What are some recommendations for a monitor that strikes the best balance between being very or fairly small, reasonably-robust/well-made ('portable') and of top quality (for the price-- budget or close)?

Thanks!

 

Last edited: Mar 31, 2026 at 6:25 PM

HP Series 5 Pro 14-inch WQXGA - $285.00
www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-series-5-pro-14-inch-wqxga-portable-monitor-514pn

 

Thanks, PulseWave, but I mean audio monitors, not computer monitors. This is the Soundgear threads. Honest mistake, but nevertheless, I changed the header to reflect the audio part.

I've been getting the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor in my searches, but might appreciate alternative suggestions and/or elaborations from those who might have some insight or experience in that particular audio monitor or maybe even other monitors that might be similar to it.

 

Last edited: Mar 31, 2026 at 7:26 PM

Hello @Hearabouts, Oh Sorry - now for the correct result for listening monitors:

IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor - 239 EUR
https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/iloudmm/
https://www.thomann.de/de/ik_multim...=1&affid=195&subid=mrd-de-1908100157438583471

 

IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor review
www.soundphilereview.com/reviews/ik-multimedia-iloud-micro-monitor-review-1294/

Considering their price and size, the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor punch way above their weight – quite literally. These small, almost diminutive speakers sound great, are dead accurate and can comfortably sit on any desk. They also have a lot of possible connections to your favourite source and a few options to make them sound right according to your use case. The cherry on top of the cake is that they don’t cost an arm and a leg, being priced at €299 (plus VAT); this is not entry-level price, but it’s one that allows them to be placed in an affordable-yet-not-cheap price point where they can compete with offerings from other famous manufacturers.

Soundwise the iLoud Micro Monitor is a reference – in every possible sense. It has a linear tuning that makes (virtually) everything sound good, as there is almost no colouration that would skew the reproduction of sound, yet it is revealing and makes bad recordings sound just that – bad. The detail and technical ability of the iLoud Micro Monitor are notable and place them in the higher tiers of their market. The only limitation is bass depth, but that has to be expected given the size. What it accomplishes anyway is just astounding.

All in all, there’s nothing not to love about the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. It is a great product that I will never praise enough, and they are incredibly good whether you are looking for a great monitor for your mixes or for a very capable speaker set to enjoy your music.