Best MIDI Keyboard Under $100 (2026): 5 Picks Compared
Updated Oct 24, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
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The M-AUDIO Keystation Mini 32 MK3 leads this list, with 32 velocity-sensitive keys at 1 lb and MPC Beats software plus 60 Melodics lessons in the box. If you want a 25-key layout with an arpeggiator, the Akai LPK25 adds 8 programmable preset slots.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Beginners who want 60 Melodics lessons in the box: M-AUDIO Keystation Mini 32 MK3 USB MIDI See pick 1More picks: Best MIDI Keyboard Controller for Beginners
- Players who want pitch and modulation wheels: midiplus AKM320 Midi Keyboard Controller See pick 2
- Beat makers who want 8 programmable preset slots: Akai Professional LPK25 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard See pick 3
- Beginners who want 40 teaching courses: Donner N-32 MIDI Keyboard See pick 4More picks: Best MIDI Keyboard for Beginners
- Players who want 8 drum pads and an OLED display: Donner USB-C MIDI Keyboard Controller See pick 5More picks: Best MIDI Keyboard for Drums
Want the full range? Best MIDI Keyboard ranks the top MIDI keyboards for every buyer, or browse all 44 guides.
The 5 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
M-AUDIO Keystation Mini 32 MK3 USB MIDI
- Keys: 32
- USB-MIDI
- 1-year warranty stated
It earns Best Overall with 32 velocity-sensitive keys, MPC Beats software and 60 Melodics lessons.
Who it suits
- Beginners who want 60 Melodics lessons in the box
- Players who want 32 mini keys at 1 lb
Skip it if
- You want fewer than 32 keys
- You want pitch and modulation wheels
The box holds the keyboard, a USB cable, MPC Beats software and 60 interactive Melodics lessons. It connects by USB with plug-and-play on Mac or PC, no drivers or external power needed. It measures 4.2 by 16.44 by 0.72 inches and weighs 1 lb, with octave buttons, a volume knob and a sustain button.
2Runner-Up
midiplus AKM320 Midi Keyboard Controller
- Keys: 32
- USB-MIDI
- 12-month warranty stated
It earns Runner-Up with 32 velocity-sensitive keys, pitch and modulation wheels and a 12-month warranty.
Who it suits
- Players who want pitch and modulation wheels
- Users on Windows, Mac or Linux
Skip it if
- You want bundled software in the box
- You want mini keys
The box holds the keyboard and a USB cable. It connects to a computer over USB B, with a sustain switch interface for a pedal. It measures 1.2 by 18.1 by 4.9 inches and weighs 1.6 lb, with pitch and modulation wheels plus octave and transpose buttons.
3Also Great
Akai Professional LPK25 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard
- Keys: 25
- Software named in listing: GarageBand
- USB-MIDI
- 1-year warranty stated
A 25-key pick with an arpeggiator, 8 programmable preset slots and USB power at 1.1 lb.
Who it suits
- Beat makers who want 8 programmable preset slots
- Players who want a built-in arpeggiator
Skip it if
- You want more than 25 keys
- You want pitch and modulation wheels
The box holds the keyboard, a USB cable, a quickstart guide and a software download card. It runs on USB power with plug-and-play on Mac or PC, and works with GarageBand, Logic, Ableton Live and more. It measures 3.96 by 13.68 by 1.44 inches and weighs 1.1 lb.
4Also Great
Donner N-32 MIDI Keyboard
- Keys: 32
- Software named in listing: Cubase LE
- USB-MIDI
- 1-year warranty stated
A 32-key controller with 40 teaching courses, a sequencer and a light-up joystick at 1 lb.
Who it suits
- Beginners who want 40 teaching courses
- Players who want a sequencer and chord tools
Skip it if
- You want fewer than 32 keys
- You want a sustain button instead of a pedal
The box holds the keyboard, a type-C cable, a manual and music production software with 40 teaching courses. It connects by USB-MIDI with plug and play on Mac, PC, Android or iOS, no driver installation. It measures 4.3 by 16.7 by 1.3 inches and weighs 1 lb.
5Also Great
Donner USB-C MIDI Keyboard Controller
- Keys: 25
- Pads: 8
- Software named in listing: Cubase LE
- USB-MIDI
- 1-year warranty stated
A 25-key controller with 8 pads, an OLED display and 40 teaching courses at 1.5 lb.
Who it suits
- Players who want 8 drum pads and an OLED display
- Beginners who want 40 teaching courses
Skip it if
- You want more than 25 keys
- You want a controller under 1.5 lb
The box holds the keyboard, a USB-C adapter, a USB-C cable, 4 DAW software and 40 teaching courses. It works with PC, smartphone and tablet over USB-C, with an OLED display, 8 pads and a pitch and mod touch bar. It measures 7.2 by 13.27 by 1.02 inches and weighs 1.5 lb.
Side by side
| Product | Keys | Pads | Knobs / faders | Aftertouch | Software named | USB-MIDI | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M-AUDIO Keystation Mini 32 MK3 USB MIDI | 32 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Yes | 1 lb | 1-year |
| midiplus AKM320 Midi Keyboard Controller | 32 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Yes | 1.6 lb | 12-month |
| Akai Professional LPK25 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard | 25 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | GarageBand | Yes | 1.1 lb | 1-year |
| Donner N-32 MIDI Keyboard | 32 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Cubase LE | Yes | 1 lb | 1-year |
| Donner USB-C MIDI Keyboard Controller | 25 | 8 | Not stated | Not stated | Cubase LE | Yes | 1.5 lb | 1-year |
How we ranked these MIDI keyboards
Every pick has at least 100 customer ratings on Amazon and a listing with real specifications. The order mixes two things: how each model compares on the specs below (higher share of the best value in this group scores more), and how widely it is bought. The spec score runs from 9.0 to 9.8 and only compares these picks with each other. A spec the listing does not state is left out and the other specs are re-weighted; a listing with fewer than 2 stated specs is scored at half. We do not test gear in person. Full method.
- Keys weight 3
- Pads weight 2
- Knobs / faders weight 2
- Aftertouch weight 1
- USB-MIDI weight 1
Buying advice: MIDI keyboard under 100
Count the keys before you buy
32 keys give more range without octave shifts: the M-AUDIO, AKM320 and Donner N-32 each list 32 keys. 25 keys keep the footprint small, like the Akai LPK25 and Donner DMK 25 Pro. The M-AUDIO, AKM320, Akai LPK25 and Donner N-32 all list octave buttons to reach higher and lower notes.
Check the software in the box
Bundled software saves a separate purchase: the M-AUDIO includes MPC Beats and 60 Melodics lessons, and both Donner models include 40 teaching courses plus production software. The Akai LPK25 names GarageBand among its compatible apps, and the AKM320 ships with a USB cable only. If you already own a DAW, compare keys and controls instead.
Look at weight and power
USB power means one cable from the keyboard to the computer: the M-AUDIO, AKM320, Akai LPK25, Donner N-32 and DMK 25 Pro all run on USB power. The M-AUDIO and Donner N-32 each weigh 1 lb, the Akai LPK25 weighs 1.1 lb, and the AKM320 weighs 1.6 lb. Lighter boards move between rooms with less fuss.
Frequently asked questions
Do MIDI keyboards make sound on their own?
No. MIDI keyboards need DAW software to sound and do not produce sound alone. Connect any of the five to a computer to hear notes.
What is the difference between 25 and 32 keys?
32 keys cover more notes before you touch the octave buttons. 25 keys keep the keyboard smaller for a desk or a bag.
Which of these include lessons for beginners?
The M-AUDIO includes 60 interactive Melodics lessons, and both Donner models include 40 teaching courses.
Can I use these with GarageBand?
The Akai LPK25 names GarageBand among its compatible apps. The M-AUDIO, Donner N-32 and DMK 25 Pro work with major DAWs on Mac or PC.
Gear that goes with it
Best Audio InterfaceTop pick: Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio
Best Studio MonitorsTop pick: Yamaha HS4 Powered Studio Monitor in Black
Best Sustain PedalTop pick: M-AUDIO SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal Classic Piano-Style
Best Piano StandTop pick: tipatyard Keyboard Stand & Bench SetMore MIDI keyboards guides
Specifications and availability come from each Amazon listing on Oct 24, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.