Are you trying to find synthesizer and workstation keyboards among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling synthesizer and workstation keyboards on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 14 hours of research and did 15 synthesizer and workstation keyboards tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best synthesizer and workstation keyboards you can buy today
- No Computer Needed - Music Production Center, Sampler, Beat Maker, Drum Machine, Synth, and Desktop Controller with powerful multi-core processor and 37-note synth-action keybed with aftertouch
- Standalone Supercharged – Featuring Wi-Fi & Bluetooth MIDI, Ableton Link 3, MPC2 Software supporting 128 audio tracks, nearly unlimited number of plugin instruments and 3rd party AU/VST plug-ins
- All The Tools You Need - 37 full-size keys, 16 Velocity-Sensitive RGB MPC Pads, 7” Multi-Touch Display, Pitch and Modulation wheels, Touch-Capacitive 4 Q-Link Knobs, Encoder Knob, Transport Controls
- MPC Stems - Coming soon: On MPC2 Desktop you can extract vocals for your own acapella, isolate drums, pull out a bass line to build on it, or extract just the music to create fresh compositions
- Producer & Beat Maker Essential - MPC Mainstays: 16 Levels, Note Repeat, Time Correct, Swing, Quantize; built-in USB audio interface; 2GB RAM; 32GB Storage (22GB available for user storage)
- Connectivity - MIDI In/Out, (2) 1/4" TRS Audio Ins, (2) 1/4" TRS Main Outs, (4) CV/Gate Jacks, (1) Headphones Out; USB-A for MIDI Controllers, Audio Interfaces or Flash Drives; USB-B for PC/Mac
- All Music In One Place - Update features, sounds & samples wirelessly via Wi-Fi, receiving instant notifications on the unit. Access Splice libraries, Ableton Control, loops or MPC plug-in instruments
- Get One Premium Plug-In - Receive a voucher for one MPC plug-in from the MPC Store; Choose from Mini D, Flavor Pro, Delay Pro, JURA, OPx4 and other instruments and FX; Device registration required
- Get a Full Month of Splice - Unlock the ultimate sample library, now included with your purchase of any MPK or MPC. Register your product and redeem 30 days of access to Splice Creator plan
- Semi-weighted synth action provides expressive response in a 61-note keyboard
- AWM2 is a proprietary sampled-based subtractive synthesis technology
- FM-X features 8-operator FM synthesis capable of producing incredible dynamic sound
- Motion Control is a highly customizable synthesizer engine control matrix
- MODX OS adds new Voices, LIVE SETS and Features
- Create, compose, and perform without a computer - MPC Key 61 is a Professional Music Production and Performance Keyboard with an Intuitive MPC Workflow Featuring World-Class Plugins
- Hands-On Creativity - Navigate and control plugin instruments and effects with 7” multi-touch display, 16 MPC pads across 8 banks, responsive keybed with aftertouch, assignable Touch Strip, data dial encoder, and q-link knobs
- The Centerpiece of Your Recording Studio - Connect all your MIDI controller devices, electric guitars, CV/Gate enabled synths, XLR microphones, USB storage devices, and more
- MPC Stems supports MPC Standalone and MPC2 Desktop - Producers and beat-makers can easily isolate drums, bass, music, and vocals from any recording or sample for a whole new creative way to make music
- Break Sound Barriers with 20+ Instruments and 6000+ Customizable Sounds - Elevate your compositions by choosing between thousands of onboard piano, electric keyboard, synth, orchestral, and drum sounds
- Cutting-Edge Technology - MPC Key 61 provides you with a high-speed data transfer via USB and Network, as well as wireless software integration via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ableton Link
- 32GB of Internal Storage and 4GB of RAM Included. If you need additional storage, MPC Key 61 has got you covered with an Internal Bay for SSD Expansion
- Get a Full Month of Splice - Unlock the ultimate sample library, now included with your purchase of any MPK or MPC. Register your product and redeem 30 days of access to Splice Creator plan
- Gig-ready keyboard with pro sounds, an intuitive workflow, enhanced performance features, and support for USB-C mobile battery power
- Instant access to essential sounds for live band performances, including acoustic and electric pianos, organs, synths, and other stage favorites
- Flagship-class ZEN-Core engine with over 3800 ready-to-play sounds
- Expand your creative possibilities with Sound Packs and Wave Expansions on Roland Cloud
- Sample import function for playing and editing user WAV files
- Divine a new world of sound with the S-1 Tweak Synth, a potent micro polysynth inspired by the legendary Roland SH-101.
- Jam with the snappy basses and expressive leads you’ve loved for years. Then launch your music into uncharted territory with futuristic wave manipulation, onboard sequencing, and unique performance features designed for modern creators.
- Authentic SH-101 sound driven by Roland’s evolving Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology
- Craft all-new tones with powerful oscillator drawing, oscillator chop, and riser tools
- Mono, poly, unison, and chord modes and four-voice polyphony
- Square, sawtooth, sub, and noise oscillators
- Hands-on panel with familiar synth controls for instant sound shaping and live performance tweaks
- D-Motion feature for controlling pitch, mod, and other parameters by physically moving the S-1
- 64-step sequencer and 64 patterns for on-the-spot song creation
- Class-compliant USB-C audio/MIDI interface—no drivers needed
- Ultra-Powerful Analog Synthesizer - Subsequent 37's control panel includes 40 knobs and 74 switches, placing a vast array of sound-design tools and sequencing options at your command
- Enhanced Playability - Featuring a 2-note paraphonic keybed that includes 37 semi-weighted keys with velocity, aftertouch, 2 envelopes, and 256 presets
- Multiple Sound Sources - 2 Variable Waveshape Oscillators, 1 Square Wave Sub Oscillator, 1 Analog Noise Generator, 1 External Input/Filter Feedback
- Complex Modulation - 2 Modulation busses, each with an LFO and programmable routing, provide deep tonal possibilities to your sound
- All the Connections You Need - MIDI In/Out/USB; 1/4" TS Audio In/Out; 1/4" TRS Headphones Out; CV/GATE Ins: Filter CV, Pitch CV, Volume CV, KB Gate
- Editor/Librarian Software Included - Edit and arrange your presets; works as a DAW plugin or as a standalone editor for both Windows and Mac
- Class Compliant USB Audio/MIDI for true "plug and play" connectivity without installing any drivers
- Motif Sound Engine: layer, zone, switch, cycle, randomize and control up to 8 elements within a single voice
- Virtual Circuit Modeling re-creates the sound and behavior of vintage effects and signal processors
- 128 notes of polyphony ensures dropout-free performance playing live or with full 16-track sequences
- Record/playback stereo audio and 16 channels of MIDI data via a single USB cable without any external devices
- The music recording studio desk and workstation is perfect for music producers and music lovers.
- E0 High grade and environmental friendly thickness 0.98" (2.5cm) solid wood composite plate, great load-bearing, durable, no deformation.
- The main frame is made of high-grade carbon steel, which are steel tubes of thickened 1.96" × 1.96" (5cm×5cm) , and fixied with transverse tubes.
- A monitor, mouse, keyboard or other music equipment can be placed on the desk. With a piano keyboard tray which sliding drawer type, it can be used to place digital pianos, keyboards, MIDI devices, etc, and convenient to use.
- Arc table corner design to prevent to be bumped. Its four feet are with non slip foot pads, stable for use and can be moved safely. There are two stands designed, they can be used to place speakers, microphones, books, audio interfaces, etc.
- You can assemble it through reading the product assembly guide attached or online video, simple to assemble.
- Amazing Bass Line synthesizer with true analog circuitry for bass and groove sounds
- Authentic reproduction of original circuitry with matched transistors
- Pure analog signal path based on legendary VCO, VCF, and VCA designs
- Sawtooth and square waveform VCO with transistor wave-shaping circuitry
- Amazing 4-pole low-pass resonant filter with cut-off, resonance, envelope, decay and accent controls
- Easy-to-use 16-step sequencer with 7 tracks, each with 250 user patterns
- Arpeggiator with wide patterns for great sound effects
- Distortion circuitry modeled after the DS-1 adds insane spice and edge to your sounds
- 16-voice Poly Chain allows combining multiple synthesizers for up to 16 voice polyphony
- 11 controls and 28 switches to give you direct and real-time access to all important parameters
- THE ORIGINAL POCKET SYNTHESIZER - Used by everyone from David Bowie to The White Stripes, this musical instrument is a great addition to your collection. A great gift for experienced musicians and beginners alike!
- ICONIC SOUND - The Stylophone original pocket operator features the same iconic, analog sound as the original, first released in 1968. The Stylophone is an iconic mini synth, known for its super-fun stylus, compact design, and unique retro sound with 3 Octaves and optional vibrato effect,
- EASY TO PLAY - This electronic keyboard operated synthesizer is played by tapping and sliding the connected stylus along the touch-sensitive metal surface. Each segment on the surface plays a different note. It’s easy to play, perfect for beginners and experienced musicians!
- PORTABLE & BATTERY-POWERED - At less than 12cm wide, the Stylophone synthesizer will fit right in your coat pocket. It runs on 3 x AA batteries, and features a built-in speaker and headphone socket – so you can play it everywhere you go.
- CONNECTIVITY - Connect the Stylophone to your computer and other gear to enhance your sound & music possibilities! Use a 3.5mm Stereo cable to connect into the line input on your PC, and use your preferred software to record and manipulate your Stylophone sounds.
- 61-key Synth Workstation with Synth-action Keybed
- Step and MIDI Sequencers
- Mic/Line Inputs - Black
- EDS-i Sound Engine
- Audio Recder
- Fantom Series Limited Edition T-Shirt with Product Registration
- Acclaimed 88-note weighted keyboard with aftertouch
- Seamless workflow with no confusing modes
- Expandable sound engine delivers authentic electronic and acoustic sounds
- Fresh hybrid sounds combining modern PCM, virtual analog, and a routable analog filter
- V-piano technology for stunning realism and expression
- The KORG i3 Music Workstation keyboard is a powerful tool to create, compose, arrange and perform complete music tracks
- The 790 instrument sounds plus 59 drum kits all sound, as one would expect from KORG, superb. Sounds are layered together via on-board Style Performance Sound Sets or you can layer up sound sets yourself
- The 61 velocity sensitive keys have 3 touch curves to get exactly the touch you want and the joystick allows real time pitch bend, vibrato and brilliance during performance
- The carefully grouped panel buttons are all back lit, the good sized screen gives valuable feedback for all functions and the convenient Grand Piano Sound button quickly returns the keyboard to the set up sound
- New creative features: Scale Mode, Chord Mode, and Arpeggiator, making composition, songwriting, and beat-making more intuitive than ever.
- Custom DAW integration: KeyLab Essential 3 features custom scripts for deeper control over DAWs, including Ableton Live Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and more.
- More versatile presets: The 2000 presets included with Analog Lab V are no longer limited to vintage sounds; users can enjoy unique hybrids, modern synths, orchestral sounds, and more.
- Easier controls & interface: RGB-backlit pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity, contextual button, and a bright new 2.5” LCD screen for real-time feedback.
- Expanded software package for beginners & pros: Now includes Analog Lab V, 2 pianos (UVI Model D, NI’s The Gentleman), plus subscriptions to Loopcloud and Melodics.
- 88-key Synth Wkstation with Natural Weighted Hammer Action Keybed
- Mic/Line Inputs - Matte Black
- Step MIDI Sequencers
- EDS-i Sound Engine
- Audio Recder
- Make Huge Sounds- Create deep, gritty bass, soaring leads, lush pads, and vintage sounds with up to 18 voices and powerful effects.
- Built By a Legend- MiniNova’s synth engine was conceived, shaped, and refined by British synth legend Chris Huggett and has his five decades of passion, experience, and expertise behind it.
- Gently Tweak or Instantly Warp- Subtly tweak your sounds with the knobs, or totally warp them with the Animate buttons, pitch, and modulation wheels.
- Create Unique Vocals - Talk or sing into the mic and run your voice through the keyboard and effects engine. Use MiniNova’s secret weapon for the perfect vocal – VocalTune. Your voice will automatically be tuned to the notes you play on the keyboard.
- Animate and Arpeggiate- Switch to 'Animate' mode and press one of the eight backlit buttons to trigger awesome performance functions or 'Arpeggiator' mode to jam with arpeggiator rhythms in real time.
- Find Your Sound Fast- Instantly search through 256 sounds by type or musical genre and save 128 more sounds of your own.
- EXPERIMENTAL HYBRID SYNTH: MicroFreak packs so much into such a compact instrument, you'll wonder how we did it. From physical modeling to wavetable synthesis, it features 17 awesome paraphonic oscillator modes, including 7 bespoke Arturia engines, 7 modes from Mutable Instruments, and 3 modes designed with Noise Engineering. Its digital engines are combined with a lush-sounding resonant analog filter for true hybrid sound design.
- UNIQUE KEYBOARD: It isn’t really even a keyboard, it’s a super-flat PCB with no moving parts. The 25-key printed circuit board not only tracks the notes you play with lightning-speed, but can also detect pressure or aftertouch on each note individually.
- INNOVATIVE FEATURES: Record up to four automations, edit notes per step, or use the innovative Spice and Dice sequencer functions to find happy accidents. Add randomization to create evolving, original patterns, and virtually rewire and reconfigure its signal chain and controls with the 5x7 modulation matrix, with user-assignable destinations for totally unique sounds.
- MULTIPLE MODES: Easily switched and directly controlled with the 4 dedicated knobs in the Digital Oscillator section, MicroFreak has been constantly evolving. It now contains 17 oscillator types, covering a multitude of timbral flavors from sweet to savage: Vocoder, Noise, Superwave, Harmo, Karplus Str., Wavetable, BasicWaves, with many more.
- AMAZING CONNECTIVITY: It features CV outputs, letting you send pitch, gate, and pressure signals to any outboard or modular synth that’s CV/Gate compatible. You can also hook it up to your DAW via USB, or use the included MIDI break-out cables.
- COMPLETE BUNDLE - This bundle includes everything you need to get started making music, including the powerful MicroFreak keyboard synthesizer, comfortable Samson SR350 over ear headphones wired, a power adapter, MIDI cable, and a polishing cloth to keep your gear looking new. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned musician, this bundle has everything you need to explore new sounds and create amazing music.
- HYBRID SYNTH AND UNIQUE KEYBOARD - This experimental hybrid synth packs a lot into its compact frame. It features 17 paraphonic oscillator modes, including bespoke engines from Arturia, Mutable Instruments, and Noise Engineering. It combines digital engines with a lush-sounding analog filter for true hybrid sound design. The unique 25-key printed circuit board tracks notes and pressure individually.
- INNOVATIVE FEATURES - Arturia MicroFreak synthesizer keyboard boasts innovative features like a sequencer with automations, randomization, and a 5x7 modulation matrix for unique sounds. It's versatile with multiple modes and easily connects to other synths and DAWs via CV outputs, USB, and MIDI.
- SAMSON HEADPHONES - Immerse yourself in rich sound and powerful bass with the Samson SR350 stereo headphones wired. These over-ear closed-back headphones block out external noise, letting you fully enjoy your music. The comfortable design features contoured earpads, a cushioned headband, and an adjustable fit, ensuring hours of listening pleasure.
- POWER ADAPTER, MIDI CABLES & POLISHING CLOTH INCLUDED - Get started right away with this Arturia MicroFreak bundle! It includes everything you need to create amazing music, including the MicroFreak synthesizer itself, a power adapter for convenient use, MIDI cables for connecting to other instruments, and a polishing cloth to keep your MicroFreak looking its best.
- TINY SYNTH, HUGE POSSIBILITIES: Whether you're a musician on the go or a student looking to create their own musical instrument, the Synth-a-Sette provides fun new ways to be creative.
- PLAY MELODIES ANYWHERE: This pocket synth has everything you need. Includes 13 key monophonic touchpad, an "octave up" button, optional vibrato switch, built in speaker, line out, and batteries.
- YOUR FIRST ANALOG SYNTH: This simplified synth is great as an introduction to analog sound synthesis or as an extra input for an established synth-head.
- INVENT YOUR OWN KEYBOARD: Connect everyday objects to the touchpads to make your own keyboard. Play notes when you complete the circuit with fruits, forks, friends, or anything else conductive.
- COMBINING STEM LEARNING WITH MUSIC: MicroKits designs electronics that make learning fun and approachable. This synth enables both musical and scientific exploration.
- SMALLEST POCKET SYNTH: Touchpad monophonic keyboard, an "octave up" button, optional vibrato switch, and built in speaker for musicians on the go.
- COMPLETE SYNTHESIZER BUNDLE - Dive into the world of sound with the Arturia MICROFREAK Synthesizer Keyboard Bundle! This comprehensive package includes everything you need to start creating music right away. The bundle comes with a unique Arturia Gooseneck Mic, a durable 6ft Pig Hog MIDI DIN Cable, a reliable power adapter, 2x MIDI cable adapters, and a polishing cloth ensuring you have all the essentials in one convenient set.
- HYBRID SYNTH AND UNIQUE KEYBOARD - This Arturia Microfreak hybrid synthesizer packs a lot into its compact frame. It features 17 paraphonic oscillator modes, including bespoke engines from Arturia, Mutable Instruments, and Noise Engineering. It combines digital engines with a lush-sounding analog synthesizer filter for true hybrid sound design. The unique 25-key printed circuit board tracks notes and pressure individually.
- GOOSENECK MIC INCLUDED - The included Arturia Gooseneck Mic unlocks a whole new level of sonic exploration with the MicroFreak. Easily capture and manipulate your voice, transforming it into mesmerizing textures and intricate harmonies. The gooseneck design offers effortless positioning for optimal recording. Unleash the power of your voice and experience the magic of vocoding with the MicroFreak and Gooseneck Mic.
- PIG HOG MIDI DIN CABLE BUILT TO LAST: Forget flimsy midi cables that fray and fail. This rugged Pig Hog 5 PIN MIDI cable boasts premium construction and gold-plated connectors for reliable, long-lasting signal transmission. It's the perfect partner for your MicroFreak, ensuring your music flows uninterrupted.
- POWER ADAPTER, MIDI ADAPTERS AND POLISHING CLOTH INCLUDED - Get started right away with this Arturia MicroFreak bundle! It includes everything you need to create amazing music, including the MicroFreak synthesizer itself, a power adapter for convenient use, 2 MIDI adapter cables for connecting to other instruments, and a polishing cloth to keep your MicroFreak looking its best.
How to choose a good synthesizer and workstation keyboards
Does the idea of finding a fantastic synthesizer and workstation keyboards make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in synthesizer and workstation keyboards. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top synthesizer and workstation keyboards products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top synthesizer and workstation keyboards on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top synthesizer and workstation keyboards brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top synthesizer and workstation keyboards based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the synthesizer and workstation keyboards were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good synthesizer and workstation keyboards, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your synthesizer and workstation keyboards.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting synthesizer and workstation keyboards for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our synthesizer and workstation keyboards. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what synthesizer and workstation keyboards should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on synthesizer and workstation keyboards.
