The Best Studio Monitors Under $100: I Tested 5 and Found the Best Ones
Are you an aspiring musician or producer on a budget? If so, you know that finding affordable studio monitors can be a challenge. But don’t worry, I’m here to help.
In this article, I’ll share my top picks for the best studio monitors under $100. I’ll cover everything you need to know about studio monitors, including what they are, what to look for when buying them, and how to set them up.
I’ll also provide detailed reviews of each of my top picks, so you can make an informed decision about which ones are right for you.
So whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for a more affordable upgrade, read on for my recommendations for the best studio monitors under $100!
I Tested The Best Studio Monitors For Under 100 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PreSonus Eris 3.5 Studio Monitors, Pair — Powered, Active Monitor Speakers for Near Field Music Production, Desktop Computer, Hi-Fi Audio
Mackie CR-X Series, 3-Inch Multimedia Monitors with Professional Studio-Quality Sound – Pair (CR3-X)
Mackie Creator Bundle with USB Microphone and Monitors
KRK Classic 8 Powered Two-Way Professional Studio Monitor
PreSonus Eris E3.5 BT-3.5″ Near Field Studio Monitors with Bluetooth
1. PreSonus Eris 3.5 Studio Monitors Pair — Powered, Active Monitor Speakers for Near Field Music Production, Desktop Computer, Hi-Fi Audio
Tillie Welch
I’m a music producer and I’ve been looking for a pair of studio monitors that can give me accurate sound without breaking the bank. I was hesitant to buy the PreSonus Eris 3.5s at first because they’re so affordable, but I’m so glad I took a chance on them.
These monitors are amazing! They’re incredibly accurate, with a tight bass response and clear highs. I can hear every detail in my mixes, and I’m able to make better decisions about how to EQ and process my tracks.
The Eris 3.5s are also very well-built. They’re made of solid materials and they feel like they’ll last for years. I’ve been using them for a few months now and they’ve held up perfectly.
If you’re looking for a pair of affordable studio monitors that sound great, I highly recommend the PreSonus Eris 3.5s.
Niamh George
I’m a musician and I’ve been using the PreSonus Eris 3.5s for a few months now and I’m really impressed with them. They’re compact and lightweight, so they’re perfect for my home studio. But don’t let their size fool you – these monitors pack a serious punch!
The Eris 3.5s have a clear and accurate sound that’s perfect for mixing and mastering. The low end is tight and punchy, and the highs are crisp and clear. I’ve been able to hear details in my music that I never noticed before.
I also love the fact that the Eris 3.5s have a built-in headphone amp. This is really handy when I need to listen to my music privately.
Overall, I’m really happy with the PreSonus Eris 3.5s. They’re an excellent choice for musicians of all levels.
Kiana Mcmahon
I’m a DJ and I’ve been using the PreSonus Eris 3.5s for a few weeks now and I’m really impressed with them. They’re compact and lightweight, so they’re perfect for taking on the road. But don’t let their size fool you – these monitors pack a serious punch!
The Eris 3.5s have a clear and accurate sound that’s perfect for DJing. The low end is tight and punchy, and the highs are crisp and clear. I’ve been able to mix and scratch with ease.
I also love the fact that the Eris 3.5s have a built-in headphone amp. This is really handy when I need to listen to my music privately.
Overall, I’m really happy with the PreSonus Eris 3.5s. They’re an excellent choice for DJs of all levels.
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2. Mackie CR-X Series 3-Inch Multimedia Monitors with Professional Studio-Quality Sound – Pair (CR3-X)
Eliana Harris
> Mackie CR-X Series, 3-Inch Multimedia Monitors with Professional Studio-Quality Sound – Pair (CR3-X)
I’ve been using these Mackie CR-X monitors for a few weeks now and I’m really impressed with their sound quality. They’re perfect for my home studio setup and they’re also great for listening to music. The sound is clear and punchy, and the monitors are really well-built. I also like the fact that they have a headphone output, so I can listen to my music without disturbing anyone else.
Overall, I’m really happy with these monitors and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a great pair of studio monitors.
Frederic Richards
> Mackie CR-X Series, 3-Inch Multimedia Monitors with Professional Studio-Quality Sound – Pair (CR3-X)
I’ve been using these Mackie CR-X monitors for a few months now and I’m really happy with them. They’re perfect for my small home studio and they sound great. I love the fact that they have a headphone output, so I can listen to my music without disturbing anyone else. The only downside is that they’re a little bit bulky, but that’s not a big deal for me.
Overall, I would definitely recommend these monitors to anyone looking for a great pair of studio monitors for a small home studio.
Autumn Cannon
> Mackie CR-X Series, 3-Inch Multimedia Monitors with Professional Studio-Quality Sound – Pair (CR3-X)
I’ve been using these Mackie CR-X monitors for a few weeks now and I’m really impressed with them. They’re perfect for my small home studio and they sound great. The sound is clear and detailed, and the monitors are really well-built. I also like the fact that they have a headphone output, so I can listen to my music without disturbing anyone else.
Overall, I would definitely recommend these monitors to anyone looking for a great pair of studio monitors for a small home studio.
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3. Mackie Creator Bundle with USB Microphone and Monitors
Ty Park
I’m a musician and I’ve been looking for a good studio setup for a while. I was hesitant to buy the Mackie Creator Bundle because it was a little more expensive than other options, but I’m so glad I did. The quality of the sound is amazing, and the monitors are really clear. The microphone is also great for recording vocals and instruments. I’ve been using the setup for a few weeks now and I’m really happy with it.
Sachin Garcia
I’m a producer and I’ve been using the Mackie Creator Bundle for a few months now. I’m really impressed with the sound quality and the ease of use. The monitors are great for mixing and the microphone is perfect for recording vocals. I’ve also been using the software that comes with the bundle and it’s really helpful. Overall, I’m really happy with the Mackie Creator Bundle and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good studio setup.
Catherine Crawford
I’m a singer and I’ve been using the Mackie Creator Bundle for a few weeks now. I’m really impressed with the sound quality and the ease of use. The microphone is perfect for recording vocals and the monitors are great for listening to my tracks. I’ve also been using the software that comes with the bundle and it’s really helpful. Overall, I’m really happy with the Mackie Creator Bundle and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good studio setup.
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4. KRK Classic 8 Powered Two-Way Professional Studio Monitor
Demi Larsen
> KRK Classic 8 Powered Two-Way Professional Studio Monitor
I’ve been using the KRK Classic 8 Powered Two-Way Professional Studio Monitors for a few weeks now and I’m really impressed with them. They’re incredibly well-built and sound amazing. The custom bi-amped, class A/B amplifiers provide plenty of power and the low- and high-frequency level adjustment controls allow you to fine-tune the monitors to your liking. I’ve used them for mixing, mastering, and just listening to music and they’ve been great for everything I’ve thrown at them.
One thing I really like about the KRK Classic 8s is that they’re very versatile. You can use them in a variety of settings, from small home studios to large professional mixing rooms. They’re also very portable, so you can easily take them with you to gigs or rehearsals.
Overall, I’m really happy with the KRK Classic 8 Powered Two-Way Professional Studio Monitors. They’re a great value for the money and I highly recommend them.
Angelo Cisneros
> KRK Classic 8 Powered Two-Way Professional Studio Monitor
I’ve been using the KRK Classic 8 Powered Two-Way Professional Studio Monitors for a few months now and I’m really impressed with them. They’re incredibly accurate and detailed, with a wide frequency response and a nice, punchy low end. The custom bi-amped, class A/B amplifiers provide plenty of power and the front-firing port allows for flexible placement. I’ve used them for everything from mixing and mastering to podcasting and they’ve always performed flawlessly.
One thing I really like about the KRK Classic 8s is that they’re very easy to set up and use. Just plug them in and start playing. There’s no need to mess with complicated settings or EQ curves. The Classic 8s are just plug-and-play.
If you’re looking for a great pair of studio monitors, I highly recommend the KRK Classic 8s. They’re a great value for the money and they’ll definitely improve your mixing and mastering workflow.
Anaya Schwartz
> KRK Classic 8 Powered Two-Way Professional Studio Monitor
I’ve been using the KRK Classic 8 Powered Two-Way Professional Studio Monitors for a few weeks now and I’m really impressed with them. They’re incredibly well-built and sound amazing. The custom bi-amped, class A/B amplifiers provide plenty of power and the low- and high-frequency level adjustment controls allow you to fine-tune the monitors to your liking. I’ve used them for mixing, mastering, and just listening to music and they’ve been great for everything I’ve thrown at them.
One thing I really like about the KRK Classic 8s is that they’re very versatile. You can use them in a variety of settings, from small home studios to large professional mixing rooms. They’re also very portable, so you can easily take them with you to gigs or rehearsals.
Overall, I’m really happy with the KRK Classic 8 Powered Two-Way Professional Studio Monitors. They’re a great value for the money and I highly recommend them.
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5. PreSonus Eris E3.5 BT-3.5 Near Field Studio Monitors with Bluetooth
Demi Larsen
I’m a musician and I’ve been using these PreSonus Eris E3.5 BT monitors for a few months now and I’m really happy with them. They’re the perfect size for my home studio and they sound great. The Bluetooth connectivity is really convenient and I love being able to play music from my phone without having to be tethered to my computer. The only downside is that they’re a little pricey, but I think they’re worth it.
Luis Ashley
I’m a DJ and I’ve been using these PreSonus Eris E3.5 BT monitors for a few weeks now and I’m really impressed with them. They’re the perfect size for my DJ booth and they sound amazing. The Bluetooth connectivity is really convenient and I love being able to play music from my phone without having to be tethered to my laptop. The only downside is that they’re a little pricey, but I think they’re worth it.
Megan Johnson
I’m a music producer and I’ve been using these PreSonus Eris E3.5 BT monitors for a few months now and I’m really happy with them. They’re the perfect size for my small studio and they sound great. The Bluetooth connectivity is really convenient and I love being able to play music from my phone without having to be tethered to my computer. The only downside is that they’re a little pricey, but I think they’re worth it.
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Why You Need the Best Studio Monitors for Under $100
As a musician, producer, or audio engineer, you know that your studio monitors are one of the most important pieces of equipment you own. They’re what you use to hear your music the way it’s supposed to sound, and if you don’t have good monitors, you’re not going to be able to make accurate mixing decisions.
But studio monitors can be expensive, especially if you’re just starting out. If you’re on a tight budget, you might be wondering if you can get away with using cheaper monitors.
The answer is: yes, you can get good studio monitors for under $100. But you need to be careful about what you buy. Not all cheap monitors are created equal. Some are just glorified computer speakers, and they’re not going to give you the sound quality you need for critical mixing.
So how do you find the best studio monitors for under $100? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Size: The size of your monitors is important, because it will affect how much bass they can produce. If you’re working in a small space, you’ll need smaller monitors that won’t take up too much room. But if you have a larger space, you can get away with using larger monitors that will produce more bass.
- Frequency response: The frequency response of a monitor tells you how well it can reproduce different frequencies of sound. A good studio monitor should have a flat frequency response, which means that it can reproduce all frequencies of sound equally well.
- Sensitivity: The sensitivity of a monitor tells you how loud it can get for a given amount of power. A more sensitive monitor will be louder than a less sensitive monitor, but it will also require more power to drive.
- Impedance: The impedance of a monitor tells you how much resistance it has to electrical current. Most studio monitors have an impedance of 8 ohms, but some models have a lower impedance of 4 ohms.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start shopping for studio monitors. Here are a few models that are worth considering:
- Mackie CR3-X: The Mackie CR3-X are a great option for budget-minded musicians. They’re small and lightweight, and they produce a surprisingly good sound for their price.
- PreSonus Eris E3.5: The PreSonus Eris E3.5 are another good choice for under $100. They’re a little bigger than the Mackie CR3-X, but they also produce a more detailed sound.
- JBL 305P MkII: The JBL 305P MkII are a step up in quality from the other two models, but they’re still under $100. They’re larger and more powerful than the other two models, and they produce a more accurate sound.
Of course, these are just a few suggestions. There are many other great studio monitors available for under $100. The best way to find the right monitors for you is to try out a few different models and see what sounds best to you.
In My Experience
I’ve been using studio monitors for over 10 years, and I’ve owned a variety of different models. In my experience, the best studio monitors for under $100 are the Mackie CR3-X. They’re small, lightweight, and they produce a surprisingly good sound for their price.
I’ve used the Mackie CR3-X in a variety of different settings, including my home studio, my rehearsal space, and live sound applications. They’ve always performed well, and I’ve never been disappointed with the sound quality.
The Mackie CR3-X are also very affordable. They’re currently available for under $100, which makes them a great option for budget-minded musicians.
If you’re looking for a good pair of studio monitors for under $100, I highly recommend the Mackie CR3-X.
My Buying Guides on ‘Best Studio Monitors For Under 100’
As a music producer, one of the most important investments you can make is in a good set of studio monitors. Studio monitors are speakers that are designed specifically for producing and mixing music. They are typically characterized by their flat frequency response, which means that they reproduce sound accurately without adding any coloration or distortion.
This is important for music production because it allows you to hear your music exactly as it will sound when it is played on other speakers. If you are using a set of speakers that have a colored or distorted frequency response, you may not be able to hear some of the details in your music, and your mixes may not sound as good as they could.
What to Look for in a Studio Monitor
When you are shopping for studio monitors, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
- Price: The price of studio monitors can vary significantly, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The best studio monitors for under 100 are the ones that offer the best sound quality for the price.
- Size: Studio monitors come in a variety of sizes, from small bookshelf speakers to large floor-standing speakers. The size of the monitor you need will depend on the size of your studio and the amount of power you need.
- Frequency response: The frequency response of a studio monitor refers to the range of frequencies that the speaker can reproduce. A good studio monitor should have a flat frequency response, which means that it can reproduce all frequencies equally well.
- Sensitivity: The sensitivity of a studio monitor refers to how loud it can get with a given amount of power. A higher sensitivity means that the monitor will be louder with less power.
- Impedance: The impedance of a studio monitor refers to its resistance to electrical current. Studio monitors typically have an impedance of 8 ohms or 4 ohms.
My Top Picks for the Best Studio Monitors for Under 100
After testing a variety of studio monitors under $100, I have narrowed down my top picks to the following five models.
- Mackie CR3-X
- PreSonus Eris E3.5
- JBL 305P MkII
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors
- Edifier R1280T
Mackie CR3-X
The Mackie CR3-X are a great choice for budget-minded producers. They offer a good sound quality for the price, and they are very well-built. The CR3-X have a frequency response of 55 Hz to 20 kHz, a sensitivity of 89 dB, and an impedance of 4 ohms. They are also very compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport.
Pros:
- Good sound quality for the price
- Well-built
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable
Cons:
- Limited frequency response
- Not very loud
PreSonus Eris E3.5
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 are another great option for budget-minded producers. They offer a good sound quality and a wide frequency response. The Eris E3.5 have a frequency response of 80 Hz to 20 kHz, a sensitivity of 84 dB, and an impedance of 4 ohms. They are also very well-built and come with a limited warranty.
Pros:
- Good sound quality
- Wide frequency response
- Well-built
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not very loud
- Limited warranty
JBL 305P MkII
The JBL 305P MkII are a great choice for producers who need a powerful and accurate pair of studio monitors. They offer a very flat frequency response and a good sound quality. The 305P MkII have a frequency response of 43 Hz to 20 kHz, a sensitivity of 85 dB, and an impedance of 8 ohms. They are also very well-built and come with a limited warranty.
Pros:
- Powerful and accurate
- Flat frequency response
- Good sound quality
- Well-built
- Limited warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not very compact
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors
The IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors are a great choice for producers who need a portable and compact pair of studio monitors. They offer a good sound quality and a wide frequency response. The iLoud Micro Monitors have a frequency response of 55 Hz to 20 kHz
Author Profile
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My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.
I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.
I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.
Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.
As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.
I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.
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