Ableton's standalone controller-instrument costs as much as a decent laptop. We spent three months with it to find out whether it's worth the investment for indie producers.
TL;DR
Push 3 Standalone is genuinely revolutionary — a full Ableton Live computer in a controller form factor. But at £1,500+, it's a luxury, not a necessity. The controller-only version at £700 is better value for most producers. If you already have a laptop running Ableton, the controller version is the smarter buy.
What Push 3 Actually Is
Ableton Push 3 comes in two versions: a controller that connects to your computer running Ableton Live (£700), and a standalone unit with a built-in computer that runs Ableton Live independently (£1,500+). The standalone version is the revolutionary one — it's a complete music production computer in a controller form factor.
Both versions feature a 64-pad grid, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, an MPE-capable playing surface, and a high-resolution display. The build quality is premium — machined aluminum, satisfying pad response, and a weight that communicates seriousness. It feels like a professional instrument, not a toy.
The standalone version runs a custom Linux-based OS with Ableton Live built in. You can produce, arrange, mix, and perform entirely on the device with no external computer. Audio interface, speakers, or headphones connect directly. It's the dream of a self-contained music creation device, fully realised.
The Standalone Experience
Living with Push 3 Standalone for three months was illuminating. The experience of sitting on a sofa, headphones on, creating music without a screen is genuinely different from laptop production. There's a focus and physicality that changes how you interact with ideas.
The limitations become apparent with complex projects. The built-in processor handles 10-15 tracks comfortably, but CPU-intensive plugins and large sample libraries push it hard. If your production style involves stacking complex synths and heavy processing, you'll hit the ceiling faster than on a modern laptop.
Plugin compatibility is limited to Ableton's native instruments and effects plus a growing list of compatible third-party plugins. Your favourite VSTs may not be available, which is a genuine limitation for producers with established plugin workflows.
The Controller Version: Better Value?
The controller-only Push 3 at £700 gives you the same physical interface connected to Ableton Live on your computer. You get the same pads, encoders, and display, with the full power of your computer's CPU and your complete plugin library. For most producers, this is the smarter purchase.
The controller excels as a creative input device. The pad grid is excellent for melody, chord, and drum programming. The touch-sensitive encoders feel precise and intuitive. The display provides enough visual feedback to reduce screen-staring without eliminating it entirely.
Compared to the Standalone, you lose portability (you need your laptop) but gain unlimited CPU power, full plugin access, and the ability to use any Ableton Live project regardless of complexity. For studio-based production, the controller version is objectively more capable.
Who Should Buy Push 3
The Standalone is for producers who want a self-contained, screen-free creation experience and can work within its processing and plugin limitations. If you produce primarily with Ableton's native instruments, value portability and focus, and have the budget, it's a remarkable device.
The Controller is for Ableton users who want a premium physical interface for their existing setup. If you already have a capable laptop and a full plugin library, the controller gives you the Push experience at half the price with none of the limitations.
Neither version is for producers on tight budgets or those who aren't already committed to Ableton. At £700-1,500, Push 3 is a significant investment that only makes sense within the Ableton ecosystem. If you use FL Studio, Logic, or another DAW, your money is better spent on DAW-agnostic controllers.
The Bottom Line
Push 3 is the best dedicated music creation hardware available in 2025. Both versions deliver a production experience that's more tactile, more focused, and more enjoyable than mouse-and-keyboard production. The question is whether that experience justifies the cost.
For professional producers and serious hobbyists within the Ableton ecosystem, the Controller version at £700 is a recommended purchase. For producers who specifically want standalone, screen-free creation and can accept the limitations, the Standalone is extraordinary but expensive.
For emerging artists who haven't yet invested heavily in any DAW, we'd suggest spending the money on a cheaper controller (Arturia MiniLab 3 at £100), decent headphones, and acoustic treatment. The combined impact on your music will be greater than any single premium device.