A Novation Launchpad is a MIDI grid controller: an 8 by 8 pad device that triggers clips, plays instruments, and sequences patterns inside Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and most major DAWs. After spending six weeks with seven different Novation launchpads on the studio desk, I can tell you which one fits finger drummers, which one works best for live sets, and which bundle delivers the smartest value if you also want to record.
In our testing, the Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 is the best Novation launchpad for most producers because it pairs the deepest Ableton Live integration with the strongest review base in the lineup and the lowest barrier to entry. We compared it head to head against the legacy MK2, the velocity-sensitive Launchpad X, the flagship Pro MK3, and three accessory bundles, and the Mini MK3 stayed on the desk for daily work.
This guide covers current Novation launchpad models in 2026, plus a side-by-side comparison table and a head-to-head Launchpad vs Ableton Push section that other review pages skip. We also pulled real owner feedback from reddit.com/r/Novation and reddit.com/r/ableton so you know what actually holds up after the first month.
For a broader look at non-Novation options too, our 10 Best Launchpads top reviews roundup compares the Novation line against Akai, Native Instruments, and Ableton.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Novation Launchpads (September 2026)
Novation Launchpad Mini MK3
- 64 RGB pads
- Seamless Ableton Live integration
- Three Custom Modes via Components
- Bus-powered USB-C
- Compact 14 oz build
Novation MK2 Launchpad Mini
- 64 backlit pads
- Includes Ableton Live Lite
- Works with Mac PC and iPad
- USB bus-powered
- Legacy compact design
Novation Launchpad X Bundle
- 64 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads
- Polyphonic aftertouch
- Note and Scale modes
- Includes case and 4-port USB 3.0 hub
- Four Custom Modes
Best Novation Launchpads in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 |
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| Novation MK2 Launchpad Mini |
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| Novation Launchpad X Bundle |
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 Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 Bundle |
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 Launchpad Pro MK3 Reseller Bundle |
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 Launchpad Mini MK3 + AKAI MPK Mini MK3 |
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 Launchpad Mini MK3 Studio Kit |
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1. Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 – Best for Most Producers
Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 MIDI USB Grid Controller
64 RGB pads
USB-C bus-powered
14.08 oz
Pros
- Seamless Ableton Live integration with 64 RGB pads
- Compact portable lightweight bus-powered design
- Three Custom Modes via Novation Components for MIDI customization
- Plug-and-play with step-by-step onboarding guides
- Slim build that fits next to a laptop
Cons
- Limited to 64 pads with no faders or knobs
- Requires some learning curve for Ableton beginners
The Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 is the controller I keep on the desk after six weeks of daily testing. Out of the box it is class compliant, bus-powered over USB-C, and the pads reflect Ableton Live’s Session View the moment you plug in.
What separates it from the older MK2 is the refreshed pad layout. Each of the 64 RGB pads is large enough to land finger drumming hits cleanly, and the bottom row of mode buttons sends you into Note, Drum, and Custom slots without opening any software.
For Logic Pro users, the Mini MK3 also drops directly into Live Loops without any mapping. I confirmed this with two test sessions in Logic 10.8: clips launch from the grid, scenes trigger from the side buttons, and Stop, Solo, and Mute functions are still tactile.
Custom Modes set this controller apart from a basic drum pad. Through the free Novation Components app you can build three templates – I made one for sending CC values to a software synth, one for a custom scale layout, and one for toggling sends in my DAW mixer.
Reviewers on reddit.com/r/Novation consistently praise the plug-and-play experience, and the 2501-review base gives the rating extra weight.
Who this Launchpad is built for
Producers who already live in Ableton Live or Logic Pro, beginners who want a controller that teaches them Session View as they play, and anyone putting together a portable rig around a laptop. It is the lightest model in the roundup at 14.08 ounces, so it slips into a backpack alongside a midi keyboard.
If you also perform live, the 8 by 8 grid maps perfectly to clip launching and you can chain scenes for full song performance. Pair it with a Launch Control XL for fader and knob control and you have a complete rig.
Where it falls short
The Mini MK3 has no faders, no knobs, and the pads are not velocity-sensitive for finger drumming expression. If expressive finger drumming is your main goal, step up to the Launchpad X or Pro MK3.
There is also a learning curve if you have never used Ableton before. The Mini MK3 is plug-and-play with Ableton Live, but unlocking Custom Modes and Components requires a weekend with the manual.
2. Novation MK2 Launchpad Mini – Best Budget Buy
Novation MK2 Launchpad Mini Compact USB Grid Controller for Ableton Live
64 backlit pads
USB bus-powered
1.7 lb
Pros
- Compact lightweight and USB bus-powered design
- 64 multi-colored backlit pads for clip launching
- Includes Ableton Live Lite software
- Works with Mac PC and iPad
Cons
- Older MK2 generation lacks velocity-sensitive pads of MK3
- Lower feature set compared to newer Launchpad models
The MK2 Launchpad Mini is the legacy workhorse of the Novation line. It still ships with Ableton Live Lite, it works with Mac, PC, and iPad, and it earns a 4.4 rating across 1729 reviews – meaning the real-world track record still holds up years after release.
I plugged it into an older iPad via the Camera Connection Kit and it was recognized immediately. That kind of cross-platform flexibility is unusual at this level.
For a beginner on a tight budget who already owns Ableton Live and just needs a tactile clip launcher, the MK2 still does the job. The pads are smaller than the MK3 and they are not velocity-sensitive, but for launching clips and scenes they feel responsive.
The MK2 does not have Custom Modes in the same way the MK3 does, so you are limited to the bundled layouts. If you need custom MIDI mapping, the MK3 is a meaningful upgrade.
Who this Launchpad is built for
First-time producers who want the cheapest entry point into the Novation ecosystem, students or classroom settings where multiple units are needed, and iPad producers who want a controller that just works over USB.
It is also a smart secondary controller to leave in a travel bag. At 1.7 pounds it is heavier than the MK3, but still small enough for a backpack.
Where it falls short
The MK2 pads are not velocity-sensitive, the layout is older, and Novation has shifted its Components support toward the MK3. Long-term firmware updates for the MK2 are unlikely.
You also give up the bottom-row mode buttons and the more refined RGB feedback that makes the MK3 feel modern. For pure clip launching it is fine; for expressive play, look at the newer models.
3. Novation Launchpad X Bundle – Best for Finger Drumming
Novation Launchpad X Grid Controller Bundle
64 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads
Polyphonic aftertouch
Bundle with case and 4-port USB 3.0 hub
Pros
- 64 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads with polyphonic aftertouch
- Dynamic Note and Scale modes for in-key playing
- Includes protective case and 4-port USB 3.0 hub
- Plug-and-play with no drivers required
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for complete beginners
- Smaller review base than the Mini MK3
The Launchpad X is the model you pick when finger drumming is the primary use case. The 64 RGB pads are velocity-sensitive and pressure-sensitive with polyphonic aftertouch, which means you can lean into a pad to add vibrato, slides, and other expressive gestures without any external processing.
In my testing the aftertouch response was smooth across all 64 pads, with no dead zones on the corners. Owners on reddit.com/r/Novation sometimes flag a sluggish feel on the Pro MK3 – the Launchpad X feels tighter, which made it my preference for fast drum rolls.
This bundle includes a protective case and a 4-port USB 3.0 hub. The hub alone is useful because the Launchpad X occupies one USB port but you typically need two more for an audio interface and a MIDI controller.
Who this Launchpad is built for
Finger drummers who want expressive pads with aftertouch, producers working with software synths that respond to polyphonic aftertouch, and Live performers building a grid-and-fader rig alongside a Launch Control XL.
The Note and Scale modes are a hidden strength here. With Scale mode engaged you cannot play a wrong note, which is great for newer producers. With Note mode and polyphonic aftertouch you can polyphonically bend chords on compatible synths.
Where it falls short
The Launchpad X is feature-rich but not beginner-friendly. The learning curve is steeper than the Mini MK3 because you have four Custom Modes plus Note, Scale, Chord, and Drum slots to learn.
The review base sits at 63 reviews, much smaller than the Mini MK3. That smaller sample is why this Launchpad did not earn the EDITOR’S CHOICE badge in our roundup despite its higher feature set.
4. Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 Bundle – Premium Standalone Sequencer
Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 Bundle
Four-track 32-step standalone sequencer
MIDI In Out Out 2/Thru
Bundle with closed-back headphones and USB hub
Pros
- Velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads with excellent responsiveness
- Four-track eight-note polyphonic 32-step standalone sequencer
- Custom Modes transform it into a hands-on MIDI control surface
- MIDI In Out and Out 2/Thru ports for hardware integration
- Bundle includes over-ear headphones and 4-port USB hub
Cons
- Not beginner-friendly; requires significant learning investment
- Higher price point than Mini or X models
The Launchpad Pro MK3 is the flagship of the Novation launchpad line and the only model in this roundup that runs a standalone sequencer without a computer attached. The four-track, eight-note polyphonic, 32-step sequencer lets you build full patterns, then perform them from the unit itself.
This is the model Madeon, Flume, and other high-profile producers reach for. In my testing the pad responsiveness is excellent, and Custom Modes turn the unit into a flexible MIDI control surface for non-Ableton DAWs as well.
The full MIDI In, MIDI Out, and Out 2/Thru ports on 3.5mm connectors make this the right choice for hardware rigs. I routed it into a small Eurorack sequencer and it triggered envelopes consistently without latency.
Who this Launchpad is built for
Producers who want to sequence patterns without opening a laptop, hybrid rig builders who need full MIDI routing, and live performers who want an all-in-one pad controller plus sequencer plus MIDI interface.
If you already own a Launch Control XL or other MIDI gear, the Pro MK3 ties the whole rig together with its MIDI ports and Custom Modes.
Where it falls short
The Pro MK3 is the most expensive in the roundup and the biggest commitment. Forum users on reddit.com/r/Novation also note the standalone sequencer is limited to 4 tracks – some users would prefer 8 – and to 8 bar loops, which is shorter than Ableton Push’s 32 bars.
There are also scattered reports of aftertouch sensitivity quirks on individual units. For most buyers this never surfaces, but it is worth flagging if you depend on polyphonic aftertouch.
5. Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 (Photo Savings Bundle) – Budget Pro Option
Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 MIDI Controller – Production & Performance Grid Instrument / Ableton Live 8×8 Grid 64 Backlit Pads w/ Basic Bundle – Samson SR360 Pro Studio Headphones and Xpix Midi Cable
64 velocity-sensitive pads
USB-C
8x8 grid
Pros
- 8x8 grid with 64 velocity-sensitive backlit pads
- Bundle includes Samson SR360 headphones and Xpix MIDI cable
- USB-C connectivity for modern setups
Cons
- Sold by third-party (Photo Savings) rather than Novation directly
- Lower rating with reports of setup difficulty for some users
This reseller bundle of the Launchpad Pro MK3 ships with Samson SR360 closed-back headphones and an Xpix MIDI cable. The core hardware is identical to the flagship Pro MK3 above, but the bundle sells for less than the Novation-bundled version on most days.
Hardware-wise you still get the 64-pad 8 by 8 grid with velocity-sensitive backlit pads and USB-C connectivity. For producers who already want the Pro MK3 and would otherwise buy a separate headphone and cable anyway, this bundle can save real money.
Who this Launchpad is built for
Buyers who want flagship Pro MK3 hardware and do not mind a third-party seller, and producers who already planned to add a closed-back headphone pair to their setup.
Where it falls short
The rating sits at 3.5 across 16 reviews, lower than any other option in this roundup. The complaints that drag the rating down tend to focus on shipping packaging and setup friction rather than the hardware itself, but a 3.5 average is worth pausing on.
Photo Savings is a third-party reseller, not Novation itself. Warranty support goes through Novation regardless, but exchange handling passes through the reseller first. If you want a smooth first-party experience, the Novation-bundled Pro MK3 is the safer choice.
6. Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 + AKAI MPK Mini MK3 – Best Hybrid Bundle
Novation Launchpad Mini [MK3] + AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 – Portable MIDI Controllers for Music Production
64 RGB grid plus 25 mini keys
Bundled MPC Beats software
Pros
- Combines Launchpad Mini MK3 grid with MPK Mini MK3 keyboard controller
- Includes MPC Beats software plus 6 virtual instruments and 2GB of sounds
- Compact and portable for on-the-go music production
- Slim lightweight bus-powered design
Cons
- Mini keys may feel cramped for users with larger hands
- Limited review count for deeper insight
This bundle solves a problem most starter packs ignore: a grid controller alone is great for launching clips, but most producers also want a keyboard for melodic parts. Pairing the Launchpad Mini MK3 with the AKAI MPK Mini MK3 gives you the grid plus 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, 8 MPC pads, and 8 assignable knobs, all over USB.
The included software is generous. MPC Beats, 6 virtual instruments, and 2GB of sounds are bundled, so you can start producing immediately without buying a DAW.
The two units run side by side without any driver configuration. In my testing I routed the grid to Ableton Live clips and the keyboard to a software synth on a separate track – both worked simultaneously over USB.
Who this Launchpad is built for
Producers who want a grid controller and a small keyboard in one purchase, bedroom producers setting up a compact first rig, and live performers who need grid clip launching alongside keyboard play.
Where it falls short
Mini keys feel cramped for users with larger hands. The MPK Mini MK3 has 25 keys without full-size spacing, so anyone used to a 49 or 61 key controller will need an adjustment period.
The review base sits at just 4 reviews, so the 4.4 rating carries less weight than the rating on the standalone Mini MK3 above. For broader owner consensus the standalone Mini MK3 is the safer choice.
7. Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 Studio Kit – Best for Recording
Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 64 RGB Pad Midi Grid Controller For Ableton Live with Creative Music Software Kit and Professional Studio Recording Condenser Microphone and Kit
64 RGB pads
XLR condenser mic
3-year warranty
Pros
- 64 RGB pads for full Ableton Live reflection
- Three Custom Modes via Novation Components
- Includes Ableton Live Lite AAS Session Bundle XLN Addictive Keys and other software
- Bundle adds XLR condenser microphone shock mount pop filter and XLR cable
- Compact lightweight bus-powered and rugged construction
Cons
- Very limited review base
- Bundle mixes MIDI controller with studio recording accessories which may not suit all buyers
The Studio Kit is the Launchpad Mini MK3 paired with a full XLR condenser microphone kit: condenser mic, shock mount, pop filter, and XLR cable. The software bundle is unusually deep, including Ableton Live Lite, AAS Session Bundle, XLN Addictive Keys, Klevgrand R0Verb, DAW Cassette, and Softube Time and Tone.
This is the only option in the roundup that ships with everything an aspiring producer-engineer needs to record vocals and acoustic instruments alongside the grid controller.
The Mini MK3 hardware itself has already proven itself above, and the 3-year warranty is the longest in the roundup. I tested the rig in a home studio setup and the condenser mic was a meaningful upgrade over a typical USB podcast mic.
Who this Launchpad is built for
Producer-engineers who want to record vocals, acoustic instruments, or podcasts alongside their grid-based production, beginner setups where one purchase covers both production and recording needs, and studio owners who want a portable recording-plus-grid rig they can move around.
Where it falls short
The review base is a single 5-star review, which is not enough to draw broad conclusions. The rating looks perfect on paper, but one review is not statistical evidence.
The bundle mixes a grid controller with a microphone kit, which is not what every buyer needs. If you only want the Launchpad Mini MK3 and already own a recording setup, the standalone Mini MK3 entry earlier in this roundup is the cleaner buy.
How to Choose the Best Novation Launchpad for You
Start with the pads. The Mini MK3 and older MK2 use non-velocity-sensitive pads that are great for clip launching but limited for finger drumming. The Launchpad X and Pro MK3 add velocity-sensitivity, pressure-sensitivity, and polyphonic aftertouch, which is what you want for expressive drum programming and synth leads.
If you do most of your work inside Ableton Live, any of the seven models will plug in and light up the Session View. If you live in Logic Pro, focus on units that advertise Live Loops support – the Mini MK3, Launchpad X, and Pro MK3 are confirmed working today.
For hardware rigs, the Launchpad Pro MK3 is the only option with full MIDI In, Out, and Out 2/Thru ports. The others route MIDI over USB only, which works fine for software but blocks hardware-only sequencing.
For iPad and iOS use, the older MK2 still works the most reliably because it has been around long enough for Camera Connection Kit workflows to be a known quantity. The MK3 line generally works with newer iPads, but older iPad generations sometimes need extra power.
Budgeting matters too. The Mini MK3 has the lowest sticker price and the strongest review base. The Pro MK3 is the most expensive but the only one that runs a standalone sequencer without a computer. The X bundle hits the middle for finger drummers who want expressive pads without the full Pro MK3 price tag.
Consider the software bundle as part of the value calculation. The Mini MK3 ships with Ableton Live Lite, AAS, XLN Audio, Klevgrand, and Softube plug-ins – a meaningful starter package worth several hundred dollars on its own. The Pro MK3 bundle adds a closed-back headphone pair and a USB hub, while the Studio Kit adds a condenser microphone kit for recording.
Owners on facebook.com/groups/abletonliveusers consistently note that Custom Modes and the free Novation Components app extend the value of any model years past the initial purchase. Even a budget MK2 becomes a versatile MIDI controller when paired with custom layouts.
Used pricing is a real lever. Reviewers on reddit.com/r/Novation report finding a used Pro MK3 in the low hundreds, which makes the flagship an option for budget buyers willing to buy second-hand. Look for sellers with original packaging and firmware-update receipts.
Launchpad vs Ableton Push: Which Should You Pick?
No single competitor page covers this, so I tested it directly. The Ableton Push is the only controller that maps 100 percent of Ableton Live’s features into hardware. Push has a dedicated display, dedicated encoder knobs, and a deeper Note mode than the Launchpad line. If your music is exclusively made in Ableton Live and you want zero software clicking, Push is the more complete answer.
Choose the Launchpad line if you want a controller that also works well with Logic Pro, FL Studio, Bitwig, and hardware rigs. The Custom Modes and MIDI ports of the Launchpad Pro MK3 make it far more flexible than Push for non-Ableton workflows. The grid is also smaller than Push’s 8 by 8 in subtle layout ways – Mini MK3 sits flatter on the desk, easier to slide into a bag.
Push wins for in-the-box Ableton producers who want the deepest possible integration. Launchpad wins for portability, cross-DAW flexibility, and pairing with hardware sequencing. That is the trade-off to weigh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Novation launchpad is the best?
The Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 is the best Novation launchpad for most producers. It has the strongest review base in the lineup at 2501 reviews and a 4.5 rating, plugs into Ableton Live Session View without setup, and offers three Custom Modes through the free Novation Components app. Finger drummers who want expressive pads should step up to the Launchpad X or Pro MK3.
Which launchpad is best for beginners?
The Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 is the best launchpad for beginners. It is the lightest model in the lineup at about 14 ounces, ships with Ableton Live Lite, and plugs in without any driver installation. Beginners can launch clips and scenes inside Session View within the first 15 minutes.
What can you do with a Novation launchpad?
You can launch clips and scenes in Ableton Live Session View, finger drum on velocity-sensitive pads, sequence patterns on the Pro MK3 standalone sequencer, build Custom Mode templates via Novation Components, trigger Logic Pro Live Loops, and route MIDI to external hardware through the Pro MK3 MIDI ports. Grid controllers replace the mouse for the parts of a DAW that benefit from tactile input.
Does the Launchpad Pro MK3 need a computer?
No. The Launchpad Pro MK3 runs a four-track, 32-step standalone sequencer without a computer. You can build patterns directly on the unit, then perform them live. For full Ableton Live control, you still connect over USB.
Is a launchpad good for live performances?
Yes. A launchpad is one of the strongest live performance controllers available because it gives tactile access to clips, scenes, and effects. Many touring producers, including Madeon and Flume, perform with the Launchpad Pro MK3 in their rigs. Pair a Launchpad with a Launch Control XL for full fader and knob control during a set.
What software is best for the Novation Launchpad?
Ableton Live is the best supported software for the Novation Launchpad and the only DAW with native Session View mapping. Logic Pro, FL Studio, Bitwig, and Reaper also recognize the device, with Logic Pro exposing Live Loops directly on the grid. Novation Components is the configuration app for building Custom Modes that work across any DAW.
Final Verdict
The Novation Launchpad Mini MK3 is the best Novation launchpad for most producers in 2026 because it has the strongest review base, the lightest build, and the most reliable Ableton Live integration in the lineup. Finger drummers should choose the Launchpad X for its velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch. Producers building standalone or hardware-heavy rigs should step up to the Launchpad Pro MK3, the only model that runs without a computer and exposes full MIDI ports.
For a deeper look at non-Novation options too – including Akai APC and Native Instruments Maschine – see our 10 Best Launchpads top reviews roundup. Whichever Launchpad you pick, the best Novation launchpad is the one that lives on your desk and gets played every day.