AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best General Synthesizers Under $800 2026
The top pick is Arturia MicroFreak 25-Key Algorithmic Synthesizer ($323). Korg KROSS 2 61 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 109 models across 20 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
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
-
- 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 ↗ -
Korg Monologue Monophonic Analog Synthesizer
Monologue Blue · Korg
61 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
The Monologue Blue is a seriously fun, no-frills analog synth. Its immediacy and built-in sequencer make it a fantastic tool for basslines, leads, and experimental sound design – perfect for producers and musicians wanting a raw, expressive voice on a budget.
Pros
- Punchy, raw analog sound delivers classic synth tones
- Compact size makes it incredibly portable for gigging
- Built-in sequencer offers surprisingly deep creative potential
Cons
- Monophonic nature limits layering and complex arrangements
- Limited key range restricts playing wider chords or melodies
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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
Korg Minilogue XD Polyphonic Analogue Synthesizer
Minilogue · Korg
39 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight2.8 kg
The Minilogue is a surprisingly capable and fun analog synth, perfect for bedroom producers, sound designers, and anyone wanting a portable, hands-on experience. Its accessible price and intuitive sequencer make it easy to dive in, while the voice mode unlocks some truly unique sonic textures. It's a great entry point into analog synthesis.
Pros
- Robust aluminum control panel feels premium and durable.
- Rubberized knobs offer excellent tactile feedback and grip.
- Voice mode provides unique sonic sculpting possibilities.
Cons
- 37 slim keys can feel cramped for players with larger hands.
- Limited modulation options compared to higher-end synths.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$531 now$531€475 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Korg KROSS 2 61 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation
Kross 2-61 · Korg
34 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight3.8 kg
- Keys61 keys
The Kross 2-61 is a fantastic grab-and-go solution for keyboardists needing a wide palette of sounds. It’s a great choice for gigging musicians, songwriters, or anyone needing a versatile and portable instrument—just be aware of the compromises inherent in its compact design.
Pros
- Impressive 120-voice polyphony unlocks lush, layered sounds.
- The integrated effects engine provides surprisingly usable and creative textures.
- Lightweight design (3.8 kg) makes it incredibly portable for gigging musicians.
Cons
- 61-key action feels somewhat compromised compared to full-sized keyboards.
- Limited editing capabilities compared to more dedicated workstation synthesizers.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$744 now$744€666 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Korg MicroKORG 2 37-Key Synthesizer / Vocoder
microKORG 2 · Korg
50 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight2.1 kg
The microKORG 2 is a fantastic, compact synthesizer that's surprisingly deep. It's perfect for bedroom producers, electronic musicians, or anyone wanting a portable, fun sound design tool – just be prepared for those mini keys! It's a great entry point into synth sounds and offers a lot of creative potential for its size.
Pros
- Excellent value for a modern, versatile synthesizer.
- Improved keybed offers a more playable, responsive experience.
- The dual engine allows for surprisingly complex sound design.
Cons
- Mini keys are cramped; not ideal for fast, complex playing.
- Limited polyphony can be restrictive in dense arrangements.
-
Arturia MiniFreak Vocoder 37-Key 6-Voice Polyphonic Hybrid Synthesizer
MiniFreak Vocoder · Arturia
24 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight3.28 kg
The MiniFreak Vocoder is a seriously quirky and fun synth. It's perfect for experimental musicians, vocal processing enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to inject some unique textures into their productions – the vocoder is genuinely impressive. Don’t expect a traditional keyboard experience, but be prepared to be surprised by its sonic capabilities.
Pros
- Unique vocoder engine offers surprisingly musical and creative results.
- Slim keys are surprisingly playable with decent aftertouch responsiveness.
- The dual-engine architecture delivers an impressively wide sonic palette.
Cons
- The limited key range (37 keys) restricts playing complex chords/melodies.
- Vocoder workflow can be initially complex, requiring a learning curve.
65AudioFu
Index↓ 16.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$612 · Aug 17$514 now$514€462 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Arturia MiniFreak 37-Key 6-Voice Polyphonic Hybrid Synthesizer
MiniFreak · Arturia
52 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight2.94 kg
The MiniFreak is a seriously playful and innovative synth. Its dual digital engines and analog filter create a surprisingly wide palette of sounds, and the modulation matrix allows for some truly wild sonic experimentation. It's a fantastic choice for experimental musicians, sound designers, and anyone wanting a unique and expressive voice – just be prepared for a slightly different keyboard feel.
Pros
- Unique oscillator modes offer startlingly diverse sonic textures.
- The modulation matrix is deep and surprisingly intuitive to program.
- Compact size and slim keys make it highly portable and playable.
Cons
- Slim keys take getting used to; not ideal for fast, complex playing.
- Limited polyphony can be restrictive for lush, layered sounds.
All 109 general synthesizers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Novation MiniNova 37-Key 18-Voice SynthesizerMiniNova · Novation62Stable$446€399$446€399Check ↗
- 12
Korg MS-20 Mini Semi-Modular Analog SynthesizerMS-20 mini · Korg62Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 13
Korg Modwave mkii 37-Key Wavetable SynthesizerModwave MKII · Korg62↓ 2.6%$638€571$638€571Check ↗
- 14
Roland Gaia 2 37-Key 22-Voice SynthesizerGAIA 2 · Roland62Stable$781€699$781€699Check ↗
- 15
Arturia AstroLab 37-Key Stage KeyboardAstroLab 37 · Arturia61↓ 1.5%$714€639$714€639Check ↗
- 16
Korg Volca Beats Analogue Rhythm MachineVolca Bass · Korg60Stable$147€132$147€132Check ↗
- 17
Moog ThereminiMoog58Stable$428€383$428€383Check ↗
- 18
Korg Wavestate MkII 37-Key Wave Sequencing SynthesizerWavestate MkII · Korg58Stable$633€567$633€567Check ↗
- 19
Korg Volca Kick Analog Bass / Kick GeneratorVolca Kick · Korg57Stable$160€143$160€143Check ↗
- 20
Roland J-6 AIRA Compact Chord SynthesizerAIRA Compact J-6 Chord Synth · Roland56Stable$210€188$210€188Check ↗
- 21
Roland S-1 AIRA Compact Tweak SynthesizerAIRA Compact S-1 Tweak Synth · Roland55Stable$207€185$207€185Check ↗
- 22
Novation Bass Station II 25-Key Monophonic SynthesizerBass Station II · Novation55↑ 10.0%$490€439$490€439Check ↗
- 23
Korg Opsix mkii 37-Key Altered FM Synthesizeropsix MKII · Korg55Stable$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 24
Behringer DeepMind 12 Polyphonic Analog SynthDeepMind 12 · Behringer55Stable$703€629$703€629Check ↗
- 25
Behringer DeepMind 6 37-Key 6-Voice Polyphonic Analog SynthDeepMind 6 · Behringer54↓ 3.8%$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 26
ASM Hydrasynth ExplorerASM54Stable$654€585$654€585Check ↗
- 27
Behringer OdysseyBehringer53Stable$518€464$518€464Check ↗
- 28
Modal Electronics Argon8X 8 Voice 61-Key Wavetable SynthesizerArgon8 · Modal53↓ 7.7%$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 29
Korg Volca Nubass Vacuum Tube SynthesizerVolca Nubass · Korg52Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 30
Korg Volca Modular Micro Modular SynthesizerVolca Modular · Korg52Stable$170€152$170€152Check ↗
- 31
Korg Volca FM2 Digital FM Synthesizer/SequencerVolca FM2 · Korg52Stable$172€154$172€154Check ↗
- 32
Korg MicroKORG Crystal 37-Key Synthesizer/VocodermicroKORG Crystal · Korg51Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 33
Behringer Vocoder VC340Behringer51Stable$435€389$435€389Check ↗
- 34
Soma Laboratory Lyra-4 Organismic SynthesizerLyra-4 White · SOMA · 2 finishes51Stable$497€445$497€445Check ↗
- 35
Teenage Engineering PO-20 Pocket Operator ArcadePO-20 arcade · Teenage Engineering50Stable$104€93$104€93Check ↗
- 36
Modal Electronics Cobalt8M Desktop Virtual Analog SynthesizerCobalt8 · Modal · 2 finishes50Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 37
Korg Monotron Delay Ribbon SynthesizerMonotron Delay · Korg49Stable$50€45$50€45Check ↗
- 38
Teenage Engineering PO-12 Pocket Operator RhythmPO-12 rhythm · Teenage Engineering49Stable$55€49$55€49Check ↗
- 39
Korg Monotron Duo Ribbon SynthesizerMonotron Duo · Korg48Stable$48€43$48€43Check ↗
- 40
Behringer Pro VS Mini 4-Voice Hybrid Vector SynthesizerJT Mini · Behringer48Stable$95€85$95€85Check ↗
- 41
Behringer Pro VS Mini 4-Voice Hybrid Vector SynthesizerD Mini · Behringer48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 42
Behringer Pro VS Mini 4-Voice Hybrid Vector SynthesizerUB-Xa Mini · Behringer48Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 43
Behringer MS-1 MKII GreyBehringer47Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 44
Behringer MonoPoly 37-Key Polyphonic SynthesizerMonoPoly · Behringer47Stable$435€389$435€389Check ↗
- 45
Behringer Wave 8-Voice 49-Key Hybrid SynthesizerWave · Behringer47Stable$580€519$580€519Check ↗
- 46
Behringer PolyeightBehringer47Stable$580€519$580€519Check ↗
- 47
Korg RK-100S 2 BlackKorg · 2 finishes47Stable$773€692$773€692Check ↗
- 48
Korg Volca Keys Analog Loop SynthVolca Keys · Korg46Stable$151€135$151€135Check ↗
- 49
Midiplus X8 MaxMidiplus45↓ 8.6%$591€529$591€529Check ↗
- 50
Teenage Engineering PO-16 Pocket Operator FactoryPO-16 factory · Teenage Engineering44↑ 1.4%$83€74$83€74Check ↗
General Synthesizers by the numbers
Measured across all 122 models we track, not a sample.
Median $422 — half of all general synthesizers here cost less.
median of 69 models · 0.79 kg–8.26 kg
most common · 8 models
median of 7 models · 25–61
How to choose the best general synthesizers
Sound Engine
It's not always about analog. Virtual analog, wavetable, FM - it's about the character of the sound. A gritty FM synth can be more inspiring than a sterile-sounding virtual analog.
Polyphony
Four voices is a huge limitation. While you can get by, being able to layer pads and basslines without constant voice stealing is a game-changer for recording and more complex arrangements.
Keyboard Action/Build Quality
A cheap plastic keyboard with poor action can kill your playing feel. It's hard to get nuanced articulation if the keys feel like they're glued on.
Modulation Options
LFOs, envelopes, modulation matrix - these are your creative tools. The more flexible the modulation, the more sounds you can coax out of the engine.
Connectivity
MIDI in/out, audio ins/outs, USB - think about how this synth will fit into your existing setup. Limited connectivity can be a serious bottleneck.
Buying guide
So, you want a synth that doesn't require selling a kidney? I get it. The vintage analog lust is real, but those prices are insane. Thankfully, there's a surprisingly good crop of synths under $800 that can deliver usable sounds for gigging, recording, or just messing around - you just gotta know what to look for and what compromises you're making.
At this price point, expect compromises. You're unlikely to get a full-sized, weighted keybed or a massive modulation matrix. Look for synths with a clear sonic identity - what are they good at?
Don't chase the 'jack of all trades' dream; find something that excels in a specific area, like gritty leads or warm pads. And seriously, consider used-you can often snag a higher-end model for the same price.
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 122 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
Is a digital synth really as good as an analog one?
'Good' is subjective. Digital synths can nail classic analog sounds, and offer features analog synths can't touch. It's about the sound you want, not the label.
What does 'voice stealing' mean?
It happens when your synth runs out of voices. If you're layering sounds and play a chord, the synth might cut off the oldest notes to make room for the new ones. Annoying, especially live.
Can I use these synths with a DAW?
Absolutely! Most have USB MIDI connectivity, allowing you to control them from your DAW and record audio. Some even offer VST/AU plugin versions.
I'm a beginner - which one should I start with?
Something with a straightforward interface and plenty of presets is your friend. Don't get overwhelmed by complexity - focus on learning the basics first.
What about build quality? I don't want something that falls apart after a year.
Plastic cases are common at this price, but look for solid key action and well-built knobs and switches. Read reviews carefully - other players will have already identified any major quality control issues.
