April 2024
Studio Monitors: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of studio monitors rankings posted by key online experts, as of April 2024.
Summary
On 2 Apr 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 100 studio monitor endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
55 studio monitors were endorsed in total, only 24 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 2 Apr 2024, Yamaha HS8 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed studio monitor with 5 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 5 recommended it as the '#1 studio monitor' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
Focal: 6 studio monitors
(#1 is Focal Solo6 Be)
-
PreSonus: 5 studio monitors
(#1 is PreSonus Eris E.45)
-
KRK: 4 studio monitors
(#1 is KRK Rokit 5 G4)
-
Genelec: 4 studio monitors
(#1 is Genelec 8010A)
-
Adam Audio: 4 studio monitors
(#1 is Adam Audio A7V)
Price breakdown
At a glance - April Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Studio Monitor |
Pocket-lint
|
E-Home Recording Studio
|
woodandfirestudio.com
|
Popular Science
|
Hyperbits
|
Gearank
|
Careers In Music
|
Music Radar
|
PianoDreamers
|
Music Critic
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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.
|
-
|
3
|
2
|
-
|
6
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
2
|
- | $720 |
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.
|
-
|
6
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
3
|
+4 | $129 |
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
|
1
|
5
|
-
|
6
|
5
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $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.
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
5
|
+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
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
-
|
|
6
|
-3 | $514 |
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.
|
2
|
8
|
8
|
-
|
8
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
-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.
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
2
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $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.
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
10
|
New * | $139 |
M-Audio BX4
The M-Audio BX4 Studio Monitors deliver powerful and immersive sound for a variety of tasks, making them a versatile and reliable choice for gaming, recording, and more.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
-1 | $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.
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
-1 | $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.
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
-1 | $799 |
Mackie HR824 mkII
The Mackie HR824 mkII Studio Monitor is a powerful and reliable studio monitor that delivers high-quality sound for a range of professional and personal applications, with impressive low-end performance and individual calibration plots that ensure better matching between pairs of speakers.
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
6
|
|
14
|
-1 | 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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
|
15
|
-1 | $250 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
-1 | $150 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | $250 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
- | $400 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
New * | 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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
+2 | $2299 |
Focal Twin6 Be
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
- | Check price |
Adam Audio A7X
The Adam Audio A7X is a powerful and versatile studio monitor that delivers exceptional sound quality and accuracy, making it suitable for professional audio engineers, music producers, and home recording enthusiasts, but falls short in the lows.
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
22
|
+1 | $2493 |
Neumann KH 310
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
23
|
-4 | $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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
|
24
|
- | 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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
We ranked Yamaha HS8 #1 in April 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Yamaha HS8 as #1.
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
|
Music Critic
Best Overall
|
Has an 8” cone woofer and a 1” dome tweeter to provide you with the best quality sound.
Has a frequency response of 38Hz to 30kHz, so you get the ideal flat frequency response.
Equipped with a built-in amp and a bi-amp so you get the best sound resolution every time.
|
We ranked Neumann KH 120 A #2 in April 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Neumann KH 120 A as #1.
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
|
Music Critic
Premium Quality
|
Class-AB analog amplifiers.
52 Hertz -21 kiloHertz.
Easy interface.
|
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 April 2024 ranking
Pocket-lint
E-Home Recording Studio
woodandfirestudio.com
Popular Science
Hyperbits
Gearank
Careers In Music
Music Radar
PianoDreamers
Music Critic
We ranked JBL 305P MkII #3 in April 2024 because:
- 5 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
|
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
|
We ranked KRK Rokit 5 G4 #4 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked KRK Rokit 5 G4 as #1.
Gearank
The Best Studio Monitors Under $300
|
Extended bass response
More neutral than its predecessors
Includes ISO-foam pads
|
Digital controls feel gimmicky
|
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)
|
Rear mounted volume and trim controls
|
We ranked Yamaha HS5 #5 in April 2024 because:
- 4 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 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 Genelec 8010A #6 in April 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Pocket-lint
Best compact studio monitors
|
Ideal for tight spaces
Extremely well balanced
Bi-amping provides great headroom
|
Some may prefer more power
|
woodandfirestudio.com
Best portable studio monitors
|
Exceptional portability
Very good construction quality
Very good sound for the size
|
High price for 3-inch monitors
|
Gearank
The Best Studio Monitors under $500
|
Portable
Surprisingly robust sound
Great Imaging
|
Awkward XLR jack positioning
|
We ranked KRK Rokit RP7 G4 #7 in April 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
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
|
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 home use
|
Graphic EQ at this price-point is fantastic
Bass sounds are quite phenomenal
|
There are monitors better suited to non-electronic music production
|
We ranked Adam Audio A7V #8 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Adam Audio A7V as #1.
Pocket-lint
Best mid-priced studio monitors
|
Unique mineral woofer provides extended low frequencies
DSP engine for fantastic crossover
Room adaption
|
Struggling to think of one
|
Careers In Music
|
Versatile
Sonically clean and precise
|
Expensive
Probably too powerful for smaller rooms
|
PianoDreamers
Best Studio Monitors Under $1000 (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
|
We ranked PreSonus Eris E.45 #9 in April 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
|
PianoDreamers
Best Studio Monitor Under $200 (for beginner studios)
|
Easy to tweak the sound
Acoustic switch
Multiple I/O
|
Bass may be a bit weak
Some might find the highs a little harsh
|
We ranked M-Audio BX4 #10 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked M-Audio BX4 as #1.
Careers In Music
|
Affordable
A great first step into proper speakers
Look great
Useful minijack input on front
|
Single amp driving both speakers
|
Music Radar
The best compact, affordable option
|
Reasonably compact
Great low-frequency response
Well built
|
Lack the scale of larger nearfield monitors
|
We ranked PreSonus Eris E3.5 #11 in April 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.
Pocket-lint
Best budget studio monitors
|
Excellent value for money
Mid-range and treble clarity
Ideal for those looking to get started
|
Bass response is a little weak
|
Gearank
The Best Cheap Studio Monitor Under $100
|
Surprisingly good sound for critical listening
Great treble response
Portable
Tight bass
|
Cheap build
Low end lacking
|
We ranked Yamaha HS7 #12 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Yamaha HS7 as #1.
Pocket-lint
Best studio monitors overall
|
Well balanced between frequencies
Room control and high trim controls
Bi-amp system
|
Clarity suffers at really high volumes
|
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
|
We ranked Mackie HR824 mkII #13 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
PianoDreamers
Best Studio Monitor Under $1000 (for the serious home studios)
|
Highly accurate
Passive radiator for accurate low-end frequencies
Wide-dispersal of high-end frequencies
|
A little more expensive
Some people experience longevity issues 4-5 years down the line
|
Music Critic
|
Class A/B amplifiers so that you can hear the highs and the lows simultaneously.
The 8.75" woofer that you get with this studio monitor enables you to get a sound that is high-precision and low-distortion at the same time.
|
We ranked Focal Solo6 Be #14 in April 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Music Critic
|
W composite sandwich cone gives you unparalleled frequency response.
Has an inverted-dome tweeter to provide you with the utmost of precision and high efficiency.
It also comes equipped with a potentiometer so that you can easily adjust the tweeter and woofer levels according to your liking.
|
We ranked KRK Rokit 8 G4 #15 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Presonus Eris E5 #16 in April 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 #17 in April 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 #18 in April 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 Kali Audio LP-6 #19 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
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 Focal Twin6 Be #20 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Music Radar
The best for balance and clarity
|
Peerless construction and finish
Huge sound stage, and gorgeously smooth
Focus mode will appeal to many
|
Relatively large for small home studios
|
We ranked Adam Audio A7X #21 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
We ranked Neumann KH 310 #22 in April 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 Focal Shape 65 #23 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
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
|
We ranked Genelec 8030C #24 in April 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
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 Monitor Under $1000 (for the serious home studios)
|
Clean sounding and incredibly accurate
Durable and reliable
Solid
|
Only XLR inputs
|