Korg Nautilus vs Kronos 3 vs KROSS 2: Which Workstation Should You Buy?
Three Korg workstations at three very different levels of depth, and price. Here is what separates them.
A workstation combines sounds, a sequencer and recording tools in one instrument, so you can write, record and perform without a computer. Korg's range gives three clear choices: the compact, affordable KROSS 2, the deep Nautilus, and the flagship Kronos 3. They are not three versions of the same keyboard, so the right one depends on how you will use it. This guide compares them using Korg's official specifications.
What Is Actually Different
Specifications from Korg's official product pages. Prices are our current AED prices.
| Spec | KROSS 2 | Nautilus | Kronos 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound engines | One engine (EDS-i), with 265 preset programs (1,075 including preload programs) | Nine different sound engines | Nine different sound engines |
| Polyphony | 120 voices | Up to 200 voices, depending on the engine | Up to 200 voices, depending on the engine |
| Sequencer and recording | 16-track MIDI sequencer, with a step sequencer and an audio recorder | 16-track MIDI sequencer plus a 16-track audio recorder that records up to four tracks at once | 16-track MIDI sequencer plus a 16-track audio recorder that records up to four tracks at once |
| Sampling | 16-pad sampler, 8 banks | Open Sampling System, including resampling | Open Sampling System, including resampling |
| Storage | Approx. 128 MB expansion PCM memory, SD card | 60 GB SSD | 120 GB SSD |
| Key sizes we stock | 61 and 88 keys | 61, 73 and 88 keys, plus aftertouch (AT) models | 61, 73 and 88 keys |
| Price range | AED 3,299 to 5,999 | AED 7,999 to 11,999 | AED 12,799 to 15,599 |
Nautilus and Kronos 3 share the same nine sound engines. On paper, the clearest differences are storage and price. Key actions and other details vary by size, so check the individual product page for the model you are considering.
Choose the KROSS 2 if...
- You want a light, affordable workstation for gigs and practice
- A 16-track MIDI sequencer and a pad sampler cover your needs
- You are stepping up from a basic keyboard and do not need deep sound design
Choose the Nautilus if...
- You want nine sound engines and full sampling without the Kronos price
- You will record and arrange with the 16-track audio recorder
- You want aftertouch, available on the Nautilus AT models
Choose the Kronos 3 if...
- You want Korg's flagship workstation
- You want the larger 120 GB SSD for big sample and sound libraries
- You are a professional who will use that headroom
Our honest recommendation
If you are not sure how deep you will go, the Nautilus is the safest middle path: it gives you the same nine sound engines as the Kronos 3 at a lower price. The KROSS 2 is the right choice for a first workstation or for gigging on a budget. Move to the Kronos 3 when you know you will use its extra storage. In every case, try the keyboard feel in person, since the 61, 73 and 88-key versions play differently.
Shop Korg Workstations
KROSS2-61 Workstation
61 keys, the most accessible way in.
KROSS2-88 Workstation
88 keys for pianists.
Nautilus-61 Workstation
Nine engines in a 61-key frame.
Nautilus-88 Workstation
88 keys, full Nautilus feature set.
Kronos3-61 Workstation
The flagship in a 61-key version.
Kronos3-88 Workstation
The flagship in an 88-key version.
See every model, including the 73-key and aftertouch versions, in our Korg workstation collection. Looking for arrangers instead? Read our Korg PA700 vs PA5X guide. Prices shown were current when this guide was written.
Try Them in Our Showroom
Sound and keyboard feel are easiest to judge in person. Visit our Al Quoz showroom in Dubai to try Korg workstations side by side.
Browse Korg Workstations