A 25-key universal MIDI controller with pads, faders, encoders, and a bundled software suite.
VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
Arturia MiniLab 3 vs Akai Professional MPD218 (2026)
Arturia MiniLab 3 is best for beginners wanting an all-in-one bundled software and hardware starter kit; Akai Professional MPD218 is best for beatmaking and drum programming on a budget. Arturia MiniLab 3 starts at $149 and Akai Professional MPD218 at an unpublished price.
A MIDI-over-USB pad controller with 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive MPC pads and 6 assignable knobs.
VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported+ iOS
| Arturia MiniLab 3 | Akai Professional MPD218 | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | beginners wanting an all-in-one bundled software and hardware starter kit | beatmaking and drum programming on a budget |
| Starting price | $149 | Not public |
| Free version | No | No |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Formats | USB-MIDI | USB-MIDI |
| OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, iOS |
| Key features | 25 velocity-sensitive slim keys, 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads (2 banks), 8 rotary encoders and 4 sliders, Mini OLED display with browsing knob, Touch strips for pitch bend and modulation | 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive backlit pads (3 banks), 6 assignable 360-degree knobs (3 banks), 6 control buttons, Class-compliant, driverless USB-MIDI, iOS compatible via Apple Camera Connection Kit |
| Developer | Arturia | Akai Professional |
Questions people ask
Arturia MiniLab 3 starts at $149; Akai Professional MPD218 starts at a price not published online.
25 velocity-sensitive slim keys, 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads (2 banks), 8 rotary encoders and 4 sliders, Mini OLED display with browsing knob, Touch strips for pitch bend and modulation.
16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive backlit pads (3 banks), 6 assignable 360-degree knobs (3 banks), 6 control buttons, Class-compliant, driverless USB-MIDI, iOS compatible via Apple Camera Connection Kit.