Updated: August 11th, 2022
Setting up a studio? Monitors are among the most important components since the sounds they produce have a direct effect on tracking, editing, mixing, and more. While you could spend thousands on professional monitors, we have some great news for you: The best studio monitors under $500 are capable of reproducing sound accurately, without changing a thing. This guide focuses on nearfield (close-field) monitors instead of far-field monitors, since most home studios aren’t large enough to accommodate huge monitors intended for listening from a distance of 10 feet or more. If you plan to listen from a distance of about 3 to 6 feet, you’ll find that this type of studio monitor is ideal.
Best Studio Monitors Under $500 Reviewed
Best Bang For Your Buck  | Best Bang For Your Buck | Adam Audio 2 Pack T5V 2-Way Active Nearfield Monitors |
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Best For The Money  | Best For The Money | Edifier S2000pro Nearfield Active Studio Monitors |
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Best for Speed  | Best for Speed | IK Multimedia iLOUD Micro Monitors |
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Best Direct Drive Double Pedal  | Best Direct Drive Double Pedal | KRK RP6-G3 Rokit Powered Studio Monitors |
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What to Look for In Quality Studio Monitors Under $500?
- Power – Power handling (in watts) has an effect on your overall sound, determining dynamic range, lending increased detail, and impacting volume. Try to find studio monitors in at least the 200-watt range. That’s enough power to eliminate the risk of distortion and handle music peaks such as drumbeats without loss of definition.
- Input Signal Division – Most active studio monitors are bi-amp, meaning they have two speakers, including a tweeter for higher frequencies and a woofer that handles both mid- and low-range frequencies. Some are single amp (one speaker) and other add a third speaker that handles mid-frequencies so the woofer focuses solely on the lows. Bi-amp and tri-amp studio monitors are far superior to single-amp setups in terms of precision, clarity, and definition.
- Ported vs. Closed Cabinet Design – Ported cabinets are useful for extending frequency response lower and increasing bass, however they tend to be less precise than closed cabinets. When ports are on the back side of the speaker and you’re in a small space, distortion tends to increase due to placement close to walls or corners. Cabinets with front ports offer greater accuracy in tight spaces, and closed designs perform even better, particularly when increased bass isn’t a major concern.
- Return Policy – Just like shoes and other items that fit a certain way, the best studio monitors for one setup might not be ideal for everyone. What sounds great in one space might not sound as good in another. So double-check the return policy so that you can send the monitors back if they don’t sound good to you after a reasonable break-in period.
- Price – When it comes to studio monitors, you tend to get what you pay for. You can do good work with monitors in the under $500 price range, even though they might not be the professional units that are your ultimate goal. On the other hand,if you’re just starting out and you don’t have a lot of money to invest, there’s no need to put extra strain on your budget. We cover the best studio monitors under $200 in another guide, so check it out if affordability is your main concern at this point. You can always upgrade later!
Between these two guides, there are plenty of excellent choices. We spent hours going over all the options in order to help you find the best studio monitors for your needs. Enjoy!
Adam Audio 2 Pack T5V 2-Way Active Nearfield Monitors
Adam Audio T5V 2-way nearfield monitors are optimized for use in smaller spaces. With rear-firing bass ports, attractive cabinets, 1.9” accelerated ribbon tweeters, and 5” woofers, these studio monitors are powered with a 50W class-D amp for the woofer and a 20W class D amp for the tweeter. A 5-year warranty is included.
Pros
- Smooth sound
- Balanced output
- Flat, realistic tones
- Acoustic adjustment for optimization in room
Cons
- Takes some tweaking to get acoustics just right
Adam audio has an outstanding reputation for quality products and these studio monitors are well in keeping with that reputation. If you’re looking for a combination of quality and versatility, these monitors are likely to please. They’re ideal for music, broadcast, and video production alike, and they are sized to sound amazing in small spaces. If you need to add a subwoofer to hear more bass, then you can easily create a 2.1 setup by adding an Adam Sub7 or Sub8 subwoofer – both models are compatible with these monitors.
Edifier S2000pro Nearfield Active Studio Monitors
Edifier S2000pro nearfield active studio monitors are built with 5.5-inch woofers and flat diaphragm tweeters. Bluetooth v4.0 wireless makes it easy to play from any mobile device and standard coaxial/optical inputs maximize versatility. Multiple inputs and control knobs are located on the back, and a 16-foot connecting cable makes placement a breeze. A remote control with volume, EQ modes, inputs, and other operations is included, as is a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- 4 EQ settings: monitor, vocal, classic, and dynamic
- Very well-constructed with a heavy, solid feel
- No distortion even when listening at very loud levels
Cons
- Cabinet is veneer over composite, not solid wood
If you’re looking for versatility, you’re probably going to love these monitors. An attractive design makes them ideal for home theatre setups as well as studio use, and there’s an impressive range of inputs for easy connections. These monitors sound great right out of the box and even better once they’ve been broken in.
IK Multimedia iLOUD Micro Monitors
IK Multimedia iLOUD micro monitors are designed for the smallest studios, with a super-nearfield design that is optimized for desk work. A built-in limiter prevents distortion and damage even at maximum volume, and four class-D power amps provide smooth sound across the entire spectrum. Time alignment and advanced digital crossover provide precision and flat frequency response. Composite woofer and bass reflex ports plus selectable EQ correction minimize common acoustic issues.
Pros
- Small, high-quality woofers reproduce frequencies as low as 55 H
- Crisp, clear sound for vocals and instruments alike
- Specifically designed for close listening
- Adjustable angle makes optimization easier
- Bluetooth and analog can be used simultaneously
Cons
- Fewer connection options than some other studio monitors
Not only do these small but mighty studio monitors offer Bluetooth streaming capability, they also work with RCA and 1/8” inputs. Designed for composing, producing, and mixing, they’re also suitable for mastering and critical listening. These reference monitors are well worth a second look if you want to setup a studio while traveling, or if your everyday setup will place your monitors close to your ears (under 24 inches) or even further away, but if your space is larger, you’ll want to go with something bigger such as the Adam T5V monitors. For general listening, movies, and more, these monitors are a treat.
KRK RP6-G3 Rokit Powered Studio Monitors
KRK RP6-G3 Rockit studio monitors feature optimized voicing for exceptional clarity. Front-firing bass ports and a front baffle design reduce the risk of distortion. Six-inch glass-aramid composite woofers, one-inch soft-dome tweeters, and a low frequency adjustment control add up to excellent sound clarity. Speaker stands with wire guide clips are included, along with MoPAD monitor isolation pads with adjuster wedges, Rockville microphone cables, and wires.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality – neutral and clean
- Great extras that would otherwise have to be purchased separately
- Many inputs, easy setup and adjustability for sound optimization
Cons
- A touch more expensive than some other options
- A few consumers dislike the bold yellow/black style details
KRK only makes studio monitors, and they’re experts in this field. There are of course occasional reports of product failure leading to return / replacement – it’s a common issue we encounter in all kinds of consumer products. Customer service for this company has been very helpful whenever issues were encountered, and overall, the monitors deliver impressive sound across the spectrum, so all kinds of studio tasks are accomplished with ease. There are multiple input connections, so it’s easy to integrate these studio monitors into any system configuration.
Yamaha HS Series HS5 Bi-Amplified Studio Monitors
Yamaha HS5 studio monitors feature dedicated power amps for the 5” cone woofers and 1” dome tweeters alike. High-trim response control and room control provide an outstanding response, and the cabinets are designed to eliminate unwanted resonance. Multiple inputs lend versatility with music gear and systems of almost every kind. A 1/8” to XLR stereo breakout cable, 20-foot XLR cables, and TRS to XLR cables are included.
Pros
- No distortion
- Flat response
- Outstanding for mixing and mastering alike
Cons
- No remote control
If you’re setting up a home recording studio, you are likely to enjoy every minute you spend with these studio monitors. The cables that come with the bundle make for easy, instant setup, and the flat response makes mixing and mastering a breeze. Like most studio monitors, these really benefit when you add a subwoofer if you’re planning to work with a lot of bass. Overall, they offer an outstanding performance at a surprisingly affordable price given the quality associated with the Yamaha name.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Studio Monitors
Here are a few things to keep in mind before you start using your new studio monitors.
- Room acoustics matter: Even the best studio monitors will have a tough time in a room that hasn’t been treated. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on acoustic treatments but you should do everything you can to create a studio space that will work with your studio monitors.
- Break your monitors in: It’s important to break in your studio monitors. When you first unbox them, they’re likely to sound harsh or too high. Breaking in (also known as running in) simply involves playing some fairly bass-heavy music through your studio monitors. It takes about 50 to 60 hours on average, after which you’ll enjoy true sound without harsh highs and distortion. You don’t have to be in the room for this. Put an R&B CD on repeat, shut the door, and let the speakers do their thing. Don’t skip this step!
- Add a subwoofer for bass-heavy music: If bass plays a major role in your music, then you’ll benefit by adding a subwoofer to create what’s known as a 2.1 system – 2 studio monitors, plus a subwoofer.
- Setup for monitoring: Adding speaker stands may be very helpful, and it’s best to set your monitors up so that the tweeters are at ear level when you’re in in position.
While professional-grade models such as Swiss-made PSI studio monitors might be out of reach for your current budget (they cost thousands!), it’s definitely possible to get a great set for under $500. With some comparison shopping and our helpful guides, it’s easier than ever to find the best studio monitors for your unique situation.