Music production today isn’t the same as it was years ago. Gone are the days when producing music plainly meant recording and distribution. Today, it entails processing and assembling sound in the highest quality possible.
As speakers and headphones advance with technology, consumers also have a higher demand for better sound quality for the music they love.
Professional music production today calls for state-of-the-art tools, and a studio monitor is one of the main devices required to get the job done. After all, listening is all part of the whole process.
We all know that the usual pair of desktop speakers may not be cut out for this kind of job, but where do you begin finding the best studio monitors for home recording or studio use?
These things don’t come cheap so one must be careful in choosing one before purchasing. Luckily, we’ve searched far and wide for the best studio monitors under $500.
We think that this is a great budget to start out with if you’re looking for a higher-end studio monitor. We’ve got a list below to help you out with your shopping so feel free to check it out.
Contents
10 Best Studio Monitors Under $500 (2024 Reviews)
- Yamaha HS5 Powered Studio Monitor
- Edifier S2000pro Studio Monitor Speakers
- KRK Rokit 6 G3 Studio Monitor Speaker
- Avantone MixCube Mini Reference Monitors
- KRK RP6-G3 Rokit Powered Studio Monitors
- Edifier S880DB Near-Field Monitors
- KRK Rokit 5 G3 Studio Monitor Speaker
- JBL 306P MkII Studio Monitoring Speakers
- PreSonus Eris Powered Studio Monitors
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors
Also Great | Editor's Choice | Budget Pick |
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Yamaha HS5 Powered Studio Monitor
When talking about studio monitors for professional music production, the Yamaha studio monitors in the Yamaha HS5 series comes to mind. Whether it’s the HS1 or this HS5, it’s an undeniable fact that these studio monitors from Yamaha are one of the best.
Ever since the production of Yamaha’s signature nearfield reference monitors in the 1970s, the quality just keeps getting better and better. To be honest, we’d recommend any of the studio monitors in the HS series lineup but the reason why the Yamaha HS5 is on our list is that it has the best value for its price.
It has all the components that make the HS studio monitors a great selection: high-performance components, Room Control, and High Trim response controls, and many more. In my opinion, the Yamaha HS5 is a steal – it would be a shame to overlook such a wonderful reference monitor.
- Easy to set up and easy to use
- Comes with premium-grade components
- Well-built Energy efficient
- And also comes in a compact design
- Accessories included in the bundle needs improvement in quality
Edifier S2000pro Studio Monitor Speakers
Who doesn’t love a studio monitor that looks and sounds great at the same time? If you’re looking for a bookshelf monitor that can sit in style in your workspace without being a glaring contrast with your interior design, then this is the choice for you.
The Edifier S2000pro is a personal favorite of mine. Not just because it looks great and has a remote control and Bluetooth connectivity for lazybones like me, but it also produces great quality and accurate sound.
They’re pretty accurate too for a studio monitor within this price range. If you consider the real value it offers, the price tag does not do it any justice.
- Easy to set up
- Has great quality and build
- Produces clear and accurate sound
- Consistent sound quality no matter the volume
- Looks attractive and stylish
- Does not hog up a lot of space
- Not made of real wood
- The durability of chords needs to be improved
- Lacks bass and volume for a powerhouse loudspeaker
KRK Rokit 6 G3 Studio Monitor Speaker
Not just looking for a studio monitor but a complete package for your new home studio? The KRK Rokit 6 G3 comes in a bundle with two monitor stands, XLR cables, and the Austin Bazaar polishing cloths to keep your studio monitors sparkling clean.
The Rokit 6 G3 makes a great starter monitor speaker. If you have a larger budget than the usual lower-end options, you might want to consider purchasing this bundle. It promises pristine quality, clear midrange, and tight bass. How many studio monitors in this price range have these high-quality features?
- Simple design with a durable build
- Made with premium components promising high-quality sound
- Comes in a bundle with stands
- Cables and polishing cloths
- Durability and quality of accessories included needs improvement
Avantone MixCube Mini Reference Monitors
The Avantone Mixcube Active might just look like a simple cube from the outside, but you’ll be surprised to hear the power and punch this studio monitor packs. Although the Avantone Pro is a 60W active mini full-range reference monitor. It comes with a 5/25″ driver and is sold as a single monitor.
The Avantone Mixcube Active has a balanced input – it has a combo XLR input that accepts a balanced male XLR plug as well as a 1/4 inch 3-conductor balanced TRS or a 2 conductor unbalanced TS 1/4-inch male plug. It also features a variable control that adjusts the sensitivity of the signal that appears at the input.
Also, I really like how simple the Avantone Mixcube Active looks. It’s basically a simple cube with a nice-looking coat of popping red paint. If you love the vintage minimal look this is the best design on a studio monitor in my opinion.
- Comes in a simple and neat design
- Compatible with any workspace
- A full-range monitor single reference monitor that delivers quality results
- Produces loud and clear sound despite its compact design
- Not as accurate as other options in this list
KRK RP6-G3 Rokit Powered Studio Monitors
Here’s another sound monitor option from KRK that might be of interest to you. If you loved the KRK Rokit 6 we’ve mentioned earlier, you might also like the RP6-G3 Rokit . This bi-amped, class A/B amplifier offers the same loud and crystal clear sound as other KRK studio monitors.
This one also has a proprietary waveguide that has been optimized for superior imaging, and it also comes with a soft-dome tweeter for quality and extended response up to 35 kHz. I also like that the RP6-G3 Rokit allows users to adjust high-frequency levels to tailor the system according to one’s personal taste.
- Large headroom
- High performance
- Low distortion
- Provides pristine clarity with an extended response up to 30kHz
- Allows users to boost or cut the bass to compensate for different studio environments
- Accessories included needs improvement in terms of durability and quality
Edifier S880DB Near-Field Monitors
What I love most about the Edifier S880DB is its appearance. It has a unique and luxurious style – a striking difference from the usual black studio monitor. So if you’re someone who’s looking for a stylish monitor, then this is definitely the option for you.
The Edifier S880DB goes beyond CD audio quality as it guarantees audio in hi-res. It has multiple inputs: RCA, AUX, USB, OPT, COA, and Bluetooth so you know your devices are all compatible with the S880DB.
It also has top-notch components such as the titanium-laminate tweeter that produces crisp and clear highs, and the metal diaphragm bass unit for big booming lows.
- Sports a unique and eye-catching design
- Looks great on any workstation
- Built with high-quality components and has multiple inputs included
- Captures sound accurately and reproduces it clearly
- Lacks features that can make the listening experience even better
KRK Rokit 5 G3 Studio Monitor Speaker
The KRK RP53G-59107 has everything a good pair of studio monitors has. They produce a loud crystal clear sound, they come with all the connections any user might need, and they also fit perfectly well into any workspace because of their super sleek and compact design.
The additional high frequency, low frequency, and volume trim pots at the rear make this pair from KRK an almost perfect option for a studio monitor.
What’s great about this pair is that for its price, they are pretty clean and accurate. A lot of other speakers have exaggerated highs and lows but with this one, you can get something very close to an authentic sound – and not a lot of studio monitors under $300 can achieve what the KRK RP53G-59107 can.
Although it’s not the most accurate of the bunch, the price tag and the overall build of this model make it a catch.
- Has high frequency and low frequency
- Volume trim pots at the rear for sound personalization
- Offers loud and super clear sound that is also accurate and precise
- Super affordable considering the value and quality it provides
- Build quality needs some improvement
- An unwanted hissing noise can be heard when nothing is playing
JBL 306P MkII Studio Monitoring Speakers
The JBL 306P MkII is a crowd favorite, and it’s easy to understand why. JBL has been in business for 70 years and counting. The 305P MkII is one of their newest additions. A lot of its features were derived from the JBL 7 series – another one of their popular monitor studios, and the M2 Master Reference Monitors.
One of the most notable legacies passed on to the 306P MkII was the revolutionary JBL Image Control Waveguide and refined transducers. Thanks to this patented technology, these studio monitors offer stunning detail, precise imaging, and a wide sweet spot.
It also has an impressive dynamic range that enhances the mix capabilities of any workspace. I also personally love the overall look and design of these studio monitors.
They are sleek and compact – perfect for anyone who wants a clean and modern workspace.
- Has the best low-end response compared to its competitors
- Produces accurate and crystal clear sound with big imaging
- A well-balanced mid-range
- Dynamic bass
- And a detailed treble
- A soft hissing sound can sometimes be heard when turned on
- Large and bulky in size compared to other options on this list
PreSonus Eris Powered Studio Monitors
The PreSonus Eris is a well-loved series of studio monitors by audiophiles. Many consider it to be one of the best studio monitors you can get at a reasonable price. That said, the E5 is among one of my personal favorites from the PreSonus.
These 70-watt studio monitors come with a 5.25-inch woven composite low-frequency transducer and a 1-inch silk dome high-frequency transducer that’s ultra-low mass. It also features class AB bi-amplification.
For quality sound, the E5 has a front-firing acoustic port that produces premium-quality bass-frequency reproduction. It also has an optimized resonance-suppressing internal bracing and 102 dB maximum continuous SPL.
For inputs and outputs, these studio monitors have the usual balanced XLR 1/4-inch output and unbalanced RCA inputs.
But what I love most about the Eris 5 is the amplifier’s “soft start” feature. A lot of users complain about a popping sound upon opening their studio monitors, and the PreSonus Eris 5 addresses this problem with this nifty little feature.
Overall, I believe that this studio monitor is a solid choice. It is simple to use, reliable and has a thoughtful set of features.
- Excellent studio image with pro-level audio quality
- Produces clear basses and mids
- Treble is not too harsh
- Accurate and delivers natural sound
- Durability needs improvement
- More fragile than most options
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors
IK Multimedia is known for developing apps and accessories for mobile devices and they also make some of the best monitors today. The iLoud Micro Monitors are perfect for audio producers who work with a limited space.
Its near-field design puts the sweet spot right at your ears even when the monitors are placed on a desk. Additionally, the desktop-shelf switch allows high-quality sound no matter the speaker placement.
These monitors come with an extended frequency response from 45 Hz to 20 kHz that delivers an incomparable bass response. And thanks to the advanced digital crossover, the iLoud Micro Monitors deliver precise stereo imaging.
But that’s not all – it comes with 4 class D power amps and 50W RMS for low-end volume so you know you’re getting the best sound quality sound no matter what the volume.
Personally, I like that it has a built-in limiter that prevents distortion and speaker damage from playing at maximum volume. I know I’m guilty when it comes to playing music too loudly and that could do some serious damage to any audio device. Luckily, this one from IK Multimedia can withstand the loud blasts.
- Made for smaller studios
- Perfect for home studio use as well
- Comes with a limiter that protects the quality of the monitors even at loud volumes
- Provides high quality sound no matter the placement
- Build quality and durability needs improvement
- Humming can be heard after prolonged use
How To Choose The Best Studio Monitors Under $500
The trick to buying the best studio monitors under $500 is knowing what its purpose will be after purchase. You’d be surprised to know that there are still so many people who buy speakers for all the wrong reasons.
Keep in mind that there is a stark difference when choosing a studio monitor for listening pleasure, and another for professional music production use.
A speaker for home entertainment may not always be accurate since these are created to heighten the listening experience. Some features were added to make music more pleasurable to listen to.
Meanwhile, you also have studio monitors that were specifically made to give you clear and accurate reproduction of sound. As you may have guessed, these speakers are for the purpose of assessing sound quality so you need it to be as precise as possible.
After figuring out what your own needs are, it will be easier to select from our pool of the best studio monitors under $500. Just remember, there are plenty of good ones out there, but it might not be the best option for you.
There will be some that will work perfectly with the needs of others but that doesn’t mean that it will work for your type of work as well.
While reading reviews like ours can be a good resource to help you with your shopping, you should also do some assessments to see whether or not these options fit your needs.
Our Choice
That said, we think that the Yamaha HS5 is a great option almost anybody would love. Not only does it have a good reputation and is well-loved by many audiophiles, the Yamaha HS5 also has qualities that can work well with all types of users.
It sounds great – for those who are looking for a studio monitor for home use, and it is also accurate and precise, for those who are planning to use these for professional recording purposes.
