Best Active Nearfield Monitors for Studio Monitoring 2025

Perfect active nearfield monitors for studio-monitoring - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Professional Studio For Mix Position For Critical Listening For Studio Monitoring

BRANDS: Genelec Yamaha ADAM Audio Presonus EVE Audio Dynaudio KRK Neumann Mackie Kali Audio Tannoy PSI Audio KS Digital Focal Behringer JBL IK Multimedia Avantone M-Audio HEDD Fostex Fluid Audio

KS Digital C-55 Reference Cherry L - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

KS Digital C-55 Reference Cherry L

by KS Digital

Critical Listening Professional Studio Mix Position

Key Feature:

• Excellent for mix translation

✓ PROS

• Professional studio standard
• Wide range of professional options

✗ CONS

• Limited upgrade flexibility
• May require acoustic treatment

KS Digital C-55 Reference Cherry LActive 3-Way Full-Range Studio MonitorLeft monitor3-way full-range studio monitor in...

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 609886

$1,979

Buy at Thomann View Details

Genelec 8320 APM Pack - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Genelec 8320 APM Pack

by Genelec

Professional Studio Critical Listening Mix Position

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Excellent for mix translation
• Accurate frequency response

✗ CONS

• Professional models can be large
• Requires AC power for each speaker

Genelec 8320 APM Pack*Set consists of: *2x Genelec 8320 APM 2-way active studio monitorDrivers: 4" bass driver and...

⭐ 4.4/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 609727

$1,649

Buy at Thomann View Details

Genelec 8330 AM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Genelec 8330 AM

by Genelec

Mix Position Critical Listening Professional Studio

Key Feature:

• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers

✓ PROS

• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
• Wide range of professional options

✗ CONS

• Limited upgrade flexibility
• Expensive professional models

Genelec 8330 AM2-Way Active Studio MonitorWith power switchFrequency response: 45 - 23000 Hz (-6 dB) and 58 - 20000 Hz...

⭐ 4.5/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 609215

$912

Buy at Thomann View Details

Genelec 8320 AMM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Genelec 8320 AMM

by Genelec

Studio Monitoring Mix Position Critical Listening

Key Feature:

• Excellent for mix translation

✓ PROS

• Accurate frequency response
• Wide range of professional options

✗ CONS

• Professional models can be large
• Expensive professional models

Genelec 8320 AMM2-Way Active Studio MonitorWith power switchDrivers: 4" bass driver and 3/4" metal dome...

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 609213

$648

Buy at Thomann View Details

Focal Trio6 Black ST6 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Focal Trio6 Black ST6

by Focal

Professional Studio Critical Listening Mix Position

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Wide range of professional options
• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers

✗ CONS

• Expensive professional models
• Limited upgrade flexibility

Focal Trio6 Black ST6Active 3-Way Bass Reflex Studio MonitorEquipped with: 8‘ woofer (W sandwich composite cone) and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 608718

$2,914

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fluid Audio FX50 V2 Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Fluid Audio FX50 V2 Bundle

by Fluid Audio

Critical Listening Mix Position Studio Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Professional studio standard
• Wide range of professional options

✗ CONS

• May require acoustic treatment
• Requires AC power for each speaker

Fluid Audio FX50 V2 Bundle, Bundle offer comprising: , <a href="<!nclink...

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 618783

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Genelec 8040 BMM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Genelec 8040 BMM

by Genelec

Mix Position Studio Monitoring Professional Studio

Key Feature:

• Wide range of professional options

✓ PROS

• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
• Professional studio standard

✗ CONS

• Expensive professional models
• Limited upgrade flexibility

Genelec 8040 BMM2-Way Active Studio MonitorEquipment: 165 mm (6.5") woofer with high efficiency and 19 mm...

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 609122

$1,044

Buy at Thomann View Details

Genelec 8330 RAW Pack - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Genelec 8330 RAW Pack

by Genelec

Studio Monitoring Professional Studio Mix Position

Key Feature:

• Wide range of professional options

✓ PROS

• Professional studio standard
• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers

✗ CONS

• Limited upgrade flexibility
• Professional models can be large

Genelec 8330 RAW Pack*Set consists of: *2x Genelec 8330 APM 2-way active studio monitorEquipped with: 5" woofer...

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 609741

$2,089

Buy at Thomann View Details

Genelec 8330 AM Pack - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Genelec 8330 AM Pack

by Genelec

Mix Position Studio Monitoring Professional Studio

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Accurate frequency response
• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers

✗ CONS

• May require acoustic treatment
• Expensive professional models

Genelec 8330 AM Pack*Set consists of: *2x Genelec 8330 AWM 2-way active studio monitorEquipped with: 5" woofer and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 609737

$2,089

Buy at Thomann View Details

Genelec 8050 BMM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Genelec 8050 BMM

by Genelec

Professional Studio Critical Listening Studio Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers

✓ PROS

• Wide range of professional options
• Accurate frequency response

✗ CONS

• Requires AC power for each speaker
• May require acoustic treatment

Genelec 8050 BMM2-Way Active Studio MonitorEquipped with: 205 mm (8‘) woofer and 25 mm (1’) metal dome tweeter with...

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 609123

$1,737

Buy at Thomann View Details

Genelec 8330 APM Pack - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Genelec 8330 APM Pack

by Genelec

Professional Studio Studio Monitoring Critical Listening

Key Feature:

• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers

✓ PROS

• Accurate frequency response
• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers

✗ CONS

• Requires AC power for each speaker
• Professional models can be large

Genelec 8330 APM Pack*Set consisting of: *Two Genelec 8330 APM 2-way active studio monitorsEquipped with: 5"...

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 609738

$2,089

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kali Audio IN-8 2nd Wave Grey - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 5.0/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Kali Audio IN-8 2nd Wave Grey

by Kali Audio

Professional Studio Studio Monitoring Mix Position

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Excellent for mix translation
• Wide range of professional options

✗ CONS

• May require acoustic treatment
• Professional models can be large

Kali Audio IN-8 2nd Wave GreyActive Near Field Monitor3-way system with coaxial midrange/tweeterDrivers: 8"...

⭐ 5.0/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 613195

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

KS Digital C-55 Reference Black L - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

KS Digital C-55 Reference Black L

by KS Digital

Mix Position Professional Studio Studio Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Wide range of professional options

✓ PROS

• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
• Excellent for mix translation

✗ CONS

• Expensive professional models
• May require acoustic treatment

KS Digital C-55 Reference Black LActive 3-Way Full-Range Studio MonitorLeft monitor3-way full-range studio monitor in...

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 609890

$1,979

Buy at Thomann View Details

Genelec 8350 AMM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Genelec 8350 AMM

by Genelec

Critical Listening Professional Studio Mix Position

Key Feature:

• Accurate frequency response

✓ PROS

• Excellent for mix translation
• Wide range of professional options

✗ CONS

• Professional models can be large
• Requires AC power for each speaker

Genelec 8350 AMM2-Way Active Studio MonitorFrequency response: 33 - 22000 Hz (-6 dB)Frequency range: 38 - 20000 Hz...

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 609218

$2,199

Buy at Thomann View Details

Genelec 8020 DMM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Genelec 8020 DMM

by Genelec

Studio Monitoring Critical Listening Professional Studio

Key Feature:

• Excellent for mix translation

✓ PROS

• Professional studio standard
• Wide range of professional options

✗ CONS

• Professional models can be large
• Limited upgrade flexibility

Genelec 8020 DMM2-Way Active Studio MonitorEquipped with: 105 mm (4‘) woofer and 19 mm (3/4’) metal dome tweeter...

⭐ 4.7/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 609115

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Active Nearfield Monitors

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced active nearfield monitors typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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Best Active Nearfield Monitors for Studio Monitoring 2025

KS Digital C-55 Reference Cherry L

Genelec 8320 APM Pack

Genelec 8330 AM

Genelec 8320 AMM

Focal Trio6 Black ST6

Fluid Audio FX50 V2 Bundle

Genelec 8040 BMM

Genelec 8330 RAW Pack

Genelec 8330 AM Pack

Genelec 8050 BMM

Genelec 8330 APM Pack

Kali Audio IN-8 2nd Wave Grey

KS Digital C-55 Reference Black L

Genelec 8350 AMM

Genelec 8020 DMM

How to Choose the Best Active Nearfield Monitors

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying active nearfield monitors?

How much should I spend on active nearfield monitors?

Are expensive active nearfield monitors worth the investment?

What are the best brands for active nearfield monitors?

Should I buy active nearfield monitors online or in-store?

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