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Midi Controller Comparison - August 2025
| 1 Best Choice  9.9Exceptional | 2 Best Value  9.8Exceptional | 3  9.7Exceptional | 4  9.5Excellent | 5  9.4Excellent |
| View DealOn Amazon | View DealOn Amazon | View DealOn Amazon | View DealOn Amazon | View DealOn Amazon |
ModelAkai Professional MPK Mini MK3 - 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs, Music Production Software and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration) | Model Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 37 Mini Keys, 8 MPC Pads, Sequencer, MIDI/CV/Gate I/O and Native Instruments Sound Package, White Limited Edition | Model Arturia MiniLab 3 - Universal MIDI Controller for Music Production, with All-in-One Software Package - 25 Keys, 8 Multi-Color Pads - White | Model AKAI Professional LPD8 - USB MIDI Controller with 8 Responsive RGB MPC Drum Pads for Mac and PC, 8 Assignable Knobs and Music Production Software | Model AKAI Professional APC Mini MK2 - USB MIDI Pad Controller for Clip Launching with Ableton Live Lite, 64 RGB Pads, Drum and Note Mode and MIDI Mixer |
BrandAkai Professional | Brand Akai Professional | Brand Arturia | Brand Akai Professional | Brand Akai Professional |
Reviews | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews  | Reviews |
Tech Specs | ||||
hardware interfaceUSB | hardware interface USB | hardware interface USB Type C | hardware interface USB | hardware interface USB |
product dimensions7.13 x 12.5 x 1.75 inches | product dimensions 7.08 x 17.76 x 2.04 inches | product dimensions 14 x 8.7 x 2 inches | product dimensions 3.11 x 12.13 x 1.26 inches | product dimensions 8.28 x 9.48 x 1.2 inches |
musical styleElectronic | musical style Electronic | musical style Electronic | musical style Electronic | musical style Electronic |
item weight1.98 pounds | item weight 2.78 pounds | item weight 2.2 pounds | item weight 13.8 ounces | item weight 1.79 pounds |
color nameStandard | color name white | color name White | color name black | color name Black |
connector typeUSB | connector type USB | connector type USB | connector type USB | connector type USB |
customer reviews4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 10, 619 ratings 4.6 out of 5 stars | customer reviews 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1, 166 ratings 4.7 out of 5 stars | customer reviews 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1, 239 ratings 4.6 out of 5 stars | customer reviews 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 2, 071 ratings 4.3 out of 5 stars | customer reviews 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 509 ratings 4.4 out of 5 stars |
sizeMPK Mini | size - | size 25-Key | size New Model | size - |
number of keyboard keys25 | number of keyboard keys 37 | number of keyboard keys 25 | number of keyboard keys - | number of keyboard keys - |
supported software- | supported software MPC Beats | supported software - | supported software Ableton Live | supported software Ableton |
compatible devices- | compatible devices Laptop | compatible devices - | compatible devices Laptop | compatible devices Laptop |
Review- | Review - | Review | Review - | Review - |
Available On  | Available On | Available On | Available On | Available On |
Our Top 3 Picks
Here are the top 3 recommended products with more information to help you find the right product for you
9.9
1Akai ProfessionalAkai Professional MPK Mini MK3 - 25 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller With 8 Backlit Drum Pads, 8 Knobs, Music Production Software and Native Instruments Sound Package (NKS Integration)
Why we love it
Compact and portable design.
Easy integration with popular DAWs.
Responsive and versatile drum pads.
Main highlights- Total Control of your Production - Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, plus a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes
- The MPC Experience - 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-style MIDI beat pads with Note Repeat and Full Level for programming drums, triggering samples and controlling virtual synthesizer / DAW controls
- Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Integration - Akai Professional and Native Instruments have partnered to bring NKS support to the MPK Controller series, get ready to Kontrol straight from your MPK
- Music Production and Beat Maker Essential -USB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual synthesizer control and beat production
- Customize your MPK Mini MK3 - Download the Editor and learn how to manually map the knobs and joystick, adjust the keyboard and arpeggiator, store your own programs, and more
- Complete Command of your Virtual Instruments and FX - 8 360-degree knobs assign to all your music studio plugins for mixing, tweaking synth controls and more
- Choose Your Exclusive Complimentary NKS Bundle - Browse and control Native Instruments presets and sound libraries; select one of three curated Komplete 15 Select bundles: Beats, Band, or Electronic
- 1500+ Sounds and Everything You Need for Pro Production -Complete Music Production Starter Kit including MPC Beats, 3 Virtual Instruments and 2GB of sound content
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9.8
2Akai Professional11% Off
Akai Professional MPK Mini Plus - USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with 37 Mini Keys, 8 MPC Pads, Sequencer, MIDI/CV/Gate I/O and Native Instruments Sound Package, White Limited Edition
Why we love it
Compact design with full creative control.
Advanced connectivity for diverse music setups.
Includes powerful music production software.
Main highlights- Record and Compose Without a Computer - Connect to your production station and use the built-in 64-step sequencer featuring one track for drums and one for melodies or chords, with up to 8 notes each
- Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Integration - Akai Professional and Native Instruments have partnered to bring NKS support to the MPK Controller series, get ready to Kontrol straight from your MPK
- Full Creative Control - A dynamic 37-Key MPK Mini keybed for 3 full octaves of melodic and harmonic performance; Easily connect to your DAW or studio equipment with the USB-powered MIDI Controller
- Choose Your Exclusive Complimentary NKS Bundle - Browse and control Native Instruments presets and sound libraries; select one of three curated Komplete 15 Select bundles: Beats, Band, or Electronic
- Advanced Connectivity - Connect to different sound sources with CV/Gate and MIDI I/O; Control modular gear, sound modules, synthesizers, and more to bring new sound sources into your music production
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9.7
3Arturia
Arturia MiniLab 3 - Universal MIDI Controller for Music Production, with All-in-One Software Package - 25 Keys, 8 Multi-Color Pads - White
Why we love it
Plug Play: Easy to set up and use.
Customizable: Create sounds and music just the way you like it.
All in One: Pre mapped and ready to go, with included software and sounds.
Main highlights- WITH SOFTWARE INCLUDED: MiniLab 3's offers all the creative software you need. Get thousands of world-class presets spanning dozens of timeless instruments (Analog Lab V); make great-sounding tracks in full (Ableton Live Lite); experience the power of a Concert Grand Model D (UVI Model D); enjoy balanced piano tone (NI The Gentleman). It also includes a 2-month subscription to Loopcloud, and a subscription to Melodics.
- PERFORMANCE-READY PORTABILITY: Portable yet robust, MiniLab 3 is light enough for your backpack, it connects seamlessly to your computer, and is ready to unleash your creativity in seconds. Perfect for recording, performing, or jamming with friends no matter where you are! It even features exclusive integration with major DAWs (Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Reason, Bitwig, FL Studio), so you can control your project entirely with MiniLab 3 and get totally immersed in your music production flow.
- GO WITH YOUR FLOW: MiniLab 3 is an easy keyboard controller that adapts to your needs, your style and your workflow, so you can make music just the way you like it. It lets you control instruments, mute tracks, punch in your 8 pad drums, and adjust your 4 faders with a flow so fluid you’ll forget you had a mouse. Hook it up, discover fresh sounds, enjoy premium velocity-sensitive keys, and get hands-on with your music like never before!
- ALL THE ESSENTIAL CONTROLS IN A COMPACT CONTROLLER: MiniLab 3 is USB powered with 25 note velocity-sensitive slim keyboard, 2 banks of 8 high quality pads with RGB backlighting, 8 rotary encoders, 4 sliders, Mini display & clickable browsing knob, Built-in Arpeggiator, Hold and Chord modes, 2 touch sensors for pitch bend and modulation wheel, USB-C Port, MIDI Out. Great for beginners, it also fits for pros, and allows you to tweak every aspect of your mix in an instant.
- 5-YEAR WARRANTY: MiniLab 3 is a controller that you can count on, with extensive testing, high-quality components, and a smart design that's built to last. Eco-designed with at least 50% recycled material, it comes with a 5-year warranty, so you can get creative safely in the knowledge that it can go the distance.
Our ranking system
At BestChoice.com, our team curates a selection of top products from a vast array available online, using a sophisticated ranking system based on carefully defined criteria.While traditional hands-on testing has its merits, our use of AI technology offers distinct advantages. AI allows us to process and analyze vast amounts of data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view that goes beyond what manual testing can achieve. This approach enables us to deliver insights that are aligned with current trends and consumer preferences, ensuring our reviews are both relevant and up-to-date.
Features
Our AI-driven analysis examines key attributes, capabilities, and other critical factors tailored to each product category. This method allows us to assess effectiveness from various perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
Consumer Reviews
We aggregate and evaluate consumer feedback from across the internet, giving weight to ratings and reviews that reflect the most reliable insights. AI enhances this process by filtering and prioritizing data, offering a balanced view without the need for direct personal endorsements.
Popularity
Our system also considers the popularity of products, analyzing factors such as market presence, reputation, and user satisfaction. By leveraging AI, we capture a comprehensive picture of a product's standing in the market, which may not always be evident through traditional testing.
Value for money
AI allows us to compare products based on attributes like price, specifications, and user feedback, helping to determine their value for money. This data-driven approach offers an efficient and reliable way to assess how products stack up against one another in terms of cost-effectiveness.
