Gear guide

There is no single best synthesizer, only the one that suits how you like to work. Here are the six main types, what they sound like and who they are for.

Close-up of large filter and oscillator knobs on an analog synthesizer.
Beginner

Monophonic analog

Plays one note at a time with a big, warm sound. Perfect for bass lines and leads.

  • One voice
  • Hands-on knobs
  • Great first synth
Ask about this type
A wide polyphonic synthesizer with oscillator, mixer and sequencer sections.
Intermediate

Polyphonic analog

Plays chords with the same rich character, but costs more and weighs more.

  • Four to sixteen voices
  • Lush pads and chords
  • Patch memory
Ask about this type
A slim digital keyboard on a stand in magenta light.
Advanced

FM digital

Builds sound by letting oscillators bend each other. Known for bells, electric pianos and punchy bass.

  • Bright, glassy tones
  • Menu-driven editing
  • Affordable used
Ask about this type
Rows of colourful glowing buttons on an electronic instrument.
Intermediate

Wavetable

Sweeps through a table of stored waves, so the tone keeps moving and changing as you play.

  • Evolving textures
  • Modern sound design
  • Visual screens
Ask about this type
A Eurorack modular system tangled with patch cables.
Advanced

Modular

Separate modules you connect yourself with cables. Endless options, but it takes time to learn.

  • Build it piece by piece
  • Experimental sounds
  • No two systems alike
Ask about this type
A producer in headphones making music on a laptop.
Beginner

Software

Runs on your computer as a plugin. The cheapest way to try every kind of synthesis.

  • Free options available
  • Saves and recalls instantly
  • Needs a computer
Ask about this type

Side by side

Typical ranges for new instruments, used prices are often lower
Type Voices Learning curve Typical price
Monophonic analog 1 Easy $200 to $800
Polyphonic analog 4 to 16 Medium $700 to $4,000
FM digital 8 to 16 Hard $300 to $1,500
Wavetable 8 to 32 Medium $500 to $2,500
Modular Depends on the build Hard $500 and up
Software Unlimited Easy to medium Free to $250

How to choose your first synth

  1. Decide if you want hardware to touch or software to explore.
  2. Pick a sound you love and find out which type makes it.
  3. Set a budget, and remember cables, stands and headphones.
  4. Try before you buy at a store or with a free plugin.
  5. Start simple, one great synth beats three you never learn.

Our tip

If you are brand new, start with a software synth and a small keyboard. Once you know which sounds you reach for, you will know exactly what hardware to save up for.

Try Synthia Plugins Learn the basics first