Best Portable MIDI Controllers of 2025

The Novation Launchkey Mini offers a compact solution for music creation with its responsive 25 mini-keys and 16 FSR pads. This device seamlessly integrates with major digital audio workstations, ensuring you can easily navigate your favorite software. The drum pads are not just for finger drumming; they also function as step sequencers and chord triggers, expanding your creative possibilities. With included software like Ableton Live Lite and various instruments, you have everything needed to jumpstart your music-making journey.

The AKAI Professional LPD8 MIDI Controller is a beat maker essential with 8 RGB-backlit responsive MPC drum pads, 8 assignable Q-Link knobs, 4 programmable preset slots, and a portable design that fits right in alongside your studio equipment. The LPD8 works plug-and-play with Mac or PC with no software driver installation or AC power adapters for operation, and is compatible with all popular applications including GarageBand, Logic, Studio One, Cubase, Ableton Live, ProTools, Reason, FL Studio, Adobe Audition, and more.

The Donner N-25 MIDI Keyboard is a compact and portable MIDI controller that features 25 mini velocity-sensitive keys. It is designed to help you create melodies and riffs full of emotion. The layout of the keyboard is user-friendly, making it easy for novice users to learn. It comes with useful functions such as an arpeggiator, sustain, octave, and tap tempo, which can assist musicians with limited music theory backgrounds. The MIDI keyboard is compatible with Mac, iOS, PC, iPhone, and iPad, allowing you to easily connect it to your devices. It also features a multifunctional pitch-bend wheel and cool light-up buttons for a fun visual display. Additionally, the Donner N-25 MIDI Keyboard comes with 40 free keyboard-teaching courses, making it ideal for beginners who want to try arranging music. Overall, this MIDI keyboard offers a complete music production experience and is perfect for musicians of all levels.

The Donner MEDO Controller is a versatile MIDI device perfect for music creation. It features a vast library of real instrument sounds and synthesis modes, allowing you to explore over 100 presets for various musical styles. The built-in looper and synthesizer enable you to record and edit your music effortlessly, capturing your ideas in real-time. With simplified sampling, you can quickly create unique sounds in just a few seconds. The intuitive Donner Play app provides flexible control and extensive tutorials, making it easy for users of all experience levels to enhance their creativity.

The Donner DMK 25 Pro is a versatile MIDI keyboard controller designed for creativity and ease of use. It connects to your computer or mobile device, allowing you to create music effortlessly. With its smart dynamic scale mode, you can easily play various musical genres. The real-time multi-mode control features, including arpeggio and note repeat, let you craft music clips anywhere. Additionally, the personalized touch bar enhances your performance by providing intuitive control over pitch and modulation, making your musical experience feel more dynamic and engaging.

The M-WAVE MIDI Pads are a versatile tool for music creators, featuring 16 responsive RGB pads for dynamic beat-making and songwriting. The wireless Bluetooth capability allows you to compose music without being tied down, giving you the freedom to create wherever inspiration strikes. With a built-in rechargeable battery offering up to 16 hours of use, you can easily take this portable controller with you to any location. It seamlessly integrates with popular digital audio workstations (DAWs), simplifying your workflow and eliminating complicated setup processes.

Orba by Artiphon is a handheld synth, looper, and MIDI controller that you can use to make music anywhere. You can loop drum, bass, chord, and lead parts to create songs on the fly. The touch-sensitive pads on Orba allow you to play using gestures such as tilt, shake, and bump, and you can control Orba with the way you move. You can play through the built-in speaker or use the ⅛” jack to connect headphones or amplifiers. You can also pair wirelessly to the Orba App to customize your instrument and save your creations.

The Vangoa Midi Controller is designed to enhance your music production experience. With 43 backlit buttons, you can easily trigger beats and effects, making it simple to explore your creativity. The 8 diamond-shaped faders, equipped with LED indicators, allow for smooth transitions and adjustments to your tracks, bringing your music to life. Additionally, the 8 assignable knobs give you the freedom to customize your sound, whether you're adjusting EQ settings or adding effects. This portable controller ensures that you can take your music anywhere, making it an essential tool for any musician.

The Arturia MiniLab 3 Keyboard Controller offers premium velocity-sensitive keys, 2 banks of 8 high quality pads with RGB backlighting, 8 rotary encoders, 4 sliders, and more. It is a portable and performance-ready keyboard controller that lets you control instruments, mute tracks, punch in your 8 pad drums, and adjust your 4 faders with a flow so fluid you'll forget you had a mouse. MiniLab 3 is perfect for recording, performing, or jamming with friends no matter where you are, and it also includes amazing software that offers thousands of world-class presets spanning dozens of timeless instruments.