Short answer: the Genelec 8010A for the higher ranking, the Edifier MR3 for the lower price. The Genelec 8010A ranks #1 of 8 powered bookshelf speakers at $700. The Edifier MR3 ranks #5 at $99.98, $600.02 cheaper.
The case for the Edifier MR3: 3.5” mid-range driver and 1” waveguided dome tweeter, with all amplification built into the primary cabinet and speaker-level output. The catch: Limited maximum output - measured around 86dB at 1 meter for a single speaker (about 92dB for a pair).
What the Genelec 8010A gets right: An extremely neutral speaker for mastering and mixing recordings. The catch: Not as deep of bass as the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor.
Buy the Edifier MR3 if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the Genelec 8010A if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier MR3 | Genelec 8010A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.98 | $700 |
| Ranked | #5 of 8 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #1 of 8 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Dimensions | 5.9"H x 3.7"W x 5.9"D (149.9 x 94 x 149.9 mm) | 7.7"H x 4.8"W x 4.5"D (195.6 x 121.9 x 114.3 mm) |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble) | Yes (Bass tilt, Desk proximity) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 67 Hz-25 kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA | XLR |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs / 3 kg | 3.3 lbs / 1.5 kg |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 3" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 52Hz | 67Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz | 74Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Max SPL | 93dB @ 1m | 96dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 36W total (18W per speaker) | 50W (25W woofer + 25W tweeter) |
The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier MR3: $99.98 Amazon
Pros: 3.5” mid-range driver and 1” waveguided dome tweeter, with all amplification built into the primary cabinet and speaker-level output feeding the secondary unit. Extensive back-panel tone controls (treble and bass boost/cut) plus a Bluetooth app with low-frequency cutoff, acoustic-space compensation, and a 6-band custom EQ - unusually flexible tuning for the price. On-axis linearity holds within about ±2dB, notably flatter than most rivals in this price bracket. The reviewer considers it the best desktop speaker he’s tested in its size and price class, edging out its own predecessor, the Edifier MR4. Tonal consistency holds within about ±60° horizontally, giving some flexibility to move around at a desk without a major shift in sound. A built-in limiter protects the speaker from overdrive rather than letting distortion climb uncontrolled at higher volumes.
Cons: Limited maximum output - measured around 86dB at 1 meter for a single speaker (about 92dB for a pair), a clear ceiling for anyone wanting to play loud. Compression is significant when pushed toward its output limit: targeting 96dB nets about 9dB of compression, meaning effective output tops out closer to 87dB. Bass extends only to about 60Hz without added room or desk gain. Vertical placement is fairly critical - sitting more than about 20° above the tweeter axis (for example, speakers placed low on a desk with the listener seated well above them) causes a significant midrange suckout, hurting dialogue clarity and attack. Strictly a near-field/small-room solution - fine for desktop or modest TV/Bluetooth duty, but not intended as a serious hi-fi speaker.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 52Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 5.9"H x 3.7"W x 5.9"D (149.9 x 94 x 149.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA |
| Max SPL | 93dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 36W total (18W per speaker) |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs / 3 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Genelec 8010A: $700 Bhphotovideo
Pros: An extremely neutral speaker for mastering and mixing recordings. Although for mastering, it’s highly recommended to use a larger speaker with deeper bass extension or add a subwoofer
Cons: Not as deep of bass as the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. Probably not the best choice for general music listening due to the price and limited bass extension.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 7.7"H x 4.8"W x 4.5"D (195.6 x 121.9 x 114.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, Desk proximity) |
| Frequency Response | 67 Hz-25 kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 96dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 50W (25W woofer + 25W tweeter) |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1.5 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs iLoud Micro Monitor Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Presonus Eris E4.5 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (G One) vs JBL LSR305 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Audioengine A2+ Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Yamaha HS5 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.