Finding the best budget MIDI keyboard can be a challenge, with many low-cost models offering limited functionality or subpar build quality. My breakthrough came with a compact controller that, despite its modest appearance, it had velocity‑sensitive keys, drum pads, and knobs, and it slipped right into my backpack.
Best Budget MIDI Keyboard Controllers – Under $100 | Best Budget MIDI Keyboard Controllers – Under $100 Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 95 | 525+ | |||
 | 94 | 4650+ | |||
 | 92 | 650+ | |||
 | 92 | 1375+ | |||
 | 93 | 27525+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
With so many OEM and unknown brands popping up online, it’s been interesting to see established manufacturers step in and offer budget lines that meet the same standards as their pricier gear.
These days, a cheap MIDI controller can be more than just an entry-level tool, it can be your travel rig, your backup on tour, or even a compact brain for controlling older hardware synths with 5‑pin MIDI. Some of the ones at the higher end of this price range even give you assignable knobs, pads, and transport controls, features you used to have to pay a lot more for.
The best cheap MIDI keyboard options featured here can substantially improve your workflow, and do so without draining your wallet.
In this latest roundup, there’s even a fun shake-up in the rankings. The MiniLab MkII edged out the MicroLab for the top spot, proving that Arturia has the best small MIDI keyboard game locked down in the sub‑$100 range.
In this edition, Arturia continues to be the dominant brand in the sub $100 price range. With Akai Pro, M-Wave and Nektar rounding up the list.
The Best Budget MIDI Keyboard Controllers – 2025
Arturia MicroLab
This controller is portable, durable, and easy to use, making it perfect for beginners or musicians needing a simple setup on the road.
Pros:
- Compact and portable
- Rugged build
- Compatible with different class compliant devices
- Touch strips for pitch bend and modulation
- Limited controls
- Touch strip is not everyone’s cup of tea
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Arturia’s Microlab is a compact, budget-friendly 25-key controller with some extra controls on the side. These extra controls include two Touch Strips that allow for expressive real time control like pitchbend and modulation. And the strips can also be used for preset browsing.
Compared to its bigger siblings, it doesn’t have knobs and the buttons provided are sparse. So those who are looking for knobs, buttons and more tweaking options will have to look elsewhere.
More importantly, it carries all these features while maintaining a small size that doesn’t take much space.
Build quality is surprisingly rugged for the price and the included software bundles get you up and running fast.
Compatibility is good, it connects with anything from tablets to other class-compliant devices. Its low power consumption enables it to work even with mobile devices without external power. The Arturia MicroLab is a portable MIDI keyboard option for on-the-go musicians and producers.
At publication time, this was the Best MIDI Keyboard on a Budget Under $100
- Keys: 25 Velocity Sensitive Synth action, Mini-keys
- Pads: None
- Controls: 2 x Touch Strips (pitch bend, modulation, preset browsing)
- Octaves: -4 to +4
- Bundled Software: Bitwig 8-Track, Arturia Analog Lab Lite, UVI Grand Piano Model D
- Power: USB bus power
- Connectivity: USB
- Control Hardware Directly: No
- Compatibility: OS X 10.10 or later, 64-bit, Windows 7 SP1 or later, 64-bit
- Dimensions: 21.9″ x 5.4″ x 1.6″
- Weight: 3 lbs.
Arturia MiniLab MkII
With versatile controls and bundled software, this compact controller gives beginners a solid toolkit for exploring music production.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Lots of encoders and pads
- Synth-action keys feel great
- Knobs feel cheap
- Touch strips feel like a compromise
- Pads are a bit small
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Arturia’s entry into the affordable 25-key MIDI controller arena got a facelift in 2016. This MkII has an updated layout and smaller footprint than its predecessor.
Build-wise, the MiniLab MkII feels solid. Even though this USB MIDI controller keyboard is made of plastic, I didn’t feel any excess plastic residue, and everything felt solid, with no internal rattle when I shook it. The keys are finished nicely, and the resistance is just right for synth action.
There were some keys that were fractions of an inch higher or lower than the others, but it’s not really a major issue. The knobs felt a bit flimsy to the touch, but the potentiometer rotation is smooth and consistent across all knobs. The pads felt a bit small, but I rarely use them. Still, if you like making beats on pads, the layout and size might not be the best, especially for harder hitters.
In place of a regular mod and pitch wheel are two touch strips.
What I don’t like about the Minilab MkII is the fact that I had to settle with touch strips instead of pitch and mod wheels. I would have preferred even a smaller integration of the two wheels as long as it’s mechanical. The strips work fine, but I do feel it lacking in precision, especially when my left hand’s fingers are calloused from guitar playing.
The unit was plug-and-play, and my Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) – Presonus Studio One – instantly recognized it as a new device. Arturia provides a bundled software suite that automatically maps to the encoders and pads. Manual mapping for other software synths and samplers is also easy to do. I already have a software synth by Arturia called “Pigments,” and the MIDI Controller works excellently with it. Other software like Native Instruments Kontakt also integrates well with it.
Overall, the Arturia MiniLab MkII is a good MIDI keyboard controller and is nearly peerless at this price point. There are some places where Arturia chose to cut costs, but everything else looks and feels solid. Even years after its release, the MiniLab MkII is still popular and can be seen gracing the desks of prolific and talented musicians all over the world.
- Keys: 25 note velocity-sensitive keys
- Pads: 8 velocity & pressure sensitive pads with RGB backlighting (2 x Banks)
- Controls: Pitch Bend and Modulation Touch Strips, Assignable 8 pads & 16 Knobs, Octave Buttons, Shift, System
- Octaves: Not Specified
- Bundled Software: Ableton Live Lite, UVI Grand Piano, Analog Lab Lite
- Power: USB powered
- Connectivity: USB, Sustain pedal jack
- Control Hardware Directly: No
- Compatibility: USB/MIDI class compliant
- Dimensions: 14″ x 8.7″ x 2″
- Weight: 3.3 lbs.
M-WAVE SMK25
Simple and straightforward, this controller is perfect for basic MIDI needs, offering a no-frills option for those new to digital music.
Pros:
- Low latency
- Plug and Play
- Sturdy build
- Includes essential controls
- Limited range
- Lacks aftertouch on the keys
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The M-WAVE SMK 25 MIDI keyboard stands out with its vibrant colors, compact size, and lightweight design, making it highly portable without sacrificing style. Despite its lightness, it feels sturdy and durable, balancing soft touch keys with real instrument feel. Setting it up is a breeze—just connect it to your iPad via USB, with no complex configurations or additional drivers required.
With 25 keys, this keyboard is ideal for experimenting with melodies, chords, and beats, making it perfect for learning music production software like Logic Pro. Additionally, it offers essential controls like pitch bend, modulation wheels, and octave shifting, providing excellent value for both beginners and pros. However, it’s important to note that its limited range, with only 25 keys, may feel restrictive for advanced players, and it lacks advanced features found in larger MIDI controllers. Additionally, it is missing aftertouch on the keys, which limits expressive playing.
The M-WAVE SMK 25 is a solid choice for beginners and those seeking a portable MIDI keyboard. However, consider other options if you require more keys or advanced features.
- Keys: 25 velocity-sensitive keys
- Pads: 8 RGB backlit pads with velocity-sensitivity & aftertouch
- Controls: 8 assignable 360 degree encoders, Capacitive touch-strips pitch bend & modulation control
- Octaves: not specified
- Bundled Software: none
- Power: Battery Powered
- Connectivity: Bluetooth and USB
- Compatibility: Windows/Mac/iOS/Android
- Dimensions: 321 x 178 x 46mm
- Weight: 750g
Nektar SE49
With 49 full-size keys and easy integration, this controller is ideal for beginners who need more range for melodies or chords.
Pros:
- 49 full-size keys with tactile feel
- 4 velocity options
- Mod and Pitchbend Wheels
- Streamlined design
- Keys are stiffer than usual
- With 49 keys, it takes up a bit more space
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The SE49 is the larger 49-key sibling of the 25-key SE25, great if you’re a pianist who prefers having more keys. It features specially designed full-size keys that provide tactile feedback, this time with more notes to play with. This means that it is longer and takes up a bit more space, but it is still reasonably portable.
It has 4 different velocity curves that go from soft to hard. The feel of the keys and the ability to choose its touch response (velocity curve) make the SE49 easy to set up to match your preferred playing feel. Note that the keys are a bit stiffer than the usual synth keys. This can be good or bad, depending on your preference. The bundled software is also quite good.
It has a streamlined profile with just a few extra controls on the left side. Speaking of extra, it is equipped with two wheels for real-time modulation and pitch bend control.
The Nektar SE49 is the best MIDI keyboard for people who want a great-feeling MIDI controller with full-size keys and simple controls.
- Keys: 49 Synth-action keys with 4 velocity curves
- Pads: None
- Controls: Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels, Octave and Transpose Buttons, Volume Fader
- Octaves: -4 to +4
- Bundled Software: Bitwig Studio 8-track
- Power: USB bus power
- Connectivity: 1 x USB Type B, 1 x Sustain Pedal Input
- Control Hardware Directly: No
- Compatibility: Windows and Mac OS X 10.10 or later, 64-bit , Windows 7 SP1 or later, 64-bit
- Dimensions: 31.69″ x 7.75″ x 2.5″
- Weight: 4.85 lbs.
Akai Professional MPK Mini MK III
This controller is a favorite for its responsive pads and built-in controls, offering hands-on creativity for producers at any level.
Pros:
- Responsive and dynamic keys
- Great build quality and functionality
- Very intuitive
- OLED display a nice bonus
- Keys might be too small for some
- Thumbstick can be hit or miss
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The Akai Professional MPK Mini MK III is a compact MIDI keyboard controller with a solid build, responsive keybed, and excellent performance. Its new keybed design offers a playable feel, and the continuous rotary knobs provide precise control. The super tactile pads and OLED display deliver excellent velocity, pressure sensitivity, and real-time controller data feedback.
This MIDI controller comes with a software bundle including Air instruments and MPC Beats software, enhancing its value for music production. Its compact and portable design makes it ideal for musicians on the move, fitting easily into a backpack or laptop bag. The velocity-sensitive pads are excellent for drum programming, finger drumming, and triggering samples, and the OLED display provides useful real-time feedback.
While the mini keys and built-in thumbstick may not appeal to all users, the Akai MPK Mini MK III remains a versatile and budget-friendly MIDI controller with impressive features. It’s a top-tier choice for beginners and on-the-go musicians, offering a solid performance and a feature set that rivals larger budget keyboards. Consider your specific needs and preferences to decide if it’s the right fit for your setup.
- Keys: 25 Velocity Sensitive Slim-Keys
- Pads: 8 RGB Pads
- Controls: 16 Encoders, Octave +/-, Sustain, Volume
- Octaves: +/- 4
- Bundled Software: Analog Lab Lite, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano
- Power: USB Bus Powered
- Connectivity: USB, Sustain Pedal
- Compatibility: OS X 10.7 or Later, Windows 7 or later
- Dimensions: 14″ x 2″ x 8.7″
- Weight: 3.3 lbs.
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Budget MIDI Keyboard
Key Size, Weight & Action
When you’re looking for the best cheap MIDI keyboard controller, the first thing I always check is the key size. If I’m just sketching out ideas on the go, I lean toward smaller keys and a compact build because they’re easy to slip into a bag and set up anywhere. Luckily, there are plenty of good options like that in the entry-level market.
For serious composing or live work, I usually recommend stretching the budget for a controller with more features and full-size keys. It feels better under the fingers, especially for players coming from a piano background. How many keys you need really depends on your playing style and your space. If you’re comfortable working with both hands, something in the 37 or 49‑key range can be a sweet spot. Popular lines like the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol offer several keybed sizes, but you’ll notice the price climbs as the keys go up.
If portability is the main goal, a best 25 key midi controller keyboards model will cover leads, bass lines, and even drum programming without taking up much space. Most budget controllers stick to 25 keys, and while many are affordable, some compact units can still get pricey if they pack in premium features.
On the budget end, you’ll usually find synth‑style or semi‑weighted keys with lighter resistance. As long as they’re velocity‑sensitive, you can still get expressive playing out of them. If you want more realistic, piano‑style action, you’ll be looking at pricier 61-key or 88-key controllers.
Software Integration
If you’re new to all this, it’s worth quickly covering What is MIDI?. MIDI is basically a language that lets musical devices talk to each other. For your controller to work, your DAW or virtual instrument software needs to speak that language. In the past, MIDI mapping could be a bit of a time sink, but most modern gear has much better detection and auto‑mapping right out of the box.
Some keyboards are built to integrate tightly with specific DAWs, giving you plug‑and‑play control over transport, mixing, and instrument parameters. They’ll still work with other DAWs, though you might need to spend a few minutes customizing the mapping. A good budget controller should let you re‑assign controls so you can work the way you like, and the best ones make DAW control feel seamless.
Transport Controls
Transport buttons let you hit record, stop, and play right from the keyboard. It might not sound like a big deal until you’ve used it, not having to reach for your computer keyboard or mouse keeps you in the flow when you’re tracking or looping parts.
Knobs, Pads, and Other Controls
Beyond transport, most budget keyboards still give you some extra hands-on control. I’ve worked with plenty that have assignable knobs, pitch and mod wheels, and even faders. You can map a knob to a synth filter for sweeps, or set pads to trigger drum hits or samples. It’s especially useful in live settings, where you need real-time tweaks without diving into menus. A solid best small midi keyboard will keep these controls intuitive so you can focus on playing.
Power Supply
Most controllers these days connect via USB, which also powers them from your computer. Just keep in mind that this can drain a laptop or tablet battery faster, especially with iPads since they only supply around 100mA compared to the 500mA from a standard USB 2.0 port. If you run into power issues, a powered USB hub or external adapter will keep things stable.
USB MIDI vs 5-Pin MIDI
Some controllers still come with 5‑Pin MIDI in and out, which is a lifesaver if you’ve got vintage synths or drum machines you want to control. USB MIDI is more common and works with almost any computer, plus it powers the unit without an extra cable. Controllers with both give you more flexibility, but unless you plan to control hardware directly without a computer, you probably won’t need 5‑Pin. If you’re new to setup, it’s worth checking out How to use MIDI keyboard guides to get familiar with which cables go where.
Best Budget MIDI Keyboard Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2018. The current edition was published in 2025.
We began by looking at all the sub $100 MIDI controller keyboards available from major US retailers and placed the 14 most promising on our short-list for closer examination. Then, we collected relevant reviews, ratings, and forum discussions about each one. We processed that data with the Gearank Algorithm to produce the rating scores out of 100, which you see above – over 37,300. We used the resultant ratings to select the models with the highest ratings to recommend above. For more information about our methods, please read How Gearank Works.
Some popular MIDI keyboards didn’t rate high enough to make it to this guide, but they are worth mentioning. This includes the Akai LPK25, Alesis Q49, Novation Launchkey Mini, Akai MPK Mini MK3, and the M-Audio Keystation Mini 32.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
I use my Arturia MiniLab MKII with sample libraries like NI Miroslav Philharmonik 2, Kontakt, Toontrack Superior Drummer 3, Toontrack EZKeys, and Spitfire Audio. I also use it to control virtual instruments like Absynth, Roland ZENOLOGY, and a few other smaller VST instruments.
Contributors
Jerry Borillo: Product research.
Alden Acosta: Product research.
Alexander Briones: Supplemental writing and editing
Jason Horton: Editing and illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: Created by Gearank.com photographs of the Nektar SE49, MidiPlus X2 Mini, Nektar SE25, and Arturia MicroLab.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials, or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers, except for the MiniLab MkII Touch Strips photo, which was taken by the author.
More Best Budget MIDI Keyboard for Music on the Move Related Posts
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Comments:
11 responses
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Publication of our July 2022 Edition saw the following controllers removed from the recommended list above:
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We’ve removed the following keyboards from the recommended list above:
- Nektar Impact GX49 – Price increased above $100
- Midiplus i61 – Discontinued
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We’ve removed the following keyboard due to a price increase that put it above this guide’s $100 price limit: Korg microKEY25.
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Publication of our June 2021 Edition resulted in the following keyboard coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of it: midiplus AK490.
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As a result of our May 2020 update the following came off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
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All of the keyboards above are MIDI capable.
Are you referring to the fact that 5-pin MIDI ports have gone out of fashion?
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We have removed the following keyboard from the recommended list above due to a price increase, but you can still read our analysis of it: Arturia MiniLab MkII 25.
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This is great but I wish you would do a best under $300 article, preferably only with 61 or more keys for those of us who are not just guitar players looking to trigger a few loops and very limited samples or riff, i.e truly “play.”
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The following keyboard has been removed from the recommended list above due to a price increase which made it ineligible for inclusion: Korg microKEY2 37.
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Disclosure
Author & Contributors
Raphael Pulgar
I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings. I also play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.
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