Edifier M90 in test: Anyone looking for speakers for their desk has always had a hard time: either the speakers sound good, but offer hardly any connection options, or the connectivity is right, but the sound is not. The Edifier M90 is positioned above the M60 (our test) from last year and aims to solve this dilemma. They come with a combination of HDMI eARC, Bluetooth 6.0, USB-C and a 100-watt amplifier in an extremely compact 2.0 setup. Including optional subwoofer extension. I have tested the M90 extensively. Here are my experiences.
Technical data of the Edifier M90
| The product | M90 |
| Speaker type | Active-passive speaker combination |
| Audio inputs | HDMI eARC, Optical, USB-C, AUX, Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth version | 6.0 |
| Bluetooth codecs | LDAC, SBC |
| Total power (RMS) | 100 W (highs: 2x 15 W, mid-lows: 2x 35 W) |
| Drivers | 4″ long-throw aluminum diaphragm mid-bass drivers 1″ silk dome tweeters |
| Frequency range | 50 – 40,000 Hz |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | ≥ 85dB(A) |
| Special features | Hi-Res Audio, LDAC (Hi-Res Audio Wireless), HDMI eARC |
| Size | 133 x 212 x 225 mm (active speaker); 133 x 212 x 210 mm (passive speaker) |
| weight | 6.05 kg |
| Colors | Black, White |
| Price | € 219.99 (€ 110.00 / Stück)* |
Edifier M90 test: design and workmanship
When you first unpack the Edifier M90, you immediately notice that they are significantly heavier than their compact dimensions of 133 × 212 × 225 mm would suggest. The rear panels of the bass reflex enclosures are precisely closed with ten hexagon socket screws. A processing detail that is more reminiscent of products from higher price ranges.
But to be honest, I’m not used to anything else from Edifier. The manufacturer consistently delivers quality in its products that is well above its own price range. Be it headphones like the WH950NB (2026) or loudspeakers. The MR5 studio monitors have been an integral part of my desk setup for a good six months now. And I love the speakers. But the Edifier M90s are even more compact.
The entire housing looks solid, without anything creaking or giving way. The grills sit firmly, nothing wobbles, the housing feels much more valuable than the price would suggest. Visually, the M90s have a timeless, clean look that is available in either black or white. The design is reminiscent of the smaller M60 or the MR5: two simple speakers, with a large woofer at the top and a smaller tweeter at the rear. Although they take up space on the desk next to a monitor, they do not appear disproportionate.
With their dimensions, they feel more like compact hi-fi speakers that happen to be on the desk than typical computer speakers.
The only design compromise worth mentioning: all connections as well as the power switch and volume control are located on the back of the main speaker. This means that the rear quickly becomes a tangle of cables in a desktop setup. In contrast to other Edifier models such as the M60, MR3 or MR5, where the volume control is optimally positioned at the front of the main speaker, the developers have dispensed with a front control element on the M90. Although the supplied remote control largely compensates for this disadvantage in day-to-day operation, the hidden positioning of the controls remains a point that should be noted.
Bluetooth 6.0 and HDMI eARC: modern features
Internally, the Edifier M90s are based on a 2-way design with a 2.5 cm silk cupola tweeter and a 10.16 cm bass-midrange driver with an aluminum diaphragm. Edifier has designed the bass-midrange driver for precise and controlled bass reproduction, while the silk dome tweeter is intended to deliver a fine and detailed high-frequency resolution. Amplification is provided by two highly efficient Class D power amplifiers, which together deliver 100 watts RMS.
For each speaker, 15 watts are available for the tweeter and 35 watts for the bass-midrange driver. This bi-amping architecture provides noticeable headroom in practical tests, which is reflected in stable dynamics even at higher volumes. The internal signal processing is completely digital: Edifier relies on continuous 24-bit/96 kHz DSP processing, which applies to both digital and analog sources.
Analog input signals are fed into the digital signal path via high-resolution analog-to-digital converters. The M90s carry both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification – a clear statement that sets the speakers apart from pure desktop speakers.
Edifier focuses on maximum flexibility when it comes to connectivity. The highlight is the HDMI eARC connection, which enables a direct connection to the TV – including volume control via the TV remote control and lossless audio playback. There is also an optical digital input (TOSLINK), a USB-C connection, a 3.5 mm jack input and Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC support. Bluetooth Multipoint allows two devices to be connected at the same time.
However, multipoint use disables LDAC due to Bluetooth bandwidth limitations. For expansion requirements, there is also a dedicated subwoofer output, which enables expansion to a 2.1 system. The scope of delivery includes an RCA to 3.5 mm jack cable, a 3.5 mm jack cable, a USB-C cable and a Toslink cable. Only the HDMI cable must be purchased separately.
Operation of the Edifier M90: Remote control as a plus
In everyday use, the Edifier M90 shows that a good user experience does not necessarily have to be based on touch sensors or OLED displays. They can be operated either via the supplied remote control or the companion app. The remote control works with 2.4 GHz radio instead of infrared, which means that no line of sight to the device is required. A practical advantage in everyday life.
The remote control is compact and offers the expected buttons for volume, track change and mute. In addition, the input can be changed quickly, which is very useful when switching between TV connection, Bluetooth smartphone and wired sources. Three presets (Classic, Dynamic, Monitor) can be called up directly at the touch of a button. If you have connected your TV via HDMI eARC, you can also use the TV remote control to adjust the volume.
The system then behaves like a classic hi-fi setup under the TV. A minor annoyance in everyday life: The M90s are equipped with a very aggressive auto-off function ex works. If you pause playback briefly or if the room is quiet, the speakers switch themselves off and it takes a few seconds to switch them back on, as there is no front button. However, this can be permanently deactivated in the app and is then no longer noticeable. If you use the M90 as a TV sound replacement, you should take this step immediately after setting it up.
The Edifier ConneX app is available for iOS and Android and significantly expands the operating options. The app offers a 9-band equalizer that allows the frequency response to be adjusted from 62 Hz to 16 kHz. Settings can be saved as a user-defined profile. The app also enables quick switching between inputs, access to sound presets and system settings such as energy saving options, notification tone configurations and firmware updates. To be honest, the app is functional, but nothing more. Setting the equalizer, yes. But then you don’t really need it anymore.
Outstanding sound quality
In terms of sound, the Edifier M90s demonstrate their greatest talent with a convincing power that you wouldn’t expect at this price point and with this size of housing. The imaging performance was impressive from the very first listen: Voices are three-dimensional and precisely positioned in the center of the imaginary stage, phantom sound sources can be precisely localized across the entire panorama width.
The bass is probably the M90’s biggest surprise. The speakers not only offer an astonishing amount of bass and dynamics, but also a good degree of differentiation in the lower octaves and precision – complemented by excellent transparency. If you listen to a lot of electronic music, you will notice that low sub-bass frequencies do not achieve the physical punch of a subwoofer. However, this is no surprise for a 2.0 system of this size and can be remedied with the optional subwoofer output.
The M90s were also convincing in gaming use. Whether in story games such as 007 First Light, in Forza Horizon 6 or in Marvel Rivals and Valorant: subtle ambient sounds such as wind and animal voices in the game world remained present and audible, while explosions and impacts had enough weight to be convincing. The stereo separation is another highlight. It creates a strong left-right width, so that instruments and effects appear clearly spatially distributed instead of collapsing towards the center.
However, there is one drawback: the M90s tend to have a slightly cool, sometimes harsh sound character in the mids and lower trebles. Interestingly, the “Dynamic” preset mitigated this disadvantage, while “Monitor” intensified the cool character. If you are sensitive to harsh mids, you should use the 9-band EQ to adjust the sound a little warmer. This is easily possible in the ConneX app and improves the sound noticeably.
The highs are clear and detailed without ever becoming harsh or fatiguing. Cymbals, hi-hats and the upper registers of an acoustic guitar come across with contour rather than the exaggerated sheen you get from cheaper speakers. All in all, the Edifier M90s deliver a truly outstanding sound in this price range, which also meets audiophile demands. The combination of Bluetooth 6.0 including LDAC and modern connections makes the speakers a real all-rounder. Be it on the desk, on the shelf or next to the TV.
Edifier M90 Review: Conclusion
The Edifier M90s are exactly what they promise to be: a versatile speaker system that works just as well at the desk as it does under the TV. Its greatest strength lies in its versatility. With HDMI eARC, USB-C, optical input, jack and Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC and Multipoint, almost any device combination of laptop, console, smartphone and TV can be operated via the same pair of speakers.
The sound quality is pleasantly surprising and is well above what you would expect from compact desktop speakers in this price range. But fortunately, we’re not used to anything else from the manufacturer. The spatial imaging, dynamics and bass are particularly impressive. The slightly cool sound character in the mid-high range is noticeable, but can be easily controlled with the integrated equalizer. The app itself is functional, but could be improved. Anyone expecting Wi-Fi streaming or room correction will be disappointed.
For gaming, music, streaming and TV audio from a single source, the Edifier M90s are a strong choice. However, if you’re primarily looking for maximum naturalness in the vocal range or Wi-Fi streaming services, you should consider alternatives. In this case, I would go for the larger and heavier Edifier MR5.
PROS
- Excellent sound quality
- Bluetooth 6.0
- LDAC support
- HDMI eARC
- Useful wireless remote control
- Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified
- Premium design
- Subwoofer output
CONS
- Volume control and ports only on rear panel
- Companion app fairly useless
- No Wi-Fi or streaming service integration
- Aggressive auto-off by default
- Slightly cool sound signature in mid-treble range
Conclusion
The Edifier M90 impresses with outstanding sound quality for its size, excellent soundstage, and versatile connectivity that covers both desktop and TV use cases equally well. The slightly cool treble character can be easily corrected via EQ, while the app remains functional but leaves room for improvement. For anyone seeking a flexible all-in-one audio system, this delivers a compelling package at a fair price point.
