Short answer: the Edifier R1700BTs. It ranks #92 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $184.99; the Edifier R1280DBs ranks #96, rated 3.1/5, and costs $199.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
Why pick the Edifier R1280DBs: Adds a subwoofer output and Bluetooth 5.0 to the Edifier R1280DB formula, so it can grow into a 2.1 system later. The catch: It shares its drivers and cabinet with the Edifier R1280T, which measured a preference score of only 2.41 standalone (5.02 with an ideal subwoofer), with bass rolling off near 63Hz and an uneven response.
Why pick the Edifier R1700BTs: Builds on the Edifier R1700BT with Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX HD, plus a subwoofer output for an easy 2.1 upgrade. It supports aptX HD Bluetooth, which the Edifier R1280DBs lacks. Watch for: No published measurements, so neutrality is unverified; reviewers describe a leaner bass balance than the older model, and 4 inch woofers still run out of low bass without a sub.
Buy the Edifier R1700BTs. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Edifier R1280DBs and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: Edifier R1280DBs 2.9 to 3.3; Edifier R1700BTs 3.0 to 3.4). Treat this verdict as provisional.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280DBs | Edifier R1700BTs | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 per pair | $184.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #96 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #92 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Drivers | 4” mid/bass driver + 0.5” silk dome tweeter (each) | 4” mid/bass driver + 0.75” (19mm) silk dome tweeter (each) |
| Amplifier Power | 42W RMS total (21W + 21W) (Manufacturer specified) | 66W RMS total (2x 18W woofer + 2x 15W tweeter) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (pair) | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) (pair) |
| Dimensions | 5.7”W x 9.2”H x 7.7”D (146 x 234 x 196 mm) | 6.1”W x 10”H x 8.4”D (154 x 254 x 214 mm) (active speaker) |
| Frequency Response | 51Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA line in, Optical, Coaxial; Sub out | Bluetooth, 2x RCA line in; Sub out |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (bass and treble knobs) | Yes (bass and treble knobs, DSP and DRC) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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 R1280DBs: $199.99 per pair Estimated Amazon $199.99 eBay
Pros: Adds a subwoofer output and Bluetooth 5.0 to the Edifier R1280DB formula, so it can grow into a 2.1 system later. Optical, coaxial and two RCA inputs plus a remote make it an easy TV or desktop pair, and bass and treble knobs allow basic tuning.
Cons: It shares its drivers and cabinet with the Edifier R1280T, which measured a preference score of only 2.41 standalone (5.02 with an ideal subwoofer), with bass rolling off near 63Hz and an uneven response. Tiny 0.5 inch tweeters and 21W per side limit how loud and clean it gets in a larger room, and there are no higher quality Bluetooth codecs.
Full Edifier R1280DBs review and specifications →
| Released | 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 42W RMS total (21W + 21W) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 5.7”W x 9.2”H x 7.7”D (146 x 234 x 196 mm) |
| Drivers | 4” mid/bass driver + 0.5” silk dome tweeter (each) |
| EQ | Yes (bass and treble knobs) |
| Frequency Response | 51Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA line in, Optical, Coaxial; Sub out |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (pair) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Top Shelf Media: Is This The Best Budget Speaker On The Market? Edifier R1280DBs Review
- DreaTek: Best Budget Speakers? Edifier R1280DBs Bluetooth - Review & Sound Test
- Tech Guided: Edifier R2180T vs R1280Ts vs R1280DB vs R1280DBs
- The Sonic Spectrum: The BEST Budget TV Speakers Edifier 1280DBs Full Review!
- Android Central: Edifier R1280DBs review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Edifier R1700BTs: $184.99 per pair Estimated Amazon $184.99 eBay
Pros: Builds on the Edifier R1700BT with Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX HD, plus a subwoofer output for an easy 2.1 upgrade. Larger 19mm tweeters and 66W total power give it more headroom than the Edifier R1280DBs, and the angled cabinets aim the sound up at a seated listener.
Cons: No published measurements, so neutrality is unverified; reviewers describe a leaner bass balance than the older model, and 4 inch woofers still run out of low bass without a sub. Inputs are limited to Bluetooth and two RCA pairs, with no optical, coaxial or USB for a TV or computer.
Full Edifier R1700BTs review and specifications →
| Released | 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 66W RMS total (2x 18W woofer + 2x 15W tweeter) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 6.1”W x 10”H x 8.4”D (154 x 254 x 214 mm) (active speaker) |
| Drivers | 4” mid/bass driver + 0.75” (19mm) silk dome tweeter (each) |
| EQ | Yes (bass and treble knobs, DSP and DRC) |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA line in; Sub out |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) (pair) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- cheapaudioman: Edifier R1700BTS Review - Desktop Champ
- THE ABSOLUTE SOUND: Edifier 1700BTS Speakers Review
- CJ Ying: Insane Value! Budget "Audiophile" Speakers – Edifier R1700BTS Review
- Knowledge Sharing Tech: Edifier R1280TS vs Edifier R1700BTS
- GearUP with Aaron: No way it’s this 🔥 // EDIFIER R1700BTS (full review 🙄)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons