What are the best studio monitors under $100?

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AudioSpeakersStudio Monitors

What are the best studio monitors under $100?

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Sep 15, 2021

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3 Options Considered

Best studio monitors under $100	Price	Weight	Type
-- Behringer MS16	$79.99	7.7 lbs	Active Studio Monitors
-- M-Audio AV32	$79	5.6 lbs	Active Studio Monitors
-- Mackie CR3	$99.99	9.4 lbs	Active Studio Monitors

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score 7 · Answer 1

Behringer MS16

Top Con

Distorts at near max volumes

You may hear some audio distortion when running these speakers near max volume. This can be attributed to the small tweeters and woofers, which are not be capable of pumping out very high volumes. See More

Top Pro

Balanced sound

With the tone controls set to normal, the sound is fairly neutral and balanced. The highs have good detail and are quite airy and the mids sound natural. The bass is present but is not too powerful. See More

Specs

Weight:7.7 lbs

Type:Active Studio Monitors

Dimensions:5.5 x 5.9 x 9.5

Connectivity:RCA / 3.5mm

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Top Con

Bass output may not be powerful enough

If you love powerful and boomy bass, then these speakers may fall short of your needs. Even with the bass knob cranked all the way to maximum, the bass output may still not be enough. See More

Top Pro

You can connect a mic and headphones

You’ll be able to monitor audio using headphones, and also gain an extra microphone in port. There are mic in and headphone out ports on the front side of the main speaker. They add extra functionality and are very easy to access. See More

Top Pro

Two analog input options

You won’t need to manually plug or un-plug cables on a frequent basis. You can connect 3.5mm and RCA audio sources and use them simultaneously. See More

Top Pro

Very compact

It won’t be difficult to incorporate these speakers into your studio or home entertainment setup. Despite having 4 inch woofers, the speaker cabinets are really compact so you can easily fit them even on a cramped desk. See More

Top Pro

Good volume from small speakers

The MS16s are very compact yet are still able to deliver a good amount of volume. They are capable of filling a small room with audio. See More

Top Pro

Tone controls are available

You can easily tweak some aspects of the sound to your liking. On the front side of the main speaker are knobs to adjust the treble and bass levels. See More

Top Pro

Good sound quality, tone controls and a compact case at an affordable price

These speakers are compact yet are able to deliver a balanced and clean sound at decent volumes. You can also tweak the bass, mids and treble levels to your preference. These are a steal for the price, considering how much functionality you get. See More

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score 3 · Answer 2

M-Audio AV32

Top Pro

Very affordable price for studio monitors

These speakers are very attainable price-wise. These are positioned as entry-level studio monitors with prices that are not too far off from most multi-media speakers available on the market. This makes high quality, pro-level audio monitoring speakers within relatively easy reach, and should fit many budding audio enthusiast’s budgets. See More

Top Con

May not have enough bass output due to small woofers

Some may find the bass output of these speakers to be a bit lacking. The small 3 inch woofers can only deliver so much bass and while the output may be enough in small rooms, the bass can leave a lot to be desired in larger rooms. See More

Specs

Weight:5.6 lbs

Type:Active Studio Monitors

Dimensions:7.5" x 5.1" x 6.14"

Connectivity:RCA, 1/8" Auxiliary

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Top Pro

Clean and smooth sound with airy highs

There is an emphasis on the higher frequencies and the bass can sound full. Imaging is forward with a lot of detail. The sound is clearly a cut above the multimedia speakers that are within the AV32’s price range. See More

Top Con

Volume output is limited

The volume output of these speakers is not that high, which can also be attributed to these speakers’ small size. While these are perfectly usable for close audio monitoring, this may not be a good option if you want your studio monitors to fill the room with great sound. See More

Top Pro

Can fit in most studio/desk setups

The AV32 can fit in virtually all studio setups thanks to its compact size. The speaker cabinets are small, simple and lightweight so you won't have trouble positioning them. See More

Top Con

Sound may distort at higher volumes

You can definitely crank these speakers up to max in order to get extra volume. However, do expect some audible distortion at high volume levels. If you prefer loud volumes for listening or mixing, then bigger studio monitors will suit your needs better. See More

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score 3 · Answer 3

Mackie CR3

Top Pro

You can select what channel the main speaker will be

It’ll be easier for you to position the main speaker as you prefer. At the back of the main speaker is a switch that allows you to select if the main speaker will be left or right channel. The other speaker will automatically be set to the other channel. See More

Top Con

No room compensation controls

You’ll have to take the extra time and effort to properly position these speakers. There are no bass compensation controls to adjust low-end output when positioning these speakers near a wall, so it’ll be much harder for you to get the proper bass response. See More

Specs

Weight:9.4 lbs

Type:Active Studio Monitors

Dimensions:8.2 x 5.5 x 6.2 inches

Connectivity:1/4" TRS / RCA / 1/8" TRS

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Top Pro

Clear sound with good bass levels

The highs are clear and have okay detail. The mids are not very forward but they sound natural and full. The bass is quite powerful and will give music a boomy and thumpy feel. See More

Top Con

Bass can overpower the overall sound

The overall sound can get boomy and muddy. The bass is quite powerful so on bass-heavy tracks, the details of the music may be washed out. See More

Top Pro

Two analog input options to choose from

You’ll have some flexibility as to the source devices that you can use with these speakers. You can choose between TRS or RCA inputs. See More

Top Pro

Loud volume output

Despite the small size, these speakers can output good volume levels, enough to fill a small room with sound. See More

Top Pro

Foam isolation pads included

Excess vibrations from the speakers to your desk won’t be too much of a big issue. Instead of stick on rubber feet, the CR3 speakers come with foam isolation pads which are quite good at minimizing vibrations. See More

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What are the best studio monitors under $100?

3 Options Considered

Behringer MS16

My Recommendation for Behringer MS16

My Recommendation for Behringer MS16

Distorts at near max volumes

Balanced sound

Bass output may not be powerful enough

You can connect a mic and headphones

Two analog input options

Very compact

Good volume from small speakers

Tone controls are available

Good sound quality, tone controls and a compact case at an affordable price

M-Audio AV32

My Recommendation for M-Audio AV32

My Recommendation for M-Audio AV32

Very affordable price for studio monitors

May not have enough bass output due to small woofers

Clean and smooth sound with airy highs

Volume output is limited

Can fit in most studio/desk setups

Sound may distort at higher volumes

Mackie CR3

My Recommendation for Mackie CR3

My Recommendation for Mackie CR3

You can select what channel the main speaker will be

No room compensation controls

Clear sound with good bass levels

Bass can overpower the overall sound

Two analog input options to choose from

Loud volume output

Foam isolation pads included

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