Stylophone Original Pocket Synthesizer
A characterful synthesizer (pocket synth) for hands-on synthesis.
Monophonic vs Polyphonic Synth: Which Do You Need?
Monophonic or polyphonic is one of the most important synth choices - and one beginners often overlook. It decides whether you can play chords, and it affects the price and character.
Monophonic synths
A monophonic synth plays one note at a time. That sounds limiting, but it's exactly what you want for basslines, leads and classic analog sounds - a single, powerful, focused voice you can really shape. Monosynths are often more affordable, more hands-on, and superb at the punchy bass and lead sounds that define a lot of electronic music (think acid bass, fat leads). The limit is simply that you can't play chords - press two keys and you'll only hear one note.
Polyphonic synths
A polyphonic synth plays several notes at once, so you can play chords, pads and lush harmonic textures - essential if you want to play piano-style parts, rich chords or evolving pads. Polyphony (the number of simultaneous notes) varies, and more usually means a higher price. If harmony and chords are central to your music, you need a polysynth. The trade-off is cost, and sometimes less of the raw, focused punch of a dedicated monosynth.
Which should you choose?
Choose monophonic if you mainly want basslines, leads and classic analog sounds, want to spend less, or want the most hands-on, focused synth - many of the best-value synths are monosynths. Choose polyphonic if you want to play chords, pads and harmony. Be honest about your music: a lot of electronic music is built on monosynth bass and leads, so mono is often the right (and cheaper) call - but if you want chords, only polyphony will do.
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 
Behringer TD-3-RD
A characterful synthesizer (analog, monophonic) for hands-on synthesis.
#5 
Bowie Stylophone Limited Edition
A characterful synthesizer (pocket synth) for hands-on synthesis.
#6 
Stylophone S-1
A characterful synthesizer (pocket synth) for hands-on synthesis.
Frequently asked questions
Should I get a monophonic or polyphonic synth?
Choose monophonic for basslines, leads and classic sounds (one note at a time, often cheaper and very hands-on), or polyphonic if you want to play chords, pads and harmony (several notes at once, usually pricier). If your music is built on bass and leads, mono is great value; if you need chords, you need polyphony.
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..