Best DAW Controllers Under $200 2025

Affordable daw controllers under $200 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

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 Softube Intech Studio DJ Techtools Behringer

Intech Studio EF44 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Intech Studio EF44

by Intech Studio

Studio Efficiency 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

Intech Studio EF44USB MIDI ControllerCompact parameter controller with four encoders and four fadersEncoder: Four...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598714

$175

Buy at Thomann View Details

Intech Studio BU16 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Intech Studio BU16

by Intech Studio

DAW Control Automation Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Professional mixing surface feel

✓ PROS

• Improved mixing workflow
• Professional mixing surface feel

✗ CONS

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

Intech Studio BU16USB MIDI ControllerCompact parameter controller with 16 freely assignable buttonsEnables access to...

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 598711

$142

Buy at Thomann View Details

Behringer X-TOUCH ONE - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Behringer X-TOUCH ONE

by Behringer

Professional Workflow DAW Control Automation

Key Feature:

• Enhanced productivity

✓ PROS

• Improved mixing workflow
• Automation and transport control

✗ CONS

• Desktop space requirements
• DAW-specific compatibility issues

Behringer X-TOUCH ONEUniversal DAW Remote ControlSupports HUI and Mackie Control protocolSuitable for studio and live...

⭐ 4.5/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 448430

$142

Buy at Thomann View Details

Elgato Stream Deck MK2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Elgato Stream Deck MK2

by Elgato

Professional Workflow Studio Efficiency Automation

Key Feature:

• Professional mixing surface feel

✓ PROS

• Improved mixing workflow
• Hands-on DAW control

✗ CONS

• Desktop space requirements
• Expensive professional models

Elgato Stream Deck MK2USB 2.0 ControllerWith 15 customizable LCD buttonsIdeal for controlling DAWs via short cut...

⭐ 4.9/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 532345

$175

Buy at Thomann View Details

Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Novation Launchpad Mini MK3

by Novation

Professional Workflow Automation DAW Control

Key Feature:

• Automation and transport control

✓ PROS

• Enhanced productivity
• Professional mixing surface feel

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• Expensive professional models

Novation Launchpad Mini MK3Compact Pad Controller for Ableton Live64 RGB pads16 ButtonsDirect integration into Ableton...

⭐ 5.0/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 475243

$109

Buy at Thomann View Details

Intech Studio EN16 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Intech Studio EN16

by Intech Studio

Mixing Professional Workflow DAW Control

Key Feature:

• Professional mixing surface feel

✓ PROS

• Hands-on DAW control
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• DAW-specific compatibility issues

Intech Studio EN16USB MIDI ControllerCompact parameter controller with 16 encodersEncoder: 16 velocity-sensitive 360°...

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598716

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Intech Studio PBF4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Intech Studio PBF4

by Intech Studio

Professional Workflow Mixing Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Hands-on DAW control

✓ PROS

• Professional mixing surface feel
• Enhanced productivity

✗ CONS

• Desktop space requirements
• Software updates affect functionality

Intech Studio PBF4USB MIDI ControllerCompact parameter controllerFour precision potentiometersFour linear faders with...

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598719

$153

Buy at Thomann View Details

Korg nanoKEY Studio - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Korg nanoKEY Studio

by Korg

Mixing DAW Control Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Enhanced productivity

✓ PROS

• Automation and transport control
• Enhanced productivity

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• Learning curve for complex controllers

Korg nanoKEY StudioMIDI controller keyboard25-keys with touch dynamics and backlight8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads8...

⭐ 5.0/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 379581

$149

Buy at Thomann View Details

Elgato Stream Deck+ Dial Set Gold - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Elgato Stream Deck+ Dial Set Gold

by Elgato

DAW Control Mixing Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Professional mixing surface feel

✓ PROS

• Automation and transport control
• Enhanced productivity

✗ CONS

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

Elgato Stream Deck+ Dial Set GoldUSB 2 Controller8 Customisable LCD buttons4 Additional interchangeable gold-coloured...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 594174

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Novation Launchpad X - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Novation Launchpad X

by Novation

Studio Efficiency Professional Workflow Mixing

Key Feature:

• Automation and transport control

✓ PROS

• Professional mixing surface feel
• Hands-on DAW control

✗ CONS

• DAW-specific compatibility issues
• Software updates affect functionality

Novation Launchpad XPerformance Controller for Ableton Live64 Velocity- and pressure sensitive pads16 ButtonsDynamic...

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 475238

$188

Buy at Thomann View Details

Korg nanoKONTROL Studio - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Korg nanoKONTROL Studio

by Korg

Professional Workflow Mixing Automation

Key Feature:

• Hands-on DAW control

✓ PROS

• Automation and transport control
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• Expensive professional models
• DAW-specific compatibility issues

Korg nanoKONTROL StudioMIDI Controller for Mobile Devices and ComputersConnection via USB or Bluetooth/wireless32 (8x4)...

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 379595

$153

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 Under $200 2025

Intech Studio EF44

Intech Studio BU16

Behringer X-TOUCH ONE

Elgato Stream Deck MK2

Novation Launchpad Mini MK3

Intech Studio EN16

Intech Studio PBF4

Korg nanoKEY Studio

Elgato Stream Deck+ Dial Set Gold

Novation Launchpad X

Korg nanoKONTROL Studio

How to Choose the Best DAW Controllers

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying daw controllers?

How much should I spend on daw controllers?

Are expensive daw controllers worth the investment?

What are the best brands for daw controllers?

Should I buy daw controllers online or in-store?

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