Are you trying to find studio reference monitors among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling studio reference monitors on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 29 hours of research and did 48 studio reference monitors tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best studio reference monitors you can buy today
- HONEST. Eris 3.5 near field studio monitors deliver studio-quality, accurate sound perfect for music production, hi-fi audio listening, or multimedia reference.
- EXPRESSIVE. Clear, accurate audio with a big low end — Eris 3.5's woven-composite woofers’ weave and nature result in tight bass that you can feel, as well as cleaner overall sound.
- POWERFUL. Compact speakers that pack a punch — 50 Watts of Class AB dual amplification (25W per side) provide all the volume and loudness you want without sacrificing tonal balance or audio clarity.
- ULTRA-WIDE LISTENING SWEET SPOT. The natural high-frequency response of the 1-inch low-mass, silk-dome transducers (tweeters) provide superior stereo imaging from nearly any listening angle.
- ALL THE CONNECTIONS YOU NEED. ¼-inch TRS balanced inputs on the back panel for professional audio devices, unbalanced RCA inputs for consumer electronics, plus a convenient front-panel ⅛-inch TRS stereo aux input for your phone.
- PRECISION-TUNE TO YOUR ROOM. High- and low-frequency tuning controls allow you to customize your audio output for your ears, room size, and speaker orientation. Whether on a desk, bookshelf, or next to a turntable or record player, Eris 3.5's produce clear, room-filling sound.
- QUICK-SWITCH TO HEADPHONES. The easy-access front panel headphone output and built-in headphone amplifier allow for plug-and-play headphone media reference when needed.
- ADD MORE LOW END & BLUETOOTH. The 50W, 8-inch companion Eris Sub 8BT studio subwoofer delivers a massive low-frequency boost and Bluetooth connectivity to your Eris 3.5’s, creating a powerful 2.1 speaker system.
- POWER SAVER MODE. Power-saving mode auto engages after 40 minutes of idle time.
- 3" Active Studio Monit
- RCA Inputs (pair)
- with 1/4" TRS
- 1/8" TRS
- Reference monitor ideal for personal studio monitoring
- 140 Watt custom bi-amped design delivers rock-solid bass and premium tonal clarity at any volume
- 8” custom high-efficiency low frequency driver for maximum bass response
- 1” soft-dome 'Poke-Resistant' tweeter for detailed high frequency reproduction
- Accurately tuned front-firing bass port allows near-wall placement and ensures optimal low frequency performance
- Patented Image Control Waveguide for detailed imaging and a broad, room-friendly sweet spot
- Next-generation JBL transducers for optimized transient response and improved linearity
- Patented Slip Stream™ low-frequency port for superior bass performance at all playback levels
- Dual integrated, custom Class-D amplifiers provide 82 watts of power for high output and dynamic range
- New Boundary EQ settings compensate for low frequency variants introduced by the environment
- The smallest active studio reference monitoring system in the world, iLoud Micro Monitor provides you with ultra-accurate true linear frequency response with no coloration, and does so in every listening environment, especially in home and project studios. The iLoud Micro Monitors have internal DSP that offers various EQ settings for optimizing bass and treble response as well as position compensation — this lets you switch between a “free field” and “desktop” setup effortlessly.
- Whether you’re recording, editing, mixing or mastering audio, editing video, sound designing or gaming, iLoud Micro Monitor ensures your production will translate well to the huge variety of consumer devices — headphones, home stereo systems, gaming consoles, car audio systems, TVs, and other listening systems. They deliver smooth and extended high frequencies, an exceptionally open, focused midrange and a solid, controlled low end.
- Let the bass bump: From writing songs and mixing audio on a tour bus to keeping the party going at the afterparty in the hotel room, iLoud Micro Monitors are powered by ultra-efficient class D power amplifiers that push a total of 50W RMS with amazing low-end response down to 55Hz (-3dB) — the best bass response in its category. Each monitor sports a 3/4” silk dome tweeter, a 3” high-rigidity custom composite material woofer and a large-flaring front-firing bass reflex port.
- Portable and lightweight: iLoud Micro Monitors are perfect travel companions delivering recording studio-quality sound that your favorite music artists rely on when they’re at home or on the road. With an optional matching travel bag, the iLoud Micro Monitors are read to hit the road with you on your next adventure! iLoud Micro Monitor's sound is so good that it’s nearly inconceivable for a speaker system of this size and at this price point.
- Bluetooth-ready: Pair your favorite devices wirelessly via Bluetooth with iLoud Micro Monitors so you can easily listen to your favorite music on your computer, phone or tablet. In addition to streaming wirelessly via Bluetooth, the iLoud Micro Monitors include Stereo RCA and 1/8" aux inputs for easy listening on turntables and older music players that require an aux input.
- JBL104 Reference monitors are compatible with most desktop and laptop computers, as well as home or professional recording EQUIPMENT
- Three sets of inputs allow connection with professional equipment, personal music players and consumer devices
- Front-panel input control selects Bluetooth, aux, RCA, TRS or combines all inputs
- Front-panel volume control and headphone jack with speaker mute feature
- Reference mixes via Bluetooth 5.0 streaming
- Proprietary coaxial driver combines 4.5-Inch (118 mm) woofer and .75-Inch (19 mm) soft-dome tweeter for transparency and wide sweet spot
- Integrated 60-watt Class D power amplifier; 30 watts distributed to each speaker
- Master monitor includes electronics for the extension monitor, minimizing wiring and clutter
- Available in black (104-bt) and white (104-btw) variants
- Purchase includes: JBL104-BT Reference monitors (pair); 1x extension monitor speaker wire (2-Conductor, 2 meters); 1x 3.5 mm to RCA audio cable; 1x power Cord; 1x quick setup guide
- Separate high-and low-frequency drivers with crossover;40 per channel output power - 80W total
- 5-inch low-frequency driver in ported enclosure delivers rich, tight bass; 1-inch silk dome tweeter provides smooth, clear highs
- High-density wood cabinets suppress unwanted resonances; Carefully formed baffle radiuses reduce edge diffraction
- Elliptical tweeter waveguide optimizes dispersion and stereo imaging
- Feel the bass - Dedicated Bass Boost switch to enhance low end frequencies
- Alesis (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- An outstanding way to upgrade your monitoring so that your mixes translate.
- Now comes included with Studio One Prime and Studio Magic plug-in suite, over $1000 USD worth of music production software.
- 5.25-inch woven composite woofer delivers solid low-end sound with minimal bass distortion.
- 1-inch ultra-low-mass silk-dome tweeter eliminates harshness and provides balanced high-frequency sound.
- 80 watt, Class AB bi-amplification provides plenty of volume and headroom for nearfield monitoring.
- Balanced XLR and 1/4-inch inputs plus unbalanced RCA inputs provide all the connections you may need.
- Acoustic tuning controls let you contour your sound to best meet your mixing environment.
- Equipped with front-firing acoustic port for superior bass-frequency reproduction.
- Contains RF interference, output current limiting, over-temperature, transient, and subsonic protection.
- 102 dB maximum continuous SPL.
- PreSonus (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Professional grade 5“ (bi-amp) studio monitor designed and engineered in the USA
- 5” matching woofer and 1” tweeter made with Kevlar
- Built-in efficient Class D power amp
- Proprietary speaker drivers built in-house from the ground up
- Onboard LCD visual ds-driven EQ
- High-resolution, 30-Watt active nearfield monitor
- Full-range 5 1/4" speaker with special diaphragm and deformation-resistant chassis
- Frequency response from 90 Hz to 17 kHz with zero crossover phase distortion
- Homogeneous dispersion pattern due to singular small-diaphragm full-range driver configuration
- Magnetic shielding allows placement near computer monitors
- Desktop Computer Speakers With Studio Monitor Sound - 120-Watt powered speakers deliver studio speaker sound, perfect for gaming, podcasting, streaming, DJ performances and more
- Premium Components - Stereo Speakers with an Acoustically-inert MDF cabinet and bass reflex design for deep, rich sound; 3.5” Kevlar low frequency drivers and 1” natural silk dome tweeters
- An Immersive Listening Experience - Computer-optimized tweeter waveguide for precise imaging; High & Low EQ for dialling in the perfect sound; Rear ports for extended bass response
- Versatile – Whether you’re looking for gaming speakers, DJ speakers, PC speakers, record player speakers or studio speakers, the BX3’s 1/4”, 1/8”and RCA inputs offer complete hook-up flexibility
- Everything You Need - Includes 1 passive speaker, 1 active speaker, 1/8” speaker cable, 1/8” to 1/8” cable, 1/8” to RCA cable, and AKAI Professional's MPC Beats
- Transformative feedback for recording, producing, or mixing – Whether you are creating music, editing your next podcast, tracking guitar, or composing for film, the revealing nature of ADAM Audio’s signature tweeters and woofers will enhance your sound.
- High resolution audio designed in Berlin – The HPS waveguide and U-ART tweeter combine to deliver detailed sound across the high frequency spectrum.
- Adjustable to fit your room – A beveled cabinet with a rear-firing bass reflex port allows placement anywhere, even with limited space. High- and low-shelf DSP-based filters allow for optimal adaptation in acoustically difficult listening environments.
- Plug and play it loud - Multiple analog connections give you the flexibility to integrate various soundcards and home audio devices.
- Extend your low end with ADAM Audio’s T10S subwoofer, which is perfectly matched to work best with the T5V and T7V studio monitors. Accurately monitor the low frequencies with precision to guarantee you make the best choices in your mix.
- Rockville APM5W 5.25" 2-Way 250 Watt Powered USB Studio Monitor Speakers in White ( Pair). 125 Watt RMS. Two-Way Active Studio Monitor Speaker System. Quad Amp Design: Each Driver Features Frequency Specific Independent Amplifiers.
- The enclosure is 0.5" thick while the front board of it is a full 1" thickness to give you the ultimate best sound quality! Comes in 3 enclosure finish options Wood finish painted black. Wood finish painted white. Wood finish with vinyl front board
- Full Range Class "D" Amplifier Circuitry with Auto-Switching Power Supply. LED Power on Indicator on Rear Panel. Ferro Fluid Enhanced 3/4" Neodymium Silk Dome Tweeter With Metal Grill Protection. Tweeter has 3/4" voice coil diameter
- 110 Volt compatible with SMPS technology. Every Speaker in Production Undergoes a Computer Generated Sound Check Test to Ensure it Upholds to our Specifications and Standards. We use a "6Sigma" style Quality Assurance of Each Product
- Transducer Production Line to Make the SPL Performance Stable. One Complete Pair with Mater / Salve Output Connection with Included Noise Rejection Cabling
- Inputs / Outputs / Controls: Volume control. Bass/Treble Control -4dB to 4dB (allows you to adjust high and low frequency independently). 1/4" and XLR combo input jack. High Speed USB jack. RCA input. 3.5mm Headphone output.
- Details: Certification: CE and RoHS Compliant. Amplifier: Class D, very efficient amplifier with top components! (ADI--ADAU1701, TI--TPA3116, SMPS). System Impedance: Tweeter 6 Ohm. Woofer 4 Ohm.
- Signal to noise ratio: 90dB (Maximum output with THD+1<1%, A-weight). Max SPL: 100dB @ 1w/1m. THD: 0.10%. Frequency Response: 50Hz - 20 kHz. 250 Watts peak output per pair. 125 Watt RMS output per pair.
- Each speaker produces 125 watts peak and 62.5 watts RMS. Input voltage: 120V. Components: 3/4" silk dome tweeter and 5.25" woofer with rubber surrounds and polypropylene cone. Product Size (Single): (W*H*D): 7.4'' x 11.34'' x 9.76''.
- Shipping Dimensions: (W*H*D): 24.1''x 13.54''x 10.7''. Net Weight (Pair): 15.4 LBS. Shipping Weight (Pair): 18.37 LBS. Includes speaker linking cable and power plug. Input Impedance (Ohms): 10 K Ohm Balanced. System Volume: (-30dB to +6dB)
- Rockville APM5W 5.25" 2-Way 250 Watt Powered USB Studio Monitor Speakers in White ( Pair). 125 Watt RMS. Two-Way Active Studio Monitor Speaker System. Quad Amp Design: Each Driver Features Frequency Specific Independent Amplifiers.
- The enclosure is 0.5" thick while the front board of it is a full 1" thickness to give you the ultimate best sound quality! Comes in 3 enclosure finish options Wood finish painted black. Wood finish painted white. Wood finish with vinyl front board
- Full Range Class "D" Amplifier Circuitry with Auto-Switching Power Supply. LED Power on Indicator on Rear Panel. Ferro Fluid Enhanced 3/4" Neodymium Silk Dome Tweeter With Metal Grill Protection. Tweeter has 3/4" voice coil diameter
- 110 Volt compatible with SMPS technology. Every Speaker in Production Undergoes a Computer Generated Sound Check Test to Ensure it Upholds to our Specifications and Standards. We use a "6Sigma" style Quality Assurance of Each Product
- Transducer Production Line to Make the SPL Performance Stable. One Complete Pair with Mater / Salve Output Connection with Included Noise Rejection Cabling
- Inputs / Outputs / Controls: Volume control. Bass/Treble Control -4dB to 4dB (allows you to adjust high and low frequency independently). 1/4" and XLR combo input jack. High Speed USB jack. RCA input. 3.5mm Headphone output.
- Details: Certification: CE and RoHS Compliant. Amplifier: Class D, very efficient amplifier with top components! (ADI--ADAU1701, TI--TPA3116, SMPS). System Impedance: Tweeter 6 Ohm. Woofer 4 Ohm.
- Signal to noise ratio: 90dB (Maximum output with THD+1<1%, A-weight). Max SPL: 100dB @ 1w/1m. THD: 0.10%. Frequency Response: 50Hz - 20 kHz. 250 Watts peak output per pair. 125 Watt RMS output per pair.
- Each speaker produces 125 watts peak and 62.5 watts RMS. Input voltage: 120V. Components: 3/4" silk dome tweeter and 5.25" woofer with rubber surrounds and polypropylene cone. Product Size (Single): (W*H*D): 7.4'' x 11.34'' x 9.76''.
- Shipping Dimensions: (W*H*D): 24.1''x 13.54''x 10.7''. Net Weight (Pair): 15.4 LBS. Shipping Weight (Pair): 18.37 LBS. Includes speaker linking cable and power plug. Input Impedance (Ohms): 10 K Ohm Balanced. System Volume: (-30dB to +6dB)
- Ultra-linear 2-way digital monitor speakers ideally suited for computer studios, audio and multimedia workstations
- True bi-amping mode with 4 amplifiers for ultimate high-resolution sound
- 150 Watts of digital power amplification
- Ultra-high resolution 1" silk dome tweeter for superior audio reproduction
- Long-throw 5" woofers with deformation-resistant cone for ultimate bass response
- These Mackie CR3-X Studio Monitors come with all the manufacturer accessories and 1-year USA warranty along with a 7-piece bundle which includes PRO TOOLS FIRST DAW music editing software, Mackie 3.5mm aux cable, Mackie RCA cable, Mackie speaker cable, Mophead bluetooth adapter, Pro dual 1/4" stereo to 3.5mm cable and Circuit City microfiber cloth.
- Studio-quality design, sound and performance ideal for multimedia creation and entertainment
- Professional-grade components for optimized sonic performance.1/8 inches to stereo RCA cable to connect computer output to speakers
- Ultra-wide frequency range perfect for full-range multimedia (80 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Convenient front panel volume knob with lit power ring gives you on/off/volume control and power indication where you need it. Plug your smartphone or other source right into the front of the speakers and listen instantly
- Professional studio monitors for music and other audio production.
- Superior high-frequency reproduction: 1-inch (25 mm), ultra-low-mass, silk-dome, high-frequency transducer for crystal-clear, natural high end.
- Custom-tuned 120˚(H) x 60˚(V) EBM waveguide provides a wide sweet spot for superior stereo imaging.
- 5.25-inch, woven-composite, low-frequency drivers produce a powerful, accurate, and smooth bass response with extended low end.
- 48 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response.
- Front-firing acoustic port for superior bass-frequency reproduction and optimized, resonance-suppressing internal bracing.
- Loud and clear: 80W, Class AB biamplification delivers up to 102 dB SPL (Peak, @ 1 meter) without sacrificing tonal balance or audio clarity.
- All the connections you need: Balanced XLR, balanced ¼-inch TRS, and unbalanced RCA inputs.
- Customize for your room with precise Acoustic Tuning controls: HF and Midrange, highpass filter, and Acoustic Space control (flat, -2, -4 dB) to compensate for speaker position near a wall or corner.
- Protection features: RF interference, output-current limiting, over-temperature, transient, subsonic protection and amplifier “soft start” feature (eliminates popping on power-up).
- 2-way active studio reference monitor with ported tuned enclosure (sold individually)
- 100 watts of power
- 6.5-inch woven carbon fiber woofer
- English (Publication Language)
- TRUE STUDIO MONITOR – Based on the highly reviewed Edifier bookshelf speakers, professionally fine-tuned to a near-flat responsive curve for artists and music creators.
- STUDIO QUALITY SOUND – 1-inch silk dome tweeters and 4-inch composite woofers produce a clear, smooth, and overall sound. MDF wooden structure helps to reduce resonance and reveal the true sound.
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIONS – 1/4-inch balanced TRS input, an unbalanced RCA input, an unbalanced AUX input, and a front headphone output are equipped to connect to devices, such as mixers, computers, tablets, etc.
- THOUGHTFUL DUAL MODE DESIGN – Freely switches between monitor mode – to listen to true audio for music production and music mode – to enjoy daily music for relaxation according to your needs.
- EASY-TO-USE CONTROLS – Equipped with two knobs to adjust high- and low-frequency controls separately, and a convenient front-panel knob to set volume and sound modes.
- Mackie 4" Creative Reference Multimedia Studio Monitors with Bluetooth
- Bluetooth-enabled | 50 watts of clean, articulate stereo sound | 4" polypropylene-coated woofer | .75" ferrofluid-cooled silk-dome tweeter | Specially designed waveguide delivers unmatched clarity and sound dispersion at all listening levels
- IN THE BOX: 1/8" to Stereo RCA Cable - Speaker-to-Speaker Cable
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: Mackie 4" Creative Reference Multimedia Studio Monitors with Bluetooth
- 1 Year Extended Protection Plan in ADDITION to the Included FULL Manufacturer Protection
How to choose a good studio reference monitors
Does the idea of finding a fantastic studio reference monitors make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in studio reference monitors. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top studio reference monitors products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top studio reference monitors on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top studio reference monitors brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top studio reference monitors based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the studio reference monitors were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good studio reference monitors, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your studio reference monitors.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting studio reference monitors for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our studio reference monitors. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what studio reference monitors should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on studio reference monitors.
