Best Other Controllers 2026

Top-rated other controllers 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

Steven Slate Audio Raven Max Core Station - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Steven Slate Audio Raven Max Core Station

Specialty Applications Problem Solving Alternative Control
Key Feature:
• Custom workflow possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Unique setup capabilities
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Limited compatibility and support
  • • Specialized knowledge needed

Steven Slate Audio Raven Max Core Station*Bundle offer comprising*, Steven Slate Audio Raven Core Station*Production...

4.7/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Roger Linn Design LinnStrument - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Roger Linn Design LinnStrument

Custom Control Problem Solving Unique Workflows
Key Feature:
• Alternative interface options
✓ PROS
  • • Alternative interface options
  • • Creative control applications
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized knowledge needed
  • • Limited compatibility and support

Roger Linn Design LinnStrumentMulti-touch Performance Controller with USB / MIDI ConnectorIntegrated illuminated...

4.9/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Steven Slate Audio Raven MTi MAX - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Steven Slate Audio Raven MTi MAX

Problem Solving Creative Setup Custom Control
Key Feature:
• Alternative interface options
✓ PROS
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
  • • Alternative interface options
✗ CONS
  • • Limited documentation available
  • • Uncertain software integration

Steven Slate Audio Raven MTi MAXMulti-Touch DAW and Software Controller27" Touchscreen with dedicated Raven 4.0...

4.9/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Roger Linn Design LinnStrument 128 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Roger Linn Design LinnStrument 128

Unique Workflows Alternative Control Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Unique setup capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Alternative interface options
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized knowledge needed
  • • May require custom configuration

Roger Linn Design LinnStrument 128Multi-touch Performance Controller with USB/MIDI Connection128 Sensor pads: 16 X 84...

4.5/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Hornberg Research hb1 Midi Breath Station - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Hornberg Research hb1 Midi Breath Station

Unique Workflows Problem Solving Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Alternative interface options
✓ PROS
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
  • • Creative control applications
✗ CONS
  • • May require custom configuration
  • • Limited documentation available

Hornberg Research hb1 Midi Breath StationBreath ControllerBreath to MIDI and breath to USB MIDI standalone controller12...

4.9/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Intuitive Instruments Exquis - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Intuitive Instruments Exquis

Creative Setup Unique Workflows Problem Solving
Key Feature:
• Custom workflow possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Specialized control solutions available
✗ CONS
  • • Limited documentation available
  • • Uncertain software integration

Intuitive Instruments ExquisMulti-Touch MPE ControllerIlluminated 61-key hexagonal keyboardEach key processes velocity...

4.8/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
AKAI Professional MPD 218 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

AKAI Professional MPD 218

Unique Workflows Creative Setup Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Creative control applications
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain software integration
  • • Limited compatibility and support

AKAI Professional MPD 218USB controller16 Touch and pressure-sensitive MPC pads with 3 banks6 Assignable 360 degree...

4.7/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Presonus Atom SQ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Presonus Atom SQ

Custom Control Creative Setup Alternative Control
Key Feature:
• Alternative interface options
✓ PROS
  • • Unique setup capabilities
  • • Specialized control solutions available
✗ CONS
  • • May require custom configuration
  • • Limited documentation available

Presonus Atom SQHybrid MIDI Keyboard/Pad Performance and Production ControllerVersatile controller for production and...

4.9/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Arturia Beatstep Pro - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Arturia Beatstep Pro

Creative Setup Problem Solving Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Custom workflow possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • May require custom configuration
  • • Specialized knowledge needed

Arturia Beatstep ProMIDI Controller and Step SequencerCompatible with devices using MIDICV/Gate or DIN Sync...

4.4/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Embodme Erae 2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Embodme Erae 2

Specialty Applications Alternative Control Unique Workflows
Key Feature:
• Custom workflow possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Unique setup capabilities
  • • Creative control applications
✗ CONS
  • • May require custom configuration
  • • Limited documentation available

Embodme Erae 2Combined Polyphonic MIDI CV Controller and LooperStandalone-capableflexible controller and live looper...

4.5/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Nektar Panorama P1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Nektar Panorama P1

Specialty Applications Problem Solving Creative Setup
Key Feature:
• Alternative interface options
✓ PROS
  • • Unique setup capabilities
  • • Creative control applications
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized knowledge needed
  • • May require custom configuration

Nektar Panorama P1USB Controller9 Faders: 45 mm16 Continuous rotary knobs8 LED buttons11 Transport buttons22 Navigation...

4.7/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Airturn BT500S-6 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Airturn BT500S-6

Creative Setup Specialty Applications Problem Solving
Key Feature:
• Custom workflow possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Alternative interface options
✗ CONS
  • • Limited documentation available
  • • Specialized knowledge needed

Airturn BT500S-6Wireless 6-way Bluetooth 5 FootswitchRemote Control for TabletsSmartphonesPC and MAC with Bluetooth 5...

5.0/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
AKAI Professional midimix - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

AKAI Professional midimix

Unique Workflows Alternative Control Creative Setup
Key Feature:
• Creative control applications
✓ PROS
  • • Alternative interface options
  • • Creative control applications
✗ CONS
  • • Limited compatibility and support
  • • May require custom configuration

AKAI Professional MidimixUSB DAW Controller8 Faders1 master fader24 Rotary knobs: 3 per channel16 Buttons: MuteSolo and...

4.7/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Playtronica Biotron Midi Controller - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Playtronica Biotron Midi Controller

Specialty Applications Alternative Control Unique Workflows
Key Feature:
• Alternative interface options
✓ PROS
  • • Specialized control solutions available
  • • Alternative interface options
✗ CONS
  • • Limited documentation available
  • • May require custom configuration

Playtronica Biotron Midi ControllerPortable MIDI ControllerConverts electro-magnetic changes in plants into...

4.9/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Presonus Atom - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Presonus Atom

Unique Workflows Specialty Applications Problem Solving
Key Feature:
• Specialized control solutions available
✓ PROS
  • • Specialized control solutions available
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Limited documentation available
  • • May require custom configuration

Presonus AtomUSB Pad ControllerVersatile controller for production and performancePerfect integration with Presonus...

4.4/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10

How to Choose the Best Other Controllers

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 other controllers 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.

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more