AudioFu Chart · October 2026

Best General Synthesizers Under $800 2026

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

The top pick is Arturia MicroFreak 25-Key Algorithmic Synthesizer ($316). Korg Volca Beats Analogue Rhythm Machine gives you the most for the money at $148. Korg KROSS 2 61 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 105 models across 20 brands, prices checked every night.

Last updated: October 11, 2026

105models in this chart

20brands

$415median price

48price drops since Aug

Narrow the chart

All General Synthesizers Showing: Under $800 · clear

Price

Skill level

Brand

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
74 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
75AudioFu
Index
- Demand99
- Lineup39
- Price67
- Specs67
- Maker76
↓ 5.7%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$335 · Aug 14$316 now

$316€282 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Korg Monologue Monophonic Analog Synthesizer
Monologue Silver · Korg
55 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.
74AudioFu
Index
- Demand92
- Lineup77
- Price80
- Specs0
- Maker100
↓ 10.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$335 · Aug 14$301 now

$301€269 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Korg MicroKORG 2 37-Key Synthesizer / Vocoder
microKORG 2 · Korg
45 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.
73AudioFu
Index
- Demand88
- Lineup39
- Price100
- Specs33
- Maker100
↓ 21.1%since Aug 14
$638 · Aug 14$503 now

$503€449 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Yamaha Reface DX
Reface CP · Yamaha
35 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Weight1.9 kg
The Reface CP is a clever little package, nailing the vibe of classic electric pianos with Yamaha’s SCM modeling. It's ideal for gigging musicians needing a lightweight, portable piano voice, or for home practice where space is at a premium. It's a fun, accessible entry point into the world of vintage electric piano sounds.
Pros
- SCM engine delivers surprisingly authentic vintage piano tones
- Compact size and lightweight design enable excellent portability
- Built-in speakers are surprisingly decent for practice sessions
Cons
- Mini-keys lack the feel of a full-sized piano action
- Limited preset selection restricts creative exploration
72AudioFu
Index
- Demand82
- Lineup90
- Price53
- Specs33
- Maker81
↓ 1.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$428 · Aug 14$424 now

$424€378 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Korg MicroKORG 2 37-Key Synthesizer / Vocoder
microKORG S · Korg
45 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight2.5 kg
The microKORG S is a seriously fun, affordable entry point into synthesis. It's a great grab-and-go option for electronic music producers, or anyone wanting to experiment with vocoding and quirky sounds. Don't expect studio-grade depth, but it's a fantastic creative tool for the price.
Pros
- Excellent value for a compact, feature-rich synthesizer
- Vocoder functionality is surprisingly usable and creative
- The slim keys are surprisingly playable, especially for beginners
Cons
- Limited polyphony restricts complex, layered sounds
- The 37-key layout can feel cramped for complex playing
71AudioFu
Index
- Demand88
- Lineup61
- Price56
- Specs33
- Maker100
↓ 2.1%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$524 · Aug 14$513 now

$513€458 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Korg Minilogue XD Polyphonic Analogue Synthesizer
Minilogue · Korg
41 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.
69AudioFu
Index
- Demand86
- Lineup61
- Price50
- Specs33
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$532 now

$532€475 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Korg Modwave mkii 37-Key Wavetable Synthesizer
Modwave MKII · Korg
26 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight2.9 kg
The Modwave MKII is a seriously fun and capable synth. It’s perfect for sound designers, electronic musicians, or anyone wanting a fresh take on wavetable synthesis with intuitive performance options. The Motion Sequencing and KAOSS Physics really set it apart – it's a joy to experiment with.
Pros
- Excellent wavetable engine delivers uniquely evolving textures.
- KAOSS Physics offers truly novel, expressive performance control.
- Motion Sequencing 2.0 enables intricate, evolving soundscapes easily.
Cons
- 37-key layout limits playing versatility for some users.
- Modulation matrix, while powerful, has a learning curve.
68AudioFu
Index
- Demand76
- Lineup39
- Price98
- Specs33
- Maker100
↓ 16.2%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$763 · Aug 14$640 now

$640€571 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Korg KROSS 2 61 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation
Kross 2-61 · Korg
33 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
Index
- Demand81
- Lineup39
- Price50
- Specs67
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$746 now

$746€666 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Arturia MiniFreak 37-Key 6-Voice Polyphonic Hybrid Synthesizer
MiniFreak · Arturia
48 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.
64AudioFu
Index
- Demand89
- Lineup39
- Price52
- Specs33
- Maker76
↓ 0.7%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$615 · Aug 14$611 now

$611€545 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Korg Volca Beats Analogue Rhythm Machine
Volca Bass · Korg
44 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The Volca Bass is a seriously fun little bass machine. It's perfect for electronic musicians, beatmakers, or anyone wanting a portable, analog bass sound without a massive investment. It’s surprisingly capable for its size and price point, though don’t expect a full-featured studio workstation.
Pros
- Analog oscillators deliver warm, punchy bass tones.
- Compact size makes it incredibly portable for music creation.
- Step sequencer and Active Step provide rhythmic experimentation.
Cons
- Limited polyphony restricts complex layering possibilities.
- Miniature controls can be fiddly for larger hands.
63AudioFu
Index
- Demand87
- Lineup39
- Price71
- Specs0
- Maker100
↓ 7.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$159 · Aug 14$148 now

$148€132 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗

All 105 general synthesizers

Sort

Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.

11
Korg MS-20 Mini Semi-Modular Analog SynthesizerMS-20 mini · Korg

Index 62↓ 1.1%
62
↓ 1.1%$615€549
$615€549Check ↗
12
Moog ThereminiMoog

Index 61↓ 7.3%
61
↓ 7.3%$429€383
$429€383Check ↗
13
Moog Mavis Monophonic Analog Synthesizer VoiceMavis · Moog

Index 60Stable
60
Stable$303€270
$303€270Check ↗
14
Novation MiniNova 37-Key 18-Voice SynthesizerMiniNova · Novation

Index 60↑ 5.3%
60
↑ 5.3%$447€399
$447€399Check ↗
15
Korg Volca Kick Analog Bass / Kick GeneratorVolca Kick · Korg

Index 59↓ 4.0%
59
↓ 4.0%$160€143
$160€143Check ↗
16
Korg Wavestate MkII 37-Key Wave Sequencing SynthesizerWavestate MkII · Korg

Index 59↓ 5.3%
59
↓ 5.3%$635€567
$635€567Check ↗
17
Korg Opsix mkii 37-Key Altered FM Synthesizeropsix MKII · Korg

Index 58↓ 6.7%
58
↓ 6.7%$622€555
$622€555Check ↗
18
Behringer Pro VS Mini 4-Voice Hybrid Vector SynthesizerJT Mini · Behringer

Index 57↓ 22.0%
57
↓ 22.0%$95€85
$95€85Check ↗
19
Behringer Vocoder VC340Behringer

Index 56↓ 4.9%
56
↓ 4.9%$436€389
$436€389Check ↗
20
Behringer MonoPoly 37-Key Polyphonic SynthesizerMonoPoly · Behringer

Index 56↓ 10.6%
56
↓ 10.6%$436€389
$436€389Check ↗
21
ASM Hydrasynth ExplorerASM

Index 56↓ 4.3%
56
↓ 4.3%$656€585
$656€585Check ↗
22
Novation Bass Station II 25-Key Monophonic SynthesizerBass Station II · Novation

Index 55↑ 10.0%
55
↑ 10.0%$492€439
$492€439Check ↗
23
Modal Electronics Argon8X 8 Voice 61-Key Wavetable SynthesizerArgon8 · Modal

Index 55↓ 11.3%
55
↓ 11.3%$695€620
$695€620Check ↗
24
Behringer DeepMind 12 Polyphonic Analog SynthDeepMind 12 · Behringer

Index 55Stable
55
Stable$705€629
$705€629Check ↗
25
Behringer OdysseyBehringer

Index 54Stable
54
Stable$520€464
$520€464Check ↗
26
Behringer DeepMind 6 37-Key 6-Voice Polyphonic Analog SynthDeepMind 6 · Behringer

Index 53Stable
53
Stable$558€498
$558€498Check ↗
27
Behringer Wave 8-Voice 49-Key Hybrid SynthesizerWave · Behringer

Index 53↓ 13.4%
53
↓ 13.4%$582€519
$582€519Check ↗
28
Roland Gaia 2 37-Key 22-Voice SynthesizerGAIA 2 · Roland

Index 53↑ 16.9%
53
↑ 16.9%$783€699
$783€699Check ↗
29
Korg Monotron Delay Ribbon SynthesizerMonotron Delay · Korg

Index 52↓ 6.3%
52
↓ 6.3%$50€45
$50€45Check ↗
30
Korg Volca FM2 Digital FM Synthesizer/SequencerVolca FM2 · Korg

Index 52↓ 1.9%
52
↓ 1.9%$173€154
$173€154Check ↗
31
Behringer MS-5 37-Key 2-Voice SynthesizerMS-5 · Behringer

Index 52↓ 13.2%
52
↓ 13.2%$415€370
$415€370Check ↗
32
Moog MessengerMoog

Index 52↓ 30.3%
52
↓ 30.3%$624€557
$624€557Check ↗
33
Modal Electronics Cobalt8M Desktop Virtual Analog SynthesizerCobalt8 · Modal · 2 finishes

Index 52↓ 4.4%
52
↓ 4.4%$727€649
$727€649Check ↗
34
Korg Volca Nubass Vacuum Tube SynthesizerVolca Nubass · Korg

Index 51Stable
51
Stable$167€149
$167€149Check ↗
35
Korg Volca Modular Micro Modular SynthesizerVolca Modular · Korg

Index 51Stable
51
Stable$170€152
$170€152Check ↗
36
Roland S-1 AIRA Compact Tweak SynthesizerAIRA Compact S-1 Tweak Synth · Roland

Index 51↑ 6.3%
51
↑ 6.3%$207€185
$207€185Check ↗
37
Behringer MS-1 MKII GreyBehringer

Index 51↓ 10.8%
51
↓ 10.8%$279€249
$279€249Check ↗
38
Teenage Engineering PO-20 Pocket Operator ArcadePO-20 arcade · Teenage Engineering

Index 50Stable
50
Stable$104€93
$104€93Check ↗
39
Roland J-6 AIRA Compact Chord SynthesizerAIRA Compact J-6 Chord Synth · Roland

Index 49↑ 13.3%
49
↑ 13.3%$211€188
$211€188Check ↗
40
Soma Laboratory Lyra-4 Organismic SynthesizerLyra-4 White · SOMA · 2 finishes

Index 49↑ 11.5%
49
↑ 11.5%$499€445
$499€445Check ↗
41
Korg Monotron Duo Ribbon SynthesizerMonotron Duo · Korg

Index 48Stable
48
Stable$48€43
$48€43Check ↗
42
Teenage Engineering PO-12 Pocket Operator RhythmPO-12 rhythm · Teenage Engineering

Index 47Stable
47
Stable$55€49
$55€49Check ↗
43
Arturia MiniFreak VocoderArturia

Index 47↓ 22.9%
47
↓ 22.9%$518€462
$518€462Check ↗
44
Korg RK-100S 2 BlackKorg · 2 finishes

Index 47↓ 1.0%
47
↓ 1.0%$775€692
$775€692Check ↗
45
Korg Volca Keys Analog Loop SynthVolca Keys · Korg

Index 46Stable
46
Stable$151€135
$151€135Check ↗
46
Sonicware Liven Lofi-12 27-Key Sampling GrooveboxLIVEN Lofi-12 · Sonicware

Index 46↓ 10.8%
46
↓ 10.8%$279€249
$279€249Check ↗
47
Behringer Poly D 4-Voice Polyphonic SynthesizerPoly D · Behringer

Index 46↓ 12.2%
46
↓ 12.2%$559€499
$559€499Check ↗
48
Sonicware Liven Texture Lab 27-Key Sampling GrooveboxLIVEN XFM · Sonicware

Index 45↑ 7.4%
45
↑ 7.4%$324€289
$324€289Check ↗
49
Arturia MicroFreak 25-Key Algorithmic SynthesizerMicroFreak Bag Bundle · Arturia

Index 45↓ 5.2%
45
↓ 5.2%$346€309
$346€309Check ↗
50
Arturia MiniBrute 2 NoirArturia

Index 45↓ 12.3%
45
↓ 12.3%$481€429
$481€429Check ↗
51
Midiplus X8 MaxMidiplus

Index 45↓ 8.6%
45
↓ 8.6%$593€529
$593€529Check ↗
52
Novation Bass Station II Swifty EditionNovation

Index 44↓ 14.3%
44
↓ 14.3%$470€419
$470€419Check ↗
53
Teenage Engineering PO-16 Pocket Operator FactoryPO-16 factory · Teenage Engineering

Index 43↑ 1.4%
43
↑ 1.4%$83€74
$83€74Check ↗
54
Sonicware Liven Bass & Beats 27-Key Wavetable Bass Synthesizer and…LIVEN Bass & Beats · Sonicware

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$301€269
$301€269Check ↗
55
Sonicware Liven Texture Lab 27-Key Sampling GrooveboxLIVEN Texture Lab · Sonicware

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$313€279
$313€279Check ↗
56
Roland JD-XiRoland

Index 43↓ 5.5%
43
↓ 5.5%$634€566
$634€566Check ↗
57
Modal Element OneModal

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$716€639
$716€639Check ↗
58
Yamaha MX61 V2 61-Key Digital SynthesizerMX61 V2 Black · Yamaha

Index 43↓ 7.1%
43
↓ 7.1%$727€649
$727€649Check ↗
59
Sonicware ELZ_1 playSonicware · 2 finishes

Index 43Stable
43
Stable$783€699
$783€699Check ↗
60
Behringer Pro-VS MiniBehringer

Index 42↓ 1.1%
42
↓ 1.1%$99€88
$99€88Check ↗
61
Korg Monologue Monophonic Analog SynthesizerMonologue Silver Case Set · Korg

Index 42↓ 7.4%
42
↓ 7.4%$352€314
$352€314Check ↗
62
Sonicware Liven 8bit Warps 27-Key Synthesizer GrooveboxLIVEN 8bit warps · Sonicware

Index 41Stable
41
Stable$301€269
$301€269Check ↗
63
Korg Monologue Monophonic Analog SynthesizerMonologue Blue Case Set · Korg

Index 41↓ 2.8%
41
↓ 2.8%$347€310
$347€310Check ↗
64
Korg Monologue Monophonic Analog SynthesizerMonologue BK Case Set · Korg

Index 41↓ 1.2%
41
↓ 1.2%$369€329
$369€329Check ↗
65
Midiplus X4 MaxMidiplus

Index 41Stable
41
Stable$481€429
$481€429Check ↗
66
Midiplus X6 MaxMidiplus

Index 41Stable
41
Stable$559€499
$559€499Check ↗
67
Arturia AstroLab 37Arturia

Index 41↓ 1.5%
41
↓ 1.5%$716€639
$716€639Check ↗
68
LOVE Synthesizers First Love PinkLOVE Synthesizers · 2 finishes

Index 40Stable
40
Stable$667€595
$667€595Check ↗
69
Stylophone ThereminStylophone

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$145€129
$145€129Check ↗
70
Korg MicroKORG 2 37-Key Synthesizer/VocoderMicrokorg Case Bundle · Korg

Index 39Stable
39
Stable$626€559
$626€559Check ↗
71
Stylophone Mini BKStylophone · 2 finishes

Index 38Stable
38
Stable$28€25
$28€25Check ↗
72
Stylophone S-1 AnalogStylophone · 2 finishes

Index 38Stable
38
Stable$38€34
$38€34Check ↗
73
Korg Volca Beats Analogue Rhythm MachineVolca Bass Bundle · Korg

Index 38↓ 5.7%
38
↓ 5.7%$186€166
$186€166Check ↗
74
PWM Malevolent 32-Key Semi-Modular Analog SynthesizerMalevolent · PWM

Index 38↓ 4.4%
38
↓ 4.4%$492€439
$492€439Check ↗
75
Behringer JT-4000M MicroBehringer

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$55€49
$55€49Check ↗
76
Behringer UB-1 MicroBehringer

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$66€59
$66€59Check ↗
77
Widara Distant Voices ThereminWidara

Index 37↓ 34.3%
37
↓ 34.3%$73€65
$73€65Check ↗
78
Behringer CZ-1 MiniBehringer

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$100€89
$100€89Check ↗
79
Behringer D MiniBehringer

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
80
Behringer UB-Xa MiniBehringer

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
81
Behringer AKS MiniBehringer

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$133€119
$133€119Check ↗
82
Soma Laboratory Ether Anti Radio V2Ether V2 · SOMA

Index 37↑ 1.5%
37
↑ 1.5%$151€135
$151€135Check ↗
83
Sonicware LIVEN Ambient ØSonicware

Index 37↑ 3.6%
37
↑ 3.6%$324€289
$324€289Check ↗
84
ESI XSynthESI

Index 37↓ 18.1%
37
↓ 18.1%$335€299
$335€299Check ↗
85
Novation MiniNova 37-Key 18-Voice SynthesizerMiniNova Case Set · Novation

Index 36↑ 3.8%
36
↑ 3.8%$615€549
$615€549Check ↗
86
SOMA Quantum OceanSOMA

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$300€268
$300€268Check ↗
87
Behringer JN-80 49-Key 8-Voice Polyphonic Analog SynthesizerJN-80 · Behringer · 2 finishes

Index 35Stable
35
Stable$626€559
$626€559Check ↗
88
Stylophone BowieStylophone

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$44€39
$44€39Check ↗
89
Stylophone StylosetteStylophone

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$44€39
$44€39Check ↗
90
Stylophone Gen-X2Stylophone

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$89€79
$89€79Check ↗
91
Novation Bass Station II 25-Key Monophonic SynthesizerBass Station II Bag Bundle · Novation

Index 33↑ 9.8%
33
↑ 9.8%$503€449
$503€449Check ↗
92
Behringer OdysseyOdyssey Bag Bundle · Behringer

Index 33Stable
33
Stable$570€509
$570€509Check ↗
93
Sonicware LIVEN EvokeSonicware

Index 32↑ 3.6%
32
↑ 3.6%$324€289
$324€289Check ↗
94
Behringer Wave 8-Voice 49-Key Hybrid SynthesizerWave Case Bundle · Behringer

Index 31↓ 10.1%
31
↓ 10.1%$774€691
$774€691Check ↗
95
Behringer Poly D 4-Voice Polyphonic SynthesizerPoly D Bag Bundle · Behringer

Index 30↓ 10.0%
30
↓ 10.0%$604€539
$604€539Check ↗
96
Instruo Pocket ScionInstruo

Index 29Stable
29
Stable$162€145
$162€145Check ↗
97
SOMA Rumble of Ancient TimesSOMA

Index 29↑ 13.4%
29
↑ 13.4%$189€169
$189€169Check ↗
98
Korg Volca Keys Analog Loop SynthVolca Keys Bundle · Korg

Index 28Stable
28
Stable$189€169
$189€169Check ↗
99
AKAI Professional MPK mini Play MK3 Bag BundleAKAI Professional · 2 finishes

Index 26↓ 3.6%
26
↓ 3.6%$149€133
$149€133Check ↗
100
Behringer DeepMind 12 Bag/Stand BundleBehringer

Index 25Stable
25
Stable$777€693
$777€693Check ↗
101
Yamaha Reface DX Decksaver SetYamaha

Index 24Stable
24
Stable$431€385
$431€385Check ↗
102
Yamaha Reface YC Decksaver SetYamaha

Index 24Stable
24
Stable$444€396
$444€396Check ↗
103
Yamaha Reface CP Decksaver SetYamaha

Index 24Stable
24
Stable$453€404
$453€404Check ↗
104
Yamaha Reface CS Decksaver SetYamaha

Index 24↑ 1.2%
24
↑ 1.2%$464€414
$464€414Check ↗
105
Stylophone Bowie Case BundleStylophone

Index 20Stable
20
Stable$53€47
$53€47Check ↗

General Synthesizers by the numbers

Measured across all 118 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $415 — half of all general synthesizers here cost less.

<$50$50–150$150–300$300–500$500+

Keys27

median of 7 models · 25–61

Weight2.6 kg

median of 65 models · 0.79 kg–8.26 kg

Key actionsemi-weighted, weighted

most common · 7 models

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 118 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.