Best Active Nearfield Monitors Under $800 2026
Affordable active nearfield monitors under $800 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: February 11, 2026 • Next update: February 18, 2026
#1
⭐
4.6/5
(19 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Dynaudio LYD-8 Black
by
Dynaudio
Professional Studio
Mix Position
Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Accurate frequency response
✓ PROS
- • Excellent for mix translation
- • Professional studio standard
✗ CONS
- • May require acoustic treatment
- • Professional models can be large
Dynaudio LYD-8 BlackActive Nearfield MonitorWith 8" woofer96 kHz/ 24-bit Class-D amplifierPower: 80 W woofer / 50...
⭐
4.6/5
(19 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 416588
$769
#2
⭐
4.5/5
(51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Kali Audio LP-8 2nd Wave Sonarworks Bdl
by
Kali Audio
Professional Studio
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
- • Professional models can be large
Kali Audio LP-8 2nd Wave Sonarworks Bdl*Bundle offer comprising*, Sonarworks SoundID Ref Spk & HP w Mic*Reference...
⭐
4.5/5
(51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 530817
$769
#3
⭐
4.9/5
(28 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Fostex 6301ND
by
Fostex
Critical Listening
Studio Monitoring
Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
✓ PROS
- • Wide range of professional options
- • Excellent for mix translation
✗ CONS
- • Limited upgrade flexibility
- • Expensive professional models
Fostex 6301NDActive Monitor20 Watt power amplifierEquipped with: 10 cm Full-range speakerFrequency range: 75 - 15000...
⭐
4.9/5
(28 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 366125
$703
#4
⭐
4.7/5
(36 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Yamaha HS 8 W Bundle
by
Yamaha
Professional Studio
Critical Listening
Mix Position
Key Feature:
• Wide range of professional options
✓ PROS
- • Wide range of professional options
- • Accurate frequency response
✗ CONS
- • Requires AC power for each speaker
- • May require acoustic treatment
Yamaha HS 8 W Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, 2x Yamaha HS 8 W*2-Way active nearfield monitor*8" Cone woofer (75...
⭐
4.7/5
(36 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 380722
$659
#5
⭐
4.5/5
(24 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Yamaha HS 8 W Stand Set
by
Yamaha
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
- • Requires AC power for each speaker
- • May require acoustic treatment
Yamaha HS 8 W Stand Set*Bundle offer comprising*, 2x Yamaha HS 8 W*2-Way active nearfield monitor*8" Cone woofer...
⭐
4.5/5
(24 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 408093
$703
#6
⭐
4.9/5
(12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
EVE Audio SC207 All Black
by
EVE Audio
Professional Studio
Mix Position
Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Excellent for mix translation
✓ PROS
- • Accurate frequency response
- • Professional studio standard
✗ CONS
- • May require acoustic treatment
- • Limited upgrade flexibility
EVE Audio SC207 All BlackActive 2-Way Studio MonitorLimited edition in all-black designFrequency range (-3 dB): 44 -...
⭐
4.9/5
(12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 603873
$637
#7
⭐
4.4/5
(28 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
EVE Audio SC205
by
EVE Audio
Mix Position
Studio Monitoring
Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Professional studio standard
✓ PROS
- • Accurate frequency response
- • Wide range of professional options
✗ CONS
- • Limited upgrade flexibility
- • Professional models can be large
EVE Audio SC205Active 2-Way Studio MonitorFrequency range (-3db): 53 Hz - 21 kHzTweeter: AMT RS1Mid-woofer: 130 mm...
⭐
4.4/5
(28 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 292684
$516
#8
⭐
4.9/5
(32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Yamaha HS 7 W Stand Set
by
Yamaha
Mix Position
Critical Listening
Studio Monitoring
Key Feature:
• Accurate frequency response
✓ PROS
- • Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
- • Professional studio standard
✗ CONS
- • Requires AC power for each speaker
- • Limited upgrade flexibility
Yamaha HS 7 W Stand Set*Bundle offer comprising*, 2x Yamaha HS 7 W*Active 2-Way Nearfield Monitor*6.5" Woofer (60...
⭐
4.9/5
(32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 408092
$549
#9
⭐
4.8/5
(44 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Neumann KH 80 DSP
by
Neumann
Mix Position
Studio Monitoring
Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Accurate frequency response
✓ PROS
- • Wide range of professional options
- • Accurate frequency response
✗ CONS
- • Requires AC power for each speaker
- • Professional models can be large
Neumann KH 80 DSPStudio Monitor with DSP24-Bit 48 kHz signal processingEquipped with: 4" woofer 1"...
⭐
4.8/5
(44 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 406223
$516
#10
⭐
4.5/5
(40 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
IK Multimedia iLoud Precision 5
Studio Monitoring
Mix Position
Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Wide range of professional options
✓ PROS
- • Wide range of professional options
- • Accurate frequency response
✗ CONS
- • Professional models can be large
- • Limited upgrade flexibility
IK Multimedia iLoud Precision 5Active 2-Way MonitorSpeaker configuration: 5" midrange/woofer1.5" tweeterTotal...
⭐
4.5/5
(40 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 550336
$703
#11
⭐
4.4/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
ADAM Audio T8V ComboStand Bundle
by
ADAM Audio
Critical Listening
Mix Position
Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Excellent for mix translation
✓ PROS
- • Accurate frequency response
- • Wide range of professional options
✗ CONS
- • Requires AC power for each speaker
- • May require acoustic treatment
ADAM Audio T8V ComboStand Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, 2x ADAM Audio T8V*Active Nearfield Monitor*8"...
⭐
4.4/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 575075
$649
#12
⭐
4.5/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Yamaha HS 7 W Bundle
by
Yamaha
Professional Studio
Studio Monitoring
Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Excellent for mix translation
✓ PROS
- • Accurate frequency response
- • Excellent for mix translation
✗ CONS
- • Expensive professional models
- • Requires AC power for each speaker
Yamaha HS 7 W Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, 2x Yamaha HS 7 W*Active 2-Way Nearfield Monitor*6.5" Woofer (60 W)...
⭐
4.5/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 379193
$505
#13
⭐
4.9/5
(2 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Avantone MixCubes Active Red
by
Avantone
Professional Studio
Mix Position
Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Wide range of professional options
✓ PROS
- • Excellent for mix translation
- • Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
✗ CONS
- • Expensive professional models
- • May require acoustic treatment
Avantone MixCubes Active RedActive Mini Reference MonitorsFull rangeShieldedPower: 60WEquipped with: 5.25"...
⭐
4.9/5
(2 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 434913
$648
#14
⭐
4.6/5
(52 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Genelec 8030 CP
by
Genelec
Professional Studio
Mix Position
Critical Listening
Key Feature:
• Built-in amplification optimized for drivers
✓ PROS
- • Professional studio standard
- • Accurate frequency response
✗ CONS
- • May require acoustic treatment
- • Expensive professional models
Genelec 8030 CPActive 2-Way Studio MonitorLinear frequency range: 54 Hz - 20000 Hz (+/-2 dB)Maximum SPL: 110 dB (peak...
⭐
4.6/5
(52 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 409809
$626
#15
⭐
4.8/5
(48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Yamaha HS 7 MP
by
Yamaha
Mix Position
Studio Monitoring
Professional Studio
Key Feature:
• Wide range of professional options
✓ PROS
- • Professional studio standard
- • Excellent for mix translation
✗ CONS
- • Limited upgrade flexibility
- • May require acoustic treatment
Yamaha HS 7 MPActive 2-Way Near-Field MonitorsMatched Pair - limited special modelCoordinated monitors for increased...
⭐
4.8/5
(48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 491263
$548
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.
