November 2023

MIDI Controllers: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of MIDI controllers rankings posted by key online experts, as of November 2023.

Summary

On 9 Nov 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 93 MIDI controller endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

75 MIDI controllers were endorsed in total, only 15 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 9 Nov 2023, Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed MIDI controller with 4 expert endorsements. 3 experts out of 4 recommended it as the '#1 MIDI controller' this month.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking MIDI controllers start at $39.80 (Nektar SE25) and go up to $2499 (Kawai VPC1). Median MIDI controller costs $199 (Akai Professional MPD226).
$39.80
$2499

At a glance - November Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price MIDI Controller
Prime Sound
Digital Piano Judge
Keyboard Kraze
Music Radar
Spy
Consordini
E-Home Recording Studio
The Guitar Junky
Music Critic
Gearank
1
- $99
Akai MPK Mini MKII 25
The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile option for musicians and producers looking for a portable and affordable MIDI controller for creating electronic music and controlling parameters in music production software.
1
-
-
-
-
1
-
1
7
-
2
- $329
Akai Pro MPK249
The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers.
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
-
3
- $79
Arturia MiniLab MkII
The Arturia MiniLab MkII is a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller with 25 mini-sized keys, 16 assignable knobs, and USB connectivity, making it a versatile option for musicians and producers on-the-go.
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
4
- $100
Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
8
-
5
- $199
Akai Professional MPD226
-
-
3
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
6
- $499
Native Instruments Maschine Mk3
The Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 is a versatile and durable MIDI controller and audio interface designed for beat production and sequencing, with features such as large velocity-sensitive pads, dedicated keyboard and chord buttons, and multiple connectivity options.
-
-
4
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
7
- $499
M-Audio Hammer 88
The M-Audio Hammer 88 MIDI Controller is a highly praised and versatile MIDI controller that offers a realistic piano feel and the ability to control various parameters in music production software, making it a solid choice for professional musicians and serious enthusiasts.
-
4
-
-
-
2
-
-
-
-
8
- $84
Akai MPK Mini MK3
The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a range of features and functionality, including 25 mini-sized keys, programmable knobs, and a compact and lightweight design, making it a reliable and versatile option for musicians and producers.
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
-
-
2
9
- $99
Nektar Impact LX25 Plus
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
-
-
15
- $119
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a versatile and portable MIDI controller with realistic keyboard action, customizable controls, and USB connectivity, making it a great option for musicians of all levels.
-
-
-
-
-
4
-
-
4
-
16
- $1197
NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII
The NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a realistic piano playing experience and precise control over parameters, making it a top choice for professional musicians and producers.
-
-
-
-
-
7
-
-
-
8
17
- $999
Arturia Keylab 88 MKII
The Arturia Keylab 88 MKII is a highly praised MIDI controller keyboard that offers a realistic piano playing experience, versatile control options, and a wide range of connectivity, making it a valuable tool for musicians and producers in both studio and live performances.
-
-
9
-
-
-
-
-
-
7
18
- $180
Novation Launchkey 37 Mk3
The Novation Launchkey 37 Mk3 MIDI Controller is a highly praised and versatile MIDI keyboard with a compact size, exceptional build quality, and a range of features that make it suitable for musicians and producers in various musical contexts.
-
-
-
13
4
-
-
-
-
-
19
- $403
Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII
The Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII is a highly regarded MIDI controller with a lusciously playable keybed, versatile connectivity options, and exceptional build quality, making it a reliable and feature-rich tool for musicians and producers.
-
-
-
16
-
-
-
-
-
5
20
- $320
Nektar Impact LX88 Plus
-
-
11
11
-
-
-
-
-
-

; ; ;
#3 $78.95 Arturia MiniLab MkII
#8 $84.45 Akai MPK Mini MK3
#1 $98.88 Akai MPK Mini MKII 25
#9 $99.31 Nektar Impact LX25 Plus
#4 $99.99 Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note
#15 $119 M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
#18 $179.99 Novation Launchkey 37 Mk3
#5 $199 Akai Professional MPD226
#20 $319.99 Nektar Impact LX88 Plus
#2 $329 Akai Pro MPK249
#19 $402.61 Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII
#6 $499 Native Instruments Maschine Mk3
#7 $499 M-Audio Hammer 88
#17 $999 Arturia Keylab 88 MKII
#16 $1196.67 NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII

We ranked Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 #1 in November 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 3 experts ranked Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Prime Sound

Editor's Choice

Portable
Plenty of bundled software
Excellent value for money
Impressive pad quality

Comes with just eight pads
Knobs lack a satisfying click and feel lightweight

Go to ranking

Consordini

A Personal Favorite

Authentic MPC pads.
Intuitive thumbstick.
Arpeggiator.
Note repeat.
Fantastic software bundle.
8 assignable knobs.
Sustain pedal input.

Small keys take some practice.

Go to ranking

The Guitar Junky

Editor's Choice

Has the learning curve to progress as you go
Fun to use and beginners won't have trouble understanding
Budget-friendly and with the sleek look

Software seems a bit intimidating at first
Some complaints of flimsy keys

Go to ranking

Music Critic

Can easily fit into backpacks and on a production desk.
8 rubber drum pads that are velocity sensitive.

Go to ranking

We ranked Akai Pro MPK249 #2 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Akai Pro MPK249 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Digital Piano Judge

Assignable knobs and faders give a full performance workspace.
Easy to set up.
Arpeggiator, note repeat and other inbuilt effects.
Lights up, so you can see what you are doing on stage.
Semi-weighted keys for a piano feel.

Expensive

Go to ranking

Music Critic

Great Value

Has an all-in-one controller with keyboard and trigger pads.
Comes with 8 control knobs, 8 faders, and 8 switches.
Semi-weighted action with 49 full-size keys that are pressure sensitive.

Go to ranking

Methodology: combine opinions of key experts

Identify Experts

We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend MIDI controllers.

Capture Rankings

For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of MIDI controllers, it must be updated in the last 9 months.

Aggregate Rankings

We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking

Experts chosen for November 2023 ranking

We ranked Arturia MiniLab MkII #3 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Arturia MiniLab MkII as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Prime Sound

Best Slim Keys Controller

Impressive portability
16 rotary controllers
Seamlessly integrates with Analog Lab Litem Ableton Live Lite, and other software

Some might not fancy the touch strip controllers

Go to ranking

Gearank

Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers Under $200

Great value for money
Lots of encoders and pads
Synth action keys feel great

Knobs feel cheap
Touch strips feel like a compromise
Pads a bit small

Go to ranking

We ranked Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note #4 in November 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Prime Sound

Budget Pick

USB-Powered
Portable and compact design
Comes with Ableton Live Lite 9 software
25 synth-style mini keys

Lacks a thumb joystick

Go to ranking

The Guitar Junky

Many options and controls for more ways to create music
Small and compact
Easy to bring around
Solid build and looks like it's made to last

Keys may not be the most responsive
Takes a lot of time to set up and learn from

Go to ranking

Music Critic

Designed for Ableton Live.
Comes in equipped with 16 velocity sensitive multi-color pads.
8 knobs, control buttons, and dedicated navigation.

Go to ranking

We ranked Akai Professional MPD226 #5 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Keyboard Kraze

Best Budget MIDI Drum Pad

Go to ranking

Spy

Best Budget MIDI Controller

Go to ranking

We ranked Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 #6 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Keyboard Kraze

Best Drum Pad Controller

Go to ranking

Spy

Runner Up

Go to ranking

We ranked M-Audio Hammer 88 #7 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Digital Piano Judge

Great for learning to play the piano.
Comes with software included.
Hammer action gives more expression and velocity sensitivity.

Big and bulky model.
The keys are not the best quality.
No pads or sliders.

Go to ranking

Consordini

Best Weighted Keys

Incredibly realistic/responsive feel.
88-keys.
Pitch bend and modulation wheels.
Three pedal inputs.
Assignable fader and wheels.

Limited functionality.
No drum pads.

Go to ranking

We ranked Akai MPK Mini MK3 #8 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
E-Home Recording Studio

The Perfect Hybrid MIDI Controller for the Mobile Musician

Go to ranking

Gearank

Best MIDI Keyboard Controllers Under $200

Solid, durable build
The pads are nice and big
Great as a portable controller to use with a laptop

The small keys are a put-off if you're used to full-size keys

Go to ranking

We ranked Nektar Impact LX25 Plus #9 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Prime Sound

Best Value

Eight velocity-sensitive drum pads are excellent for tapping drum beats
Works seamlessly with most DAWS
Excellent value for price

Relatively bulky
No semi-weighted keys

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The Guitar Junky

Lightweight and can be brought around easily
Can control and map DAW effortlessly
Cool design that lights up when played

Keys create a dull thud sound when pressed
Not suitable for continued use as you progress

Go to ranking

We ranked M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 #10 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Consordini

Best Beginner Controller

Low price.
Lightweight.
Transport controls.

No pads.
Not the most versatile.

Go to ranking

Music Critic

49 full-size, semi-weighted velocity sensitive keys with 1/4-inch sustain pedal input.
Comes equipped with octave range buttons, transport controls, pitch bend and modulation wheels.
USB connection.

Go to ranking

We ranked NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII #11 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Consordini

Best All-Rounder (Runner-Up)

Very good hammer-action keys.
Aftertouch.
Touch strip, pitch bend, and modulation wheel.
RGB color indicators.
Pre-mapped integration with all Complete instruments.
Two high-res colour screens.
Komplete Kontrol and Komplete 12 Select included.

No drum/sample pads.

Go to ranking

Gearank

Best MIDI Keyboard Controller Over $1000

Best for integration with NI Komplete Software
The Fater keybed strikes a good balance between piano-like hammer action and synth action feel
KOMPLETE SELECT is included free

Those who play hammond style organs will find its piano action isn't the best for organ slides

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We ranked Arturia Keylab 88 MKII #12 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Keyboard Kraze

Best MIDI Controller For Live Performance With Weighted Keys

Go to ranking

Gearank

Best MIDI Keyboard Controller Under $1000

The Fatar keybed is one of the best in this price range
CV/Gate lets you control old analog synth hardware
Has both 5-Pin and USB MIDI
Solid metal build

Keys feel slightly spongy compared to the more expensive Kawai VPC1

Go to ranking

We ranked Novation Launchkey 37 Mk3 #13 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Music Radar

The best choice for Ableton Live users

Tight control of Ableton Live
Decent compatibility with Logic Pro X
Nice compromise between size and functionality
MIDI output, custom modes allow use with external hardware

You might not like the pitch and mod wheels above the keyboard

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Spy

Best Keyboard MIDI Controller

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We ranked Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII #14 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Music Radar

The best for PC compatibility

Three well-executed operational modes
Tight integration with Analog Lab

Pricey

Go to ranking

Gearank

Best MIDI Keyboard Controller Under $500

The semi-weighted keys have a nice feel to them
Solid, roadworthy piece of gear
Analog Lab comes bundled free

It's not cheap so I would have liked to see a bigger screen at this price

Go to ranking

We ranked Nektar Impact LX88 Plus #15 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Keyboard Kraze

Best Budget 88 Key Controller

Go to ranking

Music Radar

The best piano-sized controller

A full-size keyboard
Solid but portable
Great value

Keys aren't hammer-action

Go to ranking