hours of playback and an IP66 dust and water resistance rating. If outdoor or kitchen use is likely, the ES60 is the safer pick; if not, the MR4's cabinet design is the better fit.

Product Facts

  • Edifier MR4: 1-inch silk dome tweeter and 4-inch diaphragm woofers deliver pure sound; MDF wooden cabinets minimize acoustic resonance. The cabinet and driver design support stable, reference-style listening at a fixed desk position.
  • Edifier MR4: Connects to mixers, audio interfaces, computers, or media players; front-mounted headphone output and AUX input; multi-functional knob for power, volume, and sound effects toggle; monitor and music modes. Front-panel access and mode switching make it easier to integrate into a studio or desktop workflow without reaching around the back.
  • Edifier ES60: 34 W RMS total output power; dual 22 mm tweeters and one oval mid-bass driver with neodymium magnets, plus an oval passive radiator. The driver array and passive radiator are aimed at fuller sound from a compact portable speaker.
  • Edifier ES60: Bluetooth V5.4 with stereo pairing and multipoint connection; high-capacity battery offering up to 9 hours of continuous playback; IP66 dust and water resistance; built-in microphone for calls; USB-C input. Wireless pairing, battery life, and IP66 rating make it suitable for moving between rooms or using outdoors.

Which Edifier Speaker Should You Choose?

Best for

  • Producers, editors, and students who need reference-style monitoring at a fixed desk
  • Users connecting to a mixer, audio interface, computer, or media player with front-panel headphone and AUX access

Not for

  • Listeners who need battery power, Bluetooth, or outdoor durability
  • Anyone who wants to carry a speaker between rooms or use it away from a power outlet