Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. It ranks #5 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $299.99; the Audioengine HD3 ranks #17, rated 3.2/5, and costs $359, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
What the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor gets right: Much deeper bass than any other speaker this size. Set against that: Slightly boosted bass.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Audioengine HD3 and costs less, which settles it without a real tradeoff to make.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine HD3 | IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.00 per pair | $299.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #17 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #5 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 6.5"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) | 7.1"H x 3.5"W x 5.3"D (180.3 x 88.9 x 134.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input | RCA, Aux |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | - |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) |
| Drivers | 2.75" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes (A2DP) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| EQ | No | Yes (Bass/Treble switches, Desktop/Free field) |
| Amplifier Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) | 50W total (combined) |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Audioengine HD3: $359.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: A compact desktop stereo option when cabinet size is a priority. Measured bass extension of 65Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Limited bass makes a subwoofer useful for fuller music reproduction. Its compact format is better suited to close listening than filling a large room.
Full Audioengine HD3 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 6.5"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 2.75" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
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IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor: $299.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Unusually substantial bass for such a small desktop pair. The linked quasi-anechoic measurement review reports broad, reasonably consistent horizontal radiation and useful tolerance above the tweeter axis, helpful when the speakers sit below ear height. Its compact size and bass balance make it a practical close-listening alternative to small monitors that need a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The existing review evidence indicates some bass emphasis and upper-treble rolloff rather than strict neutrality. Deep bass from tiny drivers does not establish loud-playback headroom; use these for close desktop listening, not as a substitute for larger room speakers.
Full IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W total (combined) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (A2DP) |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1"H x 3.5"W x 5.3"D (180.3 x 88.9 x 134.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble switches, Desktop/Free field) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs iLoud Micro Monitor sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIOreview: IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs iLoud Micro Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026 More from Jasper Tech →
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- Jasper Tech: Best Premium Computer Speakers: Kanto ORA4 Review & Comparison
- Jasper Tech: Are the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro the Best Studio Monitor Speakers for your Home Studio?
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- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs HiVi Swan X3
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Genelec 8010A
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