Short answer: the 305P MkII, and the ranking gap is large. It ranks #18 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers at $319; the MR4 ranks #72 at $169.99, $149.01 less.
The MR4’s own pros are strong for the price: impressively deep, flat bass down to 70Hz, an unusually wide and consistent horizontal directivity from its waveguide, and rare balanced XLR/TRS inputs this cheap. The tradeoff is no Bluetooth at all, and distortion that climbs sharply above 86dB SPL.
The 305P MkII is described as extremely close to the Focal Alpha 50 EVO, almost indistinguishable, with only minor complaints like possible slight amp hiss at low levels.
Buy the 305P MkII for the meaningfully better ranking. Buy the MR4 for real value if the wired-only input isn’t a dealbreaker.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
A budget desktop monitor pair with balanced TRS inputs, tone controls and a front headphone jack.
Budget studio monitors with balanced sound and wide coverage that keeps the stereo image stable across a desk.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier MR4 | JBL 305P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169.99 per pair | $319.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #72 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #18 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9”H x 5.5”W x 7.6”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) | 11.7”H x 7.3”W x 9.1”D (297.2 x 185.4 x 231.1 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 49 Hz - 20 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux | XLR, TRS |
| Outputs | Headphone | - |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) | 10.4 lbs (4.7 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Monitor and Music modes) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Amplifier Power | 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) | 81w Per Speaker |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 79Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 91.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.25 | 5.38 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.00 | 7.52 |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs JBL 305P MKII sound.DEMO
- Jasper Tech: Are the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro the Best Studio Monitor Speakers for your Home Studio?
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026
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