AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Master Keyboards (up to 25 Keys) Under $100 2026
The top pick is Korg nanoKEY Fold 25-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller ($89). Korg NanoKEY 2 Slimline USB MIDI Keyboard Controller gives you the most for the money at $59. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 15 models across 8 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 11, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Korg nanoKEY Fold 25-Key MIDI Keyboard Controller
nanoKEY Fold Black · Korg
51 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
If you want a keyboard you can fold up and toss in a bag, this one is worth a look. It has 25 keys, 15 scales with LED marking of the notes in each scale, an arpeggiator and chord mode, so you get a lot of ideas in a small space. It suits songwriters and anyone working on a computer, smartphone or tablet who wants something small and quick to set up.
Pros
- Folds down to 147 x 73 x 17 mm, easy to slip into a bag
- 25 membrane keys with 13 selectable velocity values
- 15 Scenes let you save different assignments for quick recall
Cons
- Needs a USB-C connection or USB power supply to run
81AudioFu
Index↓ 20.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$111 · Aug 17$89 now$89€79 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Korg NanoKEY 2 Slimline USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
nanoKEY 2 white · Korg
37 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Keys25 keys
If you want a small keyboard to play software instruments on your computer or iPad, this one could suit you. It has 25 keys that respond to how hard you press, plus buttons for pitch, octave, modulation and sustain. At 244 g and powered over USB, it is easy to carry, but for iPad use you will need to buy the Apple Camera Connection Kit separately.
Pros
- 25 velocity-sensitive keys with four selectable velocity curves
- Pitch Up/Down buttons let you bend notes as you play
- Octave shift button covers a range of -4 to +4 octaves
Cons
- Needs the Apple Camera Connection Kit, not included, for iPad use
- KORG does not guarantee iPad compatibility and problems may occur after Apple OS updates
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Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 2018
Komplete Kontrol A25 · Native Instruments
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight2.4 kg
- Keys25 keys
- Key actionSemi-weighted keys
This keyboard suits you if you make beats or songs on a computer and want a compact, hands-on controller. The 25 semi-weighted keys, pitch and mod wheels, and eight rotary controls give you plenty to play with. It runs on USB power and comes with Komplete 15 Select and Ableton Live Lite, so you can start making music right away.
Pros
- Semi-weighted keyboard with 25 keys gives you a more piano-like touch
- OLED display, eight touch-sensitive rotary controls, and a 4D push encoder for hands-on control
- Pitch and Mod wheels built in for expressive playing
Cons
- Only 25 keys, so the range is limited for players who need a full keyboard
- Needs a computer with a supported music program to make sound
64AudioFu
Index↓ 25.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$89 · Aug 17$66 now$66€59 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight0.65 kg
If you want a small keyboard to carry around or to use in a tight space, this one could suit you. It has 25 mini keys, a joystick for pitch bend and modulation, and an arpeggiator that plays patterns for you. It is USB bus powered and comes with the M1LE software synth, so you can start making sounds on your computer right away.
Pros
- 25 mini keys with natural touch for compact playing
- Includes Korg M1LE software synthesizer
- Arpeggiator built in for quick patterns
Cons
- Mini keys are smaller than standard keys, which takes getting used to
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If you want a small keyboard to play with your laptop, this one is worth a look. It has 25 velocity sensitive mini keys, so harder playing gives you louder notes, and an arpeggiator that plays notes in steps for you. It needs no driver to install and gets its power from the USB cable, so it suits you if you make music on the go.
Pros
- 25 velocity sensitive mini keys respond to how hard you play
- Arpeggiator with 7 play modes, 8 bar measures and adjustable swing
- Plug and play with no driver installation needed
Cons
- Mini keys are smaller than full-size piano keys
- Only 8 programmes can be saved
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Korg microKEY Air 25-Key Bluetooth / USB MIDI Controller
microKEY Air 25 · Korg
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
If you want a small keyboard to use with your tablet, phone or computer, this one is worth a look. It connects by Bluetooth or USB and runs on 2x AA batteries, so you can take it along. It suits anyone who needs a compact 25-key controller on the go.
Pros
- Bluetooth lets you play wirelessly with iPad, iPhone, Mac or PC.
- Runs on 2x AA batteries or USB power, so it can go where a power outlet is not.
- Compact natural touch mini-keyboard with 25 keys in a small footprint.
Cons
- Wireless use needs Bluetooth 4.0 or higher on your Mac, iPad, iPhone or PC.
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- Weight1.5 kg
You get a small keyboard with 25 keys, eight light-up pads and plenty of knobs and sliders. It suits you if you make beats or play software instruments on a laptop and want a compact controller. The included software and NKS support let you start making music right away with no extra purchases.
Pros
- 25 velocity sensitive slim keys give you a compact playing surface for notes and chords
- Eight velocity and touch sensitive pads with RGB backlight for finger drumming and triggering sounds
- Eight assignable encoders and four sliders let you map controls to your software
Cons
- Sold without a case or bag, so you will need your own protection for travel
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Nektar Impact LX Mini 25-Key MIDI Controller
Impact GX Mini · Nektar
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight0.5 kg
You get a small 25-key controller that connects by USB and works with most computers without installing a driver. It has a joystick for pitch bend, two assignable modulation controls, and transport buttons for controlling your recording software. It suits you if you want a compact keyboard for a laptop or a small desk, and it comes with Bitwig 8-Track software to start with.
Pros
- 25 velocity sensitive mini keys respond to how hard you play
- Three velocity curves let you choose how the keys respond
- Joystick handles pitch bend and two assignable modulation controls
Cons
- Mini keys are small, so it may feel cramped for larger hands
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The MicroLab Mk3 is a surprisingly capable little controller. It's a fantastic entry point for beginners or a handy travel companion for experienced players needing a portable MIDI solution – just be mindful of the key count limiting its potential for more complex arrangements.
Pros
- Compact size ideal for travel and tight workspaces
- Velocity-sensitive keys offer surprisingly expressive playing feel
- Chord mode is genuinely useful for quick arrangement ideas
Cons
- 25 keys severely limits playing complex chords/voicings
- Plastic build feels a bit flimsy despite reasonable weight
49AudioFu
Index↓ 12.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$63 · Aug 17$55 now$55€49 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight0.4 kg
The Nektar SE25 is a shockingly cheap way to get your hands on a MIDI keyboard, especially with the included Bitwig software. It's a solid choice for bedroom producers, songwriters, or anyone just starting out who needs basic keyboard functionality on the go – just be prepared for those tiny keys!
Pros
- Remarkably affordable entry point into MIDI control
- Velocity presets offer immediate expressive range
- Compact size is ideal for travel and small spaces
Cons
- Mini keys are cramped; not suitable for complex playing
- Plastic build feels somewhat flimsy and less robust
All 15 master keyboards (up to 25 keys)
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
AKAI Professional MPK Mini IV GrayAKAI Professional47↓ 10.1%$100€89$100€89Check ↗
- 12
Miditech Garagekey Groove IIMiditech41Stable$77€69$77€69Check ↗
- 13
Miditech Midistart Music 25Miditech41Stable$83€74$83€74Check ↗
- 14
Swissonic MiniKey 25Swissonic38Stable$55€49$55€49Check ↗
- 15
Midiplus X2 miniMidiplus33Stable$100€89$100€89Check ↗
Master Keyboards (up to 25 Keys) by the numbers
Measured across all 18 models we track, not a sample.
Median $66 — half of all master keyboards (up to 25 keys) here cost less.
median of 10 models · 0.4 kg–2.3 kg
How to choose the best master keyboards (up to 25 keys)
Keybed Feel
Forget piano-action or even semi-weighted. Expect synth-action - light, consistent resistance. Some are better than others; a mushy keybed will kill your articulation. We're looking for something that doesn't feel completely plastic.
Build Quality
At this price, plastic is the name of the game. Look for decent weight - a lighter unit often means flimsier construction. Check reviews for reports of cracking or wobbly keys.
MIDI Connectivity
USB MIDI is a must. Some might offer sustain pedal input, which is a nice bonus, but don't expect anything fancy like MIDI DIN. Reliable latency-free performance is key.
Knobs & Controls
Don't expect motorized faders or tons of assignable knobs. A few basic knobs for filter cutoff, resonance, or amp envelope are a plus, but often absent. Focus on the core keyboard functionality.
Software Integration
Does it work seamlessly with your DAW? Check compatibility lists and user forums. A frustrating setup will negate any cost savings.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking for a master keyboard - a small controller to trigger sounds in your DAW or hardware synths - and you're on a serious budget. Under $100? It's a challenge, no doubt. We're not talking about luxurious keybeds or endless knobs, but you can find something useful that'll get the job done for practice, basic recording, or even triggering loops at a low-key gig. Let's break down what's realistic at this price point.
Realistically, you're trading off something. Keybed feel will be the most noticeable compromise - you're not getting a buttery-smooth action. Build quality will also be a concern; treat these like they're delicate.
If you can stretch your budget even a little, you'll see a noticeable improvement in keybed quality. Prioritize a reliable USB connection and good DAW compatibility over extra bells and whistles.
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 18 master keyboards (up to 25 keys) 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
Are the keys velocity-sensitive?
Most will offer some velocity response, but don't expect nuanced dynamics like a piano. The sensitivity range can be limited, and the feel can be inconsistent. It's enough for basic playing, but not for expressive performance.
Can I use it with a sustain pedal?
Some models have a 1/4" sustain pedal input, but you'll likely need to buy the pedal separately. Check the product description carefully - it's not a universal feature at this price.
Will it work with my iPad?
Almost certainly, as long as your iPad supports USB-MIDI via a camera adapter. Just make sure the keyboard is class-compliant (most are).
What's the difference between a master keyboard and a MIDI controller?
Essentially nothing! 'Master keyboard' is often used for smaller, 25-key controllers. They both do the same thing: send MIDI data to other devices.
Is it worth buying used?
Absolutely. You might find a slightly better model (better keybed, more controls) within your budget on the used market. Just check for physical damage and make sure the keys are responsive.
