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You swore you were done. The rig was perfect. The studio was locked in. You even cleared out space on your desk and promised yourself no more synths this year. Then 2025 happened. From vintage-inspired revivals to innovative hybrid designs, the synth scene has been firing on all oscillators this year. Whether you're building a new modular rack, need a new studio centerpiece, or searching for the ultimate stage synth, this year's releases have something for everyone. In this blog, we’re rounding up the best synths of 2025. Ready to dive in?
The TR-1000 is Roland's first drum machine in over 40 years to feature a true analog sound engine. By faithfully recreating 16 of the most coveted circuits from the iconic TR-808 and TR-909 with modern components and expanded parameters, Roland has captured the authentic analog sound of the iconic TR series.
On the digital side, you’ll find a wide range of tones powered by Roland’s ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior), FM (Frequency Modulation), and PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) engines. With deep sampling capabilities, advanced sound design tools, onboard effects, and more, it’s clear why the TR-1000 is one of the hottest devices of the year.
Inspired by reggae and dub music, Teenage Engineering’s new EP-40 Riddim is a fresh take on the popular EP–133 K.O. II sampler with over 400 handcrafted instruments and sounds, including contributions from iconic reggae producers and artists. The EP–2350 TING is a lo-fi handheld performance mic with built-in echo, echo+spring, pixie, and robot effects, plus four user-selectable samples that trigger with the press of a button.
This desktop version of the full-sized synth, which itself is inspired by the legendary OB-X, Four Voice, and TVS synths, blends the iconic Oberheim sound with genuine analog oscillators, classic SEM multimode filter, extensive modulations, and more.
With extensive modulation options like through-zero FM and a suite of modern effects, it’s a surprisingly deep sound design tool in a small footprint. It’s the perfect way to add a piece of synthesizer history to any desktop setup.
A portable desktop version of the Take 5 keyboard, the Sequential Take 5 Desktop packs the same analog muscle into a footprint that fits in any studio. With two VCOs and a sub oscillator per voice feeding the classic 4-pole, resonant analog filter from the Prophet-5 Rev 4, it delivers that unmistakable Sequential warmth in a compact, portable design. You still get the hands-on control and deep modulation options that make the Take 5 so fun to play, now in a size that’s easy to travel with or slot into tighter setups.
Hailed as the most powerful MPC to date, the Akai MPC Live III introduces innovative features like ultra-responsive MPCe expressive pad technology, dedicated 16-step sequencer buttons, and a dynamic performance touch-strip, giving you complete control over your beats.
It offers the iconic MPC workflow with new clip launching, song arranging, and studio effects, all powered by a lightning-fast processor that can handle plenty of plug-ins and complex arrangements.
The only software synth to make our list this year, Spectrasonics Omnisphere 3 proves once again why it remains an industry staple for producers and sound designers. This award-winning instrument arrives with a massive new factory collection featuring 18 beautifully curated libraries packed with thousands of inspiring sounds.
All of Omnisphere’s classic patches have been carefully remastered for v3, and thanks to new lossless optimization technology, the entire expanded library takes up no more hard drive space than Omnisphere 2. For anyone working in the box, it’s a one-stop shop for all of your synth needs.
This year, Make Noise expanded its innovative New Universal Synthesizer System with three new modules: the MultiWAVE oscillator module, QXG quad stereo gate module, and Polimaths generator module.
The MultiWAVE is an 8-channel dual wavetable oscillator powerhouse, allowing you to sculpt a complex palette of tones from a single, unified control set.
The QXG is a four-channel stereo low-pass gate and mixer with a unique vactrol-free design, offering switchable fast or slow response times and voltage-controllable stereo spread.
Finally, the PoliMATHS serves as the system's brain, an 8-channel function generator that creates everything from complex modulation shapes to audio-rate oscillations, providing dynamic control over the entire synth voice.
The Strymon SuperKar+ brings the organic, physical modeling magic of Karplus-Strong synthesis straight into your Eurorack. This unique module uses Karplus-Strong synthesis to recreate the sound of plucked or bowed strings, struck or blown pipes or tubes, capable of generating everything from percussive textures to legato melodies and chords with smart harmonies.
SuperKar+ uses a form of delay feedback synthesis, where every tone and texture is constantly in a state of varying tension, so it responds with incredible nuance to parameter changes, making it feel like a living instrument.
Behringer’s SDS-3 resurrects the iconic 1970s Simmons SDS-3, a rare early drum machine that helped define electronic percussion. This version stays true to the original analog circuitry, combining the same quirks and characteristics with modern flexibility.
With four fully adjustable drum channels and a Master section for sculpting global pitch, LFO behavior, wave shape, and more, it’s easy to dial in anything from tight hits to wild modulated effects.
Next on our list of the best synthesizers of 2025 is the Moog Messenger, a monophonic analog synthesizer that offers a new twist on the classic Moog sound. With 32 semi-weighted full-size keys that respond to both velocity and aftertouch, Messenger is built for performance. Under the hood, Messenger features dual VCOs with continuously variable wave shapes and hybrid wavefolders, backed up by a sub-oscillator and white noise generator for rich, layered tones. Add in the iconic Moog transistor ladder filter with resonance bass compensation for smooth low end, and Messenger makes it easy to dial in a wide range of sounds.
While the original Replay made waves in 2024, the sleek new Replay Black edition stole the spotlight at Superbooth25. This 6-voice polyphonic virtual analog synth takes cues from legends like the Roland Juno and Korg Polysix, delivering warm pads, shimmering leads, and punchy arpeggios with vintage flair. With 22 dedicated sound controls and a multi-mode arpeggiator, it offers a hands-on, immersive experience that’s perfect for modern workflows. Whether you're tracking in the studio or building a live rig, the Replay Black fits right in with MIDI, USB, and pedalboard-friendly power.
Perfect for creating on the go, the HiChord Chord Synthesizer packs a full-on synthesizer and drum machine into its pocket-sized form. Don’t let its size fool you, though—this high-powered digital synth features 12 oscillators, multiple waveforms, and built-in effects. Its patented chord mapping system and chord-modifying joystick make it easy to build complex harmonies. Plus, with a rechargeable battery, built-in speaker, and AUX output for external speakers or recording, you can make music anywhere.
The KORG miniKORG 700Sm delivers the lush, fat tones of the original 700S in a more compact, portable form. Inspired by the classic miniKORG700, this updated version adds modern features like spring reverb, a pitch/mod joystick, aftertouch, and a built-in arpeggiator, while preserving the iconic sound that made the original so beloved. You still get the second oscillator and ring mod from the 700S, along with expanded I/O including USB, MIDI IN, and CV/GATE for seamless integration. As a bonus, it comes bundled with free music software to jumpstart your creative sessions.
Meris continues to expand on its classic designs, and with the Enzo X, it's taking the synthesizer pedal to even higher heights. This next-generation evolution pushes the boundaries with a fully modular architecture and six polyphonic voices, each featuring dual oscillators, filter types, and independent envelopes. Five synth modes including mono, polyphonic, and dry processing are accessible through an intuitive interface adapted from the award-winning LVX. There are built-in effects like stereo delay, five modulation types, five drives including Bitcrush, and three rich reverbs. You can play it through a standard instrument input or MIDI keyboard with no special pickup required, and shape, store, and recall your sounds across 99 presets with full MIDI and expression pedal control.
The Arturia DrumBrute Impact 1984 brings the spirit of classic ’80s drum machines into a compact, modern package. Its 10 hard-hitting percussion voices cut through any mix, while the polyrhythmic 64-step sequencer lets you easily craft intricate beats. Want extra grit? The built-in distortion and per-instrument "Color" controls let you dial in anything from subtle warmth to full-on crunch. Plus, its compact design makes it perfect for creating in the studio, on stage, or even on the road.
Designed in collaboration with 112dB.com, the Erica Synths Steampipe is an 8-voice polyphonic desktop synth that uses a powerful physical modeling engine with 32 adjustable parameters to create rich, organic sounds. Its extensive modulation matrix includes five assignable LFOs with delay and sync, plus MIDI controller-specific configurations for deep expressive control. Best of all, its versatile I/O—including DIN5 MIDI, USB for preset transfer, and stereo/headphone outs—makes it a seamless fit in any setup.
Intellijel’s Multigrain is our first Eurorack module on the list—a stereo morphing granular sampler that gives you instant access to up to eight different audio samples, played back through a powerful granular engine with morphable scenes. Streams of grains can be shaped, layered, pitched, filtered, and reversed, letting you sculpt entirely new textures from familiar sounds. Packed with exclusive sample packs from artists like Richard Devine, Speedy J, Taylor Deupree, and Jeremy Blake, Multigrain is a vault of sonic inspiration. To top it all off, this versatile Eurorack module also features a unique “Blur” reverb effect that adds space and depth to your patches.
You may be surprised to see a pedal on our list of the best synthesizers of the year, but MESS isn’t just another multi-effects pedal—it’s a 4-track step sequencer that turns effects into an instrument. With over 120 studio-quality effects, each with per-step parameter sequencing, you can quickly and easily create complex textures that shift and evolve over time. Whether integrated into a modular synth rig or used in a DAW-less setup, deep customization and performative power make it equally at home on pedalboards or in the studio.
While it's not technically a synthesizer, Novation’s new Launch Control XL 3 is sure to streamline your synth setup. With 8 faders, 24 endless encoders, and 16 programmable buttons, Launch Control XL 3 puts hands-on control at your fingertips. Featuring deep integration with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, and more, Launch Control XL 3 gives you complete control over all of your favorite software synths. Best of all, Launch Control XL 3 is designed to work with or without a computer. Simply power via USB-C, connect your hardware instruments and effects via MIDI I/O, and start creating. Using a hybrid setup? No problem! Combine your external gear, DAW controls, and essential plug-in parameters using customizable templates.
Closing out our list with something truly futuristic, Melbourne Instruments’ ROTO-CONTROL is a motorized MIDI controller that bridges the gap between software and hardware. With 8 touch-sensitive motorized knobs, 9 high-res displays, and 16 RGB backlit buttons, ROTO-CONTROL gives you total control over all of your hardware and software synths.
That wraps up our picks for the best synths of 2025, but the year is just getting started. New releases are dropping every month, so be sure to check out the latest arrivals to stay up to date on the hottest new synths. Or, check out our blog to see the best synths of 2024.
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