AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best General Synthesizers 2026
The top pick is Arturia AstroLab 61-Key Stage Keyboard ($1,598). Korg Monologue Monophonic Analog Synthesizer gives you the most for the money at $301. Arturia AstroLab 88-Key Stage Keyboard leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 212 models across 36 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
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All General SynthesizersTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Arturia AstroLab 61-Key Stage Keyboard
AstroLab 61 Silver · Arturia
55 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight9.9 kg
- Key actionSemi-weighted keys
This keyboard offers 61 standard keys and over 1,800 built-in sounds for both studio and stage. It handles real-time changes well with four macro encoders and great preset access. It fits musicians who want a solid tool to expand their live setup.
Pros
- 61 standard-sized semi-weighted keys with aftertouch
- 11 distinct sound engines built in
- Over 1,800 presets from 40 instruments
Cons
- Polyphony count is not stated in description
- No specific polyphony number provided
74AudioFu
Index↓ 10.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,775 · Aug 17$1,598 now$1,598€1,430 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Roland Juno-106 61-Key Programmable Polyphonic Synthesizer
Juno-X · Roland
81 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight11.6 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
The Juno-X is a clever blend of retro vibes and modern tech. It’s a fantastic option for synth enthusiasts wanting that classic Juno sound without the vintage headaches, and its compact design makes it travel-friendly. Ideal for songwriters, producers, and gigging musicians needing a versatile and expressive voice.
Pros
- ZEN-Core engine delivers impressive sonic depth and modern versatility.
- Super Saw oscillator recreates classic Juno warmth with a modern edge.
- Aftertouch adds expressive nuance, enhancing performance capabilities significantly.
Cons
- 61-key action, while velocity-sensitive, lacks the feel of a fully weighted keyboard.
- 128x64 display is functional but visually limited for complex editing.
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,820 now$1,820€1,629 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Arturia MicroFreak 25-Key Algorithmic Synthesizer
MicroFreak · Arturia
70 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight1.02 kg
- Keys25 keys
The MicroFreak is a quirky, fun synth perfect for experimental sound design and those craving a unique, tactile playing experience. Its compact size makes it great for travel, and the sequencing capabilities are surprisingly powerful for a small instrument – a real creative playground for producers and experimental musicians.
Pros
- Unique synthesis engine offers startlingly diverse sonic textures
- Touch keyboard surprisingly expressive with polyphonic aftertouch
- Compact size and lightweight design enable excellent portability
Cons
- Limited key range restricts playing complex chords or basslines
- Paraphonic nature limits true polyphony for layered sounds
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- Weight1.9 kg
The Reface DX is a fantastic way to get that classic Yamaha DX7 sound in a super portable package. It’s perfect for electronic musicians, soundtrack composers, or anyone wanting to dial in those iconic 80s tones – just be prepared for the mini-keys, which take some getting used to.
Pros
- FM engine delivers characteristic 80s digital tones.
- Compact size and portability for gigging and travel.
- Phrase looper encourages creative experimentation on the fly.
Cons
- Mini-keys limit playing comfort for experienced keyboardists.
- Limited polyphony restricts complex chord voicings.
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$402 now$402€360 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight9.9 kg
- Key actionSemi-weighted keys
The AstroLab is a powerhouse for musicians needing a versatile, all-in-one stage keyboard. It’s a fantastic solution for performers who want a huge palette of sounds and real-time control, but be prepared for a learning curve mastering all the synthesis engines. It’s ideal for producers and live players looking to consolidate their gear.
Pros
- Ten diverse synthesis engines offer incredible sonic breadth.
- The navigation wheel and screen streamline complex sound editing.
- Extensive effects suite allows for deep sound shaping and customization.
Cons
- Semi-weighted keys lack the nuance of fully weighted action for expressive playing.
- The sheer number of engines can feel overwhelming for beginners.
71AudioFu
Index↓ 3.2%since Aug 17$1,485 · Aug 17$1,438 now$1,438€1,287 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Korg Monologue Monophonic Analog Synthesizer
Monologue Silver · Korg
61 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
The Monologue Silver is a fantastic little analog powerhouse. It's incredibly fun for basslines, leads, and sound design, especially if you're into gritty, raw sounds. Perfect for producers, electronic musicians, or anyone wanting a focused, hands-on analog experience without a huge investment.
Pros
- Solid metal chassis provides a reassuring, robust feel.
- The sequencer is surprisingly deep for a monophonic synth.
- Excellent value for an all-analog, subtractive synthesizer.
Cons
- Limited polyphony restricts layering and complex arrangements.
- The 25-key keyboard feels cramped for extended playing sessions.
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$301 now$301€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Korg MicroKORG 2 37-Key Synthesizer / Vocoder
microKORG · Korg
50 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight2.2 kg
The microKORG is a quirky, fun little synth that’s been a mainstay for years. It’s a great grab-and-go option for electronic musicians, beatmakers, or anyone wanting to experiment with vocoding – it's a real character builder and surprisingly capable for its size.
Pros
- Excellent value for a versatile, portable synth
- Unique vocoder offers creative vocal processing
- Touch-sensitive mini keys inspire expressive playing
Cons
- Mini keys limit playing comfort for extended sessions
- Limited polyphony restricts complex chord voicings
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$446 now$446€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight5.6 kg
- Keys61 keys
- Key actionSemi-weighted keys
The CK61 is a solid option for gigging musicians, particularly those who prioritize realistic organ sounds and portability. Its drawbar controls and Bluetooth connectivity are real strengths, but be aware of the semi-weighted action and polyphony limitations if you're planning on complex layered sounds – it's a great stage tool for solo performers and smaller ensembles.
Pros
- Excellent organ sounds leveraging AWM2 technology for realism.
- Organ drawbar sliders provide tactile control often missing in digital keyboards.
- Compact and lightweight for gigging musicians; easily portable.
Cons
- Semi-weighted FSB action lacks the responsiveness of fully weighted keys.
- Limited polyphony (128 voices) can be a constraint with complex layering.
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$963 now$963€862 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Moog Messenger 32-Key Monophonic Synthesizer
Messenger · Moog
35 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight4.95 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
The Moog Messenger is a surprisingly capable little monosynth, dripping with that iconic Moog sound. It’s perfect for basslines, leads, and experimental sound design where you want immediate, hands-on control – a real winner for synth explorers and those craving a portable Moog experience.
Pros
- Excellent Moog filter character delivers classic, creamy analog tones.
- Lightweight keys offer surprising velocity sensitivity and aftertouch.
- Sub-oscillator adds considerable low-end punch and textural depth.
Cons
- Monophonic nature limits its utility for chordal or layered sounds.
- Limited modulation options compared to larger, more complex synths.
69AudioFu
Index↓ 10.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$692 · Aug 17$622 now$622€557 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight22.2 kg
- Key actionWeighted keys
The AstroLab 88 is a powerhouse stage keyboard. It’s a fantastic all-in-one solution for producers and performers wanting a huge range of sounds and a premium keybed feel – just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve mastering all those engines.
Pros
- Excellent Fatar TP-40 keybed offers superb action and aftertouch.
- Diverse synthesis engines provide incredible sonic versatility and depth.
- Intuitive navigation wheel and screen streamline sound exploration and editing.
Cons
- The sheer number of engines can feel overwhelming for less experienced users.
- Physical size and weight make it less portable for frequent gigging.
69AudioFu
Index↓ 10.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$2,345 · Aug 17$2,110 now$2,110€1,889 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 212 general synthesizers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Korg Minilogue XD Polyphonic Analogue SynthesizerMinilogue · Korg · 2 finishes68Stable$531€475$531€475Check ↗
- 12
Korg KROSS 2 61 61-Key Synthesizer WorkstationKross 2-61 · Korg68Stable$744€666$744€666Check ↗
- 13
Yamaha CK88 Digital Stage PianoCK88 · Yamaha · 2 finishes67Stable$1,429€1,279$1,429€1,279Check ↗
- 14
Korg Multi/Poly 37-Key Analog Modeling Synthesizermulti/poly · Korg66↓ 2.5%$903€808$903€808Check ↗
- 15
Korg MicroKORG 2 37-Key Synthesizer/VocodermicroKORG 2 · Korg65↑ 1.1%$502€449$502€449Check ↗
- 16
Arturia MiniFreak Vocoder 37-Key 6-Voice Polyphonic Hybrid SynthesizerMiniFreak Vocoder · Arturia65↓ 16.0%$514€462$514€462Check ↗
- 17
Roland FANTOM-06 61-Key Workstation KeyboardFantom-06 · Roland65Stable$1,439€1,288$1,439€1,288Check ↗
- 18
Arturia PolyBrute 61-Key SynthesizerPolyBrute · Arturia65↓ 1.1%$2,619€2,344$2,619€2,344Check ↗
- 19
Roland Fantom 6 EX 61-Key Workstation KeyboardFantom-6 EX · Roland65Stable$3,759€3,365$3,759€3,365Check ↗
- 20
Arturia MiniFreak 37-Key 6-Voice Polyphonic Hybrid SynthesizerMiniFreak · Arturia64Stable$609€545$609€545Check ↗
- 21
Roland JUNO-D6 61-Key SynthesizerJuno-D6 · Roland64Stable$893€799$893€799Check ↗
- 22
Roland Fantom 7 EX 76-Key Workstation KeyboardFantom-7 EX · Roland64Stable$4,021€3,599$4,021€3,599Check ↗
- 23
Sequential Trigon-6 49-Key 6-Voice Polyphonic SynthesizerTrigon-6 · Sequential64↑ 12.4%$4,133€3,699$4,133€3,699Check ↗
- 24
Moog Grandmother 32-Key Semi-Modular Analog SynthesizerGrandmother · Moog63Stable$1,183€1,059$1,183€1,059Check ↗
- 25
Roland JUNO-D8 88-Key SynthesizerJuno-D8 · Roland63Stable$1,295€1,159$1,295€1,159Check ↗
- 26
Yamaha MODX M6 61-Key 16-Voice SynthesizerMODX M6 · Yamaha63Stable$1,553€1,390$1,553€1,390Check ↗
- 27
Clavia Nord Lead A1Clavia Nord · 2 finishes63↓ 5.7%$1,675€1,499$1,675€1,499Check ↗
- 28
Moog Subsequent 37 Analog SynthSubsequent 37 · Moog63↓ 1.8%$1,842€1,649$1,842€1,649Check ↗
- 29
Arturia PolyBrute 12 61-Key SynthesizerPolyBrute 12 · Arturia63↓ 3.6%$3,619€3,239$3,619€3,239Check ↗
- 30
Novation MiniNova 37-Key 18-Voice SynthesizerMiniNova · Novation62Stable$446€399$446€399Check ↗
- 31
Korg MS-20 Mini Semi-Modular Analog SynthesizerMS-20 mini · Korg62Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 32
Korg Modwave mkii 37-Key Wavetable SynthesizerModwave MKII · Korg62↓ 2.6%$638€571$638€571Check ↗
- 33
Roland Gaia 2 37-Key 22-Voice SynthesizerGAIA 2 · Roland62Stable$781€699$781€699Check ↗
- 34
Suzuki OM-108 Omnichord ReissueOmnichord OM-108 · Suzuki · 2 finishes62Stable$893€799$893€799Check ↗
- 35
Roland JUNO-D7 76-Key SynthesizerJuno-D7 · Roland62↓ 7.7%$1,010€904$1,010€904Check ↗
- 36
Yamaha MX88 88-Key Synthesizer w/ GHS Key Weighting SystemMX88 · Yamaha62Stable$1,116€999$1,116€999Check ↗
- 37
Roland Jupiter-Xm 37-Key SynthesizerJupiter-Xm · Roland62Stable$1,731€1,549$1,731€1,549Check ↗
- 38
Roland FANTOM-07 76-Key Workstation KeyboardFantom-07 · Roland62Stable$1,775€1,589$1,775€1,589Check ↗
- 39
Roland FANTOM-08 88-Key Workstation KeyboardFantom-08 · Roland62Stable$1,943€1,739$1,943€1,739Check ↗
- 40
Yamaha MODX M8 88-Key 16-Voice SynthesizerMODX M8 · Yamaha62Stable$2,167€1,940$2,167€1,940Check ↗
- 41
Roland Jupiter-Xm 37-Key SynthesizerJupiter-X · Roland62Stable$2,624€2,349$2,624€2,349Check ↗
- 42
Sequential Pro 3 37-Key 3-Voice Monophonic / Paraphonic SynthesizerPro 3 Special Edition · Sequential · 2 finishes62↑ 7.4%$3,161€2,829$3,161€2,829Check ↗
- 43
Arturia AstroLab 37-Key Stage KeyboardAstroLab 37 · Arturia61↓ 1.5%$714€639$714€639Check ↗
- 44
Korg Wavestate 37-Key Wave Sequencing SynthesizerWavestate SE · Korg61Stable$1,317€1,179$1,317€1,179Check ↗
- 45
Expressive E Osmose 49-Key 24-Voice Polyphonic SynthesizerOsmose · Expressive E61Stable$1,786€1,599$1,786€1,599Check ↗
- 46
Yamaha MODX M7 76-Key 16-Voice SynthesizerMODX M7 · Yamaha61Stable$1,933€1,730$1,933€1,730Check ↗
- 47
Moog Muse 8-Voice Analog SynthesizerMuse · Moog61↓ 1.1%$3,237€2,897$3,237€2,897Check ↗
- 48
Korg Volca Beats Analogue Rhythm MachineVolca Bass · Korg60Stable$147€132$147€132Check ↗
- 49
AKAI Professional MPC Key 37AKAI Professional60Stable$837€749$837€749Check ↗
- 50
Roland Fantom 8 EX 88-Key Workstation KeyboardFantom-8 EX · Roland60Stable$4,322€3,869$4,322€3,869Check ↗
General Synthesizers by the numbers
Measured across all 246 models we track, not a sample.
Median $814 — half of all general synthesizers here cost less.
median of 187 models · 1.12 kg–15 kg
most common · 41 models
median of 22 models · 25–88
How to choose the best general synthesizers
Architecture
Analog emulations offer that fat midrange honk and responsive filter sweeps, but require more tweaking. Digital synths are generally cleaner and more versatile, often with a wider range of sounds, but can sometimes lack that organic feel. Hybrid synths try to blend the best of both worlds.
Polyphony
How many notes can it play at once? For pads and lush chords, 6+ voices are a must. Basslines and leads can often get away with less, but consider future-proofing. Limited polyphony is a common compromise in cheaper synths.
Modulation
LFOs, envelopes, and modulation matrices are the key to evolving sounds and expressive playing. The more modulation options, the more sonic territory you can explore. Cheap synths often skimp on modulation, leading to predictable sounds.
Keyboard Action & Build Quality
A flimsy keyboard action or cheap plastic case telegraphs compromises in other areas. The action should feel responsive and consistent, and the build should be robust enough to handle gigging. This is especially important for stage use.
Connectivity
MIDI in/out/thru is essential. Audio outputs (at least stereo) are obvious, but consider CV/Gate connectivity if you're into modular synthesis. USB MIDI is convenient, but don't rely on it as your only connection.
Buying guide
So, you're looking for a general-purpose synth. That's a broad category, and it's easy to get lost in the noise. Forget the marketing buzzwords - we're talking about synths that can do a little bit of everything, from warm pads and funky basses to screaming leads and evolving textures. Finding the right one depends on your needs, budget, and how much you value hands-on control versus software flexibility.
Don't chase the latest trends - focus on the fundamentals. A synth with a great sound engine and solid build quality will serve you better in the long run than a flashy box full of gimmicks. Be realistic about your needs: a huge, complex synth is overkill if you mostly need basic sounds.
And remember, a synth is only as good as your ability to program it - invest time in learning its ins and outs.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 246 general synthesizers from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a 'virtual analog' and a true analog synth?
Virtual analog is a digital emulation of analog circuitry. They can sound very close, but true analog has a certain warmth and subtle imperfections that some players prefer. It's a matter of taste, and the quality of the emulation varies widely.
I'm on a tight budget - what should I look for?
Focus on a solid sound engine and a playable keyboard. Don't expect premium build quality or tons of features. Look for used models - you can often find great deals on older synths that still sound amazing.
How important is aftertouch?
Aftertouch is that pressure-sensitive control that lets you add vibrato or filter sweeps after you've pressed a key. It's a cool expressive feature, but not essential. Many synths don't have it, and you can often achieve similar effects with modulation wheels or other controllers.
Can I use a general synth as a master keyboard?
Technically, yes, but most general synths don't have the best keyboard action for that purpose. A dedicated MIDI keyboard controller is a better choice for playing multiple synths or controlling software instruments.
What's the deal with 'wavetable' synthesis?
Wavetable synths let you morph between different waveforms, creating complex and evolving sounds. They can be incredibly versatile, but the sound can sometimes feel sterile if not used carefully. It's a technique that's worth exploring, but not a replacement for traditional synthesis.
