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Studio Monitors vs Computer Speakers

Juan Stansbury June 21, 2023

It’s not surprising that the most common debate among home studio owners is about studio monitors vs. computer speakers and better decisions.

The same goes for musicians and music content creators who want to set up their home studios and shop for it.

Since both these types of sound systems are high-quality and reliable, it is sometimes quite tough to choose just one, and it can be especially tricky if you are not an expert in music technology.

Both the studio monitors and computer speakers have their individual sets of pros and cons. These are associated with their functions, prices, and convenience. Since they’re both appropriate for different situations, more often than not, people get confused about which to get.

However, choices can be easier if you have the right amount of knowledge. Knowing each of the sound systems and having in-depth information can help you make the best choice for YOU, without having to regret your purchase later.

This way, you can choose what fits your preferences and requirements, and, most importantly, your budget! Without further ado, let’s get into it!

The Differences Between Studio Monitors And Computer Speakers

The debate on studio monitors vs. computer speakers is a tough one, but there is an easier way to compare them and weigh their benefits and drawbacks.

For your ease, let’s divide this comparison into three parts:

Even though both studio monitors and computer speakers are sound systems, they don’t have the same purpose and don’t do the same thing.

A computer speaker, or home stereo speaker, enhances and boosts audio levels. It brings out the richer tones from the music playing and increases the bass. In contrast, a studio monitor does not enhance sounds.

Instead, it keeps the frequencies flat, so you get cleaner sounds. Its purpose is to give you purer music content so you can mix accurately.

Computer speakers require external amplifiers, which is why their alternative name is “passive speakers.”

In contrast, studio monitors are “powered” or “active speakers” since they have a built-in power amplifier. Their amplifier is directly fixed inside the speaker cabinet, so they work together.

Speaker enclosures, drivers, and amplifiers are all crossover components, and these components, when together, create consistent sound with better cleanliness and purity.

You’re more likely to find this phenomenon in a studio monitor than the computer speakers. Since you need an external amplifier for those sound systems, the sounds will be loud and clear with added bass, but it will probably not be consistent and reliable.

Settling the case, studio monitors are more reliable in terms of sound and its consistency.

Computer speakers have a specific design that allows them to blast sounds and reach a larger space. This way, home speakers, or computer speakers, are far louder and more appropriate for parties and large gatherings since they can reach more people and cross further distances.

In contrast, studio monitors are low-key and subtle in that sense. Their sounds only reach short distances, and they’re great if you’re mixing and editing, but they’ll definitely disappoint you in larger gatherings. This way, they prevent “muddying” of the sound frequencies.

Another essential aspect to consider about these sound systems’ reach and coverage is the sound’s evenness.

Computer speakers do a better job of spreading the sound equally across the room’s four corners. In contrast, since studio monitors don’t intend to disperse sound through larger areas, their reach is quite limited, and the evenness is relatively low compared to computer speakers.

Generally speaking, a studio monitor is relatively more expensive compared to a computer speaker. The reason behind this difference in price range is the material and construction of the sound systems.

Studio monitors have relatively more expensive materials and technology involved, and they take longer to construct.

They require comparatively more technologically advanced detailing and skills. The proprietary technology that these systems consist of allows sound refinement, clarity in channels, and accurate audio reproduction. Since this technology is more professional and advanced, it costs relatively more.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Studio Monitors And Computer Speakers

Video: “Do you really NEED a pair of studio monitors?? -Home Recording Studio”

As mentioned before, both of these sound systems have different sets of advantages and drawbacks.

Thus, it is also an excellent way to compare and conclude the studio monitors vs. computer speakers’ debate.

Studio monitors do the best job at reproducing sounds without altering them or coloring them too much. These monitors produce accurate, clear, and pure sounds so you can listen, record, and mix. They are best for radio studios and television.

The best thing about studio monitors is that they are great for professional use. If you are a music producer or content creator, studio monitors provide you with precise and clear sound without always punching a hole in your wallet. That’s right!

There are quite a lot of budget-friendly options in the studio monitor market if you are willing to invest.

These monitors don’t necessarily need external amplifiers, which is always a convenient factor. It means they’re easier to set up, use, and manage.

Even though you might require professional help, in the beginning, they’re much easier to manage and have lesser technical support issues since they have limited external connections.

You can indeed find affordable studio monitors on the market, but they are still more expensive than computer speakers.

Regardless of how low you go on the budget, there is a specific limit to how low the prices will go without completely ruining the monitors’ quality. Thus, a good quality studio monitor will definitely cost you more than a pair of computer speakers.

They are rear ported. While this may not come into more people’s notice, it means that specific ports at the back can reflect sound from the wall and mess up the overall sounds you’re eventually hearing.

To combat this, you can stuff the ports with socks or pieces of wool or figure out any way that works for you. However, it is, indeed, a hassle.

Studio monitors have a smaller sound reach and coverage. This fact means that you need to be in a specific, close range of a studio monitor to hear the sound in its best quality.

Even though this may not be a problem for those who have smaller rooms and studios, larger rooms and gatherings can be hard to manage with these monitors. It can especially be a problem if you have multiple people involved in a project.

Since everybody is sitting at different distances and angles, they might be hearing the same sounds in different ways, which is not suitable for the final results.

Computer speakers provide louder sounds without necessarily destroying the quality. They adapt well to the highs and lows of a musical piece, and the overall result is dramatically improved.

They can reach all spaces and corners of the room with even distribution of sound and music.

These are relatively cheaper and have more variety than sound monitors. You can get a wide range of options regarding prices, looks, quality, and sound reach.

Speakers are ideal for domestic and commercial use. Whether it’s a party, a get-together, a karaoke night, a pool party, or just a movie night at home, you can easily find a computer speaker that fits your requirements and budget.

Computer speakers can significantly amp up your gaming setups. In the current time, video games are more than just “a fun hobby.” They are more than only entertainment for kids.

All professional gamers and passionate video game enthusiasts need to have the best sounds, and high-quality computer speakers can do the job well.

Computer speakers require external amplifiers, and they can be a mess to set up sometimes. It is especially true if you don’t have any prior experience or knowledge about their technology and how they work. You’ll most probably require professional help setting them up and maintaining them.

Their loudness isn’t always an advantage. Computer speakers can be quite distracting, and low-quality speakers can even mess up the sound frequencies.

These computer speakers take a lot of desk space. Even though modern compact versions are available in the market now, they are still relatively big and consume a lot of space.

The Final Verdict: Are Studio Monitors Better Or Worse Than Computer Speakers?

If you’re looking for a factual, definitive answer to the studio monitors vs. computer speakers debate, the truth is that there’s none!

The answer depends on your personal preferences, requirements, and budget. If you are looking for a sound system to provide loudness, bass, and better coverage on a budget, computer speakers will be your best choice.

In contrast, if you’re looking for precision, accuracy, and a sound system for professional tasks like mixing, there is nothing better than studio monitors! Hence, the debate is more about what’s best for you, rather than which is better than the other.

Take your sweet time to think, plan, figure out what you need and your budget, and then pick a sound system accordingly!