Stylophone Original Pocket Synthesizer
A characterful synthesizer (pocket synth) for hands-on synthesis.
The Best Budget Synthesizers (UK 2026)
You don't need to spend much to get real synthesis. Budget synths - Korg Volcas and Monotrons, Behringer clones, Stylophones and pocket synths - deliver genuine, hands-on sound design for very little.
What to look for
- Real synthesis (oscillators, filter, envelope), not just presets.
- Hands-on controls at the price.
- A sequencer where possible.
- A trusted brand (Korg, Behringer, Stylophone).
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Behringer TD-3-BK
A characterful synthesizer (analog, monophonic) for hands-on synthesis.
#3 
Behringer TD-3-AM
A characterful synthesizer (analog, monophonic) for hands-on synthesis.
#4 
Bowie Stylophone Limited Edition
A characterful synthesizer (pocket synth) for hands-on synthesis.
#5 
Stylophone S-1
A characterful synthesizer (pocket synth) for hands-on synthesis.
#6 
Korg MONOTRON-DUO
A characterful synthesizer (analog, monophonic) for hands-on synthesis.
#7 
Korg Volca Bass
A characterful synthesizer (analog, monophonic) for hands-on synthesis.
#8 
Korg MONOTRON-DELAY
A characterful synthesizer (analog, monophonic) for hands-on synthesis.
Frequently asked questions
Are cheap synthesizers any good?
Yes - the Korg Volca range, Monotrons, Behringer's affordable clones and Stylophones all deliver genuine synthesis and hands-on fun for little money. You pay more for polyphony, keyboards, deeper features and build, but the core of learning and making sounds is excellent even at the budget end.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Stylophone Original Pocket Synthesizer (our score 9.6/10) - A characterful synthesizer (pocket synth) for hands-on synthesis..