AudioFu

Best General Synthesizers Under $50 2025

Affordable general synthesizers under $50 - 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
Stylophone S-1 Analog Case Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Stylophone S-1 Analog Case Set

by Stylophone
Rock Sound Design Pop
Key Feature:
• Suitable for both studio and live use
✓ PROS
  • • Good all-around synthesis capability
  • • Wide variety of synthesizer sounds
✗ CONS
  • • May not excel at specific synthesis methods
  • • Sound quality may vary across different types

Stylophone Stylophone S-1 Analog Case SetMini SynthesizerBuilt-in speakerRemake of the original Stylophone from the...

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 602846
$46
Buy at Thomann View Details
Stylophone Bowie - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Stylophone Bowie

by Stylophone
Electronic Sound Design Film Score
Key Feature:
• Good all-around synthesis capability
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of synthesizer sounds
  • • Versatile for multiple music styles
✗ CONS
  • • Can be overwhelming with too many options
  • • Jack of all trades, master of none

Stylophone Bowie StylophoneMini SynthesiserLimited Edition - white design with embossed Bowie logoBuilt-in...

⭐ 4.9/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 547106
$43
Buy at Thomann View Details
Stylophone Stylosette - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Stylophone Stylosette

by Stylophone
Sound Design Pop Electronic
Key Feature:
• Good all-around synthesis capability
✓ PROS
  • • Often includes preset banks
  • • Good all-around synthesis capability
✗ CONS
  • • May not excel at specific synthesis methods
  • • Jack of all trades, master of none

Stylophone StylosetteMonophonic Mini Synthesiser in Cassette LookTouch-sensitive keyboardWith integrated vibrato and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 611318
$43
Buy at Thomann View Details
Stylophone S-1 Analog - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Stylophone S-1 Analog

by Stylophone
Sound Design Rock Pop
Key Feature:
• Versatile for multiple music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of synthesizer sounds
  • • Good all-around synthesis capability
✗ CONS
  • • Can be overwhelming with too many options
  • • May lack specialization in any one area

Stylophone S-1 AnalogMini SynthesizerBuilt-in speakerRemake of the original Stylophone from the 70sVintage designMetal...

⭐ 4.4/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 494702
$37
Buy at Thomann View Details
Korg Monotron Duo - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Korg Monotron Duo

by Korg
Electronic Ambient Film Score
Key Feature:
• Often includes preset banks
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile for multiple music styles
  • • Wide variety of synthesizer sounds
✗ CONS
  • • Can be overwhelming with too many options
  • • May not excel at specific synthesis methods

Korg Monotron DuoAnalogue Ribbon SynthesizerTwo individually tunable analogue oscillators (VCOs)Cross modulation...

⭐ 4.4/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 273948
$47
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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