The Best Speakers for Music Production

It is an affordable step up from computer speakers for basic mixing. It connects over a wired link, so there is no Bluetooth delay while monitoring. It is a compact first pair for a small desk.

Its bi-amplified design separates the woofer and tweeter amps for cleaner output. It also offers a wired, zero-latency connection. It makes the most sense for keeping the budget tight, since it offers the lowest price of the group at our last check.

It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the 305P MkII was the next step up. The main gap: woofer size of 3.5-inch, behind the Eris E5 (5.25-inch). If that matters, the Eris E5 comes in at 5.25-inch.

JBL runs each unit through a 100-hour full-power test. It is sold as a single speaker, so budget for two. Its Slip Stream port extends bass at low listening volumes.

Its updated transducers aim for lower distortion and a tighter transient response. It suits a nearfield desk setup. It is known for a neutral voicing at this price.

It has XLR and TRS inputs with a +4dBu/-10dBV switch, and its Class-D amps deliver 82 watts. On woofer size it sits mid-pack at 5-inch: the Eris E5 comes in at 5.25-inch, and the CR3.5 comes in at 3.5-inch. It was priced above the BX3 and below the Eris 3.5 at the time of writing.

It suits a small desk, though 3.5-inch woofers limit how low it can reach. Its tuning controls help in untreated rooms. Its 80Hz to 20kHz range covers vocals and most instruments at desk distance.

Its 1-inch silk-dome tweeters smooth out harsh highs. Its compact cabinets fit beside a monitor on a small desk, and the pair includes the cables to connect them. It has balanced TRS, RCA and a front aux input plus a headphone jack.

Its 3.5-inch woven-composite woofers give tighter bass than typical desk speakers of this size. When we checked, only the 305P MkII and cheaper picks cost less, and the CR3.5 cost more.

Isolation pads and cables come in the box. It comes as a pair with isolation pads and cables, so nothing else is needed to start. The tone knob sits on the front, so voicing changes don't need menus.

Its 3.5-inch woofers and compact cabinets fit a small desk, and the tone knob changes voicing without software. It suits streaming and casual mixing. It is voiced to be accurate rather than flattering, which helps mixes translate.

It matches the BX3 and the Eris 3.5 on woofer size (3.5-inch). You also get a size aimed at desks and small studios. The trade-off is woofer size; for more, the Eris E5 comes in at 5.25-inch.

XLR, TRS and RCA inputs connect to most interfaces. It comes with Studio One Prime and a plug-in suite, useful for a first home studio. Its acoustic tuning controls shape the sound for the room.

Its 5.25-inch woofer gives more low end than the 3.5-inch pairs. It reaches 102dB maximum continuous SPL. Its silk-dome tweeter keeps the treble smooth.

On woofer size it leads this guide at 5.25-inch, ahead of the 305P MkII (5-inch). Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the BX3 at the time of writing. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the CR3.5.