Best Active Nearfield Monitors Under $300 2025

Affordable active nearfield monitors under $300 - great value without compromising quality

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

Presonus Eris Pro 4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Presonus Eris Pro 4

by Presonus

Professional Studio Studio Monitoring Critical Listening

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Wide range of professional options
• Accurate frequency response

✗ CONS

• Limited upgrade flexibility
• May require acoustic treatment

Presonus Eris Pro 4Active Coaxial Studio MonitorEquipped with: 4.5" woofer and 1" tweeter with silk coneLF...

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 584193

$274

Buy at Thomann View Details

Presonus Eris E5 Stand Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Presonus Eris E5 Stand Set

by Presonus

Studio Monitoring Mix Position Professional Studio

Key Feature:

• Accurate frequency response

✓ PROS

• Excellent for mix translation
• Wide range of professional options

✗ CONS

• Professional models can be large
• Limited upgrade flexibility

Presonus Eris E5 Stand Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Presonus Eris E5*Active Studio Monitor Set*5.25" (133 mm)...

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 509732

$285

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha HS 7 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha HS 7

by Yamaha

Critical Listening Mix Position Studio Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Excellent for mix translation
• Professional studio standard

✗ CONS

• May require acoustic treatment
• Limited upgrade flexibility

Yamaha HS 72-Way active nearfield monitor6.5" cone woofer (60W) + 1" dome tweeter (35W)Power: 95 W...

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 313050

$248

Buy at Thomann View Details

Presonus Eris E5 M-Control+ Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Presonus Eris E5 M-Control+ Bundle

by Presonus

Critical Listening Professional Studio Mix Position

Key Feature:

• Accurate frequency response

✓ PROS

• Professional studio standard
• Excellent for mix translation

✗ CONS

• Expensive professional models
• Professional models can be large

Presonus Eris E5 M-Control+ Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Presonus Eris E5*Active Studio Monitor Set*5.25" (133...

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 593762

$296

Buy at Thomann View Details

Tannoy Reveal 402 - DM 2 Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Tannoy Reveal 402 - DM 2 Bundle

by Tannoy

Critical Listening Professional Studio Mix Position

Key Feature:

• Accurate frequency response

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Professional models can be large
• May require acoustic treatment

Tannoy Reveal 402 - DM 2 Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, 2x Tannoy Reveal 402*Active Studio Nearfield Monitor*Power:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 507298

$285

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha HS 4 W - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Yamaha HS 4 W

by Yamaha

Studio Monitoring Mix Position Critical Listening

Key Feature:

• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Expensive professional models
• Requires AC power for each speaker

Yamaha HS 4 WActive 2-Way Studio MonitorEquipped with: 4.5" woofer1" tweeterPower: 20 W + 20 W (THD 0.1 %000...

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 579668

$261

Buy at Thomann View Details

Kali Audio LP-8 2nd Wave - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Kali Audio LP-8 2nd Wave

by Kali Audio

Studio Monitoring Mix Position Professional Studio

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Excellent for mix translation
• Professional studio standard

✗ CONS

• Expensive professional models
• Limited upgrade flexibility

Kali Audio LP-8 2nd WaveActive 8" Nearfield Monitor3D Imaging waveguide technology for largeimaginary stereo...

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 528945

$281

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha HS 5I - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Yamaha HS 5I

by Yamaha

Professional Studio Mix Position Critical Listening

Key Feature:

• Wide range of professional options

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Yamaha HS5IActive 2-Way Nearfield MonitorEquipped with: 5" Woofer (45 W) + 1" tweeter (25 W)Power: 70 Watt...

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 399381

$241

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha HS 7 W - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha HS 7 W

by Yamaha

Professional Studio Critical Listening Studio Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Wide range of professional options

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Yamaha HS 7 WActive 2-Way Nearfield Monitor6.5" Woofer (60 W) + 1" Tweeter (35 W)Bass-reflex systemPower: 95...

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 332190

$251

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fluid Audio FX80 V2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Fluid Audio FX80 V2

by Fluid Audio

Mix Position Studio Monitoring Professional Studio

Key Feature:

• Wide range of professional options

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Expensive professional models
• Requires AC power for each speaker

Fluid Audio FX80 V2Active 2-Way Studio MonitorCoaxial8" Woofer and 1.2" tweeter110 W Class D power amplifier...

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598558

$230

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha MSP3 A - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Yamaha MSP3 A

by Yamaha

Mix Position Professional Studio Studio Monitoring

Key Feature:

• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May require acoustic treatment
• Professional models can be large

Yamaha MSP3 AActive 2-Way Monitor Speaker3.94" Woofer with twisted flare port design and 0.78" dome...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 513129

$230

Buy at Thomann View Details

Presonus Eris 5BT 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Presonus Eris 5BT 2nd Gen

by Presonus

Mix Position Studio Monitoring Critical Listening

Key Feature:

• Excellent for mix translation

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Requires AC power for each speaker
• Expensive professional models

Presonus Eris 5BT 2nd GenActive Studio Monitors with Bluetooth ConnectivityEquipped with: 5.25" woofer and 1"...

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 572887

$259

Buy at Thomann View Details

Monkey Banana Turbo 5 black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Monkey Banana Turbo 5 black

by Monkey Banana

Critical Listening Professional Studio Mix Position

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May require acoustic treatment
• Limited upgrade flexibility

Monkey Banana Turbo 5 blackActive Nearfield MonitorWoofer: 5 inch magnetically shielded polypropylene / ceramic...

⭐ 4.9/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 274229

$274

Buy at Thomann View Details

KRK Rokit RP7 G5 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

KRK Rokit RP7 G5

by KRK

Mix Position Professional Studio Critical Listening

Key Feature:

• Excellent for mix translation

✓ PROS

• Excellent for mix translation
• Wide range of professional options

✗ CONS

• Expensive professional models
• May require acoustic treatment

KRK Rokit RP7 G5Active Nearfield Studio MonitorEquipment: 7" Kevlar woofer and 1" silk dome tweeterClass-D...

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 575644

$241

Buy at Thomann View Details

Presonus Eris Studio 8 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Presonus Eris Studio 8

by Presonus

Critical Listening Professional Studio Mix Position

Key Feature:

• Professional studio standard

✓ PROS

• Excellent for mix translation
• Professional studio standard

✗ CONS

• Limited upgrade flexibility
• Professional models can be large

Presonus Eris Studio 8Active Studio MonitorEquipped with: 8" woofer and 1" tweeter with silk coneLF amplifier...

⭐ 4.8/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 572895

$229

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 Under $300 2025

Presonus Eris Pro 4

Presonus Eris E5 Stand Set

Yamaha HS 7

Presonus Eris E5 M-Control+ Bundle

Tannoy Reveal 402 - DM 2 Bundle

Yamaha HS 4 W

Kali Audio LP-8 2nd Wave

Yamaha HS 5I

Yamaha HS 7 W

Fluid Audio FX80 V2

Yamaha MSP3 A

Presonus Eris 5BT 2nd Gen

Monkey Banana Turbo 5 black

KRK Rokit RP7 G5

Presonus Eris Studio 8

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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