Edifier M90 brings HDMI eARC and real stereo sound to compact speakers

A small speaker system with big ambitions—blurring the line between desktop audio, hi-fi, and soundbar alternatives.

Edifier has unveiled the Edifier M90, a compact active speaker system that quietly challenges what we expect from “desktop speakers.”

On paper, it’s a small, powered stereo pair. In reality, it’s something more ambitious:a single system designed to handle your PC, TV, streaming, and everyday listening—without compromise.

HDMI eARC changes everything

Let’s start with the feature that matters most: HDMI eARC.

This instantly puts the M90 in a different category from typical desktop speakers. Instead of being tied to a PC or analog input, they can connect directly to your TV, handling:

• Streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, etc.)

• Live TV and sports

• Gaming consoles

…all with low latency and proper audio sync, plus basic control via HDMI CEC.

In other words, these aren’t just speakers—they’re a legitimate alternative to a compact soundbar.

And arguably, a better one.

Because unlike most soundbars, the M90 delivers true stereo separation, which still matters more than virtual surround tricks.

Proper speaker design—not just specs

The M90 isn’t trying to win with features alone.

Under the hood, it’s a bi-amplified design rated at 100W RMS, combining:

• 4-inch aluminum mid/bass drivers

• 1-inch silk-dome tweeters

That’s a serious configuration for something this size—and a clear step above typical entry-level multimedia speakers.

Add to that:

• Class-D amplification

• 24-bit / 96kHz digital processing

…and you get the sense that Edifier is aiming for something closer to entry-level hi-fi than casual desktop audio.

Connectivity done right

One of the biggest strengths of the Edifier M90 is just how flexible it is.

You get:

• HDMI eARC

• Optical input

• USB-C

• AUX (for legacy gear)

Wireless support is equally strong, with:

• Bluetooth 6.0

• LDAC support for higher-quality streaming

• Multipoint pairing for seamless switching between devices

This is the kind of connectivity that actually reflects how people use audio today—multiple sources, constantly switching.

Built for real-world use

Edifier clearly thought about usability here.

The M90 can be controlled via:

• A physical knob on the speaker

• A bundled 2.4GHz remote

• Your TV remote (via HDMI CEC)

There’s also the EDIFIER ConneX app, which adds:

• Preset sound modes

• Custom EQ tuning

And importantly, there’s a SUB OUT, meaning you can expand the system into a 2.1 setup if you want more low-end weight.

That’s a big deal for users who start small but plan to upgrade over time.

Compact, but not “tiny”

Physically, the M90 sits in an interesting middle ground.

It’s compact enough for a desk, but large enough to suggest real cabinet volume—which usually translates to better bass and fuller sound.

This isn’t one of those ultra-mini speaker sets that look clean but sound thin. It’s clearly designed to scale beyond nearfield listening.

The bigger picture: soundbars should be worried

Here’s the honest take:

Products like the M90 are quietly exposing the weaknesses of the soundbar category.

For a similar price, you can now get:

• True stereo imaging

• Better driver separation

• More flexible connectivity

• Expandability (via subwoofer)

Brands like Samsung and Sony still dominate the soundbar space—but solutions like this make a strong case that separate stereo speakers are still the better choice, even in compact setups.

Pricing and availability

The Edifier M90 is available from March 25, priced at $369.99.

Final thoughts

The Edifier M90 isn’t trying to reinvent audio—it’s doing something smarter.

It’s taking the idea of simple, compact speakers and upgrading it for how people actually live today:

• TVs as central hubs

• Streaming as the primary source

• Minimal setups with maximum flexibility

If it delivers on its promise, the M90 could be one of the most compelling “all-in-one” speaker systems under $400.

And more importantly, it reinforces a trend we’re seeing across hi-fi:the future isn’t bigger systems—it’s smarter ones.