Best DAW Controllers Under $2,000 2025

Affordable daw controllers under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 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

Asparion D700F - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Asparion D700F

by Asparion

Professional Workflow Automation Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Automation and transport control

✓ PROS

• Automation and transport control
• Professional mixing surface feel

✗ CONS

• Learning curve for complex controllers
• Software updates affect functionality

Asparion D700FDAW ControllerExtension for D700 FT (Art. #573455#) - cannot be used independentlyUniversally applicable...

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 573457

$1,264

Buy at Thomann View Details

SSL UF8 UC1 Control Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Icon V1-M

by Icon

Professional Workflow Mixing Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Improved mixing workflow

✓ PROS

• Enhanced productivity
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• DAW-specific compatibility issues

Icon V1-MUSB DAW Controller9 Touch-sensitive motorised faders with 12-bit resolution7" OLED touchscreen with 24...

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 579412

$1,154

Buy at Thomann View Details

Elgato Stream Deck Studio - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Elgato Stream Deck Studio

by Elgato

DAW Control Automation Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Automation and transport control

✓ PROS

• Enhanced productivity
• Automation and transport control

✗ CONS

• Desktop space requirements
• Expensive professional models

Elgato Stream Deck StudioControllerWith 32 customisable LCD buttons and 2 continuous rotary knobsIdeal for...

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 600716

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Asparion D700FT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Asparion D700FT

by Asparion

Automation Mixing Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Enhanced productivity

✓ PROS

• Hands-on DAW control
• Improved mixing workflow

✗ CONS

• Desktop space requirements
• Software updates affect functionality

Asparion D700FTDAW ControllerUniversal user interface for all common recording programmesControl of transport...

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 573455

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

Waves FIT Case Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Waves FIT Case Bundle

by Waves

Automation Studio Efficiency Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Improved mixing workflow

✓ PROS

• Hands-on DAW control
• Automation and transport control

✗ CONS

• Learning curve for complex controllers
• Software updates affect functionality

Waves FIT Case Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Waves FIT*Controller for eMotion LV1*16 + 1 Touch-sensitive motorised...

⭐ 5.0/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 610289

$1,649

Buy at Thomann View Details

SSL UF8 Decksaver Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Asparion D400 Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Asparion D400 Bundle

by Asparion

DAW Control Mixing Professional Workflow

Key Feature:

• Improved mixing workflow

✓ PROS

• Improved mixing workflow
• Enhanced productivity

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• DAW-specific compatibility issues

Asparion D400 BundleDAW ControllerBundle comprising D400T base unit and D400F fader boxUniversally applicable user...

⭐ 4.4/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 458509

$1,088

Buy at Thomann View Details

Avid S1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Avid S1

by Avid

DAW Control Professional Workflow Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Automation and transport control

✓ PROS

• Professional mixing surface feel
• Automation and transport control

✗ CONS

• DAW-specific compatibility issues
• Software updates affect functionality

Avid S1DAW Controller for Tablet in Conjunction with Free Available Avid Control App8 Channel strips with...

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 476840

$1,759

Buy at Thomann View Details

SSL UF8 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

SSL UF8

by SSL

Mixing Professional Workflow Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Enhanced productivity

✓ PROS

• Hands-on DAW control
• Professional mixing surface feel

✗ CONS

• Software updates affect functionality
• Desktop space requirements

SSL UF8USB DAW Controller8 Touch-sensitive 100 mm motorized faders8 + 1 Rotary control with push function8 TFT LCD...

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 508557

$1,275

Buy at Thomann View Details

Softube Console 1 Fader Mk III - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Softube Console 1 Fader Mk III

by Softube

Automation Professional Workflow Studio Efficiency

Key Feature:

• Improved mixing workflow

✓ PROS

• Automation and transport control
• Hands-on DAW control

✗ CONS

• Desktop space requirements
• Expensive professional models

Softube Console 1 Fader Mk IIIDAW ControllerHybrid hardware controller with software console emulationIdeal addition to...

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 595125

$1,165

Buy at Thomann View Details

Waves FIT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

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 $2,000 2025

Asparion D700F

SSL UF8 UC1 Control Bundle

Icon V1-M

Elgato Stream Deck Studio

Asparion D700FT

Waves FIT Case Bundle

SSL UF8 Decksaver Bundle

Asparion D400 Bundle

Avid S1

SSL UF8

Softube Console 1 Fader Mk III

Waves FIT

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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