What Are The Best Budget Synthesizers in 2025

Analog loop synthesizer with powerful sound engine

The Korg Volca Keys is a compact, portable analog loop synthesizer with a powerful sound engine. It features a 16-step sequencer with the ability to record phrases as you play them. It also comes with three note true analogue synthesis and one knob per function for easy editing. Despite its small size, it delivers big, rich sounds that you'd expect from a high-end synthesizer.

Korg Volca FM is a portable synthesizer with a three-voice digital FM synthesis.

The Korg Volca FM Digital FM Synthesizer is a compact powerhouse, featuring a three-voice digital FM synthesis engine that can produce both classic and complex FM sounds. It incorporates a built-in chorus effect and the ability to chain sequence up to 16 steps. The Volca FM is fully compatible with DX7 sounds, meaning it can faithfully reproduce any sound created on a DX7. Despite its compact size, this synthesizer doesn't skimp on features or performance.

Compact and portable analog synthesizer

The Korg Volca Keys Analogue Loop Synth is a compact and portable analog synthesizer that provides a versatile range of sounds, from fat basses to sharp leads. It features a polyphonic note function and step sequencer for creating complex loops, plus a delay effect for even more sonic possibilities. The built-in speaker and battery power mean you can take this synth anywhere.

Analog loop synthesizer with a three-voice polyphonic design.

The Korg Volca Keys Analog Synthesizer delivers a diverse array of sounds, from simple notes to complex chords and textures. It features a three-voice polyphonic design, allowing it to generate robust and layered sounds. The Volca Keys also comes with a built-in loop sequencer, which offers the capability to record phrases as you play them, making it an ideal tool for live performances and music production. It also features a self-tuning function to ensure stable pitch at all times.

37-key analog synthesizer with loop sequencer and MIDI In.

The Korg Volca Keys is a 37-key analog synthesizer that features a loop sequencer and MIDI In for note entry, plus external sync and control from your DAW. It boasts three-note true analog synthesis and is equipped with a built-in speaker and battery power for music making anywhere. The Volca Keys deliver true analog power and flexibility at a great price. With its structure of 3VCO, 1VCF, 1VCA, 1LFO, and 1EG, it allows you to create a diverse array of sounds that can be controlled by the onboard ribbon controller for expressive live performances.

Arturia MicroFreak is a hybrid synthesizer offering a mix of digital oscillators with analog filters.

The Arturia MicroFreak features a poly-aftertouch flat keyboard, modulation matrix, and a multi-mode arpeggiator. The digital oscillators with analog filters provide a wide range of sound possibilities. This synthesizer encompasses a plethora of unique sonic capabilities, with 11 digital oscillator modes, 4 bespoke Arturia engines, and 7 modes from the open-source Plaits engines by Mutable Instruments.