Stylophone Review: This Tiny Synth Is #1 on Amazon, but Is It Worth It?
There’s something weirdly charming about the Stylophone. At first glance, it looks like a retro-futuristic gadget from a 1960s toy catalog—a pocket-sized keyboard you play with a stylus, buzzing out gritty, robotic tones through a built-in speaker. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find it’s not just a novelty. The Stylophone has been used by artists like David Bowie and Kraftwerk, popped up in countless YouTube videos, and somehow—despite all odds—remains the best-selling synthesizer on Amazon. But why? In an era of powerful softsynths, Eurorack madness, and portable grooveboxes, what is it about this buzzy little box that keeps people clicking “add to cart”? Is it actually useful, or just a fun desk toy? In this review, we’ll take a closer look at what the Stylophone really is, why it continues to find a place in studios and backpacks, and whether it’s worth grabbing for your own setup—even if it’s just for some lo-fi sound design weirdness.
Already curious? Check out the Stylophone on Amazon and see why it's the top-selling synth right now.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What Is the Stylophone, Really?
The Stylophone is one of those rare instruments that somehow exists outside of time. Originally released in 1967 by British inventor Brian Jarvis, it was marketed as a pocket synth for the masses—affordable, futuristic, and easy to play. You don’t use keys in the traditional sense; instead, you use a metal-tipped stylus to touch a printed keyboard strip, completing a circuit that produces its signature buzzy tone. It looks like a gimmick, sounds like a malfunctioning robot, and yet... it kind of rules.
While many people first encountered it as a toy (especially in the UK), it quietly earned street cred through cult appearances. David Bowie famously used it on Space Oddity, and experimental artists have continued to embrace its limitations for their raw, strange character. Today, it’s made by Dubreq (the original brand, revived) and has become a global sleeper hit—helped along by nostalgia, TikTok virality, and the fact that it's dirt cheap compared to most synth gear.
There are a few versions floating around now. The classic Stylophone is the most basic, with just three simple tones, a vibrato switch, and a headphone output. The Stylophone Gen X-1 adds features like a low-pass filter, LFO, and envelope controls, making it a bit more versatile for actual sound design. And then there’s the Stylophone Beatbox, a rhythm-focused variant that lets you trigger percussive samples. But whether you go classic or more advanced, the core appeal stays the same: it’s tactile, strange, and unapologetically lo-fi.
Why It’s Cool (Despite Its Limitations)
The Stylophone might look like a toy—and in some ways, it is—but that’s also exactly what makes it so much fun. There’s no menu diving, no patch saving, no screens. You pick it up, touch the stylus to the strip, and instantly get that gritty, buzzing synth tone. It’s immediate and raw in a way most modern gear isn’t. That lo-fi texture has become part of its charm, and producers in genres like indie pop, vaporwave, and experimental music have found ways to embrace it as a source of character, not just a gimmick.
What really makes the Stylophone shine is how weirdly good it sounds once you start mangling it. Plug it into a DAW, throw some effects on it—distortion, delay, granular reverb—and suddenly you’ve got wild alien leads, bleating synth brass, or crunchy bass stabs. Some people even sample individual notes and build custom instruments in their samplers. The Stylophone is one of those tools that thrives in unexpected contexts, especially when you’re aiming for texture and attitude over precision and polish.
And honestly, part of its appeal is just how low-pressure and portable it is. You don’t have to be “good” at it. It’s the kind of instrument you leave on your desk, pick up between emails, and end up recording a few oddball riffs with. It invites play.
In a world of over-polished plugin presets, the Stylophone’s raw synth tones are a jagged breath of fresh air. For anyone burned out on complex setups and plugin overload, it’s a reminder that music can be silly, immediate, and strange—and that’s a very good thing.
What You Can’t Expect From It
As lovable as the Stylophone is, it’s important to know what you’re getting into—because this isn’t a powerhouse synth by any stretch. First off, it’s monophonic, meaning it can only play one note at a time. There’s no MIDI, no patch memory, and definitely no velocity sensitivity. Playing melodies can feel a little clunky too, especially on the original model’s touch strip, which isn’t always precise. You can play in tune with a bit of practice, but it’s not something you’ll want to rely on for intricate lines or live performances.
The built-in speaker, while part of the charm, is about as good as you’d expect from something the size of a bar of soap. It’s fun for noodling around on the couch, but if you want to record anything usable, you’ll be reaching for the headphone or line out jack. Even then, you’re dealing with a noisy, unfiltered sound that may need cleanup or shaping once it hits your DAW. Don’t expect rich analog warmth or pristine digital clarity—it’s a buzzing little box of chaos.
But… if you’re expecting a full-featured synth, this is going to feel limited. It’s not meant to replace your Minilogue, your soft synths, or even your Volcas. The Stylophone is more like a sketchpad or a sound design spice rack. It’s great at being weird and specific—but if you’re not into that, you might find yourself reaching for it once and then leaving it in a drawer.
Alternatives: Tiny Synths With Big Personality
If you're curious about the Stylophone but want to explore other small, fun instruments with real creative potential, here are a few great options that offer unique flavors—each weird in its own way, and all worth a look.
Stylophone Beat
A rhythm-focused spin on the classic, the Stylophone Beat lets you trigger quirky drum and vocal samples using a grid-style pad layout. It includes built-in looping, a bass mode, and even a scratch function. It’s just as lo-fi and fun as the original Stylophone, but with a beatmaker’s twist.
Korg Monotron Delay
Don’t underestimate this tiny analog monster. The Monotron Delay has a built-in ribbon controller and an aggressive analog delay circuit that can self-oscillate into outer space. It’s noisy, unstable, and weird in all the right ways—perfect for sampling or just making bleeps that sound like broken machinery.
Korg also offers the classic Monotron and the Monotron Duo.
Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators
These calculator-sized synths and drum machines are deceptively powerful. Each Pocket Operator has its own specialty—bass, rhythm, noise, or even vocal FX—and they can chain together for full setups. The workflow is tactile and fast, making them ideal for sketching beats or crafting glitchy loops on the go.
I wrote a post about the best Pocket Operators. Click here to read it!
Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1
A DIY synth you assemble yourself, the NTS-1 is powered by the same digital engine found in the Minilogue XD. It offers custom oscillators, built-in effects, and a surprisingly rich sound for something so small. Plus, it plays well with Eurorack and other gear via MIDI and sync. It’s a little more involved than the Stylophone—but a huge step up in creative potential.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a Stylophone?
The Stylophone isn’t going to replace your main synth or become the centerpiece of your studio—but that’s never really been the point. It’s weird, cheap, and instantly playable. If you’re a sound designer, it’s a great source of lo-fi textures to sample or twist into something unrecognizable. If you’re a beginner or hobbyist, it’s an easy way to dip your toes into the world of synths without spending much. And if you’re just someone who likes odd little gadgets, it’ll look just as good on your desk as it sounds running through delay and distortion.
For around the price of a (good) pizza, you get a pocket-sized synth with a distinct personality and a surprising amount of creative potential. It’s not for everyone—but come on! Get one and you might just fall in love! <3
Bottom line: If you're even slightly curious, it's probably worth picking one up. You can grab the original Stylophone here for less than most plugins.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.