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Best General Synthesizers Under $100 2025

Affordable general synthesizers under $100 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $50 Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Electronic For Pop For Rock For Ambient For Film Score For Sound Design
BRANDS: Korg Behringer Yamaha Roland Arturia Sequential SOMA Moog Sonicware Stylophone Novation Modal Mellotron Waldorf UDO Audio Teenage Engineering
Teenage Engineering PO-12 rhythm - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Teenage Engineering PO-12 rhythm

by Teenage Engineering
Ambient Rock Film Score
Key Feature:
• Good all-around synthesis capability
✓ PROS
  • • Suitable for both studio and live use
  • • Versatile for multiple music styles
✗ CONS
  • • Jack of all trades, master of none
  • • Sound quality may vary across different types

Teenage Engineering PO-12 rhythmDrum Machine16 Step pattern sequencer16 Sounds16 Pattern16 Pattern chains16 Global...

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 356706
$54
Buy at Thomann View Details
Teenage Engineering PO-16 factory - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Teenage Engineering PO-16 factory

by Teenage Engineering
Rock Pop Film Score
Key Feature:
• Often includes preset banks
✓ PROS
  • • Often includes preset banks
  • • Versatile for multiple music styles
✗ CONS
  • • Can be overwhelming with too many options
  • • Sound quality may vary across different types

Teenage Engineering PO-16 factoryLead Synthesizer16 Step pattern sequencer15 Sounds plus micro drum machine including...

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 356708
$80
Buy at Thomann View Details
Korg Monotron Delay - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Korg Monotron Delay

by Korg
Film Score Rock Pop
Key Feature:
• Often includes preset banks
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile for multiple music styles
  • • Often includes preset banks
✗ CONS
  • • Sound quality may vary across different types
  • • Jack of all trades, master of none

Korg Monotron DelayAnalogue Ribbon SynthesiserSpace Delay for analog echo effectsLFO Section with selectable triangle...

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 273950
$53
Buy at Thomann View Details
Teenage Engineering PO-14 sub - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Teenage Engineering PO-14 sub

by Teenage Engineering
Film Score Pop Sound Design
Key Feature:
• Often includes preset banks
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile for multiple music styles
  • • Wide variety of synthesizer sounds
✗ CONS
  • • May not excel at specific synthesis methods
  • • Jack of all trades, master of none

Teenage Engineering PO-14 subBass Synthesizer16 Step sequencer15 Sounds plus micro drum machine including 16...

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 356707
$80
Buy at Thomann View Details
Behringer JT-4000M Micro - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Behringer JT-4000M Micro

by Behringer
Pop Electronic Sound Design
Key Feature:
• Suitable for both studio and live use
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile for multiple music styles
  • • Good all-around synthesis capability
✗ CONS
  • • Jack of all trades, master of none
  • • May lack specialization in any one area

Behringer JT-4000M Micro4-Voice Hybrid Synthesiser with MIDITouch keyboard with 16 keysNew edition of the JP-8k sound...

⭐ 4.7/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 602669
$54
Buy at Thomann View Details
Behringer Pro-VS Mini - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Behringer Pro-VS Mini

by Behringer
Rock Ambient Sound Design
Key Feature:
• Good all-around synthesis capability
✓ PROS
  • • Suitable for both studio and live use
  • • Versatile for multiple music styles
✗ CONS
  • • May lack specialization in any one area
  • • Can be overwhelming with too many options

Behringer Pro-VS MiniFive Voice Hybrid SynthesizerTouch keyboard with 27 keysReproduction of the Prophet VS sound...

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 571632
$98
Buy at Thomann View Details
Stylophone Bowie Case Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Stylophone Bowie Case Bundle

by Stylophone
Sound Design Electronic Pop
Key Feature:
• Good all-around synthesis capability
✓ PROS
  • • Suitable for both studio and live use
  • • Versatile for multiple music styles
✗ CONS
  • • May lack specialization in any one area
  • • Sound quality may vary across different types

Stylophone Bowie Case Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Stylophone Bowie*Mini Synthesiser*Limited Edition - white design...

⭐ 4.8/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 548137
$52
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best General Synthesizers

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 general synthesizers 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.

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