Best Music Synthesizer of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2025

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A music synthesizer is an electronic instrument that generates a wide range of sounds through the manipulation of various signals. It is a versatile tool for music production and live performances, offering musicians the ability to create unique sounds and compositions. Synthesizers come in various forms, from software-based plugins to standalone hardware units, and can produce a vast array of sounds, from classic analog tones to modern digital textures. Whether you're a professional musician or a hobbyist, a music synthesizer can help you unleash your creativity and take your music to the next level.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Portable Synthesizer Cover #TOP 1
Teenage Engineering OP-1 Portable Synthesizer
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ROLAND AIRA Compact J-6 CHORD SYNTH with Effects Cover #TOP 2
ROLAND AIRA Compact J-6 CHORD SYNTH with Effects
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Behringer WASP DELUXE Analog Synthesizer with Dual OSCs Cover #TOP 3
Behringer WASP DELUXE Analog Synthesizer with Dual OSCs
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Music Synthesizer

#TOP 1

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Portable Synthesizer

002.AS.001
Grey
Teenage Engineering OP-1 Portable Synthesizer Cover
Teenage Engineering OP-1 All-in-One Portable Synthesizer, Sampler and Controller

The Teenage Engineering OP-1 is an innovative portable synthesizer that allows you to create music on-the-fly with its 13 unique synth engines and 7 high-quality stereo effects. The 4-track tape recording feature enables you to easily capture and manipulate your beats, making it ideal for spontaneous music creation. You can also use one of the four original sequencers to arrange notes in unique ways, adding depth to your compositions. Additionally, the OP-1 lets you sample sounds from various sources, including an onboard microphone and built-in FM radio, enhancing your creative possibilities.

What We Like
Portable and lightweight
Long battery life
Multiple sound creation options
User-friendly design
#TOP 2

ROLAND AIRA Compact J-6 CHORD SYNTH with Effects

Black
ROLAND AIRA Compact J-6 CHORD SYNTH with Effects Cover
ROLAND AIRA Compact J-6 CHORD SYNTH | Portable song creation machine with professional Roland sound and features | JUNO-60 Synth Engine & Presets | Chord Sequencer | Effects,Black

The ROLAND AIRA J-6 is a portable song creation machine designed for music enthusiasts. With 100 chord sets, you can explore a wide range of classic and contemporary genres, enhancing your creativity. The chord sequencer lets you programme 64 user patterns, allowing for intricate musical compositions. You can also add arpeggios and rhythmic phrases through nine styles, each with 12 variations, making it easy to create dynamic and engaging music. This versatility makes it an invaluable tool for both beginners and seasoned musicians alike.

What We Like
Portable and easy to use
Extensive chord and arpeggio options
Authentic JUNO-60 sound
Real-time sound shaping controls
Comprehensive connectivity options
#TOP 3

Behringer WASP DELUXE Analog Synthesizer with Dual OSCs

WASP DELUXE
Black
Behringer WASP DELUXE Analog Synthesizer with Dual OSCs Cover
Behringer WASP DELUXE Legendary Analog Synthesizer with Dual OSCs, Multi-Mode VCF, 16-Voice Poly Chain and Eurorack Format, Compatible with PC and Mac

The Behringer WASP DELUXE Synth is a legendary hybrid synthesizer that offers a unique dual digital oscillator design. This feature allows you to create incredibly rich and fat sounds, enhancing your music production experience. It faithfully reproduces the original "Wasp Deluxe" circuitry, ensuring authentic sound quality. The pure analog signal path, based on traditional VCF and VCA designs, guarantees a warm tone. With three variable oscillator shapes, including pulse and ramp modes, you have the flexibility to explore a wide range of sounds, making it a versatile choice for any musician.

What We Like
Rich, fat sound creation
Authentic vintage circuitry
Pure analog signal path
Versatile oscillator shapes
#TOP 4

Arturia MicroFreak 25-Key Hybrid Synthesizer

MicroFreak
Blue
Arturia MicroFreak 25-Key Hybrid Synthesizer Cover
Arturia - MicroFreak Synthesizer Keyboard - 25-Key Hybrid Synth with PCB Keyboard, Wavetable & Digital Oscillators, Analog Filters Blue

The Arturia MicroFreak Synthesizer is a compact yet powerful hybrid instrument that combines various synthesis methods. Its unique PCB keyboard allows you to play with incredible precision, detecting pressure and aftertouch for expressive performances. With 17 oscillator modes, you can explore a wide range of sounds, from sweet to savage, enhancing your creativity. The innovative automation and sequencer features enable you to record and edit notes easily, helping you to discover new musical ideas and patterns effortlessly.

What We Like
Compact and portable design
Unique pressure-sensitive keyboard
Diverse oscillator modes
Powerful automation features
#TOP 5

Stylophone Original Pocket Synthesizer

DU05151
Original
H6, W12, D22 cm
Stylophone Original Pocket Synthesizer Cover
Stylophone The Original Pocket Electronic Synthesizer | Synth Musical Instrument | Synthesizer Keyboard | Stylophone Instrument Synth

The Stylophone Pocket Synth is the original pocket synthesizer, perfect for musicians and beginners alike. It boasts an iconic analog sound, reminiscent of the original model from 1968, bringing a unique retro vibe to your music. Easy to play, you can tap and slide the stylus along its touch-sensitive surface to create different notes effortlessly. Plus, its compact design makes it highly portable, fitting snugly in your coat pocket, so you can take your music anywhere.

What We Like
Iconic analog sound
Compact and portable
Easy to play
Battery-powered convenience
Connects to other devices

Behringer CRAVE Analog Semi-Modular Synthesizer

CRAVE
Acid Yellow
Behringer CRAVE Analog Semi-Modular Synthesizer Cover
Behringer CRAVE Analog Synthesizer Analog Semi-Modular Synthesizer with 3340 VCO, Classic Ladder Filter, 32-Step Sequencer and 16-Voice Poly Chain, Compatible with PC and Mac

The Behringer CRAVE Synthesizer features a legendary Prophet 5 VCO design, enabling you to create incredibly rich and fat sounds. Its pure analog signal path, built on authentic VCO, VCF, and VCA designs, ensures that your music retains warmth and depth. With a super-rich oscillator offering pulse and sawtooth wave outputs, you have versatile options for sound creation. The classic Moog 24 dB ladder filter adds resonance, enhancing your sound performance and allowing for a more dynamic musical experience.

What We Like
Rich, fat sound creation
Authentic analog signal path
Versatile wave output options
Classic filter for enhanced sounds
#TOP 7

Roland AIRA Compact S-1 Tweak Synth

multicolour
Roland AIRA Compact S-1 Tweak Synth Cover
Roland AIRA Compact S-1 Tweak Synth | Ultra-Portable Micro Polysynth with Advanced Tools | D-Motion Sound Control | 4.5 Hours Wireless Battery | Lightweight & Durable

The Roland S-1 Tweak Synth is a powerful micro polysynth that allows you to explore new sonic landscapes. With its authentic SH-101 sound, you can create snappy basslines and expressive leads effortlessly. You will appreciate the advanced tools for oscillators, enabling you to craft unique tones through oscillator drawing and chopping. The hands-on panel provides familiar controls for instant sound shaping, making it easy for you to tweak sounds during live performances.

What We Like
Ultra-portable design
Authentic SH-101 sound
Advanced sound manipulation tools
Hands-on control panel
64-step sequencer for creativity
#TOP 8

Korg Volca FM2 Compact Synthesizer and Sequencer

VOLCAFM2
Various
Einheitsgröße
Korg Volca FM2 Compact Synthesizer and Sequencer Cover
Korg - Volca FM2 - Compact 6 Voice Digital FM Synthesizer and Sequencer

The Korg Volca FM2 is an impressive 6-voice digital FM synthesizer that builds on the original model's success. With its expanded voice capacity, you can play complex chords effortlessly. The updated model features a new Reverb effect, enhancing your soundscapes beautifully. Its 16-step looping sequencer allows you to record your performances in real-time, adding a dynamic edge to your music. Additionally, you can easily control other MIDI devices, making it a versatile tool for any music creator.

What We Like
Expanded voice polyphony
New Reverb effect
Real-time motion sequencing
MIDI connectivity options
Includes a software bundle
#TOP 9

Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-2 Oscilloscope Synth Kit

72a7566e-0710-40c9-9459-463575b53b1d
Silver
NTS-2 Oscilloscope
Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-2 Oscilloscope Synth Kit Cover
Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-2 Oscilloscope Synthesizer Kit

The Korg NTS-2 Synthesizer Kit is a fantastic tool for any synth enthusiast. You can build your own oscilloscope in just 10 minutes, without any soldering required. This device serves as an oscilloscope, tuner, FFT and spectrum analyser, making it incredibly accurate and intuitive. With its dual stereo inputs and outputs, you can easily integrate it into your synth rig, providing additional oscillators or LFOs. The simple and clean interface allows you to visualise your signals quickly, enhancing your understanding of sound.

What We Like
Easy 10-minute assembly
Accurate and intuitive functionality
Dual stereo inputs and outputs
Clear and simple interface
Great for all skill levels
#TOP 10

Novation Circuit Tracks Groovebox with Synth and MIDI

AMS-CIRCUIT-TRACKS
Black
Novation Circuit Tracks Groovebox with Synth and MIDI Cover
Novation Circuit Tracks: Groovebox Sequencer With Synth Tracks, MIDI Tracks And Drum Tracks Electronic Music Making

The Novation Circuit Tracks offers a rich music-making experience with its two synth tracks and four drum tracks. You can unleash your creativity using the velocity-sensitive pads, allowing for expressive performances. The intuitive controls and dedicated buttons provide a hands-on production workflow, making it easy for you to get lost in the music. With the ability to create 32-step patterns that can be chained for longer sequences, you have the freedom to explore your musical ideas without limits.

What We Like
Versatile music creation options
Intuitive hands-on controls
Chainable step patterns
Customisable sound patches
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a keyboard and a synthesizer?

The difference in a nutshell Keyboards are designed for people who want to play with a large number of sounds and samples and automated accompaniments in every style imaginable. Synthesizers are more suitable for musicians who want to create their own sounds or adjust existing samples in great detail.

2. Is synthesizer hard to play?

Just like any other musical instrument, it is much easier to learn how to play a synthesizer if you are having fun. However, it can be extremely frustrating for people who would like to compose or play music, but struggle with the hardware or software.

3. What does synthesizer person mean?

Noun. 1. synthesiser - an intellectual who synthesizes or uses synthetic methods. synthesist, synthesizer. intellectual, intellect - a person who uses the mind creatively.

Editor's Notes

During our music synthesizer research, we found 38 music synthesizer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 73,628 customer reviews through our big data system to write the music synthesizer list. We found that most customers choose music synthesizer with an average price of £207.91.

The music synthesizer are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of music synthesizer, including Teenage Engineering, ROLAND, Behringer, Arturia, Stylophone.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.