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Edifier has predominantly focussed on active speakers and TWS earbuds. They are now expanding into the increasingly competitive market of smart speakers.
The Edifier MS50A is a good first attempt as well. It is a compelling choice thanks to its reasonably low price tag and smart speaker functionality without the privacy concerns of an always-listening microphone.
Unlike big brand names, Edifier has implemented smart functionality via existing platforms. It works with Alexa (minus voice control), and you also have Spotify connect and Bluetooth connectivity options.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edifier MS50A Wi-Fi Smart Speaker Without Microphone, Works... |
£129.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Specification
- 19mm silk dome tweeter
- 102mm wool diaphragm
- 40W RMS average power rating – Mid-base(25W) + treble(15W)
- 5GHz fast WiFi streaming and Bluetooth v5.0 connection.
- Natively support Apple Airplay2 and Spotify, works with Alexa.
- 2-way speaker with digital crossover.
- 211.3mm x 145.5mm x 145.5mm dimensions
- 2.26kg
Set Up
One initial gripe I had with this speaker is that Edifier has separated the apps for the WiFi speakers away from the Bluetooth earbuds, meaning I now have two Edifier apps.
Beyond that, the set-up was like most other WiFi smart home tech nowadays. Once you enable the location services, the app will find the speaker and ask you to connect to the WiFi.
I didn’t read the specification when I first got this and connected to my 2.5Ghz network, however, you can use 5Ghz too.
If you have two speakers, you can then pair them up for stereo use.
With the speaker set up, Amazon Alexa was automatically identified (because I have the app on my phone).
From there, the app doesn’t do a great deal.
Edifier MS50A vs Sonos One Features and Performance
I currently have a Sonos One and a Sonos Beam in my kitchen, so this is where I mainly tested the Edifier MS50A.
Both the 2nd Gen Sonos One and One SL have an Ethernet port for more reliable connectivity, but they lack Bluetooth. They are also both humidity resistant, whereas the Edifier is not.
The Edifier is much more attractive than the dull Sonos, and it is also physically larger and heavier.
The Edifier sounds good, and I immediately noticed that it seemed louder and less likely to distort than my Sonos One.
Audio quality is excellent for a speaker at this price, and I would say it was as good if not better than the Sonos. However, at higher volumes, I did notice some sharpness in the highs. The poor acoustics in my kitchen likely did not help.
The Edifier Home app is very basic and not much use other than setting up the speaker. Unfortunately, there is also no equalizer, whereas Sonos has some very basic EQ options.
While the speaker lacks a microphone, you can still control it if you have an Echo Dot or other similar devices nearby.
Price and Alternative Options
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Edifier MS50A Wi-Fi Smart Speaker Without Microphone, Works... |
£129.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| Sonos One SL - The Powerful Microphone-Free Speaker for... | 1,265 Reviews | Buy on Amazon | |
| Audio Pro A10 Multiroom Speaker - Dark grey | 102 Reviews | Buy on Amazon | |
| Echo Studio | Our best-sounding Wi-Fi and Bluetooth smart... | 14,983 Reviews |
£219.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The Edifier MS50A is priced at £129.99 on Amazon
For Sonos you have:
- Sonos One SL is £170
- Sonos One (Gen 2) is £190
For Amazon Echo devices, you have:
- Echo Studio for £190 – This is quite a bit different, being much larger.
- Echo (2nd generation) for £90
- Echo Plus for £140
Then the Denon Home 150 is £195
Audio Pro A10 has an RRP of £180 but is available on Amazon for as low as £130 – This seems to have basic Alexa integration but has a wider range of streaming compatibility via the Audio Pro Control App.
Overall
I like the Edifier MS50A a lot. The low price, decent sound quality and relatively loud volume make it an appealing choice compared to Sonos or Amazon options.
The smart speaker functionality can’t compete with the excellent Sonos App. However, Sonos has damaged its reputation recently by not upgrading speakers over 5 years old.
Edifier MS50A Smart Speaker Review Rating
Summary
The Edifier MS50A is an excellent affordable smart speaker. For those that prefer increased privacy, this will be much more appealing than Amazon Echo devices, and it offers better performance for the price compared to the Sonos One SL.
Overall
90%-
Overall - 90%90%
Pros
- Attractive price
- Room filling sound and good overall sound quality
- No microphone
Cons
- No microphone (if you want voice control)
- App and integration is lacking vs Sonos
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
