Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Edifier MR4 ranks #48 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $139.99; the Edifier D12 ranks #7 of 17 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $179.99.
What the Edifier MR4 does well: Erin’s data supports a useful budget desktop monitor: a 3.0dB midrange span, little overall on-axis tilt, and preference scores of 3.25 standalone and 6.00 with an ideal subwoofer. The tradeoff: Bass reaches -3dB around 79Hz, so deep extension should not be inferred from the overall flat trend.
Why pick the Edifier D12: At 4.6 kg, Edifier D12 combines 2x 4” woofers, 2x 19mm silk dome tweeters with Bluetooth, Aux, RCA. Watch for: Bass is limited by its 57Hz specification.
Buy the Edifier MR4 at $139.99 if you want a powered bookshelf speaker. Buy the Edifier D12 at $179.99 if you want a powered desktop speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier MR4 | Edifier D12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 per pair | $179.99 each |
| Ranked | #48 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #7 of 17 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 7.6"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) | 14.1" x 6.3" x 8" (359 x 159 x 203.5 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 54Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA |
| Outputs | Headphone | Subwoofer line out |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer, 1" silk dome tweeter | 2x 4" woofers, 2x 19mm silk dome tweeters |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Monitor and Music modes) | Yes (Bass/Treble controls) |
| Amplifier Power | 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) | 70W (R/L treble: 15W+15W, R/L mid-bass: 20W+20W) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 79Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 57Hz |
| Sensitivity | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.25 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.00 | - |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | - | No Battery |
| IP Rating | - | None |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| TWS | - | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Party Mode | - | No |
| Wi-Fi | - | No |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Edifier D12 compares with other leading options:
- Audio Pro C5 MkII vs Edifier D12
- Edifier D12 vs Marshall Woburn III
- Edifier D12 vs Marshall Woburn II
- Apple HomePod 2nd Gen vs Edifier D12
- Edifier D12 vs Marshall Stanmore III
Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier MR4: $139.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Erin’s data supports a useful budget desktop monitor: a 3.0dB midrange span, little overall on-axis tilt, and preference scores of 3.25 standalone and 6.00 with an ideal subwoofer. Balanced TRS inputs and tone controls are practical at its price, and its response is more balanced than the measured R1280T. Measured bass extension of 79Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 78dB.
Cons: Bass reaches -3dB around 79Hz, so deep extension should not be inferred from the overall flat trend. Listening-window response still has local irregularities, including lower-treble unevenness. The existing review reports rapidly increasing distortion and audible distress when pushed well above moderate desktop levels. No Bluetooth, and adding a subwoofer does not cure every output or tonal limitation.
Full Edifier MR4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 79Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 7.6"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Monitor and Music modes) |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Headphone |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.00 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1280DBs sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs JBL 305P MKII sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Presonus Eris E3.5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs iLoud Micro Monitor sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Presonus Eris E4.5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Mackie CR4-X sound.DEMO
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Are the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro the Best Studio Monitor Speakers for your Home Studio?
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Edifier D12: $179.99 each Amazon eBay
Pros: At 4.6 kg, Edifier D12 combines 2x 4” woofers, 2x 19mm silk dome tweeters with Bluetooth, Aux, RCA. Ac-powered operation and stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 57Hz specification. There is no companion app.
Full Edifier D12 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 70W (R/L treble: 15W+15W, R/L mid-bass: 20W+20W) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 57Hz |
| Battery Life | No Battery |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1" x 6.3" x 8" (359 x 159 x 203.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 4" woofers, 2x 19mm silk dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble controls) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Subwoofer line out |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| TWS | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier D12 vs Marshall Acton II sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier D12 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier D12 vs Edifier R1280DBs sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier D12 vs Klipsch The Three II sound.DEMO
- Head-to-Head Comparisons