Edifier MP230

No, this speaker is much more at home on a shelf in a sitting room or even in the corner of your kitchen. It projects reasonably rich, stereo sound for its size, and it does so by looking really slick. It’s not competing with the JBLs and the Ultimate...

In addition to having Bluetooth capabilities, the speakers will also give users alternative connectivity options. This includes an AUX input if you prefer a wired input, or TF card. The speakers also boast a 16-hour battery life which is pretty amazing...

Beautiful mid-century design ; Surprisingly effective stereo separation in a small speaker ; Satisfyingly clicky control buttons

Not designed for rugged use ; Controls hard to see in anything other than direct light

If you’re looking for a small speaker to use on a desktop or bedside table, the Edifier MP230 has excellent audio quality to match its stunning design.

Eye-catching looks Solid build quality Better-than-quoted battery life

No IP rating No EQ No built-in mic

Edifier has created a neat, well-made bit of kit in the MP230 – but its feature set feels out of date and audio performance isn’t good enough to make up for its shortcomings.

Unique looks ; Plenty of battery power ; Pleasant sound at lower volumes

Suffers (in audio terms) at bigger volumes ; Not built to withstand much wear and tear ; No app or EQ adjustment

If you like the looks, you’ll get beyond the fact the MP230 is way less portable (on a practical level) than the other portable speakers this sort of money will buy. What’s harder to get beyond is the way its performance suffers at louder volumes.

Deep, punchy bass Clear mids and treble Gorgeous aesthetic

No equaliser options Battery life could be better Lacks an IP rating

Those few niggles aside, the MP230 achieves everything it sets out to do and does so with style. The wooden enclosure adds retro flair to any shelf, desktop or table it graces and audio quality is excellent across the board. It’s a little light on...