Best Sampling Synthesizer Keyboards of 2025

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Sampling synthesizer keyboards are a popular choice for musicians and producers looking to create unique sounds and textures in their music. These keyboards come equipped with a range of pre-recorded samples that can be manipulated and combined to create custom sounds. Some models feature built-in effects processors and sequencers, allowing for even more creative control. With a vast array of sounds and features to choose from, sampling synthesizer keyboards are a versatile and powerful tool for any musician or producer looking to elevate their sound.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Korg Kross 2 61-Key Performance Synthesizer Workstation Cover #TOP 1
Korg Kross 2 61-Key Performance Synthesizer Workstation
ftb score rating icon 9.8
AKAI MPC Key 37 Workstation Cover #TOP 2
AKAI MPC Key 37 Workstation
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Roland JUNO-D6 Synthesizer Cover #TOP 3
Roland JUNO-D6 Synthesizer
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Sampling Synthesizer Keyboards

#TOP 1

Korg Kross 2 61-Key Performance Synthesizer Workstation

KROSS261
Black
61-Key
Korg Kross 2 61-Key Performance Synthesizer Workstation Cover
Korg Kross 2 61-Key Performance Synthesizer Workstation with Increased Sounds, Sampling and Trigger Pads

The Korg Kross 2 Synthesizer is a 61-key keyboard synthesizer with a wide range of features. With its synth type action, it offers a responsive and expressive playing experience. The synthesizer comes with over 1,000 powered-up presets, allowing you to explore a rich selection of sounds. It also has 128MB of expansion PCM memory built-in, and you have the option to add more libraries if desired. In addition to its synthesizer capabilities, the Korg Kross 2 functions as a USB audio interface, making it convenient for recording and producing music. With its AC adapter included, you can easily power up and start creating music right away.

What We Like
61-key keyboard
Over 1,000 presets
128MB built-in memory

AKAI MPC Key 37 Workstation

MPCKEY37XEUK
AKAI MPC Key 37 Workstation Cover
AKAI Professional MPC Key 37 Standalone Production Workstation, Drum Machine, MIDI Keyboard, Synthesizer with WiFi, Bluetooth, Touchscreen, Plug-ins

The AKAI MPC Key 37 is a versatile standalone music production workstation that allows you to create without needing a computer. With its powerful multi-core processor and 37-note synth-action keybed, you can easily produce music on-the-go. The inclusion of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth MIDI means you can connect effortlessly to other devices and software. Plus, with the MPC2 software supporting up to 128 audio tracks, you have the flexibility to use nearly unlimited plugin instruments. This makes it an essential tool for anyone looking to enhance their music-making experience.

What We Like
Standalone operation
Multiple connectivity options
Supports numerous plugins
Touchscreen interface

Roland JUNO-D6 Synthesizer

JUNO-D6
Roland JUNO-D6 Synthesizer Cover
Roland JUNO-D6 Synthesizer | 61-Note Keyboard with Synth Action | ZEN-Core Engine with Over 3800 Onboard Sounds | Intuitive Creative Tools | USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface for Mobile & Computers

The Roland JUNO-D6 Keyboard is designed for musicians who need a reliable and versatile instrument. It features a professional-quality sound engine with over 3,800 presets, giving you instant access to a wide range of sounds, from pianos to synths, perfect for live performances. The user-friendly design allows for quick navigation, making it easy to find your desired sounds. Plus, the ability to import your own WAV files lets you customize your music experience. With USB-C support, you can power the keyboard with a mobile battery, making it ideal for gigs on the go.

What We Like
Wide range of sounds
User-friendly interface
Custom sound import
Mobile battery power
#TOP 4

Nord Wave 2 Synthesizer

Nord
NWAVE2
Nord Wave 2 Synthesizer Cover
Nord USA, 61-Key Wave 2 4-Part Performance Synthesizer, with Virtual Analog Synthesis, Samples, FM and Wavetable

The Nord Wave 2 Synthesizer is a 61-key powerful 4-part performance synthesizer that combines virtual analog synthesis, samples, FM and wavetable with an intuitive layer-focused interface. It offers 48 voice polyphony, innovative performance features, hands-on controls, and advanced layering and tweaking on the fly. With 1 GB memory for Nord Sample Library 3.0, OLED displays for program and oscillator sections, 61-note keyboard with aftertouch, and dimensions of 39" x 12" x 4"; 20 lbs, this synthesizer provides outstanding sonic possibilities for any musician.

What We Like
Powerful 4-part performance synthesizer
Combines virtual analog synthesis, samples, FM and wavetable
Innovative performance features and hands-on controls
#TOP 5

Yamaha SEQTRAK Music Ideastation

SEQTRAK BK
Black
Yamaha SEQTRAK Music Ideastation Cover
Yamaha SEQTRAK Mobile Music Ideastation, Black

The Yamaha SEQTRAK Music Station is designed to help you capture your musical ideas effortlessly. With its user-friendly three-part interface and real-time controls, you can easily navigate and manipulate sounds. This all-in-one system includes drums, synthesizers, and sound design features, making it versatile for any project. The advanced sequencer simplifies composition and arrangement, allowing you to bring your musical vision to life quickly. Plus, its lightweight design with a built-in speaker, microphone, and rechargeable battery means you can create music anywhere, without being tethered to a power source.

What We Like
Intuitive user interface
All-in-one music system
Portable and lightweight
Advanced sequencing capabilities
Onboard sampling feature
#TOP 6

Korg WAVESTATE MK2

WAVESTATE MK2
Korg WAVESTATE MK2 Cover
Korg Synthesizer (WAVESTATE MK2)

The Korg Synthesizer WAVESTATE MK2 features a 37-key keyboard with 96-voice Polyphony, allowing you to play complex melodies seamlessly. With Wave Sequencing Architecture, you can create intricate sound patterns easily. The programmable controls offer customization options to tailor your sound precisely. Boasting a 2GB sample library, you have a vast array of sounds at your fingertips. Additionally, the balanced line out ensures high-quality audio output for your performances.

What We Like
96-voice Polyphony
Wave Sequencing Architecture
2GB Sample Library
#TOP 7

Roland Synthesizer: FANTOM-06

FANTOM-06
Black
Roland Synthesizer: FANTOM-06 Cover
Roland Synthesizer (FANTOM-06),Black, 61-Key

The Roland FANTOM-06 synthesizer features a newly designed 61-note keyboard and combines the sonic power and fluid workflow of the top-of-the-line FANTOM series in a streamlined instrument that can go everywhere your inspiration takes you. It offers thousands of electronic and acoustic sounds powered by Roland's advanced ZEN-Core and SuperNATURAL technologies, including authentic acoustic grand sound and response, Virtual ToneWheel Organ with harmonic bar control and quick-fire playability, deep onboard sampling features, scenes with settings for all 16 layers plus effects and patterns, clip-based sequencing with instant pattern recording and triggering, and a TR-REC sequencer inspired by classic Roland drum machines. It also features a 4x32 USB audio interface and native integration with Logic Pro, MainStage, and Ableton Live.

What We Like
Deep onboard sampling features
New SuperNATURAL pianos with authentic acoustic grand sound and response
Virtual ToneWheel Organ with harmonic bar control and quick-fire playability
Clip-based sequencing with instant pattern recording and triggering
TR-REC sequencer inspired by classic Roland drum machines

Roland JUNO-DS 88-Key Keyboard with Pro Sounds

JUNO-DS88
Black
88-Key
Roland JUNO-DS 88-Key Keyboard with Pro Sounds Cover
Roland JUNO-DS 88-Key Lightweight Weighted-Action Keyboard with Pro Sounds

The Roland JUNO-DS 88-Key Keyboard with Pro Sounds is a lightweight and gig-ready instrument that offers a variety of features. Its 88-note Ivory Feel-G Keyboard provides weighted-action feel in a lightweight design that's easy to transport. It comes with all the popular JUNO-Di sounds plus newly updated acoustic and electric pianos, additional organs, and other stage essentials. The keyboard also has a wave expansion slot for downloading new sound waveforms, a sample import function, hands-on knobs and sliders for easy sound manipulation, eight Phrase Pads for triggering samples, and a mic input with dedicated effects for impressive vocal performances. The intuitive eight-track pattern sequencer with non-stop recording is perfect for quickly developing song ideas. Additionally, it has USB audio/MIDI and DAW Control mode.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to transport
Comes with a variety of sounds and additional stage essentials
Offers hands-on knobs and sliders for easy sound manipulation
Has a mic input with dedicated effects for impressive vocal performances
Intuitive eight-track pattern sequencer with non-stop recording for quickly developing song ideas
#TOP 9

Roland JUNO-D8 Synthesizer

JUNO-D8
Roland JUNO-D8 Synthesizer Cover
Roland JUNO-D8 Synthesizer | 88-Note Weighted Keyboard with Hammer Action | ZEN-Core Engine with Over 3800 Onboard Sounds | Intuitive Creative Tools | USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface for Mobile & Computers

The Roland JUNO-D8 Keyboard is designed for musicians on the go, offering a robust set of features to enhance your performance. With its 88-note weighted keyboard, you can enjoy an authentic playing experience, perfect for live band settings. The ZEN-Core engine provides instant access to over 3800 sounds, ensuring you have the right tones at your fingertips. Additionally, the keyboard supports USB-C mobile battery power, making it easy to perform anywhere. You can also expand your creativity with downloadable sound packs and import your own WAV files for personalized music creation.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Wide range of sounds
USB-C power support
Custom sound import
#TOP 10

AKAI Professional MPC Key 61

MPC Key 61
Black
MPC Key 61
AKAI Professional MPC Key 61 Cover
AKAI Professional MPC Key 61 - Standalone Music Production Synthesizer Keyboard with Touch Screen, 16 Drum Pads, 20+ Sound Engines, Semi Weighted Keys, black

The AKAI Professional MPC Key 61 is a standalone music production synthesizer keyboard with a 7” multi-touch display, 16 MPC pads, semi-weighted keys, and assignable Touch Strip. It features 20+ sound engines and over 6000 customizable sounds, making it the most modern-day sound pallet ever programmed in a production synthesizer. With high-speed data transfer via USB and network, as well as wireless software integration via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ableton Link, the MPC Key 61 is the centerpiece of your recording studio.

What We Like
Standalone music production synthesizer keyboard with a 7” multi-touch display, 16 MPC pads, semi-weighted keys, and assignable Touch Strip
20+ sound engines and over 6000 customizable sounds, making it the most modern-day sound pallet ever programmed in a production synthesizer
High-speed data transfer via USB and network, as well as wireless software integration via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ableton Link
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why use sampler instead of synth?

Samplers are a better choice when you want to recreate real-world acoustic instruments. They are based on recordings, making them ideal for creating tones like brass, piano, upright bass, and drums. Using a sampler allows you to capture the authentic sound of these instruments.

2. Should I get a sampler or a synth?

The choice between a sampler or a synth depends on the type of music you want to create. If you're interested in genres like dance music, progressive rock, jazz, or hip hop, synthesizers are recommended. Synths offer the ability to create unique and versatile sounds that can fit into various musical situations. However, if you want to recreate acoustic instruments accurately, a sampler is the way to go.

Editor's Notes

During our sampling synthesizer keyboard research, we found 24 sampling synthesizer keyboard products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,801 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sampling synthesizer keyboards list. We found that most customers choose sampling synthesizer keyboards with an average price of $1,636.26.

The sampling synthesizer keyboards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sampling synthesizer keyboards, including Korg, AKAI, Roland, Nord, YAMAHA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 278 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Joseph Hubbard Avatar

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.