Best DAW Controllers 2026

Top-rated daw controllers 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $2,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For DAW Control For Mixing For Automation For Professional Workflow For Studio Efficiency

BRANDS: Elgato SSL Behringer DJ Techtools Intech Studio Softube

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Black

by Native Instruments

Automation DAW Control Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Automation and transport control

✓ PROS

• Professional mixing surface feel
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• Learning curve for complex controllers
• Software updates affect functionality

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Black, Groove Production Studio, Consisting of pad controller and software...

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 421554

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

DJ Techtools Midi Fighter 64 black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

DJ Techtools Midi Fighter 64 black

by DJ Techtools

Professional Workflow DAW Control Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Professional mixing surface feel

✓ PROS

• Professional mixing surface feel
• Hands-on DAW control

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• Learning curve for complex controllers

DJ Techtools Midi Fighter 64 blackUSB Controller64 Sanwa Arcade buttons with natural Bounce-Back8 x 8 Matrix edged with...

⭐ 4.4/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 435685

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Presonus Faderport 16 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Presonus Faderport 16

by Presonus

Professional Workflow Mixing Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Enhanced productivity

✓ PROS

• Enhanced productivity
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• Expensive professional models
• Software updates affect functionality

Presonus Faderport 1616-Channel DAW Production Controller16 professionaltouch-sensitive 100 mm motorised faders (dual...

⭐ 5.0/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 424629

$977

Buy at Thomann View Details

AKAI Professional APC64 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

AKAI Professional APC64

by AKAI Professional

DAW Control Mixing Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Professional mixing surface feel

✓ PROS

• Automation and transport control
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• Expensive professional models
• Desktop space requirements

AKAI Professional APC64Ableton ControllerWith sequencer and touch strips64 Velocity and pressure sensitive RGB pads8x8...

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 574852

$307

Buy at Thomann View Details

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Black ISO Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Black ISO Bundle

by Native Instruments

Studio Efficiency DAW Control Automation

Key Feature:

• Automation and transport control

✓ PROS

• Enhanced productivity
• Hands-on DAW control

✗ CONS

• Expensive professional models
• Learning curve for complex controllers

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Black ISO Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Black*Groove...

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 579882

$571

Buy at Thomann View Details

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 ISO Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 ISO Bundle

by Native Instruments

Professional Workflow Automation Mixing

Key Feature:

• Automation and transport control

✓ PROS

• Improved mixing workflow
• Hands-on DAW control

✗ CONS

• Desktop space requirements
• Expensive professional models

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 ISO Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Black*Groove...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 452052

$567

Buy at Thomann View Details

AKAI Professional APC 40 Mk2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

AKAI Professional APC 40 Mk2

by AKAI Professional

Professional Workflow Studio Efficiency DAW Control

Key Feature:

• Enhanced productivity

✓ PROS

• Hands-on DAW control
• Automation and transport control

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• DAW-specific compatibility issues

AKAI Professional APC 40 Mk2USB ControllerIntuitive control of Ableton Live with visual feedbackSeamless integration...

⭐ 4.6/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 338303

$417

Buy at Thomann View Details

SSL UC1 Decksaver Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

SSL UC1 Decksaver Bundle

by SSL

Professional Workflow DAW Control Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Automation and transport control

✓ PROS

• Hands-on DAW control
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• Learning curve for complex controllers
• Expensive professional models

SSL UC1 Decksaver Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, SSL UC1*USB DAW Controller*Plug-in controller with convenient mixer...

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 575197

$736

Buy at Thomann View Details

Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Novation Launchpad Pro MK3

by Novation

DAW Control Professional Workflow Mixing

Key Feature:

• Professional mixing surface feel

✓ PROS

• Professional mixing surface feel
• Hands-on DAW control

✗ CONS

• Expensive professional models
• Software updates affect functionality

Novation Launchpad Pro MK3Grid ControllerFor Ableton Live as well as other music software and external hardware64...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 482692

$310

Buy at Thomann View Details

SSL UF8 Decksaver Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.4/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

SSL UF8 Decksaver Bundle

by SSL

Studio Efficiency Automation Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Professional mixing surface feel

✓ PROS

• Improved mixing workflow
• Hands-on DAW control

✗ CONS

• Desktop space requirements
• Expensive professional models

SSL UF8 Decksaver Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, SSL UF8*USB DAW Controller*8 Touch-sensitive 100 mm motorized...

⭐ 4.4/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 575198

$1,304

Buy at Thomann View Details

Softube Console 1 Mk 2 Case Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Softube Console 1 Mk 2 Case Bundle

by Softube

DAW Control Mixing Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Enhanced productivity

✓ PROS

• Automation and transport control
• Enhanced productivity

✗ CONS

• DAW-specific compatibility issues
• Desktop space requirements

Softube Console 1 Mk 2 Case Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Softube Console 1 Mk 2*Hardware controller incl....

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 541659

$362

Buy at Thomann View Details

SSL UF8 UC1 Control Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

SSL UF8 UC1 Control Bundle

by SSL

Mixing Professional Workflow DAW Control

Key Feature:

• Improved mixing workflow

✓ PROS

• Automation and transport control
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• Desktop space requirements

SSL UF8 UC1 Control Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, SSL UF8*USB DAW Controller*8 Touch-sensitive 100 mm motorized...

⭐ 4.4/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 522677

$1,946

Buy at Thomann View Details

Waves FIT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Waves FIT

by Waves

Automation Professional Workflow Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Professional mixing surface feel

✓ PROS

• Hands-on DAW control
• Professional mixing surface feel

✗ CONS

• DAW-specific compatibility issues
• Expensive professional models

Waves FITController for eMotion LV116 + 1 Touch-sensitive motorised 100 mm faders16 + 1 Displays16 + 1 Clickable rotary...

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 499739

$1,428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Neuzeit Instruments Drop - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Neuzeit Instruments Drop

by Neuzeit Instruments

Studio Efficiency Mixing Automation

Key Feature:

• Improved mixing workflow

✓ PROS

• Improved mixing workflow
• Automation and transport control

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• Expensive professional models

Neuzeit Instruments DropMIDI & USB Master ControllerFor live and studio setupsTwo layerseach with eight faderseight...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 621443

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Behringer X-Touch - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.4/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Behringer X-Touch

by Behringer

Professional Workflow DAW Control Mixing

Key Feature:

• Enhanced productivity

✓ PROS

• Hands-on DAW control
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• Learning curve for complex controllers
• DAW-specific compatibility issues

Behringer X-TouchUniversal DAW Remote ControllerFor studio and live applicationsSupports HUI and Mackie Control...

⭐ 4.4/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 368658

$389

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best DAW Controllers

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced daw controllers typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Best DAW Controllers 2026

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Black

DJ Techtools Midi Fighter 64 black

Presonus Faderport 16

AKAI Professional APC64

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Black ISO Bundle

Native Instruments Maschine MK3 ISO Bundle

AKAI Professional APC 40 Mk2

SSL UC1 Decksaver Bundle

Novation Launchpad Pro MK3

SSL UF8 Decksaver Bundle

Softube Console 1 Mk 2 Case Bundle

SSL UF8 UC1 Control Bundle

Waves FIT

Neuzeit Instruments Drop

Behringer X-Touch

How to Choose the Best DAW Controllers

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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