AudioFu

Best Other Controllers Under $100 2025

Affordable other controllers under $100 - great value without compromising quality

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Custom Control For Specialty Applications For Unique Workflows For Creative Setup For Alternative Control For Problem Solving
BRANDS: Airturn
AKAI Professional MPD 218 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

AKAI Professional MPD 218

by AKAI Professional
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
Art. 368332
$90
Buy at Thomann View Details
AKAI Professional LPD8 MKII - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

AKAI Professional LPD8 MKII

by AKAI Professional
Unique Workflows Custom Control Alternative Control
Key Feature:
• Specialized control solutions available
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Alternative interface options
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain software integration
  • • Limited documentation available

AKAI Professional LPD8 MKIILaptop Pad Controller8 Velocity-sensitive MPC pads with RGB backlighting8 Assignable knobs...

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 552527
$53
Buy at Thomann View Details
AKAI Professional midimix - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

AKAI Professional midimix

by AKAI Professional
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
Art. 365142
$96
Buy at Thomann View Details
Airturn Digit 500 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Airturn Digit 500

by Airturn
Specialty Applications Creative Setup Problem Solving
Key Feature:
• Unique setup capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Specialized control solutions available
  • • Alternative interface options
✗ CONS
  • • May require custom configuration
  • • Uncertain software integration

Airturn Digit 500Bluetooth ControllerFor iOSAndroidMAC or PCCan be used as a page-turner to turn the pages of digital...

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 566193
$76
Buy at Thomann View Details
Midiplus X Pad - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Midiplus X Pad

by Midiplus
Creative Setup Specialty Applications Custom Control
Key Feature:
• Creative control applications
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Unique setup capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain software integration
  • • May require custom configuration

Midiplus X PadUSB MIDI Controller16 Touch-sensitive and illuminated drum pads - organised in 3 banks2 x Programmable...

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 470778
$79
Buy at Thomann View Details
Airturn BT500S-2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Airturn BT500S-2

by Airturn
Creative Setup Alternative Control Unique Workflows
Key Feature:
• Custom workflow possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized knowledge needed
  • • May require custom configuration

Airturn BT500S-2Wireless MIDI Controller / Page TurnerMedia and light controller with Bluetooth 5 in footswitch...

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 541299
$94
Buy at Thomann View Details
IK Multimedia iRig BlueTurn - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

IK Multimedia iRig BlueTurn

by IK Multimedia
Creative Setup Custom Control Alternative Control
Key Feature:
• Custom workflow possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Specialized control solutions available
✗ CONS
  • • Limited compatibility and support
  • • Uncertain software integration

IK Multimedia iRig BlueTurnFootswitchAllows you to scroll through digital pages wirelessly via Bluetooth LE2 Soft-touch...

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 381027
$83
Buy at Thomann View Details
IK Multimedia iRig BlueBoard - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

IK Multimedia iRig BlueBoard

by IK Multimedia
Specialty Applications Unique Workflows Creative Setup
Key Feature:
• Alternative interface options
✓ PROS
  • • Unique setup capabilities
  • • Custom workflow possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Limited documentation available
  • • Uncertain software integration

IK Multimedia iRig BlueBoardBluetooth MIDI PedalboardRange: 10 m4 Backlit rubber pads for sending program-bank- and...

⭐ 4.9/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 312265
$98
Buy at Thomann View Details
Airturn PED Pro 500 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Airturn PED Pro 500

by Airturn
Specialty Applications Problem Solving Unique Workflows
Key Feature:
• Alternative interface options
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Unique setup capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • May require custom configuration
  • • Limited compatibility and support

Airturn PED Pro 500Multifunctional Bluetooth controller with two foot switchesWireless page turner for turning over the...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 541295
$87
Buy at Thomann View Details
Korg nanoPAD 2 white - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Korg nanoPAD 2 white

by Korg
Unique Workflows Alternative Control Problem Solving
Key Feature:
• Creative control applications
✓ PROS
  • • Creative control applications
  • • Alternative interface options
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized knowledge needed
  • • Limited documentation available

Korg nanoPAD 2 whiteUSB-MIDI Controller16 Velocity-sensitive trigger pads with 4 velocity curvesX-Y padHold...

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 268275
$65
Buy at Thomann View Details
Korg nanoPAD 2 black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Korg nanoPAD 2 black

by Korg
Alternative Control Specialty Applications Creative Setup
Key Feature:
• Unique setup capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Specialized control solutions available
  • • Unique setup capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Limited compatibility and support
  • • May require custom configuration

Korg nanoPAD 2 blackUSB MIDI Controller16 Velocity sensitive trigger pads with 4 velocity curvesX-Y padHold buttonGate...

⭐ 4.4/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 268274
$63
Buy at Thomann View Details

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.

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