OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Monoprice Monolith M1060 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£310Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Monoprice Monolith M1060 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Monoprice Monolith M1060
5.7/10

Overall score

Score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

80%

5.1

Technical score

20%

8.2

User score

â–¼Worse than 79% of headphones
6.6

Value for money

Value for money
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 89%
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

52%

5.7

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.5

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 91%
8.2

User score

User score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 74% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

7.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 74%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Monoprice Monolith M1060

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components:

52%

5.7

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.5

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

5.1
User score
User score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 74% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

7.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.2
Popularity
Popularity
7.2/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 66% of models
Popularity:
Monoprice Monolith M1060 has a popularity score of 7.2 points, which is higher than that of 66.5% of products in this category.
7.2
Value for money
Value for money
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

6.6
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
planar
Driver size
106 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 106 mm, larger driver size than 99.3% of headphones and equal to 0.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
10 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Monoprice
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
500 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 500 g, heavier than 98.5% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Monoprice Monolith M1060 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 66 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 21 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (65 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    65 mm vs 44 mm
  • 100x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (10,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    10,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 21 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (65 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    65 mm vs 44 mm
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 5 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    65 mm vs 60 mm
  • 0.6 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    1.8 m vs 1.2 m
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 66 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 100x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (10,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    10,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 20 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    130 dB vs 110 dB
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2.29x higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (500 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    500 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (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 pair of headphones (£310 vs £90).
    £310 vs £90
  • 9.4% worse value for money
    Monoprice Monolith M1060 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.65 vs 7.3).
    6.65 vs 7.27
  • 2.29x higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (500 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    500 g vs 218 g
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 7 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (96 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    96 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Master Marslander
≈ estimated
24/03/2022
Hands-on review · used pair, sound and comparisons
Verdict
Monoprice Monolith M1060 is a great pair of headphones and a killer value as an entry point into big planar magnetics.
9.0
MrAyrit
≈ estimated
15/02/2020
Long-term review · several months of use
Verdict
Monoprice Monolith M1060 is a favourite for warm, smooth sound at this price, though tastes in sound vary between listeners.
8.0
the Honest Audiophile
≈ estimated
22/08/2018
Long-term review · modded pair, sound and gaming
Verdict
Monoprice Monolith M1060 is a great first planar headphone, though it often needs modding and has some treble peaks.
9.0
Damir Franc
≈ estimated
30/03/2018
Long-term test · four months of use
Verdict
Monoprice Monolith M1060 still pleases after four months; the flaws are small and it is good value for the price.
9.0
Zadius Tech
≈ estimated
07/12/2017
Hands-on review · sound, adapter and fit tests
Verdict
Monoprice Monolith M1060 is good value for the money, with strong bass and precise, fast sound.
9.5
Joshua Valour
≈ estimated
20/09/2017
Hands-on review · sound tests and value opinion
Verdict
Monoprice Monolith M1060 is worth its price, with a premium build and sound that suits every genre.
8.0
the Honest Audiophile
≈ estimated
23/11/2018
Quick follow-up · balanced cable test
Verdict
Monoprice Monolith M1060 stays a good planar entry, and a balanced cable tames its treble peak.
9.0
Logan (serverbuilds)
≈ estimated
26/08/2018
Comparison review · sound impressions with a second model
Verdict
Monoprice Monolith M1060 is the creator's favourite in the collection, good for relaxed listening but not bass-heavy genres.
8.0
The Master Switch
≈ estimated
20/06/2017
Long-term test · one month of daily use
Verdict
Monoprice Monolith M1060 is not premium in build or sound, but it is a fun, recommended first planar magnetic pair.
9.0
Kim Jong-Corleone
≈ estimated
02/03/2017
First impressions · unboxing and listening tests
Verdict
Monoprice Monolith M1060 beats the reference headphones for the price; the creator recommends it wholeheartedly.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

techaeris.com
25/02/2018
Hands-on review · Planar wired headphones
Verdict
The Monolith M1060 is a wired open-back pair with balanced, detailed sound and thick earpads, though its 500g weight and open back limit where you can use it.
M
miniklangwunder.de
10/07/2017
Summary of the review
Questyle QP2R Review - New Edition of the High-End DAP (with M1060 Individual Review Section)
(Translated)Show original
M
macfay-hardware.fr
13/07/2020
Summary of the review
Monolith M1060 Review – Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

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 don't like 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)

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.

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