The Best Budget Hardware Synths You Can Buy Right Now
The world of hardware synths can often feel like an expensive playground, with shiny, high-end models dominating the conversation. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to break the bank to get your hands on a synth that delivers quality sound and creativity. Now that VST synths are sounding just as good as their hardware counterparts, there’s no need to drop serious cash on an expensive piece of gear unless it’s a core part of your creative process (and if it is, that’s cool!). Cheap synths offer something different—a workflow that pulls you out of the digital box and into hands-on experimentation. Sure, most of them don’t have the bells and whistles of the big boys, but they bring plenty of personality to the table. Plus, the stripped-down nature of these synths can spark unique ideas and weird sound design that might not come as easily from a high-end analog workstation. So, while most budget-friendly synths won’t replace the more expensive gear in your setup, they’re still essential tools that can help shape your sound and fuel your creativity. Let’s dive into some of the best affordable synths on the market today!
What Are the Cheapest Synths on the Market Right Now?
Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links, which means Internet Tattoo may receive a commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Prices mentioned are approximate and provided as a general reference. For exact pricing, please verify with the retailer directly.
Stylophone Line
Price: $40 - $80 USD
The Stylophone is a cult classic that has been charming musicians since its introduction in the 1960s. Famous for its unique stylus-controlled interface, the Stylophone produces a distinct lo-fi sound that feels nostalgic and quirky. It’s not just a fun novelty either—these little machines can add a truly unique texture to your tracks. Whether you’re into the classic Stylophone S1 or the newer Gen X-1, which adds features like a filter and delay, this affordable synth is a great entry point into hardware.
There’s also the Stylophone Beatbox, which brings that same stylus-controlled charm to the world of drum machines, offering fun and glitchy lofi drum sounds that fit perfectly in lofi hip hop, experimental electronic music, and even retro-style electronica.
Despite its toy-like appearance, the Stylophone line can be a fantastic addition to any setup, adding layers of character to your music with its raw, vintage tones.
Distinctive Features:
Fun stylus-controlled interface
Retro lo-fi sound, great for adding texture
Battery-powered and ultra-portable
Behringer JT-4000 Micro
Price: $50 USD
The Behringer JT-4000 Micro is one of the cheapest hardware synths you can find, but don’t let the price fool you—this little fella punches way above its weight.
Built around a 4-voice virtual analog engine, the JT-4000 offers a surprisingly rich sound that feels both analog and modern. Its compact design makes it perfect for musicians on the go or those working with limited space, but what’s really impressive is the range of features packed into this tiny box. With a built-in 16-step sequencer, effects like delay and reverb, and MIDI connectivity, this synth can handle a lot more than you’d expect from something at this price.
The JT-4000 is ideal for anyone looking to dip their toes into synthesis without a big investment. Its sound engine is warm and versatile, capable of creating thick basses, shimmering leads, and atmospheric pads. Whether you’re producing trance, trap, or even ambient soundscapes, the JT-4000 Micro gives you the tools to explore and experiment, making it a steal for under $70.
Distinctive Features:
4-voice virtual analog engine for a broad range of sounds
Built-in 16-step sequencer and effects
MIDI connectivity and battery-powered portability
Korg Monotron Series
Price: $40 - $50 USD
The Korg Monotron series is all about raw, analog sound in a tiny, portable form. These battery-powered synths are the epitome of simplicity, featuring just a handful of controls to tweak the sound, but the results are anything but basic. The Monotron Duo offers a duo-phonic analog synth experience, while the Monotron Delay adds a spacey delay effect that can turn simple tones into swirling, ambient soundscapes. These little synths are perfect for on-the-go music creation or adding a gritty analog texture to your productions.
Despite their size, the Monotrons pack a punch. The analog filters are based on Korg’s legendary MS-20, giving the synths a rich, vintage feel. And because they’re so cheap and easy to use, they make an excellent addition to any producer’s toolkit—especially if you’re looking to experiment with sound design without the complexity of bigger, more expensive machines.
Distinctive Features:
Analog synth engine with classic Korg filters
Duo-phonic option for layered sound
Ultra-portable and battery-powered
Korg NTS-1
Price: $100 USD
The Korg NTS-1 is one of the most exciting synths in the budget category, offering a DIY kit that lets you assemble your own powerful little synth in under 10 minutes. Don’t be fooled by its small size or low price—this is a fully-featured digital synthesizer with customizable oscillators, built-in effects, and a flexible arpeggiator. It’s perfect for musicians looking for a compact, affordable synth that doesn’t compromise on features.
What really sets the NTS-1 apart is its versatility. It can serve as both a standalone synth and an effects processor for other gear, making it a valuable addition to any setup. The sound engine is based on Korg’s Logue series, which means it can produce everything from lush pads to biting leads. And with its built-in delay, reverb, and modulation effects, the NTS-1 is perfect for creating rich, textured sounds that can fit into any genre.
Distinctive Features:
DIY kit, assembled in minutes
Digital oscillator with customizable waveforms
Powerful built-in effects and arpeggiator
Pocket Operators by Teenage Engineering
Price: $70 - $110 USD
The Pocket Operators from Teenage Engineering are tiny, battery-powered synths and drum machines that offer an incredible range of sound in a portable, affordable package. Despite their calculator-like appearance, these devices pack serious punch, with models covering everything from drum machines to samplers to bass synths. Whether you’re using the powerful PO-33 KO! sampler to capture and manipulate sounds or the PO-20 Arcade to craft retro video game-inspired chiptune sounds, the Pocket Operators deliver high-quality sound in a fun, accessible format.
The simplicity and affordability of Pocket Operators make them perfect for beginners, but their sound quality and versatility mean they’re also popular among seasoned producers. They’re designed to be used anywhere, making them great for on-the-go music creation, live performance, or just messing around in the studio. And with their built-in sequencers and effects, the creative possibilities are endless.
Teenage Engineering has more unconventional tools, from the EP-133 K.O. II to the infamous OP-1. While most of their products aren’t exactly cheap, they are certainly inventive and fun to use like a cheap synth.
Distinctive Features:
Wide range of models for different sound needs (drums, bass, synths)
Battery-powered portability
Built-in effects and sequencers for maximum creativity
Bastl Instruments Kastle and Drum
Price: $110 - $130 USD
The Bastl Kastle and Kastle Drum are modular, patchable synths that fit into the palm of your hand but offer a ton of flexibility and creativity. Bastl Instruments has a reputation for making quirky and innovative gear, and these little synths are no exception. The Kastle Synth is a modular-style synth that allows for hands-on sound manipulation, while the Kastle Drum focuses on percussive sounds, both modular and rhythmic.
Both devices are perfect for experimental music production, especially for producers who love modular synthesis but don’t want to invest thousands in gear. With their patchable controls and unique sound-shaping capabilities, these synths offer a world of possibilities in a tiny, portable form. If you’re looking to get weird and creative with your sound design, the Kastle line is a fantastic and affordable way to do it.
Distinctive Features:
Modular and patchable in a pocket-sized form
Unique sound-shaping capabilities for experimental music
Perfect for modular synthesis on a budget
Behringer TD-3
Price: Around $150 USD
The Behringer TD-3 is a faithful and affordable reimagining of the legendary Roland TB-303, the acid bassline synth that helped shape the sound of early house and techno. Known for its squelchy, resonant filter sweeps, the TB-303 became iconic in acid house music, and Behringer’s version captures that spirit at a much lower price point. It offers the same familiar control layout for tweaking the filter cutoff, resonance, and envelope modulation, allowing you to create those classic bassline sequences that defined a generation of electronic music. The TD-3 also features a built-in distortion circuit, which adds that crunchy, overdriven edge to your basslines, making it even more aggressive when you want it to be.
What makes the TD-3 so valuable is its simplicity and analog circuitry, which gives it that warm, character-filled sound. It's monophonic (one note at a time), so while it won’t be creating chords, its primary purpose is to nail that distinctive acid sound. For anyone into techno, acid, or house music, the TD-3 is an excellent way to get that iconic analog tone without spending a fortune. Whether you’re new to synths or just want to add some serious bass to your productions, the TD-3 delivers a lot of bang for your buck.
Distinctive Features:
Affordable analog sound
Built-in distortion for edgy basslines
Classic 303-style sequencer
Korg Volca Series
Price: $150–$170 USD
The Korg Volca series is practically legendary in the world of budget synths, offering a wide range of sounds in small, portable, and highly affordable packages. Each unit in the series focuses on a different type of synthesis or sound generation. For instance, the Volca Bass is known for its aggressive analog basslines, while the Volca Keys brings in polyphonic analog sounds. Other members of the family, like the Volca FM (a compact digital FM synth), Volca Modular (a semi-modular analog unit), and Volca Drum (a powerful digital percussion unit), offer a variety of tools to shape your sonic palette. Each of these synths delivers impressive sound and a hands-on experience that’s perfect for live tweaking during performances.
One of the most appealing things about the Volca series is the ability to sync multiple units together, creating a modular setup for live performance or production. These synths are small, battery-powered, and portable, making them ideal for mobile production or gigging musicians. Despite their compact size, the Volcas are packed with features that encourage creativity and experimentation. Whether you’re layering lush polyphonic textures or crafting punchy basslines, there’s a Volca for nearly every sound. Their price-to-performance ratio makes them a go-to for anyone building out a studio on a budget.
Distinctive Features:
Compact and portable design
Sync capabilities for modular setups
Wide variety of synthesis types
Sonicware LIVEN Series
Price: $199–$250 USD
The Sonicware LIVEN series brings a fresh, quirky approach to hardware synthesis. With models like the LIVEN 8bit Warps, LIVEN XFM, and LIVEN Lo-Fi 12, Sonicware has carved out a niche for delivering unique and experimental sounds. The LIVEN 8bit Warps, for example, combines wavetable synthesis with bit-crushed, 8-bit sounds, perfect for anyone looking to add retro, video game-like tones to their music. The XFM model focuses on FM synthesis with a twist, offering powerful sound design possibilities for those who love digital synths but want something outside the box.
What makes the LIVEN series stand out is the combination of high-quality sound, hands-on control, and a compact form factor. These synths are equipped with a sequencer and are designed for immediate music-making, making them ideal for jamming out ideas on the fly. They also come with effects, including reverb, delay, and various modulation options, allowing you to shape and refine your sounds in real time. Sonicware’s LIVEN units are perfect for experimental producers looking to expand their sonic horizons without shelling out for higher-priced gear.
Distinctive Features:
Unique sound design with bit-crushed or FM synthesis
Built-in sequencer for on-the-fly creativity
Compact and portable for mobile music-making
Roland Tweak Synth S-1
Price: Around $200 USD
The Roland S-1 takes its inspiration from Roland's classic SH-101 but reimagines it as a compact, portable powerhouse. This pocket-sized synth might be small, but it packs a lot of punch, offering a range of sounds from sharp leads to warm basses. Roland’s S-1 is part of their AIRA Compact line, which means it’s designed for both portability and performance, with a focus on accessibility for musicians on the go. Its sound engine delivers that signature Roland sound with modern digital enhancements, making it more versatile than its predecessors.
The S-1 also includes built-in effects, including reverb, delay, and chorus, giving you plenty of tools to shape your sound. It’s polyphonic, so you’re not limited to monophonic basslines and leads—there’s room for lush pads and more complex textures here. With its touch-sensitive keyboard, the S-1 is a perfect tool for live performances or studio work where you need a lot of power in a small, portable package.
It’s ideal for musicians who need a go-anywhere synth that doesn’t compromise on sound quality.
Distinctive Features:
Compact SH-101-inspired design
Polyphonic sound engine
Built-in effects for added versatility
Roland Aira Compact Series
Price: $199 USD each
Roland’s Aira Compact series offers pocket-sized devices that offer the classic Roland sounds at an affordable price. T-8 and J-6 are compact, affordable synths that deliver incredible performance in a tiny package.
The T-8 is a drum machine and bassline generator inspired by classic Roland gear like the TR-808 and TB-303, while the J-6 is a chord synthesizer based on the iconic Juno series. Together, these two units provide a powerful combination for electronic music producers looking to create rich, full tracks on a budget. The T-8’s drum sounds are unmistakably "Roland," with deep kicks, crisp snares, and iconic 808 hats, while the J-6 offers lush, analog-inspired chord progressions.
These units are designed to work seamlessly with each other, offering synchronization for tight timing and groove. The J-6’s chord sequencer and built-in arpeggiator make it easy to craft melodic lines, while the T-8’s classic bass and drums lay down the foundation. They’re also battery-powered and compact, making them ideal for mobile music-making or live performance. Whether you’re laying down beats, crafting chords, or syncing them up for a full-on jam, the T-8 and J-6 offer unbeatable value for the price.
The Compact series is still under development. At the time of writing this, Roland has just released the P-6 Creative Sampler, which takes after the SP-404.
Distinctive Features:
Classic Roland sound
Hands-on controls (provided you have tiny little hands)
Seamless synchronization
IK Multimedia UNO Synth
Price: $199 USD
The IK Multimedia UNO Synth is an affordable, analog monophonic synthesizer with a sleek, modern design. Don’t let its size fool you—this little synth can generate everything from thick basslines to soaring leads, all with the warmth of true analog circuitry. One of the standout features is its intuitive touch-based interface, which makes it easy to control filters, envelopes, and oscillators on the fly. It also features built-in effects like delay, giving your sounds extra depth and dimension without needing external plugins or hardware.
The UNO Synth is perfect for those who want a portable, affordable analog synth that doesn’t skimp on sound quality. It also offers a 16-step sequencer, making it ideal for live performance or quick idea generation. With its onboard arpeggiator and 100 preset slots, it’s versatile enough for a wide range of musical styles, from techno to ambient to lofi hip hop. If you're looking for a beginner-friendly synth that still offers professional-level sound design options, the UNO is an excellent choice.
Distinctive Features:
Analog monophonic synthesizer
Touch-based interface for easy control
Built-in effects and arpeggiator
Behringer Analog Clones
Price: $150–$300 USD
Behringer has made a name for itself by delivering high-quality synth clones and original designs at affordable prices. For around $270 USD, you’ll find several impressive synths that emulate classic analog sounds. The Model D is a fantastic recreation of the iconic Moog Minimoog, offering that classic fat, analog sound with three oscillators, a ladder filter, and patch points for semi-modular capabilities. Meanwhile, the Behringer Pro-1 is an affordable take on the Sequential Circuits Pro-One, giving you the same gritty analog sound and modulation options for a fraction of the cost.
Both synths are perfect for those who want that classic analog sound but don’t want to spend thousands on the originals. They offer a great balance of vintage tone and modern accessibility, making them perfect for live performance or studio production. With Behringer’s affordable pricing and impressive build quality, these synths are a great entry point for producers looking to dive into analog synthesis without the hefty price tag of vintage gear.
There are many options at different price points, including the CRAVE, the Neutron and the DeepMind.
Distinctive Features:
Authentic Analog Sound
Affordable Classic Clones
Semi-Modular Flexibility
Final Thoughts
These budget-friendly synths prove that you don’t need to break the bank to get high-quality, creative sound-shaping tools. Whether you're drawn to analog warmth, digital experimentation, or portable gear, there's something here for every type of producer.
The best part? Each synth offers unique features that can expand your sound palette and inspire fresh musical directions. I'd recommend starting with one and really exploring its potential. It’s tempting to buy new toys often, but diving deep reveals surprising creative possibilities!
You might be amazed by what you discover!
Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links, which means Internet Tattoo may receive a commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Prices mentioned are approximate and provided as a general reference. For exact pricing, please verify with the retailer directly.