Best MIDI Interfaces Under $50 2025

Affordable midi interfaces under $50 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

Thomann Midi USB 1x1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Thomann Midi USB 1x1

Hardware Synth Control Legacy MIDI Gear MIDI Routing
Key Feature:
• Reliable MIDI timing
✓ PROS
  • • Professional MIDI routing
  • • Reliable MIDI timing
✗ CONS
  • • Limited modern relevance
  • • USB MIDI often sufficient

Thomann Midi USB 1x1, MIDI interface, 1x MIDI-In 1x MIDI-Out, Compatible with Windows 7/8.1/10 (USB 2 and 3) as well as...

4.6/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Miditech MIDIface II Thru - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Miditech MIDIface II Thru

MIDI Recording Legacy MIDI Gear Hardware Synth Control
Key Feature:
• Dedicated MIDI connectivity
✓ PROS
  • • Hardware synth integration
  • • Dedicated MIDI connectivity
✗ CONS
  • • Additional hardware complexity
  • • Limited modern relevance

Miditech MIDIface II ThruUSB MIDI Interface1x MIDI In1x MIDI Out1x MIDI ThruPowered by USB busNo driver needed (class...

4.5/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
8/10
CME U2 MIDI Pro - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

CME U2 MIDI Pro

Hardware Synth Control MIDI Recording MIDI Routing
Key Feature:
• Hardware synth integration
✓ PROS
  • • Dedicated MIDI connectivity
  • • Professional MIDI routing
✗ CONS
  • • Limited modern relevance
  • • Additional hardware complexity

CME U2 MIDI ProMIDI Interface and Router/FilterMerge and filter out any MIDI commands via the free UxMIDI Tools...

4.4/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Miditech Midilink mini - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Miditech Midilink mini

MIDI Recording MIDI Routing Legacy MIDI Gear
Key Feature:
• Reliable MIDI timing
✓ PROS
  • • Professional MIDI routing
  • • Multiple MIDI ports
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive for limited functionality
  • • USB MIDI often sufficient

Miditech Midilink miniMIDI / USB cable Interface1x MIDI IN1x MIDI OUTIndicatorUSB class compliant for Windows and Mac...

4.5/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
8/10
Swissonic MidiConnect 2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Swissonic MidiConnect 2

Hardware Synth Control MIDI Recording MIDI Routing
Key Feature:
• Professional MIDI routing
✓ PROS
  • • Professional MIDI routing
  • • Hardware synth integration
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive for limited functionality
  • • Additional hardware complexity

Swissonic MidiConnect 2USB-MIDI InterfaceWith automatic input/output detection2 MIDI connectors that can each function...

4.8/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
ESI MidiMate eX - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

ESI MidiMate eX

Hardware Synth Control Legacy MIDI Gear MIDI Routing
Key Feature:
• Professional MIDI routing
✓ PROS
  • • Multiple MIDI ports
  • • Reliable MIDI timing
✗ CONS
  • • MIDI technology is aging
  • • Additional hardware complexity

ESI MidiMate eXUSB-MIDI InterfaceWith automatic input/output detection2 MIDI plugseach of which can operate as an...

4.7/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
CME C2MIDI Pro - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

CME C2MIDI Pro

MIDI Recording Hardware Synth Control MIDI Routing
Key Feature:
• Dedicated MIDI connectivity
✓ PROS
  • • Hardware synth integration
  • • Multiple MIDI ports
✗ CONS
  • • MIDI technology is aging
  • • Additional hardware complexity

CME C2MIDI ProUSB C MIDI InterfaceUSB C MIDI cable and standalone MIDI filterMapper and RouterOne MIDI In and one MIDI...

4.4/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10

How to Choose the Best MIDI Interfaces

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 midi interfaces 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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