Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. It ranks #6 of 47 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $199.99. The Edifier MR4 ranks #71, rated 3.5/5, at $169.99, $30 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor is the deeper-bass choice. Unusually substantial bass for such a small desktop pair. Its bass reaches about 55Hz before falling 3dB, against 79Hz for the Edifier MR4. The tradeoff: The existing review evidence indicates some bass emphasis and upper-treble rolloff rather than strict neutrality.
The case for the Edifier MR4: 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. Watch for: Bass reaches -3dB around 79Hz, so deep extension should not be inferred from the overall flat trend.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $30 saving on the Edifier MR4 is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor | Edifier MR4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 per pair | $169.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #6 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #71 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 7.1”H x 3.5”W x 5.3”D (180.3 x 88.9 x 134.6 mm) | 9”H x 5.5”W x 7.6”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Drivers | 3” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 4” (102mm) woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 79Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (A2DP) | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble switches, Desktop/Free field) | Yes (Monitor and Music modes) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W total (combined) | 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Headphone |
| 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 |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs iLoud Micro Monitor 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
Related Speaker Comparisons
How IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8010A vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- ADAM Audio D3v vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Cambridge Audio L/R S
- Edifier M60 vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs HiVi Swan X3
Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 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
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor: $199.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Newer model: the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro, ranked lower, estimated 4.3/5, released Sep 2024. It adds XLR input, but drops the aux input and Bluetooth. See every IK Multimedia iLoud generation.
Pros: Unusually substantial bass for such a small desktop pair. The linked quasi-anechoic measurement review reports broad, reasonably consistent horizontal radiation and useful tolerance above the tweeter axis, helpful when the speakers sit below ear height. Its compact size and bass balance make it a practical close-listening alternative to small monitors that need a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The existing review evidence indicates some bass emphasis and upper-treble rolloff rather than strict neutrality. Deep bass from tiny drivers does not establish loud-playback headroom; use these for close desktop listening, not as a substitute for larger room speakers.
Full IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 50W total (combined) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (A2DP) |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs iLoud Micro Monitor sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIOreview: IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs iLoud Micro Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Are the D3V The Best Studio Monitors For The Money?
- Jasper Tech: Best Premium Computer Speakers: Kanto ORA4 Review & Comparison
- 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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Cambridge Audio L/R S
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs ADAM Audio D3v
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Edifier M60
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Genelec 8010A
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs HiVi Swan X3
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Edifier MR3
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Audioengine A2+
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Edifier M90
- See all 18 comparisons
Edifier MR4: $169.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Edifier MR3 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.8/5), the Edifier MR4.5 (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5) and the Edifier MR5 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.3/5).
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 Edifier 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?
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Edifier MR4 Powered Studio Monitors Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons