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Monoprice Monolith M1060 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£310
Avg. price in US: ~$270
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Monoprice Monolith M1060 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.7

Poor

3.7

Poor

8.6

Excellent

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.5
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
1.0
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
1.4
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#631 in Best Wired Headphones
#736 in Best Over Ear Headphones

Verdict

The Monoprice Monolith M1060 is an open-back audiophile headphone featuring massive 106mm planar magnetic drivers with neodymium magnets, delivering a wide 10Hz to 50kHz frequency response. With an impedance of 50 ohms and a sensitivity of 96dB, these headphones are known for their expansive soundstage, deep bass extension, and low total harmonic distortion of less than 1%. Main pros include exceptional detail retrieval for the price, plush faux-leather ear pads for long-term comfort, and a distinct aesthetic combining wood and metal. However, they are notably heavy at 500g, and some users report build quality inconsistencies, such as a floppy headband design and a controversial 5kHz frequency spike that may require equalization for a smoother listening experience.

Technical Specifications of Monoprice Monolith M1060

Overall score

4.7

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

4.0

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

planar

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

1.1

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

6.2

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

5.3

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Monoprice

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Monoprice Monolith M1060 vs the average headphone

Why is Monoprice Monolith M1060 better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
66 mm larger driver size
Monoprice Monolith M1060 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (106 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1060 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (106 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.106 mm vs 40 mm
30,000 Hz higher treble extension
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.50000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Monoprice Monolith M1060 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1060 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
22 mm more spacious earcup width
Monoprice Monolith M1060 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (65 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1060 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (65 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.65 mm vs 43 mm
Open-back design
Monoprice Monolith M1060 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1060 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
5 mm more spacious earcup height
Monoprice Monolith M1060 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1060 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.65 mm vs 60 mm
22 mm more spacious earcup width
Monoprice Monolith M1060 offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (65 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
Open-back design
Monoprice Monolith M1060 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
5 mm more spacious earcup height
Monoprice Monolith M1060 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
0.6 m more useful cable length
Monoprice Monolith M1060 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
66 mm larger driver size
Monoprice Monolith M1060 uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (106 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
30,000 Hz higher treble extension
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
100x higher input power handling
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (10,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
20 dB higher max SPL
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Monoprice Monolith M1060 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Monoprice Monolith M1060 worse than the average headphone?

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2.29x higher weight
Monoprice Monolith M1060 is heavier than the average headphone (500 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Monoprice Monolith M1060 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No passive noise reduction
Monoprice Monolith M1060 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
0.7 % higher distortion
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
7 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (96 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Not headset-ready
Monoprice Monolith M1060 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Monoprice Monolith M1060 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Monoprice Monolith M1060 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1060 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
2.29x higher weight
Monoprice Monolith M1060 is heavier than the average headphone (500 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Monoprice Monolith M1060 is heavier than the average headphone (500 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.500 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Monoprice Monolith M1060 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Monoprice Monolith M1060 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
0.7 % higher distortion
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Not headset-ready
Monoprice Monolith M1060 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.
Importance: MEDIUM
Monoprice Monolith M1060 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
3.44x more expensive
Monoprice Monolith M1060 is more expensive than the average headphone (£310 vs £90).
Monoprice Monolith M1060 is more expensive than the average headphone (£310 vs £90).£310 vs £90

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Monoprice Monolith M1060 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Monoprice Monolith M1060?

Excellent price-to-performance value for planar technology
Deep, linear sub-bass extension and texture
Wide, airy soundstage with good instrument separation
Very comfortable, plush stock ear pads
Eye-catching design with real mahogany wood rings
Highly responsive to modifications (e.g., 'Vegan' pad swaps)
Generous 5-year warranty from Monoprice

What customers dislike about Monoprice Monolith M1060?

Infamous 5kHz ringing/peak that can be fatiguing or sharp
Build quality concerns, specifically reports of wood rings cracking
Midrange can sound 'hollow,' 'shouty,' or 'grainy' in stock form
Heavy weight (approx. 500g) can lead to neck strain
Requires a dedicated amplifier to reach full potential; anemic on phones
Lack of 'Left/Right' indicators on the earcups themselves
Fragile MMCX connectors in early revisions (mostly fixed in V2)

Expert reviews

techaeris.com

25/02/2018

Monolith M1060 review: Perfect sounding planar magnetic over-ear headphones with large drivers

The Techaeris review highlights the Monolith M1060Go as exceptional, budget-friendly planar magnetic headphones, praising their detailed, immersive soundstage and comfortable, luxurious design. Key advantages include superior audio performance driven by 106mm drivers and a wide, airy soundscape suitable for long, comfortable listening sessions. Conversely, the open-back design...Read more

miniklangwunder.de

10/07/2017

Questyle QP2R Review - New Edition of the High-End DAP (with M1060 Individual Review Section)

The Questyle QP2R is a high-end, purist digital audio player (DAP) that prioritises uncompromising sound quality and premium build over modern smart features. Encased in an elegant rose-gold aluminium body with black glass panels, the device feels exceptionally solid and comfortable for one-handed thumb navigation. On the positive side, it stands out for its unique Current Mode...Read more

macfay-hardware.fr

13/07/2020

Monolith M1060 Review – Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones

The Macfay Hardware review highlights the Monolith M1060Go as an open-back, over-ear headphone featuring large 106 mm planar magnetic drivers that delivers exceptional value for money at a price point of approximately 250 €. Aimed at beginner audiophiles and professionals alike, the headphone is praised for its immense, holographic soundstage and low harmonic distortion (< 1% THD),...Read more

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