11 Best Small Studio Monitors For Home Studio 2024 [Reviewed]

(Last Updated On: March 26, 2024)

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A pair of quality small studio monitors would be an essential set of audio equipment if you planned to set up a tiny recording studio in your home or even out of your tiny bedroom. It is beneficial to get a pair of small studio monitors if you only have limited space on your desktop. You were slightly left behind if you are still using the built-in computer speakers. At the very least, you will need an affordable and simple pair studio monitor setup to power up your system that suitable for recording studio at bare minimum standard even in a smaller studio space.

Best Small Studio Monitors For Home Studio

Buyer’s Guide: Things To Consider When Buying Small Studio Monitors

There are many types of desktop-size studio monitors that are varying in price, size, specifications, sound quality, response frequencies and features. Thus, you will need to do your research and identify the one that most suitable of the studio monitors along with speakers.

Speaker Size

Most small-size studio monitors are suitable for handling and portraying the mid frequencies sound. Due to its smaller LF drivers (Woofers), its sound projected are more emphasis on the clarity of the mid frequencies. And it’s the sound frequencies that vocals and music instruments (guitar, piano, violin) generated. If you tend to use it for heavy sounds such as the drum or DJ applications, you will need the best studio monitors speaker that have the bigger woofer to handle those lower frequencies and heavy mix bass sounds even in decent studio space with speakers.

Monitor Positioning & Placement

Every compact studio monitor may have their sweet spot placement and position where you will be able to listen to its fullest detail in a certain position. The larger the studio monitors, the wider the sweet spot range and better speakers you will need. In the matter of fact, the small studio monitor will have limited range of its sweet spot. Thus, you have to find the optimum position carefully to take the most advantages of that particular pair of the studio monitor. You can refer to its manual to adjust its position correctly.

Sound Quality

A pair of high-quality monitor speakers should sound and portray the sound as precise and accurate in the balanced mix across all the frequency range. The sound projected must be detailed enough so that you can hear nearly every detail of the sound. And you can listen to your mix clearer while engineering your music with fuller frequency range (entire frequency range).

Frequency Response

The frequency response defines the frequencies range that the monitor can portray. As we have just discussed previously in the “Speaker Size” section, the frequencies range well depends on the size of the LF and HF drivers (Woofer and sub-woofer). The wider the frequencies, the more types of music and sound the best studio monitor can handle. If you are into the DJ, R&B, heavy metal and electronic kind of music, you will need the best studio monitors that utilize the bigger LF & HF drivers. But, in some cases, most studio monitors (including small studio monitors) with wider frequency response might hinder you from mixing the mid-range frequencies accurately. Because this kind of monitors normally portrays more heavy and deep bass sound that will cover up most of the detail midrange frequency sound and the required frequency range from the speakers.

If you are going to use this small studio monitor for vocal and acoustic instruments purposes, I think that the compact monitors with flat-response will suit for vocal, acoustic instrument applications of the speakers.

Materials

The material that made up the monitors (including small studio monitors) does play a major role affecting its sound quality. There are studio monitors that are made of Kevlar, paper, aluminum alloys, wooden and others. You should be wise to choose the right one regardless of the fancy marketing proclamations.

Power Rating

The power rating of the speaker size and the amplifier determine the volume limit of the monitor system. And these things tell if its the best studio monitor amplifier or not. For smaller studio monitor, you will want the monitors that have modest volume loudness for better mixing and monitoring experience. The sound will be distorted and murky if you play the volume too loud even from your best studio monitors.

Most Recommended Small & Compact Studio Monitors For Home / Bedroom Studio & Portable Studio Setups

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1) IK Multimedia’s iLoud MTM (Portable & Small Room)

IK Multimedia iLoud MTM (Single) 100W, Dual 3" woofer Premium Compact Studio Monitor Powered Speakers, Designed for high-Performance Desktop Speaker, Computer Speakers and pc Speakers use and DJs

Features

  • ARC room calibration
  • Tiltable stand
  • Small size

Pros

  • Good bass response given its 3’’ woofer
  • Lightweight
  • Very practical to use in small spaces

Cons

  • Quality of sound can be easily swallowed in the large open place.

For their compact size, this IK Multimedia’s iLoud MTM powered studio monitors gives incredibly detailed sound. It comes with built-in ARC room calibration technology, which compensates for the deficiencies in the acoustics of your room for more precise and amazing monitoring experience, which is possible. Also included is the tiltable stand, these monitors are impeccable for the desktop purpose where you are crippled by space in studios which don’t have good studio space.

This micro monitor from iLoud took the world by surprise with its bass performance produced from a 3″ speaker which ‘defied physics.’ But this is not all. It also offers, with bass response down to surprising 40Hz, making it great for modern music styles using these speakers.

Debuting with this iLoud MTM is IK’s patent-pending PRL™or Physical Response Linearization system, which employs a meticulous model of the enclosure’s design, materials, and constructions, along with the electro-mechanical dimensions of the real units, to tweak the performance of the system in real-time. The result is an impressive “firm,” well-adjusted, and defined low end, which can exceed the sound of the speakers even twice this monitor size.   

To aid in optimizing the monitoring for any room’s particular acoustics, this monitor features an incorporated acoustic auto-calibration, which is derived from IK’s prize-winning ARC™ System, and also included are IK’s reference ARC™ microphone, which automatically adjusts the frequency response regarding the position. The user simply needs to set the monitor, place the mic in the desired listening position, & then push the button to immediately get the custom calibration, which is specific to a listening environment. It also comes with low-frequency extension control (frequency response) and high and low-frequency trim control to modify the response to go well with individual tastes in your best studio monitors.

It is perfect for the small studio that is lack of proper room acoustic treatment. It is weighted at 8.8 ounces with the dimensions of 5 x 6 x 10 inches. It is considered one of the best portable studio monitors for the users who always needed to get their projects done on the move in unpredictable studio environments daily.


2) IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor (Portable)

IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor 50 watt Portable Wireless Bluetooth Studio Reference Monitors, Dual Speakers for Music Production, Mixing, Mastering, Composing, producing and DJs

Features

  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • TRS and RCA inputs
  • 50W RMS 

Pros

  • Almost flat frequency response from 55 Hz up
  • Its bass reflex port enhances low frequencies
  • Can be set up almost anywhere thanks to its 7.09 x 3.54 inch size

Cons

  • The 3’’ woofer doesn’t allow it to reach very low frequencies

This Micro Monitor is a high-end set of studio monitors that is small enough to carry around and the best part; it does come with Bluetooth connection functionality. Thus, it’s a set of quality portable studio monitors that you can ever find on the market currently.

Regarding its size, it’s only with the height of 7.09 inches and width of 3.54 inches. You can easily fit it into your bag and carry it around wherever you go.

It’s loud enough for a small room studio setup. It is very good at projecting flat frequency response sound with detailed mid-range frequency and moderate bass sounds.

By far, the iLoud Micro Monitors are the most sought-after small and portable studio monitors for those who want to have a high-end quality sound monitoring out of the miniature set of studio monitors. To bear the quality of sound consideration in mind, if your desktop or workstation space has being a big issue to you, you can use the iLound Micro monitors set to replace those bulky ones.

All the controlling interfaces and buttons ( EQ switches, rear-mounted volume knob, and Bluetooth pairing button) are housed at the left-hand speaker. And both speakers are TRS 1/8″ and with RCA inputs.

The iLoud Micro Monitors utilize drivers of 3″ woofer, 3/4″ tweeter and a bass reflex port for each speaker. And it does feature 50W RMS with bass response down to 55Hz. Thus, you will be able to enjoy a wider range of frequencies response despite it’s mini in size.


3) Genelec 8010A PM (Portable)

Genelec 8010 Bi-Amplified Monitor System (Each)

Features

  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Low weight at 3.3 lbs
  • 2-way bi-amplified monitors

Pros

  • +/- 2.5 dB of accuracy in frequency response, meaning it’s very flat.
  • Very portable thanks to its low weight
  • Clearer sound thanks to its bi-amplified system

Cons

  • XLR connections only

Just like the iLoud Micro Monitor that we have reviewed above, the Genelec 8010A Studio Monitor is another professional and high-end portable studio monitor with Bluetooth connection capability and other great features sitting side-by-side with the iLoud Micro Monitor and that too in such a small speaker.

It only weights at 3.3 lbs and considered as one of the best lightweight, and portable studio monitors set that you can carry around wherever you go. It’s slightly bigger than the iLoud Micro Monitor with the dimension of 7.67 inches x 4.76 inches x 4.5 inches. It utilizes drivers of 3” Woofer and 0.75” Dome Tweeter.

With the amplifier of 25W LF and 25W HF. It is capable of handling the Frequency Response of 67Hz-25kHz (-6dB) and also with the crossover frequency (not flat frequency response) of 3kHz. I find that its mid frequencies are quite accurate and well-balanced in a mix.

Distortion is relatively low and capable of portrays mid and high frequencies sound in clarity. But the major issue of this monitor is that its capability of handling the low-end frequencies sound isn’t good enough. And you will need an additional subwoofer to rectify this weakness if needed. This is one of the best studio monitor speakers you’ll see in the market.


4) Yamaha HS5 Powered Studio Monitor (For Small Room)

Yamaha HS5 Powered Studio Monitor

Features

  • Successor to the NS-10, a highly popular studio monitor
  • 5’’ woofer
  • 70W RMS 

Pros

  • Better base definition than 3’’ woofers
  • It’s bi-amplified 70W rating allows for more volume
  • XLR and PHONE connectors

Cons

  • Somewhat bulky to transport

The Yamaha HS5 Studio Monitor is the successor of the legendary NS-10 family, which is discontinued since it was launched back in the early 1980s. Being weights at 12 lbs with the dimension of 7″ x 9″ x 12″. It’s not quite a portable kind of monitor you can comfortably carry around. But could be a set of good studio monitors that fit into any corner of your home/bedroom studio. This is a 2-way bass-reflex bi-amplified nearfield studio monitor that utilizes the 5″ cone woofer and a 1″ dome tweeter. This built-up enable it to handle the frequency response range of 54 Hz – 30k Hz.

Furthermore, being packed with several advanced features such as low resonance enclosure design, room control & high TRIM response controls, advanced noise reduction technology, latest transducers, the high-performance 70W Amp unit and the capability of XLR & TRS phone jack inputs to accept balanced and unbalanced signal in one of this nearfield monitors.

To sum up, the Yamaha HS5 Powered Studio Monitor is a quite a good monitor speaker that suitable for the small room studio for professional users with excellent sound quality.


5) PreSonus Eris E3.5 – 3.5″ (For Small Room)

PreSonus Eris E3.5-3.5" Near Field Studio Monitors (Pair) – Powered Desktop Speakers for Music Production, Studio-Quality Recording, and Active Media Reference

Features

  • RF interference protection
  • 3.5’’ woofer size
  • Acoustic tuning

Pros

  • Balanced TRS and unbalanced RCA inputs
  • It comes with Studio One Prime, a top DAW
  • It doesn’t pop when you turn it on

Cons

  • Not as loud as other competitors

PreSonus Eris E35 – 3.5″ is one of the top brands on the market today. The reviews about this monitor speak volumes about it. This monitor is considered to be a true monitor for gaming, multimedia, watching movies, or studio recording. Its sleek design is of industrial studio quality. It comes with protections from RF interference, Over-temperature, Output-current limiting, and it has turn-on/off transient. It also features 3.5-inch woven composite drivers that could produce a very powerful bass response and very accurate sound. It also comes with an acoustic tuning. This allows you to get awesome and pristine sound quality within the studio. Its crossover frequency is 2.8 kHz. It’s one of the best studio monitors that catered for small room.

The thing that sets apart the Eris Active Studio Monitors from other monitors is that it can create very accurate mixes that sound awesome when played on different playback systems, iPod headphones, computer speakers, and on TV commercial soundtracks.

Each of the twin monitors of Eris is rated at 25W. The sound quality produced by these two monitors are accurate. Its frequency response, especially, in the highs and mids is flat, although the low end usually produces muddiness due to its driver size. The Eris is surely good for small rooms studio under 60 to 70 sq. ft. If you are a tyro in music production, you should consider buying this entry-level monitor.


6) KRK RP5G3 ROKIT 5 G3 5″ 2-Way Powered Studio Monitor (Small Room)

KRK RP5 Rokit G4 Studio Monitor, Black (RP5G4-NA)

Features

  • 25 EQ settings to accommodate your environment
  • LCD showing EQ settings
  • Built-in limiter

Pros

Cons

  • Only balanced TRS/XLR inputs

The KRK Rokit G4 (Generation 4) is the most advanced compact speaker system that KRK built to cater the professional studio-grade monitoring applications. Unlike the previous G3 series models that are more toward casual monitoring and listening experiences.

The distinctive quality of these monitors is that they produce more pronounced bass, although you can readily tone down the bass a bit if you want to. These monitors surely appear to be powerful, although the mid frequencies seem to be a bit sacrificed. These monitors are surely heavier than those of the JBL; hence, if you want portability, you should not opt for these speakers. These Krk Rokit speakers also make use of proprietary waveguide technology that is optimized for greater stereo imaging. This KRK Rokit G4 studio monitor is more suitable for those professional music producers that work on their music in smaller space.


7) JBL Professional 1 Series, 104 Compact Powered Desktop Reference Monitors (Portable & Small Room)

JBL Professional 1 Series 104-BT Compact Desktop Reference Monitors with Bluetooth, Black, Sold as Pair, 4.5-inch Speaker

Features

  • 4.5’’ speakers
  • 30W RMS on both speakers
  • Low frequency port

Pros

  • Panel on the front allows easier control
  • Both balanced TRS and unbalanced RCA inputs

Cons

  • It has difficulties reproducing frequencies below 60 Hz

Packed with 60 W of class D power-driven dual-concentric 4.5″ speakers, they are acoustically adjusted for perfect desktop placements, coming with three sets of inputs to have room for a variety of devices. Musicians and recordists at Sweetwater are firm believers of JBL’s compact monitors solutions. One can turn to JBL monitors, where even a full-sized set of monitor speakers are not the best of the solutions.

The JBL 1 Series 104 consists of a pair of monitors, which are apt for both critical and consumer referencing and therefore making it optimal for desktop applications. Because these speakers are also useful for home-recording studios, video editors, podcasters, who have an eye for sound and anyone and everyone looking for accurate, nonetheless portable monitors (with studio monitor speakers) with limited budget.

A 0.75″ high-frequency driver and a 4.5″ low frequency driver is located in a coaxial design, whereas a 60-watt amplifier distributes 30 watts of Class-D power to every speaker. Place the monitoring level, which is at the front-panel volume button on the master speaker, and one can get accurate sonic representation regardless of volume. The frequency ranges from 60Hz to 20kHz, but the presence of low frequency port in the low registers to judge bass content better.

For budding engineers, video editors, or podcasters looking for reference audio at a low price, this JBL 1 Series 104s are the one you should consider.

If someone is looking to make the best use of the limited spaces with a pair ultra-compact speaker with high-quality sound on a budget, then these speakers are worth digging into. These are one of the best budget studio monitors (small studio monitors).


8) Behringer MS16 Powered Studio Desktop Monitors (Portable)

Behringer MS16 16-Watt Powered Monitor System

Features

  • 4’’ woofer size
  • Built-in mixer
  • Dedicated volume, bass, and treble controls

Pros

  • Front panel with many controls
  • Microphone input lets you sing directly into the monitors

Cons

  • Not a lot of output with its 16W RMS amplifier

The Behringer MS16 Powered Studio Desktop Monitors set is another affordable desktop monitor set that which is very suitable for multimedia in conjunction with vocal and music monitoring applications. It is weighted at 7.7 lbs with the size of 5.9″ x 5.5″ x 9.4″ in dimension. It utilizes the 4″ Woofer and high-resolution tweeter which is powered by two 8-watts amplifiers

To sum up, it’s not the high-end studio monitors for professional users. But, indeed, it’s more suitable for the amateur multimedia, vocal, and music monitoring users.


9) Mackie CR5 Multimedia Monitors (For Small Room)

Mackie CR5-X Five-Inch Creative Reference Multimedia Monitors Bundle with and Pro Cable Kit Featuring Pro Tools First DAW Music Editing Software + Isolation Pads

Features

  • 5’’ woofer size
  • 80W power amplifier
  • Front-facing headphone jack

Pros

  • The metal grille on the transducers offer good protection
  • You can select L/R monitor placement with a switch
  • Some inputs like ⅛’’ TRS aren’t present in others

Cons

  • Its 69 – 20 kHz frequency response is a bit narrower than others

This pair of monitors is the standard when it comes to monitors. This Mackie set of monitors comes with a pair of 5″ polypropylene-coated woofers together with 0.75″ silk tweeters. It also features Bluetooth connectivity that provides untethered media playback. You can use these monitors for monitoring as well as for casual listening to music. This set of monitors provides 50W of powerful, articulate, and clear stereo audio that offers a broad frequency range from 70Hz to 20kHz. Its tweeters are ferrofluid-cooled for awesomely reliable and distortion-free operation. Its front panel is conveniently designed with volume control, 3.5mm headphone jack, and 1/8″ stereo TRS input. The set also comes with added-value accessories. Hence, you receive everything that you need to begin playing music in a single box.

Mackie studio monitors are designed to produce a premium sound that doesn’t break your bank. These CR multimedia monitors surely deliver sterling performance as expected, and their designs are ideal for use in multimedia creation, home studio, AV post-production, and broadcast. Its ultra-packed design is surely very affordable. Additionally, the left speaker or monitor is passive while the right speaker is powered. Lastly, the Aux/headphone ports and volume controls are located on the right speaker.


10) Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers (For Small Room)

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers - 2.0 Active Near Field Monitors - Studio Monitor Speaker - Wooden Enclosure - 42 Watts RMS

Features

  • 4’’ woofer size
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • 21W RMS power
  • Dual RCA inputs 
  • Wireless remote control

Pros

  • Can be connected to different sources thanks to its dual inputs
  • Remote control makes it easy to use 

Cons

  • It doesn’t reach the same low frequencies as others

The Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers are contemporarily designed with a black wood look to retain its classic look that blends well with your modern computer, record player, or television. These speakers are equipped with the new features pertinent to modern powered speakers. These features include new inputs like a new coaxial, optical, and wireless Bluetooth inputs. With these speakers, you would surely experience HD audio sounds like never before. You can also check this article on Best Wireless microphone pc, If you are planning to buy wireless headphones.

These speakers feature a 4″ bass and 13-mm silk dome tweeter that produce awesome studio sound quality. It also comes with optical and coaxial inputs that enable fantastic connection to computers and TV. This set of monitors also comes with a remote control that allows you to adjust the volume readily and to toggle inputs from afar. The bass and treble controls are located on the main speaker’s side.

The wattage of these speakers is at 21W which is slightly lower compared to other sets of monitors. However, its frequency response is surely wider than that of the Eris 3.5. There is, however, no TRS input which is indicative of the fact that these speakers are designed for casual listening and not for music production. Although the performance is fairly flat due to the lack of XLR and TRS ports, the audio tends to shimmer when at higher frequencies.

Don’t expect, however, to get awesome bass reply with these speakers for you will be disappointed, specifically with the sub-bass bass. Moreover, its bookshelf design is prone to producing low echo, specifically in the bass range. The upside of buying this set of monitors is its Bluetooth connectivity. If you intend to casually make music, this one is surely a good choice.

Overall, it’s not the kind of portable monitor that you can carry it anywhere. In fact, it’s more suitable for the small casual home studio or bedroom studio that only have very limited space for all your studio recording gear and equipment.


11) Alesis M1 Active 320 USB (Portable & For Small Room)

Alesis Elevate 5 MKII | Powered Desktop Studio Speakers for Home Studios/Video-Editing/Gaming and Mobile Devices, Black

Features

  • 3’’ woofer
  • Directly connectable to the computer via USB
  • 48 KHz / 16 bit built-in audio interface

Pros

  • Very practical to monitor sound from your computer
  • You can connect instruments and record them

Cons

  • The digital resolution of 48 kHz /16 bit isn’t the best

The Alesis M1 Active 320 USB are stereo monitors that come with USB audio interface. They feature a 3-inch woofer and one-inch tweeter. They operate at 16-bit/44.1-48kHz recording and playback. They also feature 1/8-inch (3.5mm), RCA, together with 1/4-inch (6.3mm) inputs. These monitors also feature a front-mounted 1/8-inch stereo headphone output and switchable power supply. Furthermore, these monitors produce a full, rich acoustics characterized by frequency response of up to 20kHz (not a wide frequency range).

It allows you to readily play audio even from your computer. You can also record the audio that goes into your computer. You simply must plug in your USB cable to the computer to do this. This process, however, doesn’t require any special driver. You can also use a Bass Boost Switch if you want to stress the bass frequencies.

As a substantial audio monitor (small monitors), the M1 Active 320 USB can also serve as a handy audio interface for you can easily connect your mic pre’s, keyboards, guitar effects, standard CD, DJ Mixers, and tape players to the M1 Active 320 USB. Lastly, with the use of M1 Active 320 USB, you can surely expect a superb, full range sound quality for more accurate sound reproduction for your mixes.

FAQs

Here are some usual questions many have when dealing with studio monitors.

What is the best size for studio monitors?

There’s no best size, since it depends on your room size, acoustics and loudness required. However, the bigger the woofer diameter, the better the monitor can reproduce low frequencies. Most studio monitors start at 5’’ woofer size, but some of these choices offer a good bass response with sizes from 3’’ on. 

Does the size of the studio monitor matter?

Yes, it does. The bigger the woofer, the better it can reproduce low frequencies. Besides, a bigger powered monitor can house more powerful components inside, allowing for greater volume. Additionally, the inside of monitors sometimes have elements like a labyrinth and acoustic material, with the bigger ones offering more room for these.

Why should you consider small monitors for your project studio?

If you work in a small space, there’s no need to use large monitors. They are generally more expensive and might be too loud for you to use them practically. For instance, it’ll be more difficult to regulate the volume. Also, small monitors interact less with your room acoustics, which is ideal for home studio setups.

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3 thoughts on “11 Best Small Studio Monitors For Home Studio 2024 [Reviewed]”

  1. If you did such a thorough analysis, you should have mentioned also some weak points in construction:
    – mackies tend to overheat (some reports of burned out internal amplifier)
    – krk have too sensitive auto-off function that does not react well to quiet music
    – presonus (and possibly all the other monitors?) can have very noticeable hissing sound (white noise)
    – presonus often blow out their internal fuse for no obvious reason

    But anyway Presonus are good for the price, even if their build quality is not the best.

    Reply

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