AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Samplers Under $800 2026
The top pick is Roland SP-404MkII ($544). Teenage Engineering PO-33 Pocket Operator K.O! 2018 gives you the most for the money at $105. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 16 models across 7 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 4, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Weight1.1 kg
You get a compact sampler with 17 RGB pads, 37 built-in effects and room for 160 samples per project. It suits you if you want to chop, loop and layer sounds on the go, since it runs on batteries or USB-C power. Skip back holds the last 40 seconds of your playing, so plan your captures with that limit in mind.
Pros
- 17 velocity-sensitive RGB pads respond to how hard you hit them
- Holds 160 samples per project across 16 pads and 10 banks
- Includes 37 built-in effects, such as vinyl simulator, lo-fi, reverb and delay
Cons
- Batteries and the PSD-230 power supply are needed to run it, and batteries are not included
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$544 now$544€487 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Teenage Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler Composer
EP-1320 Medieval · Teenage Engineering
22 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight0.62 kg
You get a small, handheld sampler with a built-in mic and speaker, so you can record and play ideas anywhere. Its 9 touch-sensitive pads and 12 tracks per pattern make it a fit for building loops and patterns. It is a good pick if you want a portable tool for sketching beats and short song ideas on the move.
Pros
- Has 9 pressure-sensitive and velocity-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch
- Built-in microphone and loudspeaker for sampling and playback on the go
- Runs on 4 AAA batteries or USB-C, so it works away from a power outlet
Cons
- Sampling runs at 46 kHz / 16 bit, so it is not a high-resolution sampler
78AudioFu
Index↓ 4.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$374 · Aug 17$357 now$357€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight0.78 kg
If you want to make beats and have sampling, sequencing and effects in one box, this one is worth a look. You get eight sample tracks, 32 pads that light up, and a microSD slot for saving your projects. You will need to buy the microSD card yourself.
Pros
- Eight sample tracks with 32 step patterns each, cascadable up to 256 steps per track
- Samples and projects can be stored on a microSD card
- 32 velocity-sensitive RGB-illuminated pads for playing and programming
Cons
- microSD card is not included, so you will need to buy one for storage
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If you want to make beats or play samples by hand, you will like this compact box. It has 16 pads that respond to how hard you hit them, over 100 factory kits, and four effects processors with 60 effect types. A built-in battery lets you take it almost anywhere.
Pros
- 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads for playing and triggering samples
- 32-voice polyphonic (stereo) sound engine with 2 GB RAM
- 8 GB internal memory with over 100 factory kits pre-installed
Cons
- Only three knobs for real-time control, with a 2.4" colour display
68AudioFu
Index↓ 1.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$430 · Aug 17$424 now$424€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Korg KP3 Kaoss Pad 3 Dynamic Effect / Sampler
Kaoss Pad V · Korg
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight1.3 kg
You get a touch-pad effects unit with many effects and a built-in sampler for loops. It suits you if you want to shape sound by moving your fingers across the pad, since two parameters can change at once. You can connect it to a computer or other gear through its USB and MIDI ports.
Pros
- Dual Touch control lets you adjust two effect parameters at once with two fingers
- 170 preset effects plus 100 user memories give you plenty of options to choose from
- Built-in USB audio interface and MIDI input and output connect it to a computer or other gear
Cons
- SD card for sample storage is not included and must be bought separately, up to 32 GB
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Teenage Engineering EP-40 Riddim Supertone with EP-2350 Ting FX…
EP-40 Riddim Supertone · Teenage Engineering
3 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight0.62 kg
You get a portable sampler, sequencer and composer with a built-in microphone and speaker, so you can make beats almost anywhere. It has a subtractive synth engine for classic bass and lead sounds, plus over 300 sounds from reggae producers. It suits you if you want to make reggae or other beat-driven music on the go.
Pros
- Built-in microphone and speaker let you record and play back without extra gear
- Over 300 hand-picked instruments and sounds from renowned reggae producers
- Grid-synced loops keep your parts locked to the beat for precise performance
Cons
- Its 240 x 176 x 16 mm body is compact, so the pads and fader are small
63AudioFu
Index↓ 8.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$390 · Aug 17$357 now$357€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Teenage Engineering PO-33 Pocket Operator K.O! 2018
PO-33 K.O. · Teenage Engineering
24 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The PO-33 K.O. is a ridiculously fun little sampler – it’s basically a pocket-sized creative playground. Perfect for beatmakers, experimental musicians, or anyone wanting to quickly capture and mangle sounds on the go. Don't expect studio-grade fidelity, but it's a blast for sparking ideas.
Pros
- Tiny footprint, ideal for travel and experimentation
- Integrated mic enables immediate, spontaneous sampling
- Jam Sync opens doors to collaborative, creative workflows
Cons
- Limited sample time restricts longer, complex loops
- Mono sampling and output limits stereo field possibilities
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Sonicware Liven Lofi-12 27-Key Sampling Groovebox
Lofi-12 XT · Sonicware
7 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight0.55 kg
This is a lo-fi sampler and groove box with 16-bit sampling, sample slicing, and 15 velocity pads you can play. It suits you if you like chopping and building beats from your own recordings or imported samples. Since sampling is mono and the unit works with samples on SD card, it fits best as a tool for sketching and making beats.
Pros
- Samples can be imported via USB or SD card, and a 32GB SD card with 2500 samples is included
- 15 velocity-sensitive pads with RGB LEDs let you play and trigger samples directly
- Sample slicing and real-time sample editing are built in, with 16-bit PCM sampling
Cons
- Sampling runs in mono, so stereo sources cannot be captured as stereo
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The MPX8 is a surprisingly capable sampler for the budget-conscious producer or beatmaker. It's a great entry point into Akai’s MPC-style workflow, offering immediate tactile control and portability, though its limited effects and older software compatibility are worth considering.
Pros
- Solid build quality; feels robust despite the price point
- Velocity-sensitive pads offer expressive sampling control
- Simple, intuitive workflow; easy to get started quickly
Cons
- Limited sample time per kit restricts longer samples
- Software compatibility ends at macOS Big Sur; older systems unsupported
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Teenage Engineering PO-35 Pocket Operator Speak Vocal Synth
PO-35 speak · Teenage Engineering
16 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The PO-35 Speak is a seriously fun little vocal sampler and synth. It's perfect for experimental musicians, beatmakers, or anyone wanting a quirky, portable sound design tool – it's all about instant gratification and unexpected textures. Don't expect studio-grade fidelity, but embrace its lo-fi charm.
Pros
- Integrated mic allows for immediate, creative vocal sampling and manipulation.
- Jam Sync provides seamless integration with other Teenage Engineering devices.
- The 16-step sequencer unlocks surprisingly complex rhythmic patterns and melodies.
Cons
- Limited sample time (120 seconds) restricts longer, more elaborate samples.
- The small form factor makes the controls a bit cramped for extended use.
All 16 samplers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II 128MBTeenage Engineering57Stable$372€333$372€333Check ↗
- 12
AKAI Professional MPC Sample Case BundleAKAI Professional · 2 finishes55↓ 2.9%$520€465$520€465Check ↗
- 13
AKAI Professional MPC Sample Bag BundleAKAI Professional40↑ 1.0%$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 14
Korg Volca Sample New GenerationKorg38Stable$153€137$153€137Check ↗
- 15
Roland AIRA Compact P-6 SamplerRoland37↑ 1.7%$201€180$201€180Check ↗
- 16
Bastl Instruments Kastle 2 Wave BardBastl Instruments36Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
Samplers by the numbers
Measured across all 18 models we track, not a sample.
Median $419 — half of all samplers here cost less.
median of 10 models · 0.55 kg–2.6 kg
How to choose the best samplers
Sound Quality
It's not just about the DAC; it's about the internal processing, the filters, and how the sampler handles dynamic range. Cheap samplers can get muddy quickly, especially when layering or processing sounds.
Workstation/Sequencing
A sampler's more than just playback; it's often your sequencer too. How intuitive is the interface? Does it have enough sequencing lanes? Can it handle polyphony without choking?
Sampling Capabilities
How easy is it to get sounds into the sampler? What sample formats are supported? Is there a decent built-in sampler, or are you relying on external software?
Modulation Options
LFOs, envelopes, filters-these are what turn a collection of samples into a living, breathing instrument. Limited modulation means limited creativity.
Build Quality/Reliability
Gigs are brutal. You want something that can handle a few bumps and bruises without crapping out mid-set. Plastic cases and flimsy knobs are red flags.
Buying guide
Okay, so you want a sampler but your bank account isn't screaming 'vintage Akai'. Totally get it. Sampling's a cornerstone of modern music, and you don't need to break the bank to get something that'll inspire some serious sound design. We're focusing on samplers under $800 - enough to get real functionality, but still requiring some smart choices.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Don't expect lightning-fast processing or a massive sample library. Focus on the core functionality you need - if you need serious looping chops, prioritize a sampler with strong time-stretching.
Be realistic about your workflow; a complex interface can be a time-sink, especially if you're gigging.
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 samplers 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
Can I realistically sample vinyl with something in this price range?
Yeah, but be prepared to spend a bit more on a decent audio interface and some cleanup software. The sampler itself isn't the bottleneck; it's the front-end capture.
What about used options? Are there older, higher-end samplers I can find?
Definitely. You might find some older Akai S-series or E-mu gear, but be wary of maintenance costs and potential repairs. Vintage gear is a gamble.
Is a software sampler a better option than a hardware one at this budget?
Software gives you more power for the money, hands down. But hardware's tactile interface can be a huge workflow boost, especially for live performance. It's about what you prioritize.
How much RAM do I need?
More is always better, but 128MB is the absolute minimum. 256MB or more will allow for larger samples and more polyphony without constant swapping.
What about time stretching algorithms? Do they matter?
Absolutely. Bad time stretching sounds like digital garbage. Listen carefully to how a sampler handles pitch shifting and time manipulation - it can make or break a sample's usability.
