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1 Some speakers look like boring black boxes that just happen to make sound. The Edifier ES60 is not one of them. This portable Bluetooth speaker is equal parts audio gear and stylish home décor. It brings a touch of retro personality while serving up surprisingly powerful sound for its size. With features like multi-device pairing, lighting effects, and a rugged build that can handle outdoor adventures, the ES60 is designed to slide effortlessly from kitchen counter to backyard patio to beach picnic without missing a beat. If you like your music with a side of style and convenience, this little unit has plenty to offer.
Style & Sound
Available simply in either black or white, I was sent out the black version to have a play with. Time to throw on a diverse playlist of music and get outside!
Design
The first thing that grabs your attention is the design. Instead of looking like a chunk of tech, the ES60 feels like a modern reinterpretation of a vintage radio. Its soft, curved edges, textured finish, and brushed accents make it look more like a fashion accessory than a speaker. Whether you leave it on a bookshelf, bring it along to a picnic, or place it beside your bed, it blends in beautifully with almost any environment. The ES60 is reasonably compact and easy to carry. It measures about 19cm wide, just under 10 cm tall, and similar in depth. The speaker weighs around a kilogram. That gives it enough heft to feel substantial without being a burden to carry in a backpack or bag.
Features
On top of the device are clearly marked buttons for power, playback, volume, and light modes. They are tactile and easy to find by touch, which means no fumbling around when you just want to skip a track. The ES60 also comes with customisable lighting effects. You can switch between different glow modes and either a warm or cool white, letting the speaker double as a mood light for late evenings. It is a small touch, but it adds character and makes the device feel alive. Via the ConneX app, you can even make it flash red for “emergency mode”.
Internally, the ES60 is more than just a pretty face. It features 2x 22mm 8W tweeters, an 18W oval mid-bass driver with neodymium magnets, and an oval passive radiator, all working together to produce an impressive 34 watts of sound output. That translates into punchy bass, clear vocals, and balanced highs that fill the room, garden, or wherever you may be! The speaker is designed to deliver 360-degree sound, so it does not matter whether you are sitting in front of it, behind it, or off to the side, the audio stays consistent.
Connection
Connectivity is equally versatile. You get the latest Bluetooth 5.4 standard, which provides fast pairing and a rock-solid connection. The ES60 can even pair with two devices at once, so you and a friend can take turns playing DJ. There is also the option to link two ES60s together for stereo sound, which is perfect for bigger gatherings. If you prefer a wired connection, a USB-C port is included that doubles as both charging input and audio streaming.
Via the app, I found that you can select whether you want the front and rear facing tweeters to either produce a combined mono sound or split them into stereo. Depending on where the speaker is located, it is possible to enjoy a stereo version of a song without purchasing a second speaker.
The speaker is also tough enough to handle the outdoors. With its IP66 rating, it resists dust and water splashes. That means you can confidently take it poolside, to the park, or on a camping trip without worrying about the occasional splash or gust of sand. Don’t get me wrong, although the internals are protected, you will still need to give the mesh and grilles a hoover out!
The port situation is refreshingly simple. A single USB-C connection handles both charging and wired audio. While there is no dedicated AUX input, Bluetooth pairing is smooth enough that most users will not miss it. Battery life clocks in at roughly nine hours on a full charge when playing at moderate volume without lights, which is more than enough for daily use or a long afternoon outside.
Functionality
Using the ES60 is as straightforward as you would hope. Hold down the power button, and the speaker is ready to pair in seconds. Once connected, the Bluetooth 5.4 technology keeps the link strong, even when walking around the house with your phone in your pocket. Multipoint pairing works seamlessly, so you can switch between devices without the usual annoyance of disconnecting and reconnecting.
Time to party
When it comes to sound, the ES60 delivers far more than its size suggests. The bass has depth and punch, the mids are warm, and the highs remain sharp without becoming harsh. Acoustic tracks sound detailed, while pop and dance music carry plenty of energy. I, as well as my guests, was really impressed by the sound quality. Even spoken word content like podcasts or calls come through clearly. Thanks to the built-in microphone, you can also take hands-free calls without reaching for your phone.
For those who like tailoring their sound, the speaker offers four different modes: Music, Movie, Gaming, and Outdoor. Each profile adjusts the EQ to match what you are doing, and you can make finer adjustments through the app.
The lighting adds another layer of fun. Whether you set it to a soft static glow for a relaxed evening or let it breathe, it helps create atmosphere without being overwhelming. Combine that with the rugged build and IP66 protection, and you get a speaker that can shift effortlessly from cosy indoor sessions to outdoor adventures.
When it comes to battery life, I managed to get 9 hours of music playback with the lights off and the volume at around halfway. With the lights on and a full battery charge, I managed just over 6 hours at the same volume.
Conclusion
The Edifier ES60 strikes a rare balance between style, sound quality, and practicality. It is portable but not flimsy, stylish but not delicate, and powerful without being overbearing. The retro design makes it feel more like a piece of décor than a typical speaker, while its strong audio performance ensures it is more than just eye candy. Anyone into their guitar playing will love that it looks similar to a mini cab head.
With up to nine hours of battery life, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, customisable sound modes, and water and dust resistance, the ES60 is built to be versatile. It feels equally at home in a living room, at a picnic, or on a camping trip. And while its lighting effects are not essential, they make the experience more playful and engaging.
At its price point of around £120, the Edifier ES60 delivers genuine value. It sounds much bigger than it looks and is easy enough for anyone to use. If you are looking for a portable speaker that blends personality with performance, the ES60 is an excellent choice.
I give the Edifier ES60 Portable Bluetooth Speaker the Thumb Culture Platinum Award!
Disclaimer: A sample was received in order to write this review.
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