Short answer: the Alpha 50 EVO, by its own review’s admission. Our notes describe it as more neutral than the great HS5, which is a real compliment given how often the HS5 is the reference point for everything else in this price range. It ranks #53 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers at $658; the HS5 ranks #66 at $399.98.
The HS5 is still an excellent monitor in its own right. Our notes call it excellent for mixing and anything needing a neutral output, with the only real complaints being a slight midrange boost and bass that doesn’t reach quite as deep as some rivals in the class.
The Alpha 50 EVO has no listed cons at all, which is unusual on this site and part of why it holds the higher ranking despite costing less.
Buy the Alpha 50 EVO for the higher ranking, the lower price, and a review with no listed flaws. Buy the HS5 if its specific reputation as a mixing reference is what you’re after.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A 5 inch studio monitor with XLR, TRS and RCA inputs and rear shelving controls for placement.
A popular 5 inch studio monitor with balanced inputs and room placement controls for a home studio.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Alpha 50 EVO | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $658 per pair | $399.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #53 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #66 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 12.2”H x 9”W x 9.4”D (309.9 x 228.6 x 238.8 mm) | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 45 Hz - 22 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA | XLR |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) each | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Amplifier Power | 60w Per Speaker | 45w Per Speaker |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.04 | 3.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.70 | 6.32 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Focal Alpha 50 EVO: