Best MIDI Controllers of 2026

"I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoy using this MIDI controller. The keys feel incredibly responsive, and the velocity-sensitive pads make beat-making effortless. Setup was a breeze—just plug it in, and you're ready to go with your DAW. Despite its small size, it feels solid and professional, and the smooth knobs let me control effects easily. For anyone starting out or needing a portable option, I’d say this is a fantastic investment."

"As a music producer, I’m impressed by this keyboard’s features. Having beat pads, a reliable keyboard, and customizable knobs in one device, all at a reasonable price, is a huge plus. The rubber-coated drum pads keep my fingers from slipping, and the keys feel almost like a real piano. With 25 keys and octave control buttons, it's compact yet totally usable anywhere. In my opinion, you can’t beat this MIDI keyboard for value and quality."

"After several months of use, I can confirm the build quality and durability of the MPK Mini MK3 are outstanding. The keys and pads are both responsive and well-designed, and the integration with my DAWs has been flawless—no setup headaches at all. The price point makes it accessible, yet the performance easily rivals more expensive options. It’s been essential to my home studio workflow, and I’d recommend it to anyone needing a reliable, versatile controller."

"As a producer with a tight workspace, I appreciate how the MPK Mini MK4 fits perfectly in small areas. The dedicated pitch and mod wheels are a real step up from the older joystick. I found it to be comfortable and responsive despite the small keys. Plus, setting it up with Ableton and other DAWs was truly plug-and-play. For the price, it covers all my needs and is definitely worth owning."

"After using previous generations, I was really impressed by how much the MK4 has improved, especially the key feel and midi out. The arp and scene features are powerful, but I did have to spend time with the manual since some button combinations were a bit counterintuitive. Once I figured it out, though, everything was hands-on without needing an editor."

"I got this as a gift for my teenage son who wanted to start making music. He did his research and chose this model. Right out of the box, he was able to start recording on his computer, and the software included made it easy for him to dive in. For a beginner, this keyboard was a fantastic choice."

"I’m amazed by how compact and portable this MPK Mini Play MK3 is—it fits right in my small duffel with other gear and travel essentials. The synth sounds are surprisingly good, especially for something this size, and the velocity-sensitive keys and clever joystick controls make playing enjoyable. Drum pads work simultaneously with keys, so it’s even more fun to play with others. Octave transpose is essential, though I wish it had chromatic transpose for more flexibility. For travel, it’s unbeatable."

"What drew me to this keyboard was its unique blend of portability, built-in sounds, and compact speaker. I love how I can experiment anywhere, and the octave buttons make up for the limited keys. Built-in sounds are decent and tweakable, and the speaker is good enough for casual play. If I had to choose again, maybe I’d opt for the larger version, but the current size makes it extremely portable and fun."

"In my live performances, I use the MPK Mini Play without any DAW—just straight into a looper pedal. It’s perfect for creating live loops, whether it’s beats, bass, or keys. Does exactly what I need in a portable package!"

"As someone who composes and arranges music digitally, I find the 37 keys are just right for entering orchestral parts without constant octave shifting. The controller’s extra pads and knobs make DAW work more convenient, though the mini-keys don't have the heft or feel of full-size keys. For step entry and trying out ideas, this unit is absolutely ideal for my workflow."

"After using this MIDI controller with my Windows 11 setup, I can say everything functions flawlessly. The pad quality is solid, the controls are easy to master, and it’s fully compatible with all my software. Even with my large hands, I play the mini keys comfortably. For the price, it’s a great value, and I’d recommend it to anyone."

"I was drawn to this controller for its compact form factor and full set of features, including pitch and mod wheels, drum pads, and transport controls. The build is sturdy for plastic, and it fits perfectly on my desk. One thing to note: the 5Din MIDI-Out doesn’t function in standalone mode—requires a computer connection, which surprised me. Still, it’s a fantastic device for controlling my DAW and synth setup."

"I was able to connect the device to my computer easily and my DAW recognized it right away. After some online research, I got both my MIDI keyboard and the Starrypad working together. Now, I just need to practice finger drumming to make beats. The product feels high-quality and reliable."

"After contacting Donner support, I managed to use this MIDI pad with my iPad 9. I ended up needing a special adapter for power, which support recommended. Once set up, the MIDI pad worked great and my son has really enjoyed using it with iOS apps like Koala."

"I absolutely love this compact keyboard! It was super quick to set up with Logic Pro X, and the beat pads are impressively responsive. My favorite part is the touch-sensitive pitch and modulation bars, which let me change sound instantly. The transpose button is also a big help, and the small size means I can easily carry it in my backpack."

"I was genuinely surprised by how much I got out of this keyboard, especially for music production with FL Studio. The included software is actually useful, not just a throw-in—Hype synth alone is fantastic, and the variety of downloadable sound kits is a huge bonus. Even though I have big hands, the smaller keys work just fine for me. Yes, the USB socket feels a bit loose, but it hasn't caused any problems. For the price, this was exactly what I needed."

"I wanted a midi controller for my DAW, mainly to program drum tracks, and this keyboard has been reliable and easy to set up with a USB connection. The keys are surprisingly responsive and feel almost weighted, making it a solid choice for beginners. It feels well-built and not at all cheap, especially considering the budget-friendly price. I’d definitely consider getting another AKAI product in the future."

"For anyone dealing with limited workspace, this Akai keyboard is a lifesaver. It’s the most practical, space-efficient solution for inputting notes into programs like Garageband or Finale. While it feels a bit like a toy and definitely isn’t a performance instrument, it’s the best compromise I’ve found for crowded desks. Physical keys beat virtual keyboards every time when it comes to speed and satisfaction."

"As a beginner, I found this keyboard incredibly simple to use and set up. I especially love that it shows the key I'm playing. It's a great entry-level choice, and I actually like it better than my previous MPK Mini Plus. The only small issue is that sometimes I have to replug the wire to get it to work, but overall it's a fantastic buy."

"My family and I have had a blast with this controller! Even as amateurs, we found it easy to use, and it comes with excellent software included for free. It's compact and lightweight, yet feels well-made. Definitely a fun and functional addition to our music setup."

"My grandson is really enjoying this keyboard—it connects directly to his iPhone and lets him record music easily. It's been a great, user-friendly tool for his creativity."

"I was specifically searching for a MIDI controller that would easily connect to my iPad and work with GarageBand and other synth apps. Plug-and-play setup was a breeze, and it integrated seamlessly with my DAW. The keys have a semi-weighted feel—different from acoustic pianos or cheaper synths, but it works for my needs. For the price, I think this is an excellent value, and I often see this brand in other studios as well."

"I needed a keyboard for my piano software and this model from M-Audio was exactly what I was looking for. Responsive keys, lightweight, and fits my small space perfectly. No built-in audio, but that's not an issue for me since I'm using it as a MIDI controller with my computer. USB power is super convenient, and it's easy to move around or set up on any table."

"After reading tons of reviews, I decided to give this keyboard a shot. The keys are quiet, feel great under the fingers, and have enough weight for expressive playing. It's lightweight, and I love how easy it is to transport. Definitely recommend it for anyone needing a full-size keyboard that doesn't take up a lot of room."

"I'm really impressed with how portable and affordable this keyboard is. It fits perfectly in my road kit, and I love that I can use it without a DAW for my mini synths. The MIDI functionality works great, especially for DAWless setups. It’s not going to replace an 88-key board, but for the price, it does exactly what I need."

"For me, the compact size and USB plug-and-play were essential. I use it with my Linux system and Android phone, and it worked right away. The keys are smaller and springy, but after a little practice, I got used to them. The octave button and pitch bend joystick add a lot of value for such a low price. I can literally take this keyboard anywhere, and it has become my go-to for casual music-making."

"I needed something cheap and functional to play on the go, and this midi keyboard is exactly that. It works seamlessly with my iPad and GarageBand, and I actually find myself using it more than my big keyboard at home. If you want something portable that you don’t mind losing or breaking, this is definitely a good pick!"

"As someone new to MIDI controllers, the MiniLab 3 won me over with its sturdy build and sleek design. The compact size is ideal for portability, and I found the included Arturia software suite to be a game-changer for exploring synth sounds. Though I sometimes wish for more than 25 keys, the excellent key feel and reliable performance make it a fantastic starting point. Since my first purchase, I’ve even expanded into more Arturia products."

"I picked up the MiniLab 3 for my live looping setup and couldn’t be happier with its solid construction and playable keys. The pads and faders are responsive, and the integration with the included software is seamless. Arturia’s software package is packed with quality sounds, and setup was a breeze. This controller has quickly become my go-to for both home and travel use."

"Testing multiple MIDI controllers, I found the MiniLab 3 had the best key feel by far—closest to real piano keys. I appreciated the clean design, smooth faders, and robust build. While I found the pads a bit loose for my taste and would have preferred more labeling, the overall experience was highly positive. The real MIDI out and quality USB-C cable were also standout features for me."