Overview

Whether in your bedroom or a modest studio, a decent set of monitor speakers is going to make up an integral part of your setup as a DJ or music producer.

To make life as easy as possible, we’ve put together a simple (yet comprehensive) overview of our 7 best budget monitor speakers for DJs and music producers, along with everything you need to make a buying decision.

Based on our criteria below, these are some of the best budget studio monitors you’ll find anywhere on the market!

What are monitor speakers?

Because of their design function, Monitor speakers (or studio speakers) are generally smaller than regular speakers. They’re meant to be positioned in close proximity to and directly facing the user rather than outwards at a dancefloor.

Their purpose is to produce a true representation of the output sound with no exaggerated bass, treble or other frequencies.

Or to put it another way: they’re designed so the user can MONITOR the output sound of a recording accurately!

What are monitor speakers used for?

In addition to music production and DJ setups in your bedroom (yes, they’re perfect for beat-matching and live mixing!), monitors are also used by all sorts of recording artists, musicians, video editors, podcasters and the like.

It’s important to mention, however, that monitors are NOT designed to power a house party or to be pointing out at a dancefloor. Whilst you can do it in a small-ish room if you have nothing else, it’s definitely not advisable if you’re cranking up the volume for long periods!

Related: If you’re curious about the purpose of monitor speakers in DJ booths, take a look at this post.

What else you need to know

Speaker sizes

Monitor speakers typically come with either 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8-inch woofers. It’s pretty simple really: the larger the speaker the more power and bass it can put out!

Whilst this is all well & good, bigger ISN’T necessarily better, and it all depends on how big your space is and how the room is laid out. This brings us to room setup.

Room setup tips

Remember, all the monitors on this list are nearfield studio monitors – so they’re meant to be positioned close (ish) to your head.

If you can, we’d recommend using a couple of metal studio monitor stands. If you use stands, you can easily customize the height and positioning of the monitors, whilst at the same time freeing up valuable space on your desk/table.

Secondly, you’ll ideally want to make everything symmetrical, positioning the monitors an equal distance away from you and as close to eye level as possible. Similar to this picture below, try to make an equilateral triangle between you and the monitors.

As an alternative to metal stands, many professionals just use isolation pads to sit the monitors on, which is also a perfectly good option. These will help reduce any vibrations that get passed down to the desk.

Additional tips: Further improving the acoustic treatment in the room is going to make things sound much better (this is also known as ‘’dampening’’ the room).

If possible, try to place any soft materials such as cushions or bean bags in the corners of the room. This will help reduce background noise and absorb the sound. You could also consider using acoustic panels if your room permits it.

How much should I spend?

Assuming that your room is big enough, of course, you should see monitor speakers as an investment and spend whatever you can sensibly afford. Generally speaking, you’ll get what you pay for.

Whilst they can run well into the thousands as part of a high-end setup, you can pick up a decent pair of budget monitor speakers for as low as $200 USD … which is exactly where we start on this list!

So, let’s get to it…

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1. Pioneer DJ DM-50D

Overview/highlights

Starting with one of our favourite budget studio monitors, we’ve got the DM-50Ds from Pioneer DJ. These are the latest edition in the series that took over from the DM-40s in late 2021.

As well as delivering a nice balanced sound and looking great (models come in black or white), they also have a decent build quality for this price point.

In addition to a convenient on/off volume knob and headphone jack on the front, you’ve got RCA, mini-jack, and TRS input terminals for quick connection to DJ equipment or a home studio setup.

Also, the switch on the back can be changed to ‘DJ mode’ for a slightly more punchy bass response as opposed to the default ‘production mode’.

In summary, these are fantastic value for money for any DJ or music producer on a tight budget. They are also ‘front ported’ monitors, so you could technically put them up against a wall if you needed to.

Key features/specs

• 2-way bass reflex active monitor speakers
• Front ported monitors
• 5-inch fiberglass cones (low frequency)
• 0.75-inch soft dome tweeter (high-frequency)
• On/off switch on the front (controls volume)
• 1 x 4-inch headphone jack on the front
• Total power: 50 Watt Class D Amp
• Frequency response/range: 50Hz – 60kHz
• Not self-contained (only sold as a pair)

Price for the pair:

 $200 USD | €180 Euro | £150 GBP | $280 AUD.

Need more help deciding?

Check out the intro video or read the reviews on Amazon. Also visit the manufacturer’s product page here.

Best places to buy

Note, the DM-50D’s only come with 5-inch woofers.

Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.

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2. Mackie CR5-XBT

Overview/highlights

Next up, at a very similar price as the DM-50D’s, we have the Mackie CR5-XBTs. Once again, these are a simple out-of-the-box solution for a bedroom DJ or producer on a budget.

First off, they look and feel great – with brushed metal finishes on the front panels and all-wood cabinets. The Mackie’s also have plenty of power, whilst providing a nice, balanced bass response.

Connections wise, you’ve got AUX & RCA inputs and also Bluetooth connectivity. They’re also ‘rear ported’, which means you won’t be able to put them against a wall if that was a concern.

With over 20 years of experience in the monitor speaker game, you won’t go far wrong with these little gems. Just don’t forget that the Bluetooth functionality is only designed for casual listening due to the delay.

In addition to the 5-inch models, the Mackie CR-XBT series also offers 3 or 4-inch woofer options in case you want to scale down. Alternatively, if you want to scale up, they have an 8-inch version plus an 8-inch sub that you could also add on!

Key features/specs

• Active 2-way studio monitors
• Rear ported
• 5-inch polypropylene woofer (low frequency)
• 0.75-inch soft dome tweeter (high-frequency)
• On/off switch on the front (controls volume)
• 1 x 4-inch headphone jack and Bluetooth button on the front
• Total power: 80 Watt Class D Amplifier
• Frequency response/range: 50Hz – 20kHz
• Not self-contained (only sold as a pair)

Price for the pair:

 $230 USD | €200 Euro | £170 GBP | $300 AUD.

Need more help deciding?

Watch Mackie’s intro video or read the reviews on Amazon. Also visit the manufacturer’s product page here.

Best places to buy:

Note: Commissions may be earned from the above links. See our affiliate declaration.

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3. M-Audio BX5 D3

Overview/highlights

As we move into a slightly higher price bracket, we’ve got the BX5 D3s from M-Audio. Since their release in 2017 (these are the latest model), they’ve garnered a fantastic reputation among audiophiles and audio professionals.

The BX5 D3’s have a nice solid build quality about them, with a vinyl-laminated MDF cabinet for higher acoustic efficiency. They’re also a nice weight and have a smart rubber finish on the front panel.

At the back, you’ve got the volume and room adjustment controls, together with professional balanced XLR and 1/4″ TRS inputs – which is all what you’d expect at this price point. A unique feature of the BX5 D3’s is the ‘positioning LED’ on the front, which basically shines more brightly when the speaker is at an ideal angle.

To summarize, these monitors would sit somewhere in the middle; between providing a completely flat frequency response (getting a true sound out), yet still offering a warm bass output and a pleasurable listening experience – so they’re a safe bet for both DJs and music producers alike.

They also come with 8-inch woofers for a bigger room, with the option to add a sub as well. Just don’t forget, these are rear-ported monitors, so no stuffing them against the wall.

Key features/specs

• 2-way active studio monitors
• Rear ported
• 5-inch Kevlar woofer (low frequency)
• 1-inch silk dome tweeter (high-frequency)
• Volume and EQ controls at the back
• Total power: 100 Watt Class AB Amp
• Frequency response/range: 52Hz – 35kHz
• Self-contained monitors (also sold individually)

Price for the pair:

 $300 US | €270 Euro | £230 GBP | $430 AUD.

Need more help deciding?

Watch M-Audio’s intro video or read the reviews on Amazon. Also visit the manufacturer’s product page here.

Best places to buy:

Note, these are sometimes only sold individually.

Note: Commissions may be earned from theabove links. See ouraffiliate declaration.

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4. JBL 305P MKII

Overview/highlights

At a similar price to the BX5 D3’s, we’ve got the 305P MKIIs from JBL! These are their latest model, released in 2018.

The Image Control Waveguide design (the area at the top around the tweeters) is probably the biggest selling point with these monitors. With help from this technology, they boast a uniquely wide, room-friendly sweet spot – one that you simply wouldn’t get in this price bracket – whilst offering a deep, yet clear bass response.

Round the back, in addition to the volume knob, the boundary EQ settings compensate for low-frequency variants, plus the 3-position HF Trim switch can adjust the high-frequency output depending on the room or your personal preferences.

As a series, these JBLs have really established an impeccable reputation among audiophiles since they came out. If you want to scale up, they also have 6 & 8-inch models in the series, with 5-inch being the smallest model.

As you’d expect, there are no concerns regarding connectivity specs, with balanced XLR and 1/4″ TRS inputs on the back. The only potential downside with these is purely visual… in that the ‘glossy’ finish on the front might not appeal to everyone.

Key features/specs

• 2-way active studio monitors
• Rear ported design
• 5-inch woofers (low frequency)
• 1-inch tweeters (high-frequency)
• Volume and EQ controls at the back
• Total power: 82 Watt Class D Amp
• Frequency response/range: 49Hz – 20kHz
• Self-contained monitors (also sold individually)

Price for the pair:

 $330 US | €300 Euro | £250 GBP | $450 AUD.

Need more help deciding?

Watch JBL’s intro video or check out the reviews on Amazon. Also visit the manufacturer’s product page here.

Best places to buy:

Note, these are sometimes only sold individually.

Note: Commissions may be earned from theabove links. See ouraffiliate declaration.

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5. KRK Rokit 5 G4

Overview/highlights

Next up, from their latest ‘Generation 4’ Series, we’ve got the KRK Rokit 5s.

Famous for only using high-quality build materials – whilst making attention to detail and sound quality a top priority – KRK is definitely one of the market leaders in the ‘’affordable’’ pro studio monitor market.

On the front of each monitor, you’ll notice a low-resonance enclosure. This is responsible for the super-accurate bass response the KRKs put out. The G4 series also utilize the same Waveguide technology as the JBL 305P MKII’s to ensure a wide, deep, dynamic sweet spot.

Everything on these monitors is controlled around the back via a single rotary dial, which is all visually represented on a high-quality LCD screen. In addition to the volume, here you can control the DSP-driven graphic EQ, with 25 different settings to customize the sound based on the environment.

The Rokit 5 G4’s also come with a built-in brick-wall-limiter, which is designed to safeguard your system against damage whilst maintaining a balanced sound. Not forgetting the free mobile app, of course, which you can use to help set up and control the monitors.

Whilst it’s not necessarily a replacement for studio monitor pads, there are also cushion pads on the bottom of each monitor to help minimize vibrations on your desk/table.

As a widely popular choice amongst music producers, DJs and musicians, you really can’t go wrong with a pair of KRKs. If you want to scale up, the G4 series also offer models with 7, 8 and even 10-inch woofers. Get them in black or white!

Key features/specs

• 2-way active studio monitors
• 5-inch Kevlar drivers (low frequency)
• Front ported monitors
• Matching Kevlar 1-inch tweeter (high-frequency)
• DSP-driven Onboard EQ with Visual LCD
• KRK app for IOS and Android
• Total power: 110 Watts Class D amplifier
• Frequency response/range: 43Hz – 40kHz
• Self-contained monitors (also sold individually)

Price for the pair:

 $360 US | €330 Euro | £270 GBP | $500 AUD.

Need more help deciding?

Watch the intro video for the series or read the reviews on Amazon. Also visit the manufacturer’s product page here.

Best places to buy:

Note, these are sometimes only sold individually.

Note: Commissions may be earned from theabove links. See ouraffiliate declaration.

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6. Yamaha HS5

Overview/highlights

For our last two selections then, we move into the highest price bracket on this list. Known for their accuracy and iconic white-coned woofers, these are the HS5s from Yamaha!

Unlike some other studio monitors – ones that generate additional bass or treble frequencies — these were designed to produce the most honest, precise reference possible — ie, a true ‘flat frequency response’. That is to say: the output is super clear & crisp.

The HS5s have low resistance enclosure cabinets to eliminate any low-end imperfections, whilst dramatically increasing the accuracy of sound reproduction. These enclosures are constructed from a dense and resilient MDF that has a damped acoustic response – perfectly suited for professional studio monitors. 

With everything you’d expect at this price point: you’ve got customizable room controls for both bass response and high-frequencies together with XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs round the back.

In summary… to get the best out of these reference monitors, we’d probably recommend having some kind of acoustic treatment in the room, and only using them for their primary design function – opposed to say casual listening.

They come in a stylish black or white and also 7 or 8-inch models (woofers), plus you can add an 8-inch sub if you want. Whilst the HS Series has been on the market since 2013, definitely don’t let that put you off.

Key features/specs

• Active 2-way bass-reflex studio monitors
• Rear ported monitors
• 5-inch cone woofer (low frequency)
• 1-inch dome tweeter (high-frequency)
• Total power: 70 Watts
• Frequency response/range: 54Hz – 30kHz
• Self-contained monitors (also sold individually)

Price for the pair:

 $400 US | €370 Euro | £300 GBP | $550 AUD.

Need more help deciding?

To help you decide, watch this comparison video review on YouTube. Also visit the manufacturer’s product page here or check out Yamaha’s intro video.

Best places to buy:

Note, these are sometimes only sold individually.

Note: Commissions may be earned from theabove links. See ouraffiliate declaration.

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7. ADAM Audio TV5

Overview/highlights

Last, but certainly not least, we’ve got the TV5s from ADAM Audio. You might say they’re the perfect compromise between providing a flat frequency response and a full rounded sound!

The proprietary ribbon tweeters produce a really clear response on the high end, with the monitors offering a more-than-sufficient bass output on the low-end thanks to the large rear-firing bass reflex port.

Round the back, together with XLR and RCA inputs, the T5V’s have two 3-way EQ switches that allow you to cut or boost frequencies, enabling you to fine-tune its performance depending on its position within a room.

To summarize, for this kind of quality, the T5V’s are really fantastic value for money – which is why they’re officially our top pick for DJs and/or music producers!

As one of the most trusted audio monitor brands, Adam’s speakers have previously been endorsed by famous DJ/producers such as Carl Cox and others.

Key features/specs

• Active 2-way studio monitors
• Rear ported monitors
• 5-inch polypropylene woofer (low frequency)
• U-ART 1.9-inch ribbon tweeter (high-frequency)
• Total power: 70 Wa