Short answer: the Edifier M60. It ranks #5 of 22 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $169.98; the HiVi Swan X3 ranks #6 and costs $249, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the HiVi Swan X3 offers: ASR’s Spinorama data predicts 3.13 standalone and 6.12 with an ideal subwoofer, placing its bass-normalized tonal performance ahead of several similarly small budget monitors. Listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.420, lower than the MR3’s 0.538, indicating fewer local response irregularities by that measure. The compact coaxial layout is convenient for a small desktop system. Watch for: Not a flat reference monitor: the response spans 5.0dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and trends upward toward the treble. Bass reaches -3dB at about 79Hz, so a subwoofer remains important. Coaxial construction alone does not guarantee uniform dispersion, and the preference score does not establish distortion or maximum clean output.
What the Edifier M60 offers: Erin’s Klippel data shows a reasonably even midrange, spanning 2.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with broad horizontal coverage for desktop listening. Predicted preference scores are 3.69 standalone and 6.42 with an ideal subwoofer, a comparatively strong result in this compact category. USB-C, auxiliary input, Bluetooth and included angled stands make it easy to integrate into a small desk setup. Watch for: The on-axis response rises by about 0.57dB per octave, so the tonal balance becomes brighter toward the treble. Measured -3dB bass extension is about 70Hz; it cannot reproduce deep bass at full level. Sitting below the tweeter axis worsens the crossover-region response. Limiting and compression constrain louder playback, so use it nearfield rather than expecting room-filling output.
Buy the Edifier M60. It ranks higher for sound quality than the HiVi Swan X3 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| HiVi Swan X3 | Edifier M60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249/pair | $169.98 |
| Ranked | #6 of 22 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #5 of 22 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Active coaxial, rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 3-inch coaxial woofer and tweeter | 3" woofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| Measured Bass Extension | 71Hz | - |
| Inputs | RCA | Bluetooth, Aux, USB-C |
| Type | Powered desktop monitor | - |
| App | - | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, LDAC |
| Dimensions | - | 6.6"H x 3.9"W x 5.8"D (167.6 x 99.1 x 147.3 mm) |
| EQ | - | Yes |
| Weight | - | 6.6 lbs / 3 kg |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max SPL | - | 96dB @ 1m |
| Sensitivity | - | 87.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Output Power | - | 66W total (33W per speaker) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Edifier M60 vs Audioengine A2+
- Edifier M60 vs Klipsch ProMedia Lumina
Prices on this page were last checked September 8, 2026 at 6:02 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
HiVi Swan X3: $249/pair eBay
Pros: ASR’s Spinorama data predicts 3.13 standalone and 6.12 with an ideal subwoofer, placing its bass-normalized tonal performance ahead of several similarly small budget monitors. Listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.420, lower than the MR3’s 0.538, indicating fewer local response irregularities by that measure. The compact coaxial layout is convenient for a small desktop system.
Cons: Not a flat reference monitor: the response spans 5.0dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and trends upward toward the treble. Bass reaches -3dB at about 79Hz, so a subwoofer remains important. Coaxial construction alone does not guarantee uniform dispersion, and the preference score does not establish distortion or maximum clean output.
Full HiVi Swan X3 review and specifications →
| Drivers | 3-inch coaxial woofer and tweeter |
|---|---|
| Enclosure | Active coaxial, rear-ported |
| Inputs | RCA |
| Measured Bass Extension | 71Hz |
| Type | Powered desktop monitor |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Edifier M60: $169.98 Amazon eBay
Pros: Erin’s Klippel data shows a reasonably even midrange, spanning 2.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with broad horizontal coverage for desktop listening. Predicted preference scores are 3.69 standalone and 6.42 with an ideal subwoofer, a comparatively strong result in this compact category. USB-C, auxiliary input, Bluetooth and included angled stands make it easy to integrate into a small desk setup.
Cons: The on-axis response rises by about 0.57dB per octave, so the tonal balance becomes brighter toward the treble. Measured -3dB bass extension is about 70Hz; it cannot reproduce deep bass at full level. Sitting below the tweeter axis worsens the crossover-region response. Limiting and compression constrain louder playback, so use it nearfield rather than expecting room-filling output.
Full Edifier M60 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 6.6"H x 3.9"W x 5.8"D (167.6 x 99.1 x 147.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, USB-C |
| Max SPL | 96dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 66W total (33W per speaker) |
| Sensitivity | 87.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs / 3 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Edifier M60 Desktop Speaker Delivers Big Fun! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner: The Best Budget Desktop Speakers, Tested & Rated
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Edifier M60
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026 More from Jasper Tech →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons