SOAYAN EXR1

The SOAYAN EXR1 isn’t your typical mini PC. At first glance, it looks like a smart speaker you’d find next to your Amazon Echo or Google Home, but inside that cylindrical fabric-wrapped exterior beats the heart of a capable computing machine. Powered by AMD’s Ryzen 7 8745HS processor with 8 cores, 16 threads, and integrated Radeon 780M graphics, the EXR1 can handle everything from everyday productivity to 1080p gaming. What truly sets it apart is the built-in 10W Hi-Fi stereo speaker system, eliminating the need for external audio equipment in casual use scenarios. This makes it particularly appealing as a kitchen computer, bedroom media center, or living room PC where you want computing power without the visual clutter of a traditional desktop setup.

Pros and Cons of the SOAYAN EXR1

Related Videos

SOAYAN EXR1 Comparison Chart

	SOAYAN EXR1
Price	List Price: $649.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Version	32GB/1TB
Perfomance Rating	9.1
Operating System	Windows 11 Pro
Processor	Octa-core 3.80 Ghz (max 5.10 Ghz) AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS
GPU	Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
RAM	32 GB DDR5 SO-DIMM
Internal Storage	1 TB
Dimensions width x length x thickness	4.59 x 4.59 x 6.57 inches (116.59 x 116.59 x 166.88 mm)
Weight	3.75 lbs (1.7 kg)
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2
Ethernet	1 Ethernet port at 2 Gbps
HDMI	1 HDMI 2.1 Port
DisplayPort	1 DisplayPort (DisplayPort 1.4)
VGA	No VGA Ports
USB Ports	1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3, 1 USB 4
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Internal SATA Ports	No SATA ports
Card Reader	No Card Reader
Headphone Jack	combo
Fanless	No
VESA Mount	No
In the Box	Mini PC unit, 120W power adapter, HDMI cable, user manual
Expandability	Internal 2x DDR5 SO-DIMM slots (max 64GB) and 2x M.2 slots exist but are NOT user-accessible. The fabric exterior must be destroyed to open the case.

Detailed Insights into the SOAYAN EXR1

The SOAYAN EXR1 takes a genuinely unconventional approach to mini PC design. Standing 6.57 inches tall with a 4.59-inch diameter, the cylindrical form factor wrapped in fabric mesh looks more at home next to a smart speaker than a traditional computer setup. The RGB breathing light ring on top offers seven different modes and adds a subtle accent that can be customized or turned off entirely. Port placement is thoughtful given the unusual shape, with the 2.5G Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 1.4 positioned for easy cable management.

Performance from the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS is impressive for an integrated system, though reviewers have discovered an important caveat. The EXR1 ships in a “Quiet” BIOS mode that limits TDP to 35W, significantly below the processor’s potential. Elevated Systems demonstrated that manually adjusting BIOS settings can unlock 54-65W, providing roughly 50% better sustained performance. The integrated Radeon 780M graphics deliver roughly GTX 1650 Ti-level gaming capability, making it suitable for 1080p gaming at medium settings in most titles and even some 1440p gameplay with optimized settings.

The speaker system deserves special mention because it genuinely differentiates the EXR1 from every other mini PC on the market. The 2.0 channel 10W Hi-Fi setup with DSP processing and a 24-bit DAC produces sound quality that multiple reviewers described as the best they’ve heard from any mini PC, and it’s not even close. For casual listening, podcast playback, or video calls, the built-in audio eliminates the need for external speakers entirely. The included microphone is less impressive since picking up audio inside an actively cooled computer case predictably results in fan noise contamination.

Reviewer Insights on the SOAYAN EXR1

CJ from Elevated Systems

CJ from Elevated Systems provides the most technically detailed review of the SOAYAN EXR1, discovering critical performance throttling that occurs in the default BIOS configuration. He notes that “the EXR1 struggles to maintain the 45-watt minimum assured power level and even drops below the CPU’s 3.8 GHz base frequency during sustained workloads” when running in the factory Quiet mode. After manually adjusting BIOS settings, he achieved significantly better benchmark results. His assessment is clear about the trade-offs: “The SOAYAN EXR1 is the quirky crossover you didn’t know you needed,” but he emphasizes that “the only real deal breaker is the lack of serviceability.” He recommends it specifically as a secondary home PC, kitchen PC, or HTPC where aesthetics and quiet operation matter more than future upgradeability.

Rob from Robtech

Rob from Robtech initially reacts to the design with humor: “Nice Bluetooth speaker, bro. Wrong. It’s a fully functional mini PC that just happens to be wearing a speaker as a disguise.” His testing confirms the exceptional speaker quality, stating “Speaker quality is the best I’ve heard from a mini PC so far, and it’s not even close.” He notes that SOAYAN explicitly told him the unit cannot be opened without damage, eliminating any upgrade path. His thermal testing showed the system hitting 90C under heavy loads with some throttling. He summarizes that “The EXR1 is a unique product best suited for those who never look inside their computer.”

Juan from SomeGadgetGuy

Juan Bagnell from SomeGadgetGuy appreciates the concept: “What if we took the general form of a smart speaker and just put a whole computer in there? I like that idea a lot.” However, he raises concerns about the customized Windows 11 installation that bypasses standard setup procedures and expresses discomfort with a sealed system: “I hate the idea of a little home PC that’s completely glued shut and baked.” He acknowledges the strong 1080p gaming performance from the Ryzen 7 8745HS, calling it “a brilliant little 1080p gaming solution,” while recommending users consider a clean Windows install for security peace of mind.

According to SomeGadgetGuy’s written review, SOAYAN has been responsive to feedback and committed to redesigning the shell in future iterations to improve serviceability, suggesting they’re willing to iterate on the design based on user concerns.

Carl from Techful Goodies

Carl from Techful Goodies uses the EXR1 as his background computer for dual monitor productivity work and praises its quiet operation. He notes the speakers make “the multimedia side of it awesome” and positions the performance “basically kind of on the level of a GTX 1650 Ti” for gaming. He’s clear about the upgrade limitation: “This is not a computer that you’re going to take apart and sort of replace all the pieces on the inside.” Despite this, he considers it “one of the better mini PCs I’ve sort of shown on my channel” for users who prioritize form factor and integrated audio.

Ryan from Ryan Adapts

Ryan Mercer captures the initial impression well: “Isn’t this a weird little computer? It looks like an Amazon Alexa or a Google Home.” He praises the practical aspects, noting that it fits under a monitor stand and would work well as a dedicated machine for 3D printing or laser engraving applications. His benchmarking showed solid performance for a mini PC of this class, and he concludes simply: “I really like this computer.”

Customer Reviews of the SOAYAN EXR1

With only one Amazon review at the time of research, customer feedback is limited. The single 5-star review suggests satisfaction, but the small sample size makes it difficult to draw broader conclusions about long-term reliability or customer experience. This is typical for newer products from less established brands, and prospective buyers should weigh the comprehensive video reviewer coverage against the limited customer review data.

The $649.99 price point for the 32GB DDR5 / 1TB NVMe configuration positions it competitively against established brands like Beelink and GEEKOM offering similar Ryzen 7 8745HS configurations. The built-in speaker system adds value that would otherwise require a $30-50 external speaker purchase, though the sealed design and upgrade limitations may concern users planning to keep the system for many years.

Conclusion

The SOAYAN EXR1 represents a genuinely fresh approach to mini PC design, prioritizing aesthetics and integrated audio over the upgradeability that enthusiasts typically expect. For users who want a quiet, attractive computer that blends into living spaces while delivering solid productivity and light gaming performance, the EXR1 delivers on its unconventional promise. The built-in Hi-Fi speakers genuinely solve the common mini PC audio problem, and the Ryzen 7 8745HS provides ample power for most use cases.

However, the complete lack of user serviceability is a significant consideration. If you’re comfortable treating the EXR1 as an appliance rather than a computer you’ll tinker with over time, it’s an excellent choice for secondary systems, media centers, or living room PCs. Those who value future RAM or storage upgrades should look elsewhere, perhaps at more traditional mini PCs from Beelink, GEEKOM, or KAMRUI that use the same processor in serviceable chassis designs.

For those looking to compare options, Starry Hope’s Mini PC Comparison Chart provides a valuable resource for evaluating the EXR1 against alternatives with similar specifications but different design philosophies.

Frequently Asked Questions