The Best Studio Monitors for PC Desks

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. On woofer size it trails the group at 3.5-inch, while the 305P MkII comes in at 5-inch. You also get 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 cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the 305P MkII the next step up.

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. It matches the ROKIT 5 G5 on woofer size (5-inch). Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the BX3 at the time of writing. Its price falls between the BX3 and the BX4, based on our last check.

It suits a first home studio where the desk is also the mixing position. Each speaker has a 4.5-inch Kevlar woofer and bi-amplified power. The wired connection avoids Bluetooth latency for monitoring and streaming.

On woofer size it sits mid-pack at 4.5-inch: the 305P MkII comes in at 5-inch, and the BX3 comes in at 3.5-inch. When we checked, only the 305P MkII and cheaper picks cost less, and the MR4 cost more.

It has TRS, RCA and AUX inputs and a front headphone jack. Edifier tunes them to a near-flat curve with 1-inch silk dome tweeters and 4-inch woofers in MDF cabinets. Its 4-inch woofer size ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the 305P MkII (5-inch) and ahead of the BX3 (3.5-inch).

It also comes with a switch between monitor and music modes. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the BX3 at the time of writing. Its price falls between the BX4 and the ROKIT 5 G5, based on our last check.

Budget for two, and use the included isolation pads. Class D amplifiers drive a new 1-inch silk dome tweeter. It matches the 305P MkII on woofer size (5-inch).

It makes the most sense for spending more for the fullest feature set, since it offers the top of this price range, adding Class D amplifiers. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the MR4 and the rest.