December 2024
Studio Monitors: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of studio monitors rankings posted by key online experts, as of December 2024.
Summary
On 12 Dec 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 99 studio monitor endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
57 studio monitors were endorsed in total, only 23 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 12 Dec 2024, Yamaha HS5 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed studio monitor with 6 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 6 recommended it as the '#1 studio monitor' this month.
Brand breakdown
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Focal: 6 studio monitors
(#1 is Focal Shape 65)
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Adam Audio: 5 studio monitors
(#1 is Adam Audio A7V)
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KRK: 5 studio monitors
(#1 is KRK Rokit RP7 G4)
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PreSonus: 5 studio monitors
(#1 is PreSonus Eris E.45)
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Genelec: 4 studio monitors
(#1 is Genelec 8010A)
Price breakdown
At a glance - December Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Studio Monitor |
Popular Science
|
Music Critic
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woodandfirestudio.com
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Hyperbits
|
Gearank
|
Careers In Music
|
Music Radar
|
PianoDreamers
|
Pocket-lint
|
higherhz.com
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
- | $200 |
Yamaha HS5
The Yamaha HS5 is a powerful and reliable studio monitor that delivers accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making it a great choice for home studios and small recording spaces.
|
1
|
2
|
-
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4
|
8
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
- | Check price |
JBL 305P MkII
The JBL 305P MkII is a highly recommended and affordable studio monitor that delivers accurate and detailed sound reproduction with advanced technology and excellent stereo imaging.
|
6
|
3
|
-
|
1
|
5
|
-
|
7
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
- | $800 |
Adam Audio A7V
The Adam Audio A7V Studio Monitor is a powerful and accurate speaker that is ideal for professional recording studios, home studios, and music producers who require high-quality sound and accurate monitoring.
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
8
|
5
|
-
|
4
|
- | Check price |
Neumann KH 120 A
The Neumann KH 120 A is a bi-amplified speaker system designed for accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making it ideal for critical listening applications in professional recording studios, post-production facilities, and broadcast environments.
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-
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9
|
1
|
-
|
12
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
+2 | Check price |
KRK Rokit RP7 G4
The KRK Rokit RP7 G4 Studio Monitor is a powerful and versatile audio tool with a neutral and flat frequency response, making it suitable for music production, mixing, and mastering, and is ideal for use in recording studios and live sound reinforcement applications.
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-
|
-
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-
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7
|
-
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2
|
5
|
-
|
3
|
-
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6
|
- | Check price |
Genelec 8010A
The Genelec 8010A Studio Monitor is a compact and powerful option for near-field monitoring in small studios or home recording setups, delivering exceptional sound quality in a small package.
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-
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-
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8
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
7
|
+3 | $200 |
PreSonus Eris E.45
The PreSonus Eris E.45 Studio Monitor is a compact and affordable nearfield monitor with a neutral sound signature, defined high and mid-range frequencies, and punchy bass response, making it a great choice for small home studios, desktop setups, and casual listening.
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-
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-
|
-
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-
|
2
|
-
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-
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1
|
-
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-
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8
|
+3 | $350 |
Yamaha HS7
The Yamaha HS7 Studio Monitor is a powerful and versatile speaker that provides precise and accurate sound with low resonance, making it ideal for critical listening, mixing, and mastering in larger studio spaces.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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6
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-
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-
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-
|
1
|
-
|
9
|
-4 | $100 |
PreSonus Eris E3.5
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 Studio Monitor is a compact and powerful speaker that delivers clear and accurate sound, making it an ideal solution for a variety of audio uses.
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-
|
1
|
-
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-
|
-
|
-
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-
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-
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6
|
-
|
10
|
-1 | $399 |
Yamaha HS8
The Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitor is a powerful and reliable speaker with accurate sound reproduction and complete response control, making it ideal for professional use in larger studio spaces or for live performances.
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-
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-
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2
|
6
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
New * | $79 |
Mackie CR3-XBT
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8
|
-
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-
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-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
+11 | $899 |
Focal Shape 65
The Focal Shape 65 Studio Monitor is a powerful and precise nearfield monitor suitable for professional use, praised for its accurate and detailed sound reproduction and well-balanced low-frequency performance.
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-
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-
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-
|
12
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-
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-
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1
|
-
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-
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-
|
13
|
- | Check price |
Kali Audio LP-6
The Kali Audio LP-6 is a powerful and reliable studio monitor that delivers high-quality sound for a range of applications, making it an ideal choice for music producers, sound engineers, and home studio owners who prioritize accuracy and clarity in their audio production.
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-
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10
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-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
- | Check price |
Genelec 8030C
The Genelec 8030C Studio Monitor is a compact and lightweight device that delivers exceptional sound quality with its bi-amped design, power response, and maximum SPL, making it ideal for critical listening and mixing applications in small to medium-sized studio spaces.
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-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
- | Check price |
Adam Audio T5V
The Adam Audio T5V studio monitor is a compact and powerful device that delivers exceptional sound quality and performance, making it an ideal choice for recording studios, home DJ setups, and other professional audio environments.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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3
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
16
|
- | $199 |
KRK Rokit 8 G4
The KRK Rokit 8 G4 Studio Monitor is a powerful and versatile audio solution with clear and accurate sound reproduction, making it ideal for studio recording, DJ monitoring, and other professional audio applications.
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4
|
-
|
3
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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17
|
-9 | $159 |
KRK Rokit 5 G4
The KRK Rokit 5 G4 is a powerful and versatile studio monitor with a bi-amp design, accurate sound reproduction, and impressive bass performance, making it ideal for mixing and mastering music in small to medium-sized studios or home recording setups.
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-
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-
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-
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2
|
-
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-
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-
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6
|
-
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-
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19
|
-2 | Check price |
Presonus Eris E5
The Presonus Eris E5 Studio Monitor is a reliable and powerful speaker that delivers accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making it an ideal choice for musicians, producers, and audio engineers who need to mix and master their music.
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-
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-
|
9
|
3
|
-
|
-
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-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
20
|
-2 | $200 |
Adam Audio T7V
The Adam Audio T7V is a powerful and versatile studio monitor that delivers high-quality sound at an accessible price point, making it an ideal choice for home recording enthusiasts, podcasters, and music producers.
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-
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-
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5
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
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-
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-
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-
|
21
|
-2 | Check price |
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM Studio Monitor is a compact and powerful speaker system that delivers exceptional sound quality for music production, mixing, and mastering, with advanced DSP processing, a unique design, and excellent stereo imaging and low-end.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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5
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
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22
|
- | $2495 |
Neumann KH 310
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-
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-
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-
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
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4
|
-
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23
|
New * | Check price |
Dynaudio BM5 mkIII
The Dynaudio BM5 mkIII Studio Monitor is a powerful and reliable option for small to medium-sized recording studios, home recording, and mixing, delivering clear and accurate sound reproduction with a transparent and natural sound that won't fatigue the listener during long mixing sessions.
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-
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-
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-
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10
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9
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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24
|
- | Check price |
Focal Solo6 Be
The Focal Solo6 Be is a versatile and high-powered studio monitor that delivers remarkable clarity and an expansive soundstage, making it suitable for professional and personal use.
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-
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-
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-
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14
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-
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7
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-
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-
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-
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-
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We ranked Yamaha HS5 #1 in December 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Yamaha HS5 as #1.
Popular Science
Best overall
Precise stereo imaging
Accurate, pro-proven mix translation
Built-in filters and level control
|
Built-in filters and level control
No cables included
Narrow listening sweet spot
|
Music Critic
Neutral sound reproduction for critical listening
High-quality build with robust components
Room control features for optimizing in any space
|
Gearank
Amazing for critical listening
Compact Size
Great build quality
Good value
|
Not ideal for bass-heavy music
|
Music Radar
The best for a true representation of your recordings
A budding mix engineer's dream
Iconic design
Amazing value
|
Controls located at rear
|
PianoDreamers
Best Studio Monitor Under $500 (for intermediate studios)
Really affordable price point for the quality you receive
Ideal flat frequency response
Legendary heritage; an aspiring mixing engineer’s perfect companion
|
Not quite stellar low-frequency response on the HS5 model
Volume and trim controls on the rear
|
We ranked JBL 305P MkII #2 in December 2024 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked JBL 305P MkII as #1.
Popular Science
Best for home recording studios
Wide soundscape
Broad listening sweet spot
Room-tuning features
|
Glossy finish isn’t for everyone
Audio cables not included
|
Music Critic
Wide sweet spot with Image Control Waveguide
Punchy bass with Slip Stream low-frequency port
High power output for larger spaces
|
Gearank
Author's Pick
Neutral frequency response
Fast transients on high and midrange
Wide sweet spot
Top tier sound at a good price
|
Bass not its strong suit
Sounds "boring" to unaccustomed ears
|
Music Radar
The best studio monitors for beginners
Bargain price point
Clear and detailed sound
Wide sweet spot
|
Lacking low end
|
PianoDreamers
Best Studio Monitor Under $500 (for intermediate studios)
Nice low-end response
Hi-tech image control
Durable
|
Potentially difficult to balance
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend studio monitors.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of studio monitors, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for December 2024 ranking
We ranked Adam Audio A7V #3 in December 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Adam Audio A7V as #1.
Music Critic
X-ART ribbon tweeter for superior high-frequency response
DSP tuning for customized room-matching
Powerful 2-way design with a newly designed 7-inch woofer
|
Careers In Music
Versatile
Sonically clean and precise
|
Expensive
Probably too powerful for smaller rooms
|
PianoDreamers
Best Studio Monitors Under $1500 (For The Serious Home Studios)
Great transient response
High-end sounds crisp and clean
Front bass ports and front panel controls
|
A little more expensive than other monitors on this list
May take a while to get used to if you have listened to other monitors
|
Pocket-lint
Best mid-priced studio monitors
Unique mineral woofer provides extended low frequencies
DSP engine for fantastic crossover
Room adaption
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Struggling to think of one
|
We ranked Neumann KH 120 A #4 in December 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Neumann KH 120 A as #1.
Music Critic
High SPL capability with extended bass
DSP-based room alignment and automatic calibration
Razor-sharp imaging with minimal distortion
|
woodandfirestudio.com
Best Studio Monitors
High End Monitors
Neutral frequency response, so you can trust these monitors
Incredible detail and impulse fidelity
|
Not cheap
|
Gearank
The Best Studio Monitors under $1000
Extremely critical sounding
Natural and lifelike sound signature
Premium components and build quality
Top choice for Mastering
|
Sound isn't for impressing clients in the studio
|
Careers In Music
Designed by mathematical modeling
Comprehensive acoustic controls
Reasonably priced
|
Odd looking
|
We ranked KRK Rokit RP7 G4 #5 in December 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Careers In Music
DSP driven room tuning
Thumpingly good bass
Iso-foam pad for great isolation
Great value
|
Not as distinctive looking as they were
|
Music Radar
The best studio monitors for electronic music production
Impressive DSP at this price
On-board graphic EQ
Great for electronic production
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A little bass-heavy
|
Pocket-lint
Best studio monitor for bass
In-built graphic EQ
Incredible bass response
Ideal for electronic music
|
Better options out there for different genres
|
We ranked Genelec 8010A #6 in December 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
woodandfirestudio.com
Best portable studio monitors
Exceptional portability
Very good construction quality
Very good sound for the size
|
High price for 3-inch monitors
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Pocket-lint
Best compact studio monitors
Ideal for tight spaces
Extremely well balanced
Bi-amping provides great headroom
|
Some may prefer more power
|
higherhz.com
Best compact
Neutral and detailed.
Perfect for small studios.
Robust design.
|
Quite expensive.
|
We ranked PreSonus Eris E.45 #7 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked PreSonus Eris E.45 as #1.
Gearank
The Best Cheap Studio Monitors Under $100
Neutral sound and clear high end
Includes useful accessories
Many input options
Lightweight and portable
|
Limited headroom
Limited bass response, slightly congested mids
Pots get scratchy after a while
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PianoDreamers
Best Studio Monitor Under $200 (for beginner studios)
Easy to tweak the sound
Acoustic switch
Multiple I/O
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Bass may be a bit weak
Some might find the highs a little harsh
|
We ranked Yamaha HS7 #8 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Yamaha HS7 as #1.
Gearank
The Best Studio Monitor under $500
Exceptionally neutral
Mixes translate well to different devices
Built to last
|
Bright power indicator light
Size not for untreated rooms
|
Pocket-lint
Best studio monitors overall
Well balanced between frequencies
Room control and high trim controls
Bi-amp system
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Clarity suffers at really high volumes
|
We ranked PreSonus Eris E3.5 #9 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked PreSonus Eris E3.5 as #1.
Music Critic
Compact yet powerful for a small listening environment
High and low tuning options for room adjustment
Versatile input options, including RCA and 1/4" TRS
|
Pocket-lint
Best budget studio monitors
Excellent value for money
Mid-range and treble clarity
Ideal for those looking to get started
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Bass response is a little weak
|
We ranked Yamaha HS8 #10 in December 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
woodandfirestudio.com
Best studio monitors for semi-professional use
Very honest & trustworthy sound
Good low end
Perfect for mixing and mastering
|
If you prefer bass-heavy studio monitors, there are better alternatives.
|
Gearank
The Best Studio Monitor under $500
Neutral response for critical listening
Excellent build quality
Versatile controls for different rooms
Still relatively affordable
|
May be too large for small studios
Not for those that want the biggest bass
|
We ranked Mackie CR3-XBT #11 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Mackie CR3-XBT as #1.
Popular Science
Best budget
Loud for its size
Flexible inputs
Includes workstation software and plug-ins
|
Bass distorts at moderate volume levels
No DSP/tuning
Distinctive visual design (though may be a pro, depending on user)
|
Gearank
The Best Cheap Studio Monitors Under $100
Balanced sound profile for the price
Durable build and quality materials
Smooth, clear high frequencies
Compact and easy to place in small setups
|
Limited bass depth
|
We ranked Focal Shape 65 #12 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Focal Shape 65 as #1.
Music Radar
The best value for money high-end studio monitors
Passive radiators give you flexibility
Rear EQ controls
Easily tweaked to your room
|
Automatic bypass function
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We ranked Kali Audio LP-6 #13 in December 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Music Critic
Flat frequency response with minimal distortion
Wide soundstage with cutting-edge waveguide design
Boundary EQ for room-specific tuning
|
Music Radar
The best studio monitors for use with guitars and amp modelling
Fantastic value for money
Easy to set up
Useful dip switches
|
Limited bass response
|
We ranked Genelec 8030C #14 in December 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Music Critic
Compact size without sacrificing sound quality
High-powered bi-amplification for low distortion
Innovative waveguide for accurate imaging
|
Gearank
The Best Studio Monitors under $1000
Extremely clear transient response
Neutral sound signature helps mix translation
Topnotch build quality
Waveguide provides a wide sweet spot
|
None aside from price
|
PianoDreamers
Best Studio Monitors Under $1500 (For The Serious Home Studios)
Clean sounding and incredibly accurate
Durable and reliable
Solid
|
Only XLR inputs
|
We ranked Adam Audio T5V #15 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Music Radar
The best affordable nearfield monitors for small rooms
Clear precise top end with EQ adjustment if required
Sensible choice of inputs for either balanced or unbalanced connection
Compact footprint for 5” monitor
|
Rear mounted power LED a bit pointless
|
higherhz.com
Best budget
Clear and precise.
Perfect for home studios.
Great value for money.
|
Not as neutral as higher-end options.
|
We ranked KRK Rokit 8 G4 #16 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Popular Science
Best for electronic producers
Powerful, punchy bass
Built-in room-tuning DSP with free app
Acoustic pads on bottom help with decoupling
|
DSP can be complicated for novices
Bass-forward signature is not ideal for all genres
Heavy
|
woodandfirestudio.com
Best Studio Monitors for EDM/Trap Producers
Music is very bass-heavy, which makes it more enjoyable to listen to
Well suited for DJs
Room correction using the built-in EQ
|
Not transparent
Therefore not optimal for mixing & mastering
|
We ranked KRK Rokit 5 G4 #17 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
PianoDreamers
Best Studio Monitor Under $500 (for intermediate studios)
Great flat frequency response
Great value for money
Comes in two different designs (black and white)
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Rear mounted volume and trim controls
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We ranked Presonus Eris E5 #18 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
woodandfirestudio.com
The best studio monitors for beginners
An enviable price-performance ratio
Relatively well balanced sound
|
Less faithful reproduction of the original sound than more expensive speakers
|
We ranked Adam Audio T7V #19 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
woodandfirestudio.com
Very good monitors for relatively little money
Ears do not get tired with intensive use
|
Not as transparent as the Yamaha's
|
Gearank
The Best Studio Monitors Under $300
Amazing stereo imaging
Airy but neutral extended highs
Excellent midrange
Great overall value
|
No power indicator light
|
We ranked IK Multimedia iLoud MTM #20 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Careers In Music
Great for small rooms
Versatile
Self-tuning
Good value
|
Not enough power for larger rooms
Could be lacking in bass
|
Music Radar
Best compact monitors for small rooms and travel
Affordable and compact
In-built calibration system
Perfect for home studios
|
Possibly lost in a large control room
|
We ranked Neumann KH 310 #21 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Pocket-lint
Best premium studio monitors
Tri-amplification system sounds outstanding
Wide dispersion
Performs fantastic at loud volumes
|
Price point out of reach for most
|
We ranked Dynaudio BM5 mkIII #22 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Gearank
Highly accurate sound reproduction with detailed clarity
Superior low-end response for a monitor of this size
Versatile EQ settings for room adjustment
Durable build with a sleek, professional look
|
Higher price point may be a consideration for smaller studios
Slightly heavier than some other compact monitors
|
We ranked Focal Solo6 Be #23 in December 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.