The great thing is that in this article, we are revealing the best studio monitors under $300. Finally, a list displays all the monitors that look stunning are highly cost-efficient, and the essential thing is reliable for listening to music or mixing/mastering an audio track.
Suppose your profession demands an accurate reproduction of exceptionally balanced sound and does not add any color to the sound harmonics. In that case, you have to check these monitors out.
Some of these studio monitors are relatively recent and come with some of the most helpful features you’ll see in a studio monitor.
On the other hand, few of the monitors have been in the market for a while, and a suitable replacement for them has not been found.
Related: 11 Things to consider before buying Studio Monitors!
These studio monitors provide you with top-notch features and a very high audio quality with low noise levels. Some of the speakers even provide acoustic tuning. The acoustic tuning or balancing allows these monitors to adapt to your room’s acoustics.
So, without any further delay, it is time to dive deep.
Also check: Best budget studio monitors – This Year’s top picks!
Best studio Monitors under $300
Here is the list showing you the best studio monitors under $300.
| Best studio Monitors under $300 | Frequency tuning | Balanced o/p ports | Un-Balanced o/p ports | Power(W) |
| JBL Professional 305P MkII | Yes | 2 | 0 | 40 |
| PreSonus Eris E5 XT 5.25 | Yes | 2 | 1 | 70 |
| KRK Rokit G3 5″ | Yes | 2 | 1 | 50 |
| M-Audio BX5 D3 | Yes | 2 | 0 | 50 |
| IK Multimedia iLoud | Yes | 1 | 0 | 50 |
| Behringer MS20 | Yes | 0 | 2 | 40 |
| Mackie CR5-XBT | No | 2 | 2 | 40 |
| Audio-Engine A2+ | No | 1 | 2 | 30 |
| Edifier S880DB | Yes | 1 | 2 | 44 |
It is finally time to see what each studio monitor offers your studio.
Related: Best Studio Monitors under $500 that offer clean transients and well-balanced low-end response!
1) JBL Professional 305P MkII Powered Studio Monitors
Product Specifications
- Tweeter size – 1 inch,
- Woofer size – 5 inch,
- Frequency response – 80 Hz to 20 kHz,
- Back firing acoustic port on each monitor,
- Balanced ¼-inch TRS and XLR inputs ports,
- Sliders to control high frequency and boundary EQ,
- Back panel volume controls, power switch and input sensitivity adjusters,
- Power: 82 W.
check the price of JBL Professional 305P MkII on Amazon
A Deeper Analysis
The JBL 305P MKII is an impressive studio monitor that can work great as a desktop speaker besides offering an excellent studio utility.
They look pretty shiny, which seems pretty good, but it would have been better to give the monitors a matt finish. However, it’s purely opinion-based.
Furthermore, the monitors pack a single-inch tweeter and a five-inch woofer with a backfiring port. The build quality is powerful, and monitors feel sturdy and robust with a clean glossy finish. And if you tour and carry your monitors everywhere, they may get scratched, which is not cool.
It has happened to me multiples times that I have either dented or scratched my monitors during travel. Hence, I am not a fan of any studio monitor with a glossy finish.
There are quite a few controls you get with JBL 305P. The backside of the monitor incorporates balanced TRS and XLR inputs, a power switch, and a volume knob.
You can also control the boundary EQ, input sensitivity, and the HF trim to make the sound coming out of the studio monitors match your surroundings or room.
Overall, the JBL 305P MKII pack a well-rounded performance suitable for music mixing or casual purposes. The monitors have an elegant design that matches well with the acoustics of most of the studio/room. The bass response is very punchy with a very tight and right amounts of highs and mids.
Pros
- Ultra clean audio quality,
- Wide range of unique features to match your room setting,
- Great multi-purpose speakers.
Cons
- A highly glossy finish,
- The audio lacks on mids.
2) PreSonus Eris E5 XT 5.25″ Near Field Studio Monitors
Product Specifications
- Tweeter size – 1″ silk-dome,
- Woofer size – 5.25″ woven composite,
- Frequency response – 80 Hz to 20 kHz,
- Knobs to control high and mid frequency,
- Front firing acoustic port on each monitor,
- Balanced ¼-inch TRS, XLR and un-balanced RCA inputs,
- Back panel volume control, power switch, low cut & Acoustic space sliders,
- Power: 70 W.
check the price of PreSonus Eris E5 XT on Amazon
A Deeper Analysis
It does not matter if you have a thin or a thick budget. As long as you have money to spend on a piece of studio equipment, you’ll find a PreSonus product. Whether you’re a new producer or a professional artist, PreSonus has a product for everyone. In this mid-budget segment, PreSonus offers you Eris 5.25 XT studio monitors.
The Eris 5.25 XT is a bang for a buck studio monitor. It has a single-inch silk dome and a five-inch composite woofer offering a flat and crystal clear audio quality with immersive bass response.
In addition, the Eris 5.25 XT studio monitor looks beautiful. It has a black matt finished body and bluish-black woofers. The monitors are pretty sturdy and do not distort even at high volumes.
Also Check: Best Studio Monitors for Home Studio!
On the rear side of the monitor, different controls such as volume knob, bass, treble knobs, low cut-off slider allow you to control and tweak the sound according to the room setting.
The monitors offer balanced TRS and XLR inputs and a single un-balanced RCA port in terms of connectivity.
You’ll find an extremely improved sound and low-end response from these monitors when compared with the previous generation Eris 5.
Pros
- High quality audio and bass response,
- Competes neck to neck with most of the budget monitors,
- Front firing acoustic ports make the monitors space efficient,
- Great for professional artists or audiophiles.
Cons
- Literally nothing!
3) Rokit 5 G3-5” Studio Monitor
Product Specifications
- Tweeter size – 1” textile soft dome,
- Woofer size – 5″ glass aramid woofer,
- Frequency response – 35 Hz to 20 kHz,
- Front firing acoustic port on each monitor,
- Dedicated low and high end frequency controls,
- Balanced TRS, XLR and un-balanced RCA inputs ports,
- Back panel volume control, power switch & frequency knobs,
- Power: 50 W.
check the price of Rokit 5 G3 on Amazon
A Deeper Analysis
Suppose you have the best budget audio interface, a decent microphone and want to pair it up with a great set of studio monitors that offers a near-perfect perfect flat audio quality. In that case, you have to check out KRK Rokit G3 5″ powered studio monitors. I would rate them as an absolute best studio monitors under $300.
These monitors are sufficient enough to pump a small to medium-sized room. It is equipped with a single-inch tweeter and a five-inch aramid woofer. Furthermore, the whole housing is pretty solid with an elegant looking design.
The speaker is packed with lots of controls and connectivity ports. All these controls are quite common to see in a mid-range studio monitor. However, they are very useful to tune the monitors according to your room size and acoustics.
On the rear side of either monitor, you can see basic controls like the power switch and volume, high &, low-frequency knobs. In terms of output, you have the option to choose from balanced XLR, TRS, and unbalanced RCA inputs.
Related: Best Studio Monitors for Mixing and Mastering!
The KRK Rokit 5 is the best option in the $225-250 category because it has no competition at this price point. You will not see any low-priced speaker, houses an uncompromising build quality, and provides so many useful features to tweak the sound coming out from them.
Pros
- Best value for money studio monitor,
- Neat highs and mid with a punchy low end,
- Front firing bass port can turn extremely useful in a small room and tight spaces.
Cons
- It may not be suitable for medium large spaces.
4) M-Audio BX5 D3 Active Studio Monitors
Product Specifications
- Tweeter size – 1” natural silk domes,
- Woofer size – 5″ Kevlar cone woofers,
- Frequency response – 52 Hz to 35 kHz,
- Back firing acoustic port on each monitor,
- Balanced ¼-inch TRS and XLR input ports,
- Back panel volume control, power switch & Acoustic space switch,
- Power: 50 W.
check the price of M-Audio BX5 on Amazon
A Deeper Analysis
Another studio monitor that caters to very precise and accurate audio in a budget segment is the M-Audio BX5. The M-Audio has gone from making average products to crafting super cost-effective solutions in terms of audio interface or professional speakers. The company, however, has a still to improve upon.
The BX5 has a robust build quality with well structured single-inch silk dome tweeter and a five-inch Kevlar woofer cone. The matt finished quality blends the monitors decently with almost any room.
The M-Audio BX5 studio monitors do not have a super flat frequency response as the low-end hits pretty hard. But, they are reliable enough to provide you with nearly accurate information to work with audio.
I suggest if you want a multi-purpose studio monitor to listen to music, work with audio, edit videos, or mix/master music, then the BX5 offers an outstanding value.
The BX5 offers all the necessary features and controls on the rear side of the studio monitor. It houses a volume knob, acoustic space slider, power switch, and two balanced input ports, the XLR, and the other TRS.
The Final words about the BX5 studio monitors that I would say are, first, get them if you like a higher low end and, secondly, if you want them to be used in multiple settings.
Pros
- Suitable for small or medium rooms,
- The monitors look very very good on a studio desk.
Cons
- A bit overpriced,
- The low end hits pretty hard.
5) IK Multimedia iLoud Studio Monitors
Product Specifications
- Tweeter size – 0.75 inches,
- Woofer size – 5 inch woofer ,
- Frequency response – 40 Hz to 24 kHz,
- Back firing acoustic port on each monitor,
- Balanced ¼-inch TRS and XLR input ports,
- Back panel volume control, power switch & frequency filtering,
- Power: 50 W.
check the price of IK Multimedia iLoud on Amazon
A Deeper Analysis
The IK Multimedia iLoud Studio monitors are known for their ultra-clean and precise audio quality. The use cases here are simple, and that is for producing, mixing and mastering audio tracks. These are one of the best studio monitors under $300.
The three drivers that you see on the front panel ensure that audio reaches your ear simultaneously. This feature allows a producer to analyse their mix better as it enhances clarity.
Furthermore, the front panel packs three drivers, one of which is the tweeter, and the other two are woofers. The tweeter is located in the middle of the two woofers.
You can set the monitors either inlaid out manner or in a standing way. Which configuration you choose depends on how much space you have got on your desk and room.
The great thing is that these monitors offer a lot of features. You get a combo XLR/TRS inputs, volume knob, and other options to fine-tune the sound coming out of the monitors. The low filter extension, HF/LF, calibration, and sensitivity buttons allow you to do so.
Pros
- A feature loaded system,
- Offer a versatile set of use cases,
- Better technology incorporated than other speakers.
Cons
- A bit expensive.
6) Behringer MS20 Near Field Studio Monitor
Product Specifications
- Tweeter size – 2.5 inches,
- Woofer size – 3.625 inches,
- Frequency response – 80 Hz to 20 kHz,
- Knobs to control high and mid frequency,
- Back panel un-balanced RCA input ports,
- Front firing acoustic port on each monitor,
- Dedicated panel volume, bass & treble knobs,
- Front panel power switch and Headphone output,
- Power: 70 W.
check the price of Behringer MS20 on Amazon
A Deeper Analysis
The Behringer MS20 looks very different when compared to an average budget studio monitor. They look like a missile with a radio transmitter embedded on the front panel. Nonetheless, the unique design of the MS20 allows you to pack them in tight spaces or small rooms.
Most importantly, the monitor offers a clean and flat enough audio quality that is perfect for people associated with music production, video-music editing, or any profession that needs accurate sound analysis.
Related: Best studio monitors for Small Rooms or Studios!
The front panel of this mini-tank houses a woofer, tweeter and two ports for an improved low-end response. In addition, you get essential controls to modify and change volume, bass and treble. Not to forget, the headphone output is available on the front side of the monitor.
Rotating the monitor will lead you to the connectivity ports present in the monitors. The Behringer MS20 may seem versatile when looking at the available ports, but it lacks balanced TRS or XLR inputs to connect different studio equipments such as an audio interface.
However, the monitor does offer unbalanced RCA and digital ports.
Pros
- A great multi-purpose speaker,
- Front panel controls provide quick accessibility,
- Well balanced for a small as well as medium rooms.
Cons
- The sound quality becomes muddy on high volumes.
7) Mackie CR5-XBT Active Studio Monitors
Product Specifications
- Tweeter size – 0.75″ silk dome,
- Woofer size – 5″ polypropylene-coated,
- Frequency response – 80 Hz to 20 kHz,
- Back firing acoustic port on each monitor,
- 2 Balanced TRS and 2 un-balanced RCA input ports on rear panel,
- Front panel volume/power knob, BT button and headphone output,
- Power: 40 W.
check the price of Mackie CR5-XBT on Amazon
A Deeper Analysis
The Mackie CR-XBT cost a little over $200, making them one of the most affordable studio monitors. They pack a well-rounded performance, a pristine audio quality, and a graceful design.
The most important in a studio monitor is the sound quality. A studio monitor should have a flat frequency response to work with audio as accurately as possible.
After testing the sound on Mackie CR5-XBT, I can say that, for their price, the monitors perform accurately. They are not perfect and add some color to the audio signal but it is not overdone.
Also check: Best Studio Monitors under $200!
A great thing that I admire in a studio monitor is its portability. These monitors are super lightweight, durable, and easy to carry around. They also do not take much space and can decently fit into an average-sized bag.
The monitors do offer some really good connectivity options and additional features.
On the front panel of the active monitoring unit, you get a volume/power knob, a headphone output, and a BT pairing button to connect to devices wirelessly.
In addition, the backside of the monitor houses balanced TRS, AUX-IN, unbalanced RCA input ports.
All in all, the Mackie CR5-XBT are extremely versatile studio monitors or speakers. You can use them to monitor audio or for casual purposes like listening to music or pairing up a TV or PC.
Pros
- BT enabled,
- Extremely versatile,
- Clean audio with decent low end response.
Cons
- No frequency tuning available,
- The speakers lack power at very high volumes.
8) Audio-Engine A2+ Studio Monitors
Product Specifications
- Tweeter size – 0.75″ silk dome,
- Woofer size – 2.75″ aramid fiber,
- Frequency response – 80 Hz to 20 kHz,
- Front firing acoustic port on each monitor,
- 2 un-balanced RCA input ports on rear panel,
- Rear panel volume knob, headphone output, USB input, BT button,
- Power: 30 W.
check the price of Audio-Engine A2+ on Amazon
A Deeper Analysis
The Audio Engine A2+ try very hard to sound like reference monitors. Priced at 250 bucks, the A2+ monitors are built strong and get very loud for their size, which is not that big. The monitors pack a quarter-inch tweeter and a 2.75-inch woofer.
It is not the best studio monitor under $300, considering the options you get at a similar price. But, if you have a few hundred bucks and want to channel your audio tracks to a different speaker set, then you might want to consider the A2+. Specific budget audio interfaces offer you to connect an external set of speakers using RCA connections.
On the back of these speakers, you can find connectivity ports and a volume knob. However, a significant drawback of these speakers is that you do not get balanced TRS or XLR outputs which you can see in all similarly priced studio monitors.
The RCA connection can sometimes include noise from the surroundings thereby, deteriorating the sound quality.
All in all, I would not consider the Audio Engine A2+ as a pure reference monitor. These speakers are somewhat flat and may turn out pretty handy if you want to test your mixes on another speaker system apart from flat and uncoloured reference monitors.
Pros
- A varied set of use cases,
- They are suitable for small rooms.
Cons
- There is no frequency tuners to adjust high and low end.
- No balanced output ports to connect to an audio interface.
9) Edifier S880DB Studio Monitors
Product Specifications
- Tweeter size – 0.75″,
- Woofer size – 3.75″,
- Bluetooth enabled speakers,
- Frequency response – 55 Hz to 40 kHz,
- Back firing acoustic port on each monitor,
- Dedicated knobs to control bass, treble and volume levels,
- 2 un-balanced RCA inputs & one USB, Optical and coaxial inputs on rear panel,
- Power: 44 W.
check the price of Edifier S880DB on Amazon
A Deeper Analysis
The Edifier S8880DB bookshelf speakers is an excellent pair of speakers to see how your mixes and video edits react on the coloured sound system. They may not be the best studio monitors under $300 but they do give you an excellent audio quality.
Furthermore, you can emit a studio monitor response by fine-tuning the monitors using treble and bass knobs. These speakers/monitors look elegant and fit perfectly in small to medium-sized rooms.
It houses a 0.75-inch tweeter and a 3.75-inch woofer with all of the different controls and features on the rear side of the active monitor.
On the backside of the active monitor, you can see three knobs to control volume, treble, and the speakers’ bass response, which can help you fine-tune them to act as a studio monitor. In terms of connectivity, the monitor offers RCA outputs, COX, OPT and USB connections.
You can use them for a wide range of tasks, including audio monitoring, listening to music, or pairing it up with a desktop. In addition, the monitors are loud enough to fit a small as well as medium sized room.
However, the unbalanced connection is something I am not a fan of. I’d prefer to see a balanced connectivity option in these speakers to connect to an audio interface or other studio equipment.
Pros
- A great multi-purpose speakers,
- Gets extremely loud without distorting,
- Can act as a great stand-alone testing system.
Cons
- No balanced output ports,
- These do add some color to the sound.
Conclusion
Choosing one of the best studio monitors under $300 may seem overwhelming as the new brands are trying to produce more and more budget segment monitors.
Related: Best Studio Monitors under $1000 – Top monitors in each price category!
Also, as you go down the list, the monitors become less suitable for audio professionals and cater for a wide range of use cases. You can use them for a TV, desktop, or casual purposes.
Therefore, if you want a flat studio monitor for studio purposes or video editing, start with number 1 and end at 5th monitor in the list.
Related: Best Studio Monitors under $100 that actually sound good!
For people who want the studio monitors for either mixing music or their videos, I will suggest three monitors. Here are my top picks:
- PreSonus Eris 5 XBT,
- KRK Rokit G3 5″,
- Mackie CR5 if your budget is really low.
Do let me know in the comments what do you think are the best studio monitors under $300.
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