I’m checking out the Edifier MR3 powered studio monitors in today’s review. The MR3 have a flat frequency response, Bluetooth connectivity and multiple settings for acoustic room compensation. They’re priced at 149 USD.

I’ve been a fan of Edifier since I reviewed the excellent R1700BT way back in 2016. I was impressed by the R1700BT’s build quality, functionality and most of all, engaging sound. So when Edifier reached out regarding the MR3, I was excited to give them a listen.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Edifier for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.

Edifier MR3

Design

Available in either black or white, the Edifier MR3 are small bookshelf or desktop speakers. With dimensions of 125.5mm x 220mm x 185mm, the speakers have a small footprint, making them ideal for areas with limited space.

There’s 1 active speaker and 1 passive speaker and the two are connected via the included audio cable. The speaker chassis are made of made of MDF (medium density fiberboard), giving them some heft and a solid feel. Providing the juice is a Class D, 18W + 18W amplifier.

On the front of the active main speaker is a multi-function button and volume knob, along with a 3.5mm headphone output and 3.5mm Aux. The 1″ silk dome tweeter and 3.5″ mid-low driver make up the rest of the front panel.

In terms of connectivity, the front panel offers convenient access to both a 3.5mm headphone output and a 3.5mm aux input—handy for quickly hooking up a DAP or other portable sources. The volume knob is located here as well, right where you’d expect it.

Round the back, there’s a Bluetooth pairing button, RCA inputs for sources like a PC or DAC, tone controls, and balanced outputs for hooking into a mixer or interface. Sadly, there’s no USB or optical input, which limits digital flexibility. And while speaker connections are present, they’re of the spring-clip variety rather than proper binding posts. It’s a compromise, likely made to keep costs down, but a bit of an unfortunate one all the same.

Bluetooth and the Edifier ConneX app

The MR3 works with Edifier’s new ConneX app, which adds some extra flexibility for those who like to fine-tune things. You can switch between EQ presets or tweak the sound to your liking, and there are options like desktop compensation and a low-cut filter to better suit your room or setup. It also lets you manage the Bluetooth connection straight from your phone.

That said, the app feels more like a bonus than something essential. It’s handy for quick adjustments—especially when you’re streaming over Bluetooth—but most people will probably stick with the physical knobs and switches on the speakers for day-to-day use.

Sound

For testing, I hooked up the Edifier MR3 to my D&A Alpha Pro via RCA and used my PC via USB as the audio source. The speakers were placed on my desktop about 1.5 meters apart and slightly toed in.

The MR3 has a clean and balanced sound without any over-the-top effects—it just gives you an honest, no-nonsense presentation. It’s got that studio-style tuning that keeps things accurate without being clinical.

The bass is tight and goes reasonably deep for such small speakers, staying controlled even when you turn up the volume. However, there’s not much going on in the sub-bass region, as the low frequencies only extend down to 52Hz. Because of that, I find myself wishing there was a subwoofer output—but perhaps that’s asking a bit much at this price point.

Vocals and instruments sound clear and natural, with good separation and no strange colouring. The treble is smooth and easy on the ears—cymbals and higher frequencies are clear but never harsh, so you can listen for hours without fatigue.

For near-field listening, the soundstage is nicely spread out with solid stereo imaging and layering. Even busy tracks stay clean and organised, helped by the flat tuning and low cabinet resonance. It doesn’t have room-shaking bass or punch—you’d need a sub for that—but overall, the MR3 offers a well-balanced, transparent sound that’s great for use on a desk or in a small home studio.

Verdict

The Edifier MR3 might not turn heads like some of Edifier’s flashier models, but it’s got a clean, purposeful look that fits in anywhere. They’re compact enough to sit comfortably on a desk without crowding it, yet they still manage to deliver a convincing stereo image and a sound that’s more refined than the price tag suggests.

If you’re after an affordable pair of desktop monitors for music, media, or even light production work, the MR3 is well worth considering. They’re easy to live with, offer proper analogue connectivity, and sound more accurate than they have any right to at this price.