Producer Rack

Checked September 2026

Arturia

Arturia MiniLab 3 review

MIDI controllers

A 25-key universal MIDI controller with pads, faders, encoders, and a bundled software suite. Best for beginners wanting an all-in-one bundled software and hardware starter kit. Price: $149.

Arturia MiniLab 3 by Arturia

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

Pros

  • Bundled with Analog Lab Intro, Ableton Live Lite, UVI Model D, and a Native Instruments Komplete Select voucher.
  • Class-compliant USB-C, no drivers needed on Mac.

Cons

  • No official iOS/iPadOS support listed.
  • No Bluetooth MIDI.

Arturia MiniLab 3 alternatives

  • Akai Professional

    Akai Professional MPK Mini IV

    $99once

    Compact 25-key USB-C MIDI controller with pitch/mod wheels, 8 pads, and 5-pin DIN MIDI output.

    VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported+ iOS

  • Novation

    Novation Launchkey Mini 25 MK4

    $139.99once

    A 25 mini-key DAW controller with polyphonic-aftertouch pads, Scale/Chord modes, and an arpeggiator.

    VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported

  • Native Instruments

    Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32

    $139once

    NI's smallest keyboard controller with 32 synth-action keys and deep NKS/Komplete integration.

    VST3not supportedAUnot supportedAAXnot supportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
All Arturia MiniLab 3 alternatives

Sources: www.arturia.com, www.arturia.com