Edifier QD35 review: A flashy desk buddy that falls short on sound

by Lars
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I’ve been known to get overly excited about the little things. Sometimes it’s a really good loaf of bread. Sometimes it’s sinking another 80 hours into the Like a Dragon series. And now? It’s a Bluetooth speaker that glows like a tiny rave on my desk. The Edifier QD35 isn’t a sonic powerhouse, but it does an excellent job of being the ultimate RGB desk goblin.

Design & Features: Disco meets desk lamp

The Edifier QD35 isn’t shy. With its transparent front panel, colourful RGB lighting, and digital clock, it looks like it belongs in a cyberpunk flat rather than your office. The whole case even resembles a miniature shipping container, which only adds to its quirky, industrial charm. It’s chunky but tidy, striking a balance between oddball aesthetics and actual usefulness.

That usefulness comes from the built-in GaN charging ports (USB-C and USB-A), letting you power up your phone or tablet while blasting tunes. At £129.99, you’re getting a desk gadget that’s equal parts speaker, charger, and mood light.

Sound Quality: Adequate, not audiophile

When it comes to sound, the Edifier QD35 sits firmly in the “good enough” category. At moderate volumes, it’s pleasant to listen to, with mids that carry vocals clearly and treble that has enough sparkle to keep things from sounding flat. It’s the kind of speaker that handles a playlist of indie, pop, or lo-fi beats without breaking a sweat, making it a nice companion for working or relaxing.

Where things get trickier is when you turn the volume up. Push it too high and the bass starts to lose control, bloating into a sort of indistinct thump rather than delivering that clean, satisfying punch you might expect. The lack of stereo separation also doesn’t help here; it’s a single, centralised sound that doesn’t quite fill a room the way a more powerful setup would.

That said, there are ways to coax a bit more out of it. Switching to a wired connection via AUX or USB gives the sound some added tightness, particularly in the low end, and the Edifier Connect app lets you play around with EQ presets or create your own custom curve. These tweaks don’t magically transform it into an audiophile system, but they do make it more versatile for different types of music.

Connectivity & Controls: Fancy but familiar

It’s Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC support, a high‑res nod that sounds impressive on paper, even if only some phones support it. You also get USB‑A and 3.5mm AUX for wired options, plus EQ tweaks via the Edifier Connect app.

The app lets you sync the clock, fiddle with light effects, and even customise EQs if you feel like carving out your own sonic signature.

Edifier QD35 Bluetooth

Downsides: You can’t have it all

For all its flashy lights and handy features, the Edifier QD35 does come with a few caveats. The biggest one is that it always has to be plugged in. There’s no internal battery, so if you were picturing carrying it out to the garden or dragging it around the house for impromptu karaoke, you’ll be disappointed. It’s very much a “stay on the desk and look cool” kind of device.

Then there’s the sound setup. The Edifier QD35 is a mono speaker, and in 2025, that feels a little restrictive. You don’t get that lovely sense of space and separation that a stereo setup offers, so music can sometimes feel a bit boxed in. It works fine for casual listening, podcasts, or background noise, but if you’re hoping for immersive soundscapes, this isn’t the one.

Finally, while the bass is present, it’s hardly what you’d call commanding. It gets the job done for most tracks, but it won’t satisfy anyone craving chest-thumping low end. Push the volume higher, and things start to blur rather than deepen.

Edifier QD35 on desk with warm golden lighting

Final thoughts on the Edifier QD35

At £200 as it was when first released, the Edifier QD35 would feel like a novelty toy charging too much for its light show. But at £129.99, it makes sense. You’re getting a stylish desk companion that doubles as a fast charger, with sound that’s perfectly fine for casual listening.

If you want a glowing centrepiece for your desk, the QD35 is a fun, multifunctional option. If you’re after chest-thumping bass or stereo separation, look elsewhere.


Get more details on the Edifier QD35 on their official website, including where you can buy it from. If you decide to get one, you can check out more of our hardware reviews while you wait for it to arrive. Just click here to check them out.

This review may include an affiliate link. If you choose to buy the Edifier QD35 through that link, FULLSYNC may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep the site running while still bringing you honest, independent reviews.

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