A new synthesizer costs from about $30 for a tiny module to more than $6,400 for a flagship polysynth. Among the 240 complete synthesizers Thomann had in stock in October 2026, a quarter cost less than $425, half less than about $840, and 48 more than $2,000. That's cheaper than many people expect, because the market is full of excellent small synths.
What drives the price: the number of voices (how many notes it plays at once), analog or digital sound, the keyboard size, and the build.
Synthesizer prices by level
| Price | Synthesizers | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Under $500 | 76 | Mono synths, small digital and hybrid synths |
| $500 to $1,000 | 64 | Analog polysynths, 37 to 61 keys |
| $1,000 to $2,000 | 52 | Larger polysynths, workstation-style features |
| Over $2,000 | 48 | Flagships and boutique synths |
Prices are Thomann's as of October 18, 2026. Modular modules are counted separately (983 of them, median $200).
How much does a synthesizer cost for a beginner?
Arturia MicroFreak, $291
A hybrid synth with many digital sound engines, an analog filter and a 25-key touch keyboard. Huge range of sounds for the money. #1 of 211 general synthesizers.
Korg Monologue BK, $319
A true analog mono synth for bass and leads, with a sequencer. #5 of 211 general synthesizers.
The analog polysynth step
Korg Minilogue, $532
A four-voice analog polysynth with 37 keys, one of the most affordable ways to play analog chords. #9 of 211 general synthesizers.
Moog Messenger, $624
A monophonic analog Moog with two oscillators, a wavefolder and aftertouch, at an entry price for the brand. #9 of 211 general synthesizers.
A full-size keyboard synth
Roland Juno-X, $1,825
A 61-key digital synth with Roland's ZEN-Core engine and a model of the classic Juno, for players who want a stage-ready instrument. One of the highest-ranked synths over $1,000 in our index: #2 of 211 general synthesizers.
The most expensive synthesizer at Thomann
Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave, $6,375
A 24-voice hybrid wavetable synth from a small boutique maker. #74 of 211 general synthesizers.
Questions
How much should a beginner spend on a synthesizer?
$300 to $600 buys an excellent first synth, like the Arturia MicroFreak ($291) or the Korg Minilogue ($532).
Are analog synths more expensive than digital?
Per voice, usually yes: every analog voice needs its own circuitry. Digital synths offer more voices and sounds for the same money.
Do I need a keyboard synth or a desktop module?
If you already own a MIDI keyboard, a desktop module saves money and space. If not, a synth with keys is simpler.
How we measured. We took every complete synthesizer Thomann listed as in stock on October 18, 2026 (its "General Synthesizers" category, 240 in total), converted from euros at the European Central Bank rate. Products show today's price and rank, updated every night; the table is fixed to October 18.
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Denis Kataev runs AudioFu. Every night the site records the prices of more than 38,000 instruments and studio tools at Thomann, and he writes about what those numbers show: what got cheaper, what just arrived, and which discounts are real.
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