Best MIDI Controllers of 2025

"I finally got my hands on the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3, and it was absolutely worth the wait! This MIDI controller is fantastic. The 25 velocity-sensitive keys are responsive, perfect for crafting melodies and beats, and the drum pads are a great addition for triggering samples. The compact size makes it super portable, and the included software expands my creative possibilities. Everything feels high-quality and well-built. If you're looking for a versatile MIDI controller, the MPK Mini MK3 is definitely a top-notch choice!"

"I bought this to kickstart my music career, and it has truly been an amazing tool. The range of things I can create with it is incredible. It's well worth the money, and after more than a year, it still works like it's brand new!"

"I got this as a gift for my sister, and she absolutely loves it! As someone who creates music semi-professionally, she claims that this has been a very helpful tool for her music creations!"

“I've had my doubts about inexpensive Akai gear, but after using the LPD8 for several months, I'm extremely satisfied with its performance. Despite the basic software, it's easy to navigate. The construction quality is impressive, and its small size fits perfectly above my keyboard, allowing me to control various parameters during performances.”

“Among the MIDI controllers I own, the LPD8's pads are the best I've encountered. It's remarkable how Akai offers such playability and reliability at this price. Even with high-end gear around, I find myself gravitating toward the LPD8 for my drum loops. Those control knobs are just the cherry on top!”

“This is a solid piece of equipment. The pads and knobs feel great, and the size is perfect. However, I do wish the program editor allowed for more customization. The fact that it can only store four presets is a bit disappointing, especially compared to my other Akai products. That said, I'm still pleased overall with its performance.”

"I've been using this 37-key MIDI controller with Ableton Live, and I'm really impressed! The transport buttons make recording a breeze, and the pads are great with 2 banks and multiple functions. Although I found the documentation a bit sparse, I got it at a fair price and it's a lot of fun to use!"

"I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible quality of this MIDI keyboard! I expected something flimsy, but it's actually very sturdy. I love the slick design and the drum pads, even if they require a bit of force to tap. Overall, I'm thrilled with my decision to purchase this."

"This keyboard exceeded my expectations! The fit and finish are top-notch, and it doesn’t feel cheap at all. The keys, despite being mini, feel great, and it works well with GarageBand. There are few alternatives with three full octaves, making it a great buy!"

“I wanted to use my Micro Korg S for a small external MIDI keyboard, but the black keys were unresponsive. The Arturia MiniLab 3 is perfect! The key action is consistent across all keys, and it connects instantly to my Logic X. I'm thrilled!”

“I've used several MIDI controllers, but this is my favorite. The plug-and-play capability is fantastic, and it has the right number of knobs and pads. As a beginner, I find it easy to make music with this.”

“This keyboard feels very natural, with great weight and velocity responsiveness. The Analog Lab software that comes with it is incredible and easy to access. I love that it integrates seamlessly with my setup!”

"After using my old Line 6 Toneport KB37 for a decade, I was thrilled to find a new, compact MIDI controller. It seamlessly connected to GarageBand on my new iMac, and I was able to start recording right away. The key response is great, though not as sensitive as my previous keyboard, but for under $60, it’s a fantastic deal. I’m really happy with this purchase and can’t wait to create more music!"

"Having owned this keyboard for over two years, I bought it primarily for transcribing music into Sibelius on my Mac. It has saved me a lot of time. The keys are responsive and sturdy, and while I do wish I had a model with more keys, this one is ultra portable and functions perfectly. The only downside was the mini-USB port, which I reinforced myself, but I’d still recommend this keyboard."

"I replaced my broken Korg NanoKey with the LPK25, and it's been a fantastic choice. The build quality is impressive compared to the flimsy NanoKey. While it's a bit thicker, it’s still very portable. The keys are smaller, but they have a good resistance. The plug-and-play functionality on both PC and Mac has been flawless for me. Overall, this keyboard is affordable, reliable, and easy to use."

"As an Ableton Live user, I find this device to be a great addition to my setup. It offers quick access to various parameters, though I struggle a bit with the touch-sensitive faders. Adjusting values precisely can be difficult due to their sensitivity. If I set a fader to a specific value, it randomly resets when touched, which can be frustrating. Overall, I appreciate the features it brings."

"I’m thrilled to use this controller for mixing! It was simple to set up, and it works well with Ableton Max for Live. The sliders are just sensitive enough for my needs, making it a joy to use."

"This product has been fantastic for switching cameras and controlling sound in VMix. It’s a great tool at a reasonable price, and I’m pleased with its performance."

"I was really surprised by the price of this keyboard. It’s almost one-third the cost of similar models. The pitch and mod wheels are heavy duty, offering much better control. The octave and transpose buttons are incredibly useful, especially since many more expensive keyboards don’t include them. I’m impressed with the overall quality, especially for the price!"

"After trying different MIDI keyboards, I came back to this one because it perfectly suits my needs. It’s affordable and has easy octave controls alongside pitch and modulation buttons. It’s great for beginners, and I can comfortably use it at home. Even after two years in music production, I still rely on this keyboard."

"I received a replacement keyboard quickly after returning the original. The new one works perfectly without any issues. I appreciate its compact size and basic functions, which are exactly what I was looking for. It’s not the sturdiest, but I'm hopeful that this replacement will last longer during travel."

"I find this MIDI controller to be fantastic. It's perfect for my needs, especially with Logic Pro. The pitch wheel works flawlessly, and the modulation adds great depth to the sounds. Although the keys aren't weighted like a grand piano, they feel just fine for my use. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my purchase."

"I had a wonderful experience with this keyboard. It was just the right size for me, and the keys have a good feel. When I received it, I was pleasantly surprised that it was brand new, not just 'used: very good' as advertised. I got it for only $98 and it arrived a day early! I'm thrilled with my decision to buy from this seller."

"The Keystation 49 MK3 is a reliable, plug-and-play MIDI controller that works seamlessly with Reaper on my laptop. The included software is an added bonus and really enhances the value of this purchase. Lightweight and compact, it fits perfectly on my desk. My only minor issue was with the registration process, but it was manageable. Overall, I give it 5 stars!"

"I recently got the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61, and it's been a solid addition to my setup. If you want a 61-key MIDI controller that’s affordable, this is a great option. The keys are very responsive, making it easy to play everything from smooth melodies to epic solos. The drum pads are also a highlight; they’re super responsive and the RGB-backlit feature provides great visual feedback. Setting it up with my DAWs, like Ableton Live and Logic Pro, was a breeze, with no issues at all. Overall, it’s a reliable and feature-rich controller that fits both beginners and experienced musicians."

"As a beginner using a keyboard with a recording DAW, I find the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 61 to be a very nice MIDI keyboard. However, I anticipate it will be a challenge to create a project that sounds good. But I’m excited to learn and improve my skills."

"Using the Oxygen Pro Mini has been a great experience. It’s compact and lightweight, yet built well enough for intensive use. The 32 velocity-sensitive keys allow for expressive playing, and the eight responsive pads are perfect for creating beats. I’ve found it works well as a standalone MIDI controller, especially for controlling my synth modules live. While it has some quirks, it’s a great value for a controller in this price range."

"I've been searching for a 49-key MIDI controller around $100, and I found the Nektar SE49 to be just perfect. The setup is incredibly quick, taking less than a minute. I just plug it in, open my music software, and I'm good to go!"

"As a beginner, I appreciate how easy it is to use the Nektar SE49 with my GarageBand setup. With just a simple USB-C adapter, I can practice comfortably. The keys feel almost like a standard piano and the velocity sensor works well. It's a great investment for under $100!"

"The Nektar SE49 has quickly become essential in my home studio. The build quality is impressive for its price, and the keys are responsive. Setting it up with my DAW was a breeze, making it a real time-saver. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a reliable MIDI controller!"