Best USB MIDI Controllers of 2025
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USB MIDI controllers are essential tools for musicians, producers, and DJs who want to create, record, and perform music. These devices allow users to control various aspects of their music software, such as virtual instruments, effects, and mixers. With a USB MIDI controller, users can play notes, trigger samples, adjust parameters, and perform other functions using physical knobs, pads, and keys, which offer a more tactile and expressive experience than using a mouse or keyboard. There are various types of USB MIDI controllers available, including keyboard controllers, pad controllers, and mixer controllers, each with its own set of features and capabilities.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
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Top 10 USB MIDI Controllers
AKAI Professional LPD8 MIDI Controller
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.
M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 USB MIDI Keyboard
The M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3 is a USB MIDI keyboard controller with 32 velocity-sensitive mini keys for a natural feel. The mini keys have selectable velocity curves to match any playing style, and pitch bend/modulation buttons add expression. It has a slimline footprint and is compatible with both Mac and PC, with no drivers or power supply required. The octave up and down buttons extend the keyboard range, while the volume knob delivers smooth control and the sustain button adds expressive capability. The package includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional.
midiplus AKM320 Midi Keyboard Controller
The midiplus AKM320 Midi Keyboard Controller is a 32-note velocity sensitive mid-size key keyboard that features pitch and modulation wheels, octave and transpose buttons, and a sustain switch interface. It connects to your computer via USB B cable and comes from Taiwan.
AKAI Professional LPK25 MIDI Keyboard Controller
The AKAI Professional LPK25 MIDI Keyboard Controller features 25 responsive mini keys that offer expressive songwriting, composing, jamming, and playing melodies, bass lines, and more. It is equipped with octave up and down buttons and a sustain button for full-range experience. The built-in arpeggiator and clock provide creative control of sound sources, while the 8 programmable preset slots allow for customized production. The LPK25 is compatible with popular applications, easy to set up, and perfect for versatile performance.
M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini MIDI Keyboard
The M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini is a 32-key USB MIDI keyboard controller that comes with backlit beat pads, MIDI assignable knobs, buttons, and faders. It is perfect for beat production, clip launching, soundboard triggering, and more. The unit includes Smart Chord and Smart Scale modes, and has an arpeggiator, pitch and modulation wheels, and sustain pedal input. The auto-mapping feature makes it easy to control virtual instruments, effect plugins, and DAW controls, while the software package includes MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, AIR Music Tech virtual instruments, and Akai Professional MPC Expansion packs.
AKAI MPK Mini MK3 MIDI Controller
The AKAI MPK Mini MK3 is a versatile USB MIDI controller designed for music production and beat-making. With its 25 velocity-sensitive keys, you can create dynamic melodies and control virtual synthesizers effortlessly. The innovative 4-way thumbstick allows you to manipulate pitch and modulation, enhancing your creative expression. Additionally, the 8 backlit drum pads let you easily program beats and trigger samples with precision. To top it off, the 8 assignable knobs provide complete control over your studio plugins, making it simple to mix and adjust your sounds to perfection.
Nektar 61-Key MIDI Controller
The Nektar 61-Key MIDI Controller is a premium instrument with 61 expressive synth-action keys, pitch bend and modulation wheels, 14 MIDI assignable buttons, and Nektar DAW Integration for most popular DAWs. It is compatible with Mac, PC, and iOS, and includes Bitwig 8-Track DAW for seamless music creation. Refer to the User Guide before use.
AKAI Professional APC Mini MK2 - USB MIDI Pad Controller
The AKAI Professional APC Mini MK2 is a complete Ableton Live Clip Launching MIDI Controller. It features a bright 8x8 RGB pad matrix that provides visual color feedback, 9 assignable faders, and drum and note modes with inbuilt Smart Scale View. It is powered over USB and supports plug-and-play connectivity for seamless integration from the studio to the stage for Mac and PC.
Novation Launch Control XL MkII
The Novation Launch Control XL MkII MIDI Controller allows you to customize knobs, buttons, and faders to any parameters in Ableton Live software. Its 24 rotary pots with 300-degree motion, 8 60mm faders, and 16 assignable backlit buttons provide immediate track focus and key mixer controls. The controller is fully customizable with the included software editor and is plug-and-play without the need for drivers. Novation Launch Control XL MkII is compatible with HUI, Cubase, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools, and includes Ableton Live Lite software and Loopmasters sample collection.
Korg nanoKONTROL2 USB Control Surface
The Korg nanoKONTROL2 is a low-profile USB control surface designed to offer multi-functionality. Its new track select and marker advance parameters allow for greater control over your music production. It supports numerous software titles, including major DAW programs, making it a versatile addition to any studio setup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a USB MIDI controller?
A MIDI controller is a simple way to sequence music and play virtual instruments on your Mac or PC. It works by sending MIDI data (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) to a computer or synthesizer, which then interprets the signal and spits out a sound. Ever see keyboard players using a laptop on stage?
2. Is USB MIDI better than MIDI?
USB is much faster, and just as reliable as a MIDI cable. An external disk drive with a USB connection transmits data thousands of times faster than a single MIDI instrument with no problems! If you want to use very long cables, for on-stage work for example, MIDI might be a better option.
3. Can you run MIDI through USB?
MIDI can now be sent over 5 Pin DIN, Serial Ports, USB, Firewire, Ethernet, Bluetooth and more. But currently the most prevalent way to connect to computers, tablets and smartphones is USB.
4. Is USB MIDI the same as MIDI?
A USB connection has much higher bandwidth than a DIN-MIDI connection, which means that instead of each cable having just one physical port with 16 channels, a single USB cable can support 16 virtual MIDI ports each with 16 channels, for a total of 256 MIDI channels down one cable!
During our usb midi controller research, we found 24 usb midi controller products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 114,039 customer reviews through our big data system to write the usb midi controllers list. We found that most customers choose usb midi controllers with an average price of $65.29.
The usb midi controllers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of usb midi controllers, including AKAI, M-Audio, Midiplus, Nektar, Novation. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.