The 15 Best Monitor Speaker of 2024: A Comprehensive List

We have tested over 50 monitor speakers then choose the 5 best ones. The options we’ve handpicked for you are ideal for such big sets and come with excellent features. Take a look.

• KRK Classic 5 Monitor - Best for overall

• Edifier R1280Ts Speakers - Best stylish

• PreSonus Eris E3.5 Monitor - Best budget

• Edifier R1280DB Speakers - Best home studio

• Pioneer DJ DM-40 Monitor - Best compact and affordable

 

#1. KRK Classic 5 Monitor - Best for overall

Product Highlight

If you've ever stepped foot inside the studio domain of an electronic music producer, the chances are you're familiar with the famous yellow speaker cones of KRK.

The Classic 5 series - now in its fifth generation - is the Gibson-owned brand's affordable nearfield range, and has a selection of neat features which make it worthy of note. 

For starters, the G4 range is among the first monitor series at this price bracket to include a graphic EQ function on the speaker itself. 

What we like 

  ✅Graphic EQ at this price point is fantastic

  ✅Bass sounds are quite phenomenal

  ✅Passive radiators give you flexibility

  ✅Rear EQ controls

Check the latest price: View on Amazon

 

#2. Edifier R1280Ts Speakers - Best stylish

Product Highlight

The Edifier R1280Ts is designed for near-field use with a neutral sound, wide sweet spot, and 3D listening experience.

The front-ported design allows you to place the monitor speakers closer to walls, and the 6.5″ speaker and low-noise port tube team up to deliver clean, punchy bass.

The volume knob ranges from mute to +6 dB, and there are dip switches on the back panel to EQ the speaker.

What we like 

  ✅Bespoke foam isolation pads

  ✅Effective onboard EQ 

  ✅Excellent quality: 42W continuous undistorted power, 4-inch subwoofer unit

  ✅Soundfield Spatializer button: Enhance the listing experience

Check the latest price: View on Amazon

 

#3. PreSonus Eris E3.5 Monitor - Best budget

Product Highlight

The PreSonus Eris monitors are famed for their exceptional frequency balance and slightly mid-forward sound.

At roughly $1000 for a single unit, this is a serious upgrade for musicians or producers, but you will be rewarded with clear stereo, superb detail, and top-notch imaging.

Its non-ported design results in a tight bass response and positional flexibility as long as the monitor speakers are placed vertically. 

What we like 

  ✅Clear precise top end with EQ adjustment if required

  ✅Sensible choice of inputs for either balanced or unbalanced connection

  ✅Compact footprint for 5” monitor

Check the latest price: View on Amazon

 

#4. Edifier R1280DB Speakers - Best home studio

Product Highlight

The Edifier App is a standout feature, incredibly useful for room correction and speaker placement. The LCD displays the EQ, and the app provides a real-time room analysis.

The app also aids with level matching, calibration, and x-over settings, among other things.

The Edifier R1280DB boasts a wide sweet spot with a spacious soundstage. 

What we like 

  ✅AMT driver adds a spacious dimension to the top end

  ✅Extensive EQ controls for poor rooms

  ✅Exhibits clarity and coherence

Check the latest price: View on Amazon

 

#5. Pioneer DJ DM-40 Monitor - Best compact and affordable                               

Product Highlight

The Pioneer DJ DM-40 is the best compact and most affordable monitor.

The ‘MTM’ bit refers to the D’Appolito configuration, which, in this case, places a 1” tweeter in between two 3.5” mid-range woofers, with a bass reflex port around the back.

Everything is DSP-controlled and they can be calibrated to suit your room courtesy of IK’s proprietary ARC calibration system, which is built right into the speakers and the measurement mic comes bundled as part of the package.

What we like 

  ✅High-Quality Monitor Speakers

  ✅Eye Care Technology

  ✅The compact DM-40: Excellent audio quality

Check the latest price: View on Amazon

 

1. What do I need to know about studio monitors? 

Studio monitor speakers come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, and types, so it’s worth exploring some of the options available to you when searching for the best studio monitors. 

2. Do I need an amplifier for my studio monitors?

The electrical signals coming out of a home studio mixer or audio interface are fairly weak, which means monitors need the help of an amplifier. That amplifier can either be incorporated within the speaker itself - something you’ll find in active monitors - or used separately and externally, alongside passive speakers. 

3. Does monitor speaker layout matter?

The layout of the speakers themselves is crucial too. A classic two-way speaker employs one woofer, dedicated to producing low frequencies, and a tweeter that kicks out high-mid and high frequencies. 

4. What size studio monitors do you need?

Size matters; as a general rule, the bigger the monitor, the more power it can output, and the more bass frequencies you can expect it to kick out. Your room’s size and how well acoustically treated it is will also determine the size of monitor it can handle: big, loud monitors can easily overload a small space.

 

Today there are many great studio monitors and speakers on the market for every budget. If you are looking for something more affordable, I recommend you check out my budget pick,  KRK Classic 5 Monitor, which provides great sound quality, bass performance, and durability for its price.