Back in 2021, I was looking for an affordable, portable upgrade to my desktop monitors — something I could travel with but still trust for production work. That search led me to the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors, and four years later… I’m still using them.
I’ve used these for music production, mixing, mastering, editing — both in and outside my studio. If you’re wondering whether they’re still worth buying in 2025, here’s my honest review after years of real use.
Build & Durability
Physically, they’ve held up well. A few scratches here and there, and one of them even took a fall (left a small dent), but everything still sounds and functions perfectly. These things are tough.
The monitors connect via a cable that loops from the main unit to the secondary speaker — simple and reliable. I’ve kept all EQ settings flat, and I pair them with my Audient ID14 via RCA-to-jack input.
No crackling knobs, no port issues — they’ve been consistently dependable.
Portability
Portability was a big reason I bought the iLouds. I’ve carried them around in multiple bags — sometimes packed with my MPK Mini, ID4 interface, and a mic. That’s my full mobile studio, and the iLouds fit in perfectly.
There’s even a dedicated iLoud travel bag I recommend if you want peace of mind.
Sound Quality (Yes, There’s a Test)
I mixed and mastered an entire album on the iLouds, and they still hold up sonically. I included an audio test in the full video if you want to hear them in action.
They deliver clean mids and highs, and the bass — for their small size — is surprisingly good. Some people complain about the port noise, but unless you’re blasting them at full volume, it’s not an issue.
Are They Still My Primary Monitors?
Surprisingly, yes — even though I own the Adam T8Vs, which are technically my “main” monitors, I find myself using the iLouds more often. They consume less power and they’re easier to work with for long sessions.
The T8Vs are great for referencing mixes on a bigger system, especially for checking bass, but day-to-day? The iLouds win.
iLoud Micro Monitor Pro — The Upgrade?
IK Multimedia released the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro in 2024. I looked into it, but it didn’t feel like the right upgrade for me.
Pros of the Pro:
- Slightly larger size
- USB-C power & audio transmission
- Independent monitors (no master/slave setup)
Cons (for me):
- No Bluetooth (which I use a lot)
- More cables to carry when traveling
- Slightly less streamlined for portability
For others, the upgrade might make sense. But for my workflow, the original version fits better.
Why Not Adam Audio D3V?
Another option I looked into was the Adam Audio D3V. But again — slightly larger, less portable, and nothing compelling enough to make me switch. I’ll stick with what works.
How Loud Do They Get?
Very loud. I’ve seen the Bluetooth LED indicator turn red (which means it’s being pushed hard). Sometimes, when it’s on red for too long, it does start to distort a bit — so it’s best not to leave it there. That said, I’ve pushed them to the limit multiple times, and every time I bring the volume down to a normal level, they still sound clean. No blown drivers. The cones seem quite durable, and overall, it’s a solid performance even under pressure.
Final Thoughts — Still Worth It?
Absolutely.
If you’re starting out, building a portable setup, or just need reliable monitors on a budget, I still recommend the original iLoud Micro Monitors in 2025. Get the travel bag too — you’ll thank yourself later.
Unless your specific needs match the iLoud Pro or D3V, I’d say stick with the original version. I’ll be keeping mine until something truly better comes along.
This is great gear for anybody in any situation. Whether you are a video editor, podcaster, or just need something solid for home use, it’s the most versatile monitor you might own as a creative or engineer.