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Synthesizer & Workstation Keyboards Comparison - April 2025
| 1 Best Choice  9.9Exceptional | 2  9.8Exceptional | 3  9.7Exceptional | 4  9.6Exceptional | 5  9.5Excellent | 6  9.4Excellent |
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ModelAKAI Professional MPC Key 37 Standalone Production Workstation, Drum Machine, MIDI Keyboard, Synthesizer with WiFi, Bluetooth, Touchscreen, Plug-ins | Model Arturia - MicroFreak Synthesizer Keyboard - 25-Key Hybrid Synth with PCB Keyboard, Wavetable & Digital Oscillators, Analog Filters | Model Yamaha MODX8+ 88-Key Synthesizer Workstation , Black | Model AKAI Professional MPC Key 61 - Standalone Music Production Synthesizer Keyboard with Touch Screen, 16 Drum Pads, 20+ Sound Engines, Semi Weighted Keys, black | Model Korg Kross 2-61 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation | Model 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 |
BrandAKAI Professional | Brand ARTURIA | Brand YAMAHA | Brand Akai Professional | Brand Korg | Brand Roland |
Reviews | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews  | Reviews - |
Tech Specs | |||||
product dimensions11.14 x 10.83 x 2.36 inches | product dimensions 12.2 x 9.2 x 2.2 inches | product dimensions 52.5 x 15.9 x 6.3 inches 1 Pounds | product dimensions 12.4 x 38.86 x 3.54 inches | product dimensions 10.59D x 36.81W x 3.46H | product dimensions 12.76D x 39.57W x 3.7H |
item weight4.76 pounds | item weight 2.42 pounds | item weight - | item weight 28.7 pounds | item weight 8.36 pounds | item weight 20.2 pounds |
connector typeUSB | connector type USB | connector type - | connector type USB | connector type - | connector type USB Type C |
customer reviews4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 116 ratings 4.6 out of 5 stars | customer reviews 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 618 ratings 4.7 out of 5 stars | customer reviews - | customer reviews 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 67 ratings 4.4 out of 5 stars | customer reviews 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 92 ratings 4.3 out of 5 stars | customer reviews - |
supported softwareMPC2 | supported software - | supported software - | supported software Ableton Live | supported software - | supported software Roland Cloud |
color namempc one + - red | color name Black | color name - | color name black | color name - | color name - |
power source- | power source - | power source - | power source Corded Electric | power source Corded Electric | power source Battery Powered |
Review- | Review - | Review - | Review - | Review | Review - |
Available On   | Available On | Available On | Available On  | Available On | Available On |
Our Top 3 Picks
Here are the top 3 recommended products with more information to help you find the right product for you
9.9
1AKAI ProfessionalAKAI Professional MPC Key 37 Standalone Production Workstation, Drum Machine, MIDI Keyboard, Synthesizer with WiFi, Bluetooth, Touchscreen, Plug-ins
Main highlights- Welcome MPC3 - Designed for fast intuitive operation, MPC3 accelerates the legendary MPC workflow with new features; Enhanced Main Mode, Linear Song Arranger, Studio Mixer, Native Instruments Integration and more
- Standalone Supercharged -Featuring Wi-Fi and Bluetooth MIDI, Ableton Link 3, MPC2 Software supporting 128 audio tracks, nearly unlimited number of plugin instruments and 3rd party AU/VST plug-ins
- Producer and 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)
- No Computer Needed - Music Production Synthesizer, Sampler, Beat Maker, Drum Machine, and Desktop Controller with powerful multi-core processor and 37-note synth-action keybed with aftertouch
- MPC Stems - 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
- 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
- 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 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
- All Music In One Place - Update features, sounds and samples wirelessly via Wi-Fi, receiving instant notifications on the unit; Access Splice libraries, Ableton Control, loops or MPC plug-in instruments
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9.8
2ARTURIA
Arturia - MicroFreak Synthesizer Keyboard - 25-Key Hybrid Synth with PCB Keyboard, Wavetable & Digital Oscillators, Analog Filters
Main highlights- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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9.7
3YAMAHA
Yamaha MODX8+ 88-Key Synthesizer Workstation , Black
Main highlights- Semi-weighted synth action provides expressive response in a 61-note keyboard
- Motion Control is a highly customizable synthesizer engine control matrix
- MODX OS adds new Voices, LIVE SETS and Features
- FM-X features 8-operator FM synthesis capable of producing incredible dynamic sound
- AWM2 is a proprietary sampled-based subtractive synthesis technology
Our ranking system
At BestChoice.com, our team curates a selection of top products from a vast array available online, using a sophisticated ranking system based on carefully defined criteria.While traditional hands-on testing has its merits, our use of AI technology offers distinct advantages. AI allows us to process and analyze vast amounts of data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view that goes beyond what manual testing can achieve. This approach enables us to deliver insights that are aligned with current trends and consumer preferences, ensuring our reviews are both relevant and up-to-date.
Features
Our AI-driven analysis examines key attributes, capabilities, and other critical factors tailored to each product category. This method allows us to assess effectiveness from various perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
Consumer Reviews
We aggregate and evaluate consumer feedback from across the internet, giving weight to ratings and reviews that reflect the most reliable insights. AI enhances this process by filtering and prioritizing data, offering a balanced view without the need for direct personal endorsements.
Popularity
Our system also considers the popularity of products, analyzing factors such as market presence, reputation, and user satisfaction. By leveraging AI, we capture a comprehensive picture of a product's standing in the market, which may not always be evident through traditional testing.
Value for money
AI allows us to compare products based on attributes like price, specifications, and user feedback, helping to determine their value for money. This data-driven approach offers an efficient and reliable way to assess how products stack up against one another in terms of cost-effectiveness.
