5 Best Studio Monitors of 2020

5" Studio Monitors for Audio Engineers

Whether you are making mixes in your home studio or in a professional environment, having the right studio monitor speakers in your possession is a major asset for your long-term success. These speakers are an investment into superior sound quality, musical creativity and a clear, full spectrum mix. Below, we have compiled a list of the 5 best 5” studio monitor speakers to assist you in your search for the perfect sound.

KRK Rokit 5 G4 Studio Monitor

This 5" studio monitor offers 25 settings to assist in conditioning your auditory environment and providing a clear, acoustic sound. With drivers produced with Kevlar, this speaker promises consistent sonic reliability throughout all frequencies. 

Boasting over 30 years of innovative experience and close collaborations with numerous highly successful sound productions, this new line KRK studio monitors have been reinvented and revamped to feature a front-firing port, offering their signature low-end extension we all know. The G4 line presents exceptional sound clarity and adaptable space positioning, all while providing listeners with significantly diminished listening-fatigue. This studio monitor is an excellent choice all around.

Key Features:

• KRK audio tools uses state-of-the-art DSP to maximize acoustics

• 25 customizable settings 

• Rigid Kevlar drivers ensure low-distortion sound reproduction

Price: (Amazon - Sweetwater)

Yamaha HS5 Powered Studio Monitors

These 5” studio monitors usually come as a kit containing 2 studio monitors and 2 XLR cables. With continuous innovations since their iconic NS-10 series in the 70s, Yamaha created studio monitors that deliver high quality audio that is further improved by a modern mounting system. Yamaha claims “A scientific arrangement of screws and a specially designed mounting ring eliminates unwanted vibration and resonance”

 Using superior materials, Yamaha’s extra-large magnets help enhance and improve an accurate response within the audio range, allowing for a more detailed and clear recording. For true and uncolored playback, the HS5’s are the most popular studio monitors.

Key Features:

• Internal dampening of vibrations and distortions

• Uncolored sound results in a truer mix and master

Price: Pair (Amazon - Sweetwater)

Adam Audio A5X Powered Studio Monitor

Superior materials like carbon fibre, Rohacell and glass fibre make up this small, 5” speaker. It has a large front-baffle reflex port, allowing for a strong, balanced sound quality with a clear, high-frequency reproduction. 

 Plenty of innovative technology, coupled with the speakers 50W PWM amplifier and 50W Class AB tweeter amp, allows for exceptional performance.

 Free of coloration and with a built-in rigid honeycomb driver, Adam Audio powered studio monitors deliver a high performance with low distortion, making it the perfect choice for beginners and professionals alike. 

 Key Features:

• Constructed with the latest advances in technology and materials sciences

• Precise X-ART tweeter, handmade in Berlin

• Low distortion with a high frequency reproduction 

Price: (Amazon - Sweetwater)

Genelec 8030A 5" Powered Studio Monitor

The true quality of the Genelec is evident in the precise sound with remarkable stereo imaging and deep bass for its small, 5” size. The Genelec 8030A features their innovative Smart Active Monitoring Technology (SAM), which allows it to automatically align their level and timing to optimize audio imaging.

This studio monitor features curved edges with arched front and sides. These elements enable the 8030C to accomplish an effortless frequency response with a significantly reduced cabinet edge diffraction.

Key Features:

• Color-free accuracy and extraordinary audio imaging

• Smart Active Monitoring maximizes room acoustics

• Versatile mounting options plus included Iso-Pod stand

Price: (Sweetwater - B&HPhotoVideo)

Avantone Mixcube

The Avantone Mix Cubes studio monitors allow the consumer the ability to hear their mixes clearly and accurately on bass-challenged systems such as computer speakers, televisions and car stereos. Mix Cubes offer exceptional sound reproduction and reliable sound.

With their active design, these small, 5” speakers have their very own 60-watt amplifier, meaning it will not drain electricity and power from your computer. 

Key Features:

• Built-in 60-watt amplifier 

• Ability to hear true bass and vocals on real-world systems

Price: (Amazon - VintageKing)

If you’re recording on a budget, there’s no reason to settle for subpar studio monitors - especially when you have so many bang-for-your-buck options out there.

With this list of 5 high-quality studio monitors, you are able to better understand their capabilities and limitations in your studio. Your mixes will improve as a result!