Best Active Nearfield Monitors Under $1,000 2026
Affordable active nearfield monitors under $1,000 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: February 11, 2026 • Next update: February 18, 2026
#1
⭐
4.5/5
(55 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
EVE Audio SC208
by
EVE Audio
Professional Studio
Studio Monitoring
Mix Position
Key Feature:
• Wide range of professional options
✓ PROS
- • Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
- • Wide range of professional options
✗ CONS
- • Professional models can be large
- • Limited upgrade flexibility
EVE Audio SC208Active 2-Way Studio MonitorFrequency range (-3db): 36 Hz - 21 kHzTweeter: AMT RS2Mid-woofer: 200 mm...
⭐
4.5/5
(55 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 292686
$879
#2
⭐
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
#3
⭐
4.9/5
(52 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
EVE Audio SC204 Stand Bundle
by
EVE Audio
Critical Listening
Professional Studio
Mix Position
Key Feature:
• Wide range of professional options
✓ PROS
- • Professional studio standard
- • Excellent for mix translation
✗ CONS
- • Professional models can be large
- • Limited upgrade flexibility
EVE Audio SC204 Stand Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, 2x EVE Audio SC204*Active 2-Way Studio Monitor*Frequency range...
⭐
4.9/5
(52 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 402217
$813
#4
⭐
4.8/5
(12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
EVE Audio SC2070
by
EVE Audio
Professional Studio
Critical Listening
Mix Position
Key Feature:
• Wide range of professional options
✓ PROS
- • Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
- • Professional studio standard
✗ CONS
- • Expensive professional models
- • Limited upgrade flexibility
EVE Audio SC2070Active 2-Way Studio MonitorSpeaker configuration: 6.5" woofer with 150 W output power and AMT RS7...
⭐
4.8/5
(12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 559406
$989
#5
⭐
4.7/5
(18 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Genelec 8040 BPM
by
Genelec
Mix Position
Critical Listening
Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Professional studio standard
✓ PROS
- • Professional studio standard
- • Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
✗ CONS
- • Expensive professional models
- • May require acoustic treatment
Genelec 8040 BPMActive 2 Way Studio MonitorLower limit frequency: 45 Hz (-3 dB)Peak SPL per pair at 1m: 115 dB165 mm...
⭐
4.7/5
(18 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 311111
$989
#6
⭐
4.5/5
(41 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
Mix Position
Studio Monitoring
Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Wide range of professional options
✓ PROS
- • Accurate frequency response
- • Professional studio standard
✗ CONS
- • Requires AC power for each speaker
- • Limited upgrade flexibility
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKIIActive Two-Way MonitorClass-D amplifierEquipped with: 1" tweeter and 2x 3.5"...
⭐
4.5/5
(41 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 592294
$923
#7
⭐
4.5/5
(13 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII White
Critical Listening
Studio Monitoring
Mix Position
Key Feature:
• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
✓ PROS
- • Excellent for mix translation
- • Accurate frequency response
✗ CONS
- • Limited upgrade flexibility
- • Professional models can be large
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII WhiteActive Two-Way MonitorsEquipped with: 1" tweeter and 2x 3.5" bass/midrange...
⭐
4.5/5
(13 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 601234
$944
#8
⭐
4.6/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Auratone 5C Active Sound Cube Classic
by
Auratone
Critical Listening
Professional Studio
Studio Monitoring
Key Feature:
• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
✓ PROS
- • Excellent for mix translation
- • Accurate frequency response
✗ CONS
- • May require acoustic treatment
- • Professional models can be large
Auratone 5C Active Sound Cube ClassicActive Reference MonitorsFull range speakersCompact Class-D power amplifier from...
⭐
4.6/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 546628
$857
#9
⭐
4.7/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
EVE Audio SC305
by
EVE Audio
Professional Studio
Mix Position
Studio Monitoring
Key Feature:
• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
✓ PROS
- • Professional studio standard
- • Wide range of professional options
✗ CONS
- • Professional models can be large
- • Expensive professional models
EVE Audio SC305Active 3-Way Studio Monitor with DSPFibreglass coated honeycomb membraneAmplifier (PWM): 3 x 50...
⭐
4.7/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 307864
$977
#10
⭐
4.7/5
(18 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
AIAIAI UNIT-4 Wireless+
by
AIAIAI
Mix Position
Professional Studio
Studio Monitoring
Key Feature:
• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
✓ PROS
- • Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
- • Excellent for mix translation
✗ CONS
- • Professional models can be large
- • Limited upgrade flexibility
AIAIAI UNIT-4 Wireless+2-Way Wireless Studio Monitors2-Way bass reflex housingEquipment: 4" woofer and 1"...
⭐
4.7/5
(18 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 577285
$879
#11
⭐
4.5/5
(37 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Focal Shape Twin
by
Focal
Professional Studio
Critical Listening
Studio Monitoring
Key Feature:
• Accurate frequency response
✓ PROS
- • Professional studio standard
- • Wide range of professional options
✗ CONS
- • May require acoustic treatment
- • Professional models can be large
Focal Shape TwinActive Nearfield MonitorTweeter with a low directivity for a flexible listening positionClosed design...
⭐
4.5/5
(37 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 432396
$879
#12
⭐
4.8/5
(16 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
HEDD Type 07 MK2
by
HEDD
Mix Position
Professional Studio
Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Professional studio standard
✓ PROS
- • Professional studio standard
- • Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
✗ CONS
- • Limited upgrade flexibility
- • Expensive professional models
HEDD Type 07 MK2Active Studio Monitor7" Woofer (100 watt)2" AMT tweeter (100Watt)DSP system with integrated...
⭐
4.8/5
(16 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 508484
$956
#13
⭐
4.5/5
(32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Genelec 8330 APM
by
Genelec
Studio Monitoring
Mix Position
Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Accurate frequency response
✓ PROS
- • Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
- • Professional studio standard
✗ CONS
- • Expensive professional models
- • Requires AC power for each speaker
Genelec 8330 APM2-Way Active Studio MonitorFrequency range: 45 Hz - 23 kHz (- 6dB)58 Hz - 20 kHz (± 1.5 dB)Maximum...
⭐
4.5/5
(32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 352647
$857
#14
⭐
4.9/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Neumann KH 120 II W
by
Neumann
Studio Monitoring
Mix Position
Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Excellent for mix translation
✓ PROS
- • Professional studio standard
- • Excellent for mix translation
✗ CONS
- • Limited upgrade flexibility
- • Requires AC power for each speaker
Neumann KH 120 II WActive Studio Nearfield MonitorDrivers: 5.25" woofer and 1" tweeterFrequency range: 44 -...
⭐
4.9/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 562490
$989
#15
⭐
4.9/5
(7 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Neumann KH 120 II
by
Neumann
Studio Monitoring
Critical Listening
Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Professional studio standard
✓ PROS
- • Accurate frequency response
- • Professional studio standard
✗ CONS
- • May require acoustic treatment
- • Expensive professional models
Neumann KH 120 IIActive Studio Nearfield MonitorDrivers: 5.25" woofer and 1" tweeterFrequency range: 44 -...
⭐
4.9/5
(7 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 562481
$802
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.
