Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor for the higher ranking, the Edifier MR3 for the lower price. The IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor ranks #2 of 8 powered bookshelf speakers at $299.99. The Edifier MR3 ranks #5 at $99.98, $200.01 cheaper.
On the Edifier MR3 side: 3.5” mid-range driver and 1” waveguided dome tweeter, with all amplification built into the primary cabinet and speaker-level output. Set against that: Limited maximum output - measured around 86dB at 1 meter for a single speaker (about 92dB for a pair).
The case for the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor: Much deeper bass than any other speaker this size. Set against that: Slightly boosted bass.
Buy the Edifier MR3 if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier MR3 | IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.98 | $299.99 |
| Ranked | #5 of 8 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #2 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) | 7.1"H x 3.5"W x 5.3"D (180.3 x 88.9 x 134.6 mm) |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble) | Yes (Bass/Treble switches, Desktop/Free field) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA | RCA, Aux |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs / 3 kg | 2 lbs / 0.9 kg |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 52Hz | 45Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz | 55Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes (A2DP) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Max SPL | 93dB @ 1m | 96dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 36W total (18W per speaker) | 50W total (combined) |
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
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor: $299.99 Amazon
Pros: Much deeper bass than any other speaker this size. Wide, consistent horizontal directivity out to about 15kHz gives an unusually good soundstage for such a small speaker, and vertical response stays flat well above the tweeter axis, forgiving desktop placement where the tweeters sit below ear height.
Cons: Slightly boosted bass. Some treble rolloff up high. More hifi sounding than neutral
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes (A2DP) |
| Dimensions | 7.1"H x 3.5"W x 5.3"D (180.3 x 88.9 x 134.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble switches, Desktop/Free field) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux |
| Max SPL | 96dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 50W total (combined) |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.9 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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.