Best Master Keyboards (up to 25 Keys) Under $800 2026

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• Weight1.26 kg

You get a compact 25-key controller with a built-in audio interface, eight pads, four rotary encoders and two touch strips. It suits you if you want to make music on a computer, or on a compatible iPhone or iPad, in a small setup. Keep in mind you will need your own laptop or tablet, as those are not included.

• 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.

• Weight1 kg

You get a small controller with 25 keys that respond to how hard you press, plus 8 drum pads and 8 knobs. It plugs into your computer over USB and includes Bitwig 8-Track software, so it suits you if you want to make beats or sketch songs on a laptop. Because the keys are mini-size, it fits best in tight spaces and on the go rather than for full-size piano playing.