It’s like having two synths in one, without the need for all the extra gear. The Liven Bass & Beats is my go-to for innovative soundscapes, whether I’m chilling at home or out and about. It’s an awesome addition for any synth lover looking for a big sound in a small, budget-friendly format.

To shortlist our top 10, we have set a budget; we are looking for the best beginner synth under $500. Not only have we selected the best budget synths available in 2024, but these are some of the best overall.

From Teenage Engineering’s Pocket Operator to Korg’s Monotron Duo, here are our favorite synthesizers under $200. 1. Teenage Engineering PO-35 Speak Pocket Operator Bundle.

1. Korg Minilogue XD (Poly) The Korg Minilogue XD is an absolute powerhouse of a synth. This is the perfect synth for beginners, since it has extremely warm sounding patches paired with a wide variety of sounds and parameters. The Korg Minilogue XD is also one of the more straightforward synths on which to start learning.

If you’re looking to get your feet wet in the great, wide world of virtual analog hardware synths, the Modal Electronics Skulpt SE is a solid choice. Not only is it one of the most portable budget synthesizers around, but it also boasts substantial power.

But if I have a budget I'm the kind of guy that likes to spend it all, so in real life I'm buying the Digitakt and throwing a Volca FM on top of it to get the best of both worlds and still stay within my $1000 budget.

Whether you're an experienced musician or just starting out, the best synth units provide flexibility and sound design potential.From analog synths with rich, warm tones to digital synths offering cutting-edge modulation alteration features, the variety is vast.