Akai MPC Live II vs MPC One+: Which Standalone Beat Maker Should You Buy?

TL;DR

MPC Live II (£700) has a built-in speaker, battery, and bigger screen. MPC One+ (£550) has speakers, retro styling, and all the same core features at a lower price. Both run the same MPC 2.0 software. Get the One+ unless you need the battery for portable use.

What Both MPCs Share

Before we get into differences, it's worth noting that the MPC Live II and MPC One+ run the exact same software: MPC 2.0. This means the same sample editing, the same sequencing capabilities, the same plugin instruments (including the excellent Hype synth and Mellotron emulation), and the same arrangement tools.

Both have 16 velocity-sensitive pads, both support standalone operation without a computer, both have USB, MIDI, and audio I/O, and both support third-party plugin instruments. The core production experience is identical on either unit.

This is important because it means your decision comes down to form factor, portability, and a few hardware-specific features rather than fundamental capability differences.

MPC Live II: The Portable Powerhouse

The Live II's killer feature is its built-in rechargeable battery, offering roughly 5-6 hours of cable-free use. If you want to make beats on the train, in the park, or backstage at a gig, this is the only MPC that lets you do it without a power outlet.

The screen is larger (7-inch vs 7-inch on the One+ — actually the same now), and the overall build feels slightly more premium. The built-in speaker is usable for monitoring in quiet environments, though you'll want headphones or proper monitors for any serious work.

At around £700, the Live II sits in a higher price bracket. You're essentially paying a premium for portability. If you'll actually use battery-powered production regularly, it's money well spent. If the MPC will live on your desk permanently, you're paying for a feature you won't use.

MPC One+: The Value Champion

The MPC One+ launched as a refreshed version of the MPC One with built-in speakers and a retro-inspired design. At around £550, it's the more affordable option without sacrificing any of the software capabilities.

The built-in speakers are a genuine quality-of-life improvement. They're not studio monitors, but they're perfectly adequate for casual production sessions, reviewing ideas, and the sheer convenience of not needing to plug anything in to hear your work.

The retro styling — available in several colour schemes — is either delightful or distracting depending on your aesthetic preferences. Functionally, it changes nothing, but there's something satisfying about a piece of gear that looks as good as it sounds.

The One+ lacks the battery of the Live II, which means it needs to be plugged in. For home studio use, this is irrelevant. For mobile production, it's a dealbreaker.

Our Recommendation

For most producers, the MPC One+ is the smart buy. Same software, same pads, same production capabilities, £150 less. The built-in speakers are convenient, and the unit is compact enough for a desk setup without dominating the space.

Choose the Live II specifically if portable production is a genuine priority. If you travel frequently, perform live with your MPC, or simply love the idea of making beats anywhere, the battery justifies the premium.

Both units represent remarkable value compared to the software-and-laptop approach. A self-contained production environment with professional-quality sampling, synthesis, and arrangement tools for under £700 is something previous generations of producers could only dream about.