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
-
Novation: 14 MIDI controllers
(#1 is Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note)
-
Akai Professional: 9 MIDI controllers
(#1 is Akai MPK Mini MKII 25)
-
Arturia: 8 MIDI controllers
(#1 is Arturia MiniLab MkII)
-
M-Audio: 8 MIDI controllers
(#1 is M-Audio Hammer 88)
-
Nektar: 6 MIDI controllers
(#1 is Nektar Impact LX25 Plus)
Price breakdown
At a glance - November Ranking
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 |
![]()
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 |
![]()
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 |
![]()
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 |
![]() |
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
8
|
-
|
5
|
- | $199 |
![]() |
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
- | $499 |
![]()
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 |
![]()
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 |
![]()
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 |
![]() |
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
- | $119 |
![]()
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 |
![]()
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 |
![]()
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 |
![]()
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 |
![]()
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 |
![]() |
-
|
-
|
11
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
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.

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

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
|
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.
|
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.

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
|
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
|
We ranked Novation Launchkey Mini 25-Note #4 in November 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.

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
|
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
|
Music Critic
Designed for Ableton Live.
Comes in equipped with 16 velocity sensitive multi-color pads.
8 knobs, control buttons, and dedicated navigation.
|
We ranked M-Audio Hammer 88 #7 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.

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.
|
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.
|
We ranked Akai MPK Mini MK3 #8 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.

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
|
We ranked Nektar Impact LX25 Plus #9 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.

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
|
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
|
We ranked M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 #10 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.

Consordini
Best Beginner Controller
Low price.
Lightweight.
Transport controls.
|
No pads.
Not the most versatile.
|
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.
|
We ranked NI Komplete Kontrol S88 MkII #11 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.

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.
|
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
|
We ranked Arturia Keylab 88 MKII #12 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.

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
|
We ranked Novation Launchkey 37 Mk3 #13 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.

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
|
We ranked Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII #14 in November 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best MIDI controllers” rankings.

Music Radar
The best for PC compatibility
Three well-executed operational modes
Tight integration with Analog Lab
|
Pricey
|
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
|