Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (3)
$229.99 $195.49 $34.50 · All time low
Guitar Center
5.0 (9)
$229.99 $195.49 $34.50 · All time low
Amazon
4.7 (2322)
$195.49 New
$185.72 Used (Like New)
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$229.99 $195.49 $34.50 · All time low
B&H
5.0 (1)
$229.99 $195.49 $34.50 · All time low
Thomann
4.4 (16)
$208.00 $197.00 $11.00 · All time low
Vintage King
$229.99 $195.49 $34.50 · All time low

Average Price: $203

Budget/Beginner

$300

$801+

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Yamaha HS3 3.5-inch Powered Studio Monitor". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Yamaha HS3 3.5-inch Powered Studio Monitor is a testament to how mighty performance can fit into a compact form. This space-saving marvel is designed to meet the needs of creators who demand premium sound without the bulk. Equipped with a 3.5-inch cone woofer and a 0.75-inch dome tweeter, the HS3 delivers an impressive 70Hz-22kHz frequency response. Its bi-amplified bass-reflex design ensures crisp, clear sound that remains true to the source, a characteristic that has made Yamaha a trusted name in studio monitors for decades.

Perfect for studios with limited space, the HS3 offers flexibility in input connections, including XLR/TRS combo, RCA, and stereo mini jacks, thanks to its rear panel design. The Room Control and High Trim functions allow for tailored sound adjustments, reducing unwanted low-end frequencies when placed near walls, ensuring your audio is perfectly balanced for any environment. Whether you're mixing music or editing video, these monitors provide a reliable, honest sound that translates well across various playback systems.

With anti-slip feet for stability and a travel-friendly size, the HS3 is perfect for on-the-go creators or small studio setups. Its high-performance Class-D amp and carefully selected components, including Yamaha's proprietary Twisted Flare Port technology, mean you won't sacrifice quality for convenience.

Key Features:

  • 2-way bi-amplified bass-reflex design
  • 3.5" cone woofer and 0.75" dome tweeter
  • Frequency response: 70Hz-22kHz
  • Room Control and High Trim functions
  • XLR/TRS combo, RCA, and stereo mini input connections
  • Includes stereo mini RCA cable, speaker cable, and anti-slip feet

Owner's manual

Yamaha HS3 3.5-inch Powered Studio Monitor User Manual

Product specs

Powered Yes
Power Configuration 2-way
Quantity Pair
LF Driver Size 3.5" Woofer
HF Driver Size 0.75" Tweeter
Total Power 26W + 26W
Frequency Response 70Hz-22kHz (-10dB)
Input Types 1 x XLR-1/4" Combo, 1 x Dual RCA Stereo, 1 x 1/8" TRS
Features Black Finish
Enclosure Material MDF
Height 8.8"
Width 5.2"
Depth 7.4"
Weight 6.2 lbs. (each)

FAQs

Are the Yamaha HS3 studio monitors suitable for small home studios?

Yes, the Yamaha HS3 studio monitors are well-suited for small home studios due to their compact size and accurate sound reproduction, making them ideal for close-field listening.

What type of inputs do the Yamaha HS3 monitors support?

The Yamaha HS3 monitors support XLR-1/4" combo, dual RCA stereo, and 1/8" TRS inputs, providing versatile connectivity options for various audio sources.

How much power do the Yamaha HS3 monitors deliver?

Each Yamaha HS3 monitor delivers 26 watts of power, providing clear and balanced sound for detailed audio monitoring in smaller spaces.

What is the frequency response range of the Yamaha HS3 monitors?

The Yamaha HS3 monitors have a frequency response range of 70Hz to 22kHz, allowing them to accurately reproduce a wide spectrum of audio frequencies.

Are the Yamaha HS3 monitors active or passive?

The Yamaha HS3 monitors are active, meaning they have built-in amplifiers, eliminating the need for an external power amplifier.

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Reviews

PROS

  • Compact size ideal for small desks and tight spaces

  • No hiss or white noise, excellent for low-volume listening

  • Clear sound with a flat response, perfect for small room setups

  • Comparable performance to larger Yamaha models, like the HS5

  • Offers great sound definition and balance for the price

  • Sufficient bass for small listening environments

CONS

  • Lacks bass reserves due to small 3.5-inch speaker size

  • Connector design perceived as outdated and cheap

  • Not suitable for professional studio use, more casual listening

  • Sound quality may be underwhelming compared to larger Yamaha models like HS7

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha HS3 3.5-inch Powered Studio Monitor.

Comparisons

  • HS3s are noted to be less effective for hip-hop due to limited bass response; HS7s or a subwoofer setup is recommended for bass-heavy genres.

    Source
  • Users transitioning from Kali Audio Ultra Nearfield setups note HS3s require less space and offer satisfactory sound for non-critical listening.

    Source
  • Kali LP-UNF ultra near field monitors are preferred for limited space due to front porting, compared to rear-ported models like Yamaha HS3 that require more room from walls.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Pairing HS3s with a subwoofer like the Kali WS-6.2 can improve performance in untreated rooms, offering a balanced sound without large monitors.

    Source
  • Owners suggest that the HS3s are suitable for general use but may not suffice for critical listening or production without additional bass support.

    Source
  • HS3s are praised for desktop guitar monitoring, fitting well in crowded spaces without disturbing neighbors, suitable for casual guitar practice.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It's suggested that a pair of monitors is essential for accurate stereo imaging, especially for those new to music production.

    Source
  • HS3s are described as providing natural sound and adequate volume for guitar work without needing high volume levels.

    Source
  • Adam Audio monitors use ribbon tweeters, which provide crystal-clear highs but may produce a narrow sweet spot and can be harsh in tone.

    Source
  • The HS8 has a shelf adjustment switch that allows users to tweak bass frequencies, which could be beneficial for those not needing a subwoofer.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • An audio interface may be necessary to drive the HS3 monitors effectively, with the Focusrite Scarlett series being a popular choice among users.

    Source
  • Occasional distorted playback is reported when running resource-heavy applications, suggesting potential system resource issues rather than speaker faults.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Investing in a pair of monitors rather than a single unit is recommended to maximize the effectiveness of a studio setup.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report better-than-expected bass output, potentially influenced by desk resonance, noted on IKEA desktops.

    Source
  • Front ported monitors like Kali LP-UNF are recommended in multi-purpose rooms to avoid boomy bass from rear ports placed too close to walls.

    Source
  • Owners using HS8s at desks note that these models produce bass effectively without a subwoofer when placed less than a foot from the wall.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha HS3 Review [2025] - Impressive Compact Monitors

homedjstudio.com

Yamaha's HS3 delivers impressive sound quality in a compact design, making it a solid choice for small studios. With its neutral sound profile and excellent build quality, it shines in providing accurate audio for critical listening. However, potential buyers should be aware of its higher price point compared to competitors, and the lack of Bluetooth connectivity may deter some. If you're after refined sound and reliability, the HS3 is a fantastic pick, but those seeking a more engaging listening experience might want to explore alternatives.

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