Best Active Stage Monitors of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Active stage monitors are professional-grade speakers designed to provide high-quality sound reinforcement for live performances. These monitors are specifically engineered to deliver clear and accurate sound at high volumes, with minimal distortion or feedback. They typically feature built-in amplifiers, so they can be connected directly to a mixing console or other audio source. Active stage monitors are an essential tool for musicians, DJs, and other performers who need to hear their own sound clearly on stage. They come in a range of sizes and configurations to suit different venues and performance styles.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Laney CXP-110 Active Stage Monitor Cover #TOP 1
Laney CXP-110 Active Stage Monitor
ftb score rating icon 9.9
SUBZERO C12MA Active Stage Monitor with 1100W Cover #TOP 2
SUBZERO C12MA Active Stage Monitor with 1100W
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Behringer EUROLIVE B207MP3 Active Speaker System Cover #TOP 3
Behringer EUROLIVE B207MP3 Active Speaker System
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Active Stage Monitors

#TOP 1

Laney CXP-110 Active Stage Monitor

CXP-110
Black
10 inch
Laney CXP-110 Active Stage Monitor Cover
Laney CONCEPT Series CXP-110 - Active stage monitor - 130W - 10 inch woofer plus horn, Black

The Laney CXP-110 is an ultra-compact active stage monitor that offers versatility for performances. You can use it either as a stage monitor or mount it on a speaker stand, making it adaptable to your setup. Built to endure, it features a tough vinyl finish with metal corners and rubber feet, ensuring durability. With a powerful 130W output, the 10-inch woofer and HF tweeter deliver clear sound, enhancing your audio experience. Additionally, the speaker includes a balanced Mic input and a 2-band EQ, allowing you to customise your sound easily.

What We Like
Compact and versatile design
Durable construction
Powerful sound output
Customisable sound settings
#TOP 2

SUBZERO C12MA Active Stage Monitor with 1100W

C12MA
Black
12 Inch
SUBZERO C12MA Active Stage Monitor with 1100W Cover
SUBZERO C12MA Active Stage Monitor with Class D Amp 1100W Max Power

The SUBZERO C12MA Monitor is a powerful 12-inch active stage monitor equipped with a Class D amplifier that delivers a maximum power of 1100W. Its easy-to-use control panel includes EQ and volume control, allowing you to tailor the sound to your preference effortlessly. You can connect microphones and line inputs, along with a passive speaker output, making it versatile for various setups. Additionally, the robust cabinet features a metal grille and rubber feet, ensuring durability and stability during performances.

What We Like
High maximum power output
Easy control panel
Versatile input options
Durable design
#TOP 3

Behringer EUROLIVE B207MP3 Active Speaker System

B207MP3
Black
Behringer EUROLIVE B207MP3 Active Speaker System Cover
Behringer EUROLIVE B207MP3 Active 150 Watt 6.5" PA/Monitor Speaker System with MP3 Player, Black

The Behringer B207MP3 Speaker is a versatile 150-watt active speaker ideal for various settings such as vocal and keyboard monitoring, multimedia events, and home recording studios. It comes with a high-performance MP3 player, allowing you to easily play audio files from a USB stick, making it perfect for music playback. The revolutionary Class D amplifier technology ensures you experience immense power and remarkable sound quality while benefiting from its lightweight design. Additionally, the 6.5" full-range driver delivers excellent sound performance, enhancing your listening experience.

What We Like
Multi-purpose functionality
High-performance MP3 player
Lightweight and portable
Excellent sound quality
Four-channel mixer included
#TOP 4

Studiomaster Sense12A 12" Active Monitor Speaker

Studiomaster
Sense 12A+
Black
Studiomaster Sense12A 12" Active Monitor Speaker Cover
Studiomaster SENSE 12A 12" Active PA Speaker Stage Foldback Monitor - 300W

The Studiomaster Sense12A Monitor is an excellent choice for bands seeking a powerful yet lightweight active speaker system. With its 12" woofer and 1" HF driver, it delivers crystal clear audio, ensuring you hear both bass and treble notes distinctly during performances. The robust RMS power of 260W (LF) and 40W (HF), along with a maximum SPL of 127dB, guarantees a strong sound suitable for any venue. Additionally, the various DSP settings allow you to tailor the audio to fit your specific needs, making your gig experience even better.

What We Like
Powerful sound for any venue
Lightweight and easy to transport
Multiple connectivity options
Customisable DSP settings
#TOP 5

Power Dynamics PDY215SM 15" Active Stage Monitor

PDY215SM
Black
Power Dynamics PDY215SM 15" Active Stage Monitor Cover
Power Dynamics PDY215SM Active Stage Foldback Monitor - 15" 400W 2-Way FOH Wedge Speaker with Bi-Amplification

The Power Dynamics PDY215SM Monitor is designed for musicians and performers seeking high-quality sound. Its bi-amplified design, featuring a Class-D woofer and Class AB tweeter, ensures powerful audio with minimal distortion, allowing you to hear every note clearly. The two-channel mixer with line-level and microphone inputs provides versatility for various instruments, while the digital input level signal limiter protects against signal overload. Additionally, the power on delay feature prevents thumping noises, enhancing your overall performance experience.

What We Like
High-quality sound output
Versatile input options
Signal overload protection
Durable construction
#TOP 6

LD Systems MON 81 A G2 Active Stage Monitor

LDS-MON81AG2
black
8 inch woofer
LD Systems MON 81 A G2 Active Stage Monitor Cover
LD Systems MON 81 A G2-8" active Stage Monitor

The LD Systems MON 81 A is an active stage monitor featuring an 8" woofer, ensuring powerful and clear sound for your performances. The active design means you don't need an external amplifier, making it convenient for setup. Ergonomic insert handles allow for easy transportation, so you can move it effortlessly to various locations. This combination of features provides you with a reliable and user-friendly monitoring solution, enhancing your stage experience.

What We Like
Powerful sound output
Easy to transport
Built-in amplifier
Ergonomic design
#TOP 7

SubZero 230W 12" Active Floor Monitor

181899
12 Inch
SubZero 230W 12" Active Floor Monitor Cover
SubZero 230W 12" Active Floor Monitor with 3-Band EQ & Mic Input

The SubZero Active Floor Monitor is designed for performing musicians seeking accurate sound. With its powerful 230W output and full-range speaker, you can enjoy clear audio across vocals, instruments, and recorded tracks. The 3-band EQ allows you to tailor the sound to your preference, enhancing your performance. Its classic wedge shape ensures stability during live shows, while the durable build and carry handle make it easy to transport between gigs. Simply connect your equipment and adjust the volume with ease.

What We Like
Clear and accurate sound
Customisable 3-band EQ
Durable and stable design
Easy to transport
#TOP 8

Citronic CM-Series Active Wedge Monitors with Bluetooth

CM10A
400W
Citronic CM-Series Active Wedge Monitors with Bluetooth Cover
Citronic | CM-Series Active Wedge Monitors inc. Bluetooth | 400W Peak Power

The Citronic CM-Series Monitors offer impressive features for any stage setup. With a high power class-D bi-amplifier, you can enjoy powerful sound without distortion, ensuring your performance stands out. The built-in Bluetooth receiver allows for easy wireless connectivity, making it simple to play music or audio from your devices. Additionally, the 5 Profile DSP section provides flexibility in tuning the sound to match your environment perfectly. Lastly, the concentric HF driver enhances clarity, allowing you to hear every detail of your performance.

What We Like
Powerful sound output
Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
Flexible sound tuning
Enhanced audio clarity
#TOP 9

PULSE ASM5D 150W Active PA Monitor Speaker

PULSE
ASM5D
Black
PULSE ASM5D 150W Active PA Monitor Speaker Cover
Pulse ASM5D 5 Inches 150W Active PA Monitor Speaker

The PULSE ASM5D Speaker is a versatile active PA monitor designed for various live events, making it ideal for musicians and DJs. Its integrated ultra-low noise mixer ensures clear sound quality, allowing you to deliver a professional performance. With the easy-to-use 3-band equaliser, you can customise your sound to suit your preferences. Plus, it features +48V phantom power, perfect for using condenser microphones, so you can achieve the best audio quality without hassle.

What We Like
Compact and portable design
Clear sound quality
Customisable sound settings
Phantom power for microphones
#TOP 10

OMNITRONIC KM Coaxial 110A Active Monitor

STEINIGKE
7033506
silver
OMNITRONIC KM Coaxial 110A Active Monitor Cover
OMNITRONIC KM Coaxial 110A Active Stage Monitor

The OMNITRONIC KM 110A Monitor is an active 2-way coaxial stage monitor, perfect for both live performances and playback applications. It features a Class D/AB amplifier, ensuring reliable power output. With a low-frequency power of 150 W RMS and high-frequency power of 50 W RMS, this monitor delivers clear and powerful sound across a wide range of frequencies. The 25 cm woofer and 3.5 cm compression driver work together to provide excellent audio quality, making it an ideal choice for musicians and sound engineers alike.

What We Like
High-quality audio performance
Powerful Class D/AB amplifier
Suitable for live and playback
Compact and reliable design
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a active monitor?

Active monitoring (also called synthetic monitoring) simulates user behavior to determine potential network performance. An active performance monitor doesn't examine actual users and data, but instead emulates how real users behave on a network.

2. What is the difference between active monitors and passive monitors?

The simple difference between active and passive speakers is that active speakers require power and passive speakers don't. This is because active models have built-in amplifiers, while passive models require external amplifiers.

3. What are stage monitors used for?

Stage monitors are the speakers placed on the stage that performers use to hear themselves and the rest of their band. Different venues and situations call for different monitoring setups.

4. What is the difference between stage monitors and speakers?

Monitor speakers are speakers that play the plain sound without distortion through the frequency range. They are designed to allow you to hear exactly the electronic sound. "Monitor" is a specialist type of loudspeaker. Most loudspeakers do not provide such a uniform frequency response.

Editor's Notes

During our active stage monitor research, we found 33 active stage monitor products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,418 customer reviews through our big data system to write the active stage monitors list. We found that most customers choose active stage monitors with an average price of £328.00.

The active stage monitors are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of active stage monitors, including Laney, SUBZERO, Behringer, Studiomaster, Power Dynamics.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.