Monoprice Monoprice Monolith M1060 Over Ear Planar Magnetic Review
The Monoprice Monolith M1060 offers stunning planar magnetic sound at a budget price, but you'll be forgiving its plastic build and total lack of features.
The 30-Second Version
Buy these for their incredible sound, not their looks or features. For under $300, the audio performance is a steal, but you'll forgive a lot of cheap-feeling parts to get it.
Overview
The Monoprice Monolith M1060 is a sonic powerhouse trapped in a budget body. The one thing you need to know is this: for around $270, you get sound quality that punches way, way above its price tag, landing in the 96th percentile in our database. But you're buying a tool for your ears, not a luxury accessory. Everything else—comfort, build, features—takes a backseat to that massive, detailed planar magnetic driver.
Performance
The sound is what surprised us, in the best way. That 106mm planar magnetic driver delivers bass that's deep and controlled, not boomy, with mids and highs that are remarkably clear and separated. It's the kind of detailed, spacious sound you usually have to spend twice as much to get. Just don't expect any bells and whistles; the performance is almost entirely in the audio.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sound quality is exceptional for the price, with incredible detail and bass control. 96th
- Huge 106mm planar magnetic drivers offer a unique, spacious listening experience.
- Open-back design creates a wide, natural soundstage that feels less 'in your head'.
- A straightforward, no-frills path to high-end audio without the high-end price.
Cons
- Build quality feels a bit cheap and plasticky for the price. 20th
- Comfort is just okay; the pads and clamp force aren't for marathon sessions. 22th
- Zero features: no wireless, no noise cancellation, and the microphone is terrible. 31th
- Open-back design means everyone around you can hear your music, and you hear everything around you.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | Over-Ear |
| Open/Closed | Open |
Audio
| Driver Type | Planar Magnetic |
| Driver Size | 106 |
| Codecs | Planar Drivers: Not your typical headphone driver! A planar magnetic driver is a flat membrane that is surrounded by magnets. |
| Surround | Monoprice Monolith M1060 Over Ear Planar Magnetic Headphones - Black/Wood With 106mm Driver, Open Back Design, Comfort Ear Pads For Studio/Professional | Monoprice | 116050 | 116050 | Headphones | Bla |
Connectivity
| Wired Connector | Monoprice Monolith M1060 Over Ear Planar Magnetic |
Value & Pricing
For pure sound quality per dollar, it's absolutely worth it. You're spending $270 to get audio that competes with headphones costing $500 or more. Just know your entire investment is going into the drivers, not the headband, the features, or the fancy case.
Price History
vs Competition
This isn't a direct competitor to the Sony WH-1000XM6 or AirPods Max. Those are wireless, feature-packed daily drivers. The M1060 is a specialist. A closer match is something like the Sennheiser HD 6XX or other open-back wired models. Compared to those, the M1060 offers a more modern, bass-forward planar sound versus the classic Sennheiser tuning. If you need wireless or noise cancellation, look at the JBL Tune 770NC or Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus. If you want the best sound under $300 and don't mind wires, the M1060 is a strong contender.
| Spec | Monoprice Monoprice Monolith M1060 Over Ear Planar Magnetic | Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear | Apple AirPods Max Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Closed-Back | Sennheiser Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless Active | JBL JBL Tune 770NC Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear | Bang & Olufsen Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Noise-Canceling Wireless |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Driver Type | Planar Magnetic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 106 | 30 | 40 | 37 | 40 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | — | 48 | 16 | — | 32 | 24 |
| Wireless | — | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | — | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Bluetooth Version | — | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Battery Life Hours | — | 30 | 20 | 50 | 70 | 35 |
Common Questions
Q: Do I need an amplifier to drive these?
They'll get loud enough from a phone or laptop, but a decent amp will unlock their full potential, especially for bass control and detail.
Q: Are these good for gaming?
The wide soundstage is great for immersive single-player games, but the terrible microphone means you'll need a separate mic for multiplayer.
Q: How's the noise isolation?
It's non-existent. They're open-back, so you'll hear your AC and your roommate will hear your drum and bass. These are for quiet rooms only.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for wireless headphones with noise cancellation for commuting or the office, this isn't it. Go get the Sony WH-1000XM6 instead. Also skip if you want a premium, durable feel; the M1060's build won't satisfy you.
Verdict
We recommend the Monolith M1060 if you're an audio enthusiast on a budget who wants to experience detailed, planar magnetic sound without taking out a loan. Use them at your desk, paired with a decent amp. If you need headphones for commuting, the office, or you just want something that feels premium and works wirelessly, you'll be disappointed. This is a tool for critical listening, not an all-in-one lifestyle product.