Best Mackie Active Nearfield Monitors 2025

Premium Mackie active nearfield monitors - legendary tone and craftsmanship

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

Mackie MR824 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Mackie MR824

by Mackie

Critical Listening Studio Monitoring Professional Studio

Key Feature:

• Excellent for mix translation

✓ PROS

• Excellent for mix translation
• Professional studio standard

✗ CONS

• May require acoustic treatment
• Limited upgrade flexibility

Mackie MR824Active near field monitorEquipment: 8 "woofer and 1" tweeter85 watt bi-amplified Class A / B...

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 415977

$274

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mackie CR5 BT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Mackie CR5 BT

by Mackie

Critical Listening Studio Monitoring Mix Position

Key Feature:

• Accurate frequency response

✓ PROS

• Accurate frequency response
• Excellent for mix translation

✗ CONS

• Requires AC power for each speaker
• Expensive professional models

Mackie CR5 BTActive Multimedia Bluetooth Speakers5" Fabric wooferSilk dome tweeter and protective grilleFrequency...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 602455

$241

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mackie CR8 BT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Mackie CR8 BT

by Mackie

Professional Studio Mix Position Studio Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers

✓ PROS

• Excellent for mix translation
• Accurate frequency response

✗ CONS

• May require acoustic treatment
• Limited upgrade flexibility

Mackie CR8 BTActive Multimedia Bluetooth Speakers8" Fabric wooferSilk dome tweeter and protective grilleFrequency...

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 602465

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mackie CR2-X Bar Pro - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Mackie CR2-X Bar Pro

by Mackie

Critical Listening Professional Studio Mix Position

Key Feature:

• Excellent for mix translation

✓ PROS

• Wide range of professional options
• Accurate frequency response

✗ CONS

• Limited upgrade flexibility
• Professional models can be large

Mackie CR2-X Bar ProDesktop Sound BarBMR driver technology2 x 2.75" speakersFrequency range: 58 - 20000 HzMax SPL:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 566031

$183

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mackie CR4.5 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Mackie CR4.5

by Mackie

Professional Studio Studio Monitoring Mix Position

Key Feature:

• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers

✓ PROS

• Professional studio standard
• Accurate frequency response

✗ CONS

• Professional models can be large
• Expensive professional models

Mackie CR4.5Active Multimedia Bluetooth Speakers4.5" Fabric wooferSilk dome tweeter and protective grilleFrequency...

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 602453

$153

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mackie CR4-X - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Mackie CR4-X

by Mackie

Professional Studio Critical Listening Studio Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Wide range of professional options

✓ PROS

• Accurate frequency response
• Excellent for mix translation

✗ CONS

• Limited upgrade flexibility
• Expensive professional models

Mackie CR4-XMultimedia MonitorsEquipped with a 4" woofer and a 0.75" tweeterClass D amplifierPower: 50...

⭐ 5.0/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 485483

$142

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mackie CR4.5 BT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Mackie CR4.5 BT

by Mackie

Studio Monitoring Critical Listening Professional Studio

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Wide range of professional options
• Professional studio standard

✗ CONS

• Limited upgrade flexibility
• Requires AC power for each speaker

Mackie CR4.5 BTActive Multimedia Bluetooth Speakers4.5" Fabric wooferSilk dome tweeter and protective...

⭐ 4.8/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 602454

$175

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mackie CR4-X BT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Mackie CR4-X BT

by Mackie

Critical Listening Professional Studio Studio Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Accurate frequency response

✓ PROS

• Accurate frequency response
• Excellent for mix translation

✗ CONS

• Limited upgrade flexibility
• Expensive professional models

Mackie CR4-X BTBluetooth Multimedia MonitorsEquipped with a 4" woofer and a 0.75" tweeterClass D...

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 485488

$164

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mackie CR5-X BT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Mackie CR5-X BT

by Mackie

Critical Listening Studio Monitoring Mix Position

Key Feature:

• Wide range of professional options

✓ PROS

• Excellent for mix translation
• Accurate frequency response

✗ CONS

• Limited upgrade flexibility
• Requires AC power for each speaker

Mackie CR5-X BTBluetooth Multimedia MonitorsEquipped with a 5" woofer and a 0.75" tweeterClass D...

⭐ 4.6/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 485511

$235

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mackie CR3.5 BT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Mackie CR3.5 BT

by Mackie

Critical Listening Mix Position Professional Studio

Key Feature:

• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers

✓ PROS

• Wide range of professional options
• Excellent for mix translation

✗ CONS

• May require acoustic treatment
• Limited upgrade flexibility

Mackie CR3.5 BTActive 3.5" Studio Monitors with Bluetooth 5.0Fabric woofer 3.5"silk dome tweeter and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 602449

$142

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mackie MR624 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Mackie MR624

by Mackie

Professional Studio Critical Listening Studio Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Excellent for mix translation

✓ PROS

• Professional studio standard
• Accurate frequency response

✗ CONS

• May require acoustic treatment
• Expensive professional models

Mackie MR624Active near field monitorEquipment: 6.5 "woofer and 1" tweeter65 W bi-amplified Class A / B...

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 415975

$215

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mackie MR524 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Mackie MR524

by Mackie

Mix Position Studio Monitoring Critical Listening

Key Feature:

• Accurate frequency response

✓ PROS

• Wide range of professional options
• Excellent for mix translation

✗ CONS

• Expensive professional models
• May require acoustic treatment

Mackie MR524Active near field monitorEquipment: 5.25 "woofer and 1" tweeter50 watt bi-amplified Class A / B...

⭐ 4.4/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 415930

$164

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mackie CR3.5 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Mackie CR3.5

by Mackie

Professional Studio Mix Position Studio Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Limited upgrade flexibility
• May require acoustic treatment

Mackie CR3.5Active 3.5" Studio MonitorsFabric woofer 3.5"silk dome tweeter and protective grilleFrequency...

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 602442

$116

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mackie CR StealthBar - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

9/10

Mackie CR StealthBar

by Mackie

Professional Studio Critical Listening Mix Position

Key Feature:

• Excellent for mix translation

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Professional models can be large
• Expensive professional models

Mackie CR StealthBarDesktop PC Soundbar With BluetoothFrequency response: 67 to 20000 HzPower: 50 WattAn integrated USB...

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

6/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 526161

$84

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 Mackie Active Nearfield Monitors 2025

Mackie MR824

Mackie CR5 BT

Mackie CR8 BT

Mackie CR2-X Bar Pro

Mackie CR4.5

Mackie CR4-X

Mackie CR4.5 BT

Mackie CR4-X BT

Mackie CR5-X BT

Mackie CR3.5 BT

Mackie MR624

Mackie MR524

Mackie CR3.5

Mackie CR StealthBar

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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