Best 8-Inch Studio Monitors in 2024 (Buying Guide & Reviews)

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Home studio monitors are always an excellent investment for your home theatre; they will provide a more powerful sound and make you enjoy a more realistic sound. You will have better experiences listening to music or watching any movie with studio monitors. Studio monitors will deliver an accurate sound that most of you will like.

In this article, I will mention the best 8-inch studio monitors on the market. Believe me, all the studio monitors I will discuss are high-grade and top-notch products from well-known brands. So, let me now begin.

A Quick Look at My Favorite 8 Inch Studio Monitors

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Best Overall 
JBL 308PMKII

JBL 308PMKII

8.6
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Unmatched Sound Quality
YAMAHA HS8

YAMAHA HS8

8.5
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Unrivaled Accuracy 
KRK RP8 Rokit 8 G4

KRK RP8 Rokit 8 G4

9.1
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Unrivaled Punch 
Kali Audio IN-8

Kali Audio IN-8

8.8
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Unmatched clarity 
Mackie MR824

Mackie MR824

8.6
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Key Takeaways

  • A great 8-inch studio monitor will always be a fantastic investment for your home theatre or studio.
  • If you want a mesmerizing studio monitor with many intriguing features, then the JBL 308PMKII  is the one you should go for.
  • The KRK RP8 Rokit 8 G4  will also be a great purchase since it will provide a crystal clear sound.
  • There are some crucial factors you should always consider before purchasing a studio monitor; the frequency response and built quality are to consider.

Top 5 Best 8 Inch Studio Monitors

JBL 308PMKII – Best Overall 

The JBL 308MKII is the last studio monitor on this list and is the best overall for many reasons. You can expect a bad product from a brand like JBL. The JBL 308PMKII has an extraordinary design, and the studio monitor appears elegant and aesthetic.

This studio monitor has a sturdy build, and all the materials used for its construction are of high quality. The design and built quality are perfect, but there are some other aspects that we should pay more attention to.

The studio monitor has an 8-inch woofer and 1-inch dome tweeter, which work perfectly, and increases the sound quality. The tunning options, boundary EQ, and outstanding transducers are always worth mentioning when discussing this perfect studio monitor.

The HF and LF transducers have a significant impact in improving the deep bass and removing possible distortions as well. The clear and precise sound that this studio monitor delivers is incomparable. You will be able to get the most neutral sound. All the mids, highs, and the low-en are fairly expressed for a great and warm sound profile. What could you ask for more?

Why Should You Buy It?

The JBL 308PMKII  is the best 8-inch studio monitor. It offers impressive features combined with fantastic sound quality, so there is nothing to think twice about this immersive studio monitor.

TypeMonitor
Dimensions14.6 x 12.8 x 18.6 inches
Weight18.9 pounds
Frequency Response45 Hz – 20 kHz
Peak Input Max+6dBV / +20.3dBu

Pros

  • Amazing sound quality
  • Sturdy built
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Nothing at all

YAMAHA HS8 – Unmatched Sound Quality

Yamaha is one of the most popular brands for audio equipment, and there is no chance to compile a list of the best 8-inch studio monitors without mentioning a product from Yamaha. The Yamaha HS8 is the studio monitor that I will review in this article.

If you are waiting for something terrible in terms of quality and design, sorry, but I have nothing negative to say since the studio monitor is perfectly built with high-end materials.

The Yamaha HS8 is amongst the most durable studio monitors available. The cabinet is made of MDF board, indicating how sturdy it is. You will be able to see an 8inch cone woofer and a 1-inch dome tweeter that perfectly do their job.

Let me mention some fantastic features; it is a bi-amped studio monitor that has an impact on increasing the sound quality and has tunning options. The XLR and TRS inputs make this studio monitor compatible, so you don’t have to mind the connection.

The most crucial aspect is the sound quality, and let’s see what this studio monitor offers. The Yamaha HS8 will deliver a sonic performance. It is equipped with outstanding transducers that play a significant role in sound quality.

The low end is satisfying, and the mids and highs are worth mentioning. The studio monitor has a flat response so that you will get a clear and clean sound profile.

Why Should You Buy It?

The Yamaha HS8 is equipped with unique features, and the studio monitor will also provide a clean and clear sound.

TypeMonitor, Tweeter, Woofer
Dimensions13.1 x 9.8 x 15.4 inches
Weight28.8 pounds
Frequency Response28.8 pounds
Power120W

Pros

  • Crystal clear sound
  • Sturdy built
  • Tunning options
  • Bi-amped

Cons

  • Pricey

KRK RP8 Rokit 8 G4 – Unrivaled Accuracy 

The KRK is a well-known brand that provides impressive studio monitors, and the KRK RP8 Rokit 8 G4 is one of those mesmerizing products of this brand. This is amongst the most stylish studio monitors, and I love how they appear.

This studio monitor is an upgraded version of its previous generations and has a lot to offer. It is well-built and has a sturdy studio monitor that you can use for extended periods. The material that is used in the construction of the studio monitor is of high quality.

This studio monitor has excellent features, such as the tunning option, which most other studio monitors lack. The KRK RP8 Rokit 8 G4 has two inputs that you can use for connection, a TRS and an XLR input. The studio monitor also works with a KRK app which helps with faster mixing.

As you can see, the studio monitor is packed with unique features, so only by knowing this can you predict that it also has excellent performance.

The low end is what differentiates this studio monitor from others. The bass is accurate, but you will get a war sound simultaneously due to its well-balanced and amazingly expressed frequencies.

Why Should You Buy It?

If you don’t mind your budget and need an extraordinary studio monitor with many intriguing features, then the KRK RP8 Rokit 8 G4  is what you need.

TypeWoofer
Dimensions32 x 20 x 16 inches
Weight54.5 pounds
Frequency Response36Hz – 40KHz
Power203W

Pros

  • Well-built
  • Tunning option
  • Immersive sound quality

Cons

  • Pricey

Kali Audio IN-8 – Unrivaled Punch 

The second model we’ll mention is the Kali Audio IN-8 which has many features to offer and a mesmerizing sound quality. It boasts a design that you’ll find similar to what you’ve seen in other studio monitors.

Regarding the connectivity, I have nothing to complain about since it has three inputs, such as the RCA, XLR, and TRS input, and this means that the studio monitor is very compatible. You can connect it to any other audio device effortlessly.

Besides the studio monitor, you will also get a subwoofer which significantly improves the low end. This studio monitor is for those who want to get superb sound quality. The sound that the Kali Audio IN-8 delivers is crystal clear and accurate due to the fantastic frequency range of the studio monitor.

Why Should You Buy It?

If you are looking for a studio monitor with great sound quality and easy to mix on, which will make your work a breeze, then the Kali Audio IN-8 will be a great pick.

TypeSubwoofer, woofer
Dimensionsnot specified
Weight22.9 pounds
Frequency Response37 Hz – 25 kHz
Power140W

Pros

  • Amazing sound quality
  • Sturdy built
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Nothing at all

Mackie MR824 – Unmatched clarity 

The Mackie MR824 is the first studio monitor I will introduce to you; most of you are familiar with this name. This particular model has a sturdy build and a cabinet that comes all in black.

The Mackie MR824 has a stunning appearance, so you can put it wherever you want without hesitation since it will make your room or studio look better and more stylish. I have some more crucial aspects to discuss for those not concerned with the design or build quality.

The inputs are always elements we care about when buying a studio monitor. The Mackie MR824 has a wide range of options for connection; it comes with three inputs to choose from. There is an unbalanced RCA input, a balanced XLR input, and an unbalanced TRS input. This indicates how versatile this studio monitor is.

The Mackie MR829 is an excellent option for those on a tight budget but still want a studio monitor that will perform well. You will be able to experience a different level of music quality with this studio monitor since it will deliver an accurate and precise sound profile. The speaker consists of an 8″ polypropylene woofer that will offer a dynamic bass response.

Why Should You Buy It?

If you are on a tight budget and need a great studio monitor with fantastic input options and sound quality, then the Mackie MR824 is the one you should go for.

TypeSubwoofer
Dimensions12.6 x 10.1 x 15.7 inches
Weight23 pounds
Frequency Response35 Hz – 20 kHz
Power85W

Pros

  • Well-built
  • Affordable
  • Great sound quality

Cons

  • Nothing at all

Buying Guide

You are about to purchase an 8-inch studio monitor, but let me ask you whether you know how to make the right purchase and do you know the factors that you should consider. The answer to this query is no, most likely. Nothing to worry about since that is the reason why I am here.

In this buying guide, I will mention everything you need to know and pay attention to so you can make the right decision and get the best studio monitor possible. So, better read this section carefully since it will be worth it.

Built Quality

The built quality of a studio monitor says a lot about its overall quality. The cabinet must be constructed of high-end materials, and it should be durable enough.

Otherwise, it will also impact the sound quality, and you may face some issues with your studio monitor. Before purchasing a studio monitor, the build quality is one of the essential factors that you must pay attention to.

Frequency Response

Frequency response is what matters. A great studio monitor must have a wide frequency range. The lows, mids, and high frequencies are significant in this case. If you want your studio monitor to have an excellent sound profile, all the frequencies should be accurate and well-expressed.

Inputs

Inputs are another crucial aspect to consider since you want the studio monitor to be compatible so that you can connect it with many other devices. Ensure the studio monitor has any XLR, TRS, or RCA inputs for connection. Most of the studio monitors I mentioned above have at least two inputs.

Budget

Budget is always what we consider since we don’t want to damage our bank account, right? So, in this case, you should find the best studio monitor that will suit your demands for an affordable price. There is a wide range of studio monitors that are budget-friendly studio monitors that also will provide excellent sound quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the size of the studio monitor matter?

The size of the studio monitor matters according to where you will place them. Also, there are other reasons why the size matters, such as tweeter, woofers, etc. From a larger studio monitor, you will get better performance. 

Are the 8-inch studio monitors than the 5-inch ones?

Yes, they are. When you are about to purchase a studio monitor, better get an 8-inch one rather than a 5-inch one because the 8-inch studio monitor will provide better sound quality and performance.

What size room do you need for 8-inch studio monitors?

For an 8-inch studio monitor, you will need a bigger room; a 5x5x3 m would be the perfect room size for an 8-inch studio monitor.

Final Words

As you can see, many great 8-inch studio monitors will offer unique features, immersive performance, and sound quality. I tried to mention every little detail about the studio monitors to keep you informed and help you make the right decision.

Have a nice day!

Further Reading

Since I have mentioned the word “studio” many times in this article, I thought that you need to know also about the best studio headphones, especially if you are one budget. So, enjoy, and I’ll “see” you next time!  Check also the comparison between KRK Classic 5 and Rokit 5, or the comparison between Yamaha HS5 and JBL LSR305.

Whether you’re looking for information on audio equipment, looking to learn more about how things work in the music field, or looking for reviews of products, we got you covered!

 
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