Studio monitors are essential tools for recording music or video. They provide high-quality audio and visual output.
If you want to get the best sound possible, you should invest in a good pair of studio monitors.
The best studio monitors under $200 are designed to deliver accurate sound reproduction. These speakers are built to withstand the rigors of professional production environments.
Studio monitors come in various sizes and price ranges.
Some models are designed to fit into smaller spaces, while others are meant to fill large rooms.
Regardless of size, these speakers are designed to produce clear, crisp sounds.
PreSonus Eris E3.5BT-3.5-Inch Near Field Studio Monitors
These near-field studio monitors from PreSonus feature a 3.5-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter.
The speaker is made with durable steel construction and features an IPX4 rating.
It also includes a Bluetooth connection that allows users to stream their music wirelessly.
With this model, you can connect up to three devices at once. You can use it as a stereo monitor or pair two units together to create a surround system.
This model comes with a remote control and a carrying case. It has a frequency response range of 80 Hz to 20 kHz.
Pros
- Durable steel construction – you can be sure that this one will last you for the longest time. It is made from solid material.
- Includes a remote control – you can turn this one off from the comfort of your sofa. This is great if you like to operate your monitor while doing other tasks.
- The price – it goes without saying that you’ll definitely save yourself a decent amount of money when you pick up this monitor.
Cons
- No subwoofer included – if you want that thumping bass with your sound system, then you might be disappointed.
M-Audio BX4 – 120-Watt Powered Studio Monitor
If you’re looking for a compact, powerful studio monitor, then you need to consider the M-Audio BX4.
This unit offers 120 watts of power. It’s capable of producing rich, deep bass tones.
The speaker features a 4.1 x 2.0-inch driver and a 5.25-inch midrange driver. The cabinet is constructed using aluminum and wood materials.
You can easily adjust the volume level by turning its knobs. There are also controls on the front panel to enable you to change settings.
You can connect up to four devices simultaneously. This means that you can have multiple sources playing at once.
This monitor comes with a remote control and a carrying pouch.
Its frequency response range is 60 Hz to 20 kHz. It weighs about 12 pounds.
Pros
- 120-watt power – you can be confident that this one will give you plenty of power.
- Adjustable volume levels – you can make adjustments to the volume level so that you get the perfect balance between loudness and clarity.
- Easy setup – you don’t have to spend hours setting up this monitor. All you need to do is plug it in and start listening.
Cons
- The cabinet is not very sturdy – the build quality isn’t top-notch.
Alesis Elevate 5 MKII Powered Desktop Studio Speakers
If you’re looking to buy some desktop speakers, then these from Alesis should be high on your list.
They offer a lot of value for the money.
They come with five drivers which include a 6.5-inch woofer, a 7.7-inch mid-range, and a 1-inch tweeter all housed in a single enclosure.
They are designed to provide excellent audio performance.
These speakers are powered by dual 15 Watts RMS amplifiers. The total output power is 50 watts per channel.
The cabinets are made out of metal and plastic. They weigh around 17 pounds each.
These speakers come with a carrying bag and a remote control. Their frequency response ranges from 40 Hz to 20 kHz.
They are compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 or later.
Pros
- Great design – they look really cool. They also come with a solid build quality that you can be sure will last you for a lifetime.
- Dual amplifier – you won’t have any problems powering them. This amplifier is certainly the best when it comes to blasting out your music until all hours.
- Good overall performance – they produce clear sound, with a bass sound that you can be sure will be thumping hard through the wall.
- Decent wattage – if you want a set of speakers with plenty of power, then you can’t go wrong with this pair.
Cons
- Not many – there aren’t too many cons associated with these speakers. If anything, I would say that they could use better packaging.
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
If you’re looking for a pair of bookcase speakers, then these ones might just fit the bill.
They feature two full-range 3.5-inch drivers. Each driver has a diameter of 1.2 inches.
Their frequency response ranges from 30 Hz to 20 kHz.
These speakers are equipped with an 8-watt amplifier. They have a total output power of 80 watts per channel.
Their cabinet is made out of metal and ABS plastic. They weigh around 11 pounds each.
These bookshelf speakers come with a carrying case and a remote control.
Pros
- Full-range drivers – these speakers feature three full-range drivers. You’ll enjoy crisp highs, deep lows, and smooth mids.
- Frequency response – their frequency response range is quite impressive. It’s great for playing music at home.
- Powerful amp – you can count on getting good power from these speakers. They have enough juice to blast out your favorite tunes without skipping a beat.
- Comes with remote control – you don’t need to worry about using up your batteries. These speakers come with a remote control so you can easily switch tracks.
Cons
- Loud – these speakers are quite loud. That means that you may not like having them in your room.
- Noisy – they are very noisy. You may find yourself turning down the volume because of this.
Samson MediaOne M30 3-Inch Powered Studio Monitors
If you’re looking to get some high-quality monitors, then these Samson ones should do the trick.
They feature a 3-inch woofer and a 2-inch tweeter. Each speaker has a diameter of 1 inch.
Their frequency response ranges from 50 Hz to 20 kHz. The total output power is 60 watts per channel.
The cabinets are made out of steel and wood. They weigh around 12 pounds each.
They come with a carrying bag, a remote control, and a cable.
Pros
- Great value – these monitors offer excellent value for money. They will deliver you consistent sound with a lot of reliable output.
- High-quality components – you can be sure that these speakers have been built by professionals.
- Easy setup – these speakers are easy to set up. All you need to do is plug it into your computer and turn it on.
Cons
- Short warranty period – you won’t get much time to use these speakers before they break. So make sure to buy extra accessories to protect them.
- Expensive – these speakers are expensive. But if you want quality, then you shouldn’t expect cheap results.
JBL Professional Studio Monitor
If you’re looking into buying a monitor, then these JBL ones should do the trick thanks to their powerful design.
Each speaker features a 5.25-inch woofer and 0.75-inch tweeter. Their frequency response ranges from 40 Hz to 15 kHz.
Each speaker weighs around 10 pounds.
You can adjust the height of the speakers according to what you prefer.
This model comes with a carrying case and two cables.
Pros
- Good price – these speakers offer an affordable option. They are perfect for anyone who wants to start off small.
- Quality construction – these speakers were designed by experts. So you can be sure that they will last long.
- Adjustable height – you can adjust the height of these speakers to suit your needs. This makes it easier to place them where you want them.
Cons
- Not portable – these speakers aren’t meant to be taken anywhere. They are heavy and bulky.
- Poor bass performance – while these speakers have great mid-range frequencies, they lack low end.
HiFi Desktop Bookshelf Speakers Pair
These HiFi desktop bookcase speakers are perfect for those who want something more than just a simple pair of speakers.
They feature a 6.5-inch woofer and 1.6-inch tweeter. These speakers have a frequency response range of 30 Hz to 18 kHz.
Each speaker measures 4 inches in width and 8 inches in length.
You can adjust their height so that they fit perfectly in any room.
The speakers also include a carrying case, a remote control, a cable, and a manual.
Pros
- Portable – these speakers are compact and lightweight. You can take them anywhere without worrying about damaging them.
- Built-in amplifier – you don’t need to connect external devices to enjoy music. Just plug this pair of speakers into your computer or smartphone and listen to high-quality audio.
- Good bass – these speakers produce deep bass notes. So you’ll hear everything from low notes to higher ones.
Cons
- Loud – these speakers are loud. If you live near people, then you might find yourself waking them up at night.
- Noisy – these speakers generate too much noise when turned on. So you might not be able to use them in places like libraries.
KRK RP5 Rokit G4 Studio Monitor
If you’re looking for a good bi-amplified monitor, then look no further than KRK’s RP5s.
Each speaker has a 7.1-inch woofer and 2.0-inch tweeter. The frequency response range is 50 Hz to 20 kHz.
The speakers measure 11.5 inches wide and 9.5 inches tall.
You can adjust each speaker’s height according to how you want them placed.
These monitors come with a carrying bag, a remote control, and a power cord.
Pros
- Great sound quality – these speakers deliver clear vocals and crisp highs.
- Perfect size – these speakers are ideal for smaller rooms. They won’t overpower other equipment.
- Easy setup – all you need to do is plug in the power cord and turn on the speakers. It’s as easy as that!
Cons
- Expensive – these speakers cost $300. While they are worth every penny, some may find them expensive.
- Noisy – these speakers make a lot of noise. So if you live near neighbors, then you might wake them up at night. Also, if you play games, then you might disturb others.
Mackie CR-X Series
This set of three Mackie CR-X series monitors will let you enjoy music wherever you go.
Each speaker features a 3.5-inch woofer and a 0.75-inch tweeter. Their frequency response ranges from 40 Hz to 20 kHz.
These speakers measure 13.5 inches wide by 10.5 inches tall. You can easily place them where you want.
You get a carrying bag, a power supply, a remote control, an instruction manual, and a warranty card.
Pros
- High-quality build – these speakers are built well. They feel sturdy and durable.
- Wide frequency response – these speakers cover a wide range of frequencies. So you’ll hear every note clearly.
- Decent price – obviously the reason why we have chosen this one is because of the amazing price. You won’t break the bank to have a pair of these speakers.
- Cool colors – with an amazing green trim, you can rest assured that this will really turn some heads when you next have your friends round.
Cons
- Very expensive – these speakers cost $400. That’s a lot of money for a pair of speakers.
- Not portable – these speakers aren’t very portable. You have to bring along a separate stand to support them.
Best Studio Monitors Under 200 Buyer’s Guide
When you are buying a decent sound system for less than 200, you’ll want to make sure that it is of good quality.
If you buy cheap electronics, then sometimes you can suffer when it comes to quality.
Here are a few things that you should be looking for when buying your next sound monitor:
Does It Come With A Subwoofer?
Subwoofers are great for enhancing bass sounds. However, most people don’t use subwoofers unless their speakers also include a subwoofer.
So before you purchase any sound system, check whether or not it includes a subwoofer.
This way, you’ll know what kind of impact the subwoofer will have on your audio experience.
What Are Its Frequency Response And Sound Quality?
The frequency response of a sound system refers to its ability to reproduce different notes.
For instance, does it cover low notes like Bb2 or high notes like C6?
The higher the frequency response, the better. Ideally, you’d want something that covers the entire range between 40Hz and 20kHz.
If you’re looking for a sound system that has a good sound quality, then you’ll want to look for a sound system with flat frequency response.
Flat frequency responses mean that there isn’t much difference in volume between different parts of the spectrum.
How Much Does It Cost?
Obviously, the more expensive the product, the better it will perform.
But just because a product costs more doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s worth spending more.
For example, you could spend more on a good sound system but end up getting a poor-quality one.
Or you could spend less and get a cheaper model which may lack certain features.
So if you are planning to invest in a new sound system, then try to find out how much each component costs.
Then compare those prices with other products from reputable brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Connect My Laptop To My Sound System?
The easiest way to connect your laptop to your sound system is by using a USB cable.
Simply plug the cable into both the computer and the sound system.
What Are The Best Headphones For Music Listening?
There are many types of headphones available today. Some are designed specifically for music while others are meant for general usage.
You need to consider factors such as comfort, durability, noise reduction, frequency response, and price.
You might want to read our article about the best headphones for music.
Can I Listen To Music Through My Phone?
Yes, you can! All smartphones now come equipped with built-in speakers. So all you need to do is download an app that allows you to stream music over Bluetooth.
Do I Need A Sound Card To Play MP3s On My PC?
No, you don’t. Most modern PCs are already equipped with a sound card. You just need to install software that enables you to play MP3 files.
Which Type Of Speaker Is Best For Home Theater Systems?
Home theater speakers usually come in two forms: bookshelf speakers and floor-standing speakers.
Both types of speakers are suitable for home theaters.
However, when choosing a speaker, you should take into account where you plan to place it.
Floorstanding speakers are generally larger than bookshelf speakers.
Our Final Say
We hope that our list of sound monitors for less than 200 has given you a better idea of what sound monitors are out there and which are the best ones for your needs.
