I have always been fascinated by grand acoustic pianos, especially their longer keys and elegant looks. Unfortunately the price tag that comes along with them has always been well out of my (and honestly most people’s) reach.
Left with no option, I’ve had to explore the cheaper and reliable alternative that is an electric piano. I know I am not the only one. Many first-time buyers are gravitating towards them too. In fact, that is probably the exact reason you’ve ended up on this page.
I was nervous as I thought I would have to sacrifice sound quality, yet during my search I quickly realized that it is absolutely possible to find high quality electric pianos at a low cost. If you had the same fears as I did, I’m excited to share some of these great options with you. So, how good are they? Some of the latest models sound nearly as good as grand acoustic pianos, and they are cheap too. If you are looking for an inexpensive electric piano, then you have come to the right place. I will show you the best digital pianos that won’t cost you an arm and a leg!
Top Pick
My top pick is the Alesis Recital. Simply put, this is the best quality you’ll get for a digital piano that costs just a few hundred dollars. It’s full size, has great sound and feel, and comes with some handy additional features like complementary lessons. These reasons are why this piano also makes our list of the best digital grand pianos.
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Digital Pianos for budget conscious shoppers Reviewed
Alesis Recital Digital Piano -Best Overall
The Alesis Recital is the best full size affordable digital piano for amateurs and beginners. It incorporates decent sound technology, feels great to play due to the semi-weighted keys, and comes with some additional features like lessons and additional voices all for a relatively low price. The instrument offers great value for what you get and if you’re a beginner or even intermediate player you probably won’t need anything more than what this piano gives you.
Key Features
- Complementary 3 month Skoove subscription
- 60 Free Virtual Lessons
- 88-key semi-weighted keyboard
- Five meticulous voices
- Auxiliary jacks and USB port
- Battery-powered performance
- 128 note polyphony
- Sustain pedal and stereo headphone inputs
- Built in 20W speakers
- Stereo RCA outputs
- Standard, split, lesson, and layer modes
What I Like
The supplementary learning resources are an excellent addition to this piano. Designed for learners, it comes with a complimentary 3-month subscription to Skoove’s interactive piano lessons, which includes one-on-one tutoring.
The sound is great for the price you’re paying. Typically you don’t get this sound quality without spending a few hundred dollars more.
Typically, the main con of a digital piano is that it doesn’t have the feel of an acoustic. The Alesis Recital comes with 88 ergonomically designed semi-weighted keys to mirror the feel of an acoustic grand piano. On top of that, you can connect it to a wide range of accessories like external speakers, headphones, computers, and smartphones. There are five built-in voices on this piano too: acoustic piano, digital piano, bass, synthesizer, and organ. The Alesis comes with a high enough polyphony so that you won’t run into any layering issues and should be able to play even more complex pieces without running out of memory.
Apart from plugging the Alesis into your home power, you can use six D-cell batteries as a power source. This is quite handy if you’re looking to play the piano on the go.
What I don’t Like
Because of its simplistic feel, it doesn’t look like a piano that could arouse the interest of professional performers. Its features are basic and more suited for beginners.
Pros
- Great for beginners and intermediate players
- Comfortable keyboard that feels like an acoustic piano
- A few different connectivity and output options
- Full size and high polyphony
- Battery-operated for extra mobility
Cons
- Limited features aren’t ideal for experienced players looking for more customization options
The Alesis Recital digital piano is easy to use and so suitable for starters who want to learn and practice at their own pace.
Overall Rating: 8.8/10
Kawai ES110 – Highest Quality
A product of Kawai, one of the most reputable makers of pianos, the Kawai ES110 is great for more intermediate level players that can justify spending a little bit more to take advantage of some upgraded features. Kawai brings decades of expert manufacturing to create an instrument that feels and sounds as close to an acoustic piano as you are going to get out of any piano on this list, but of course you’re also going to have to pay a bit more.
Key Features
- Built-in stereo speaker system
- 192-note polyphony
- Weighted and graded keyboard with Hammer Compact Action
- Dual and split modes
- MIDI and Bluetooth ports
What I Like
Simply put, the sound and feel of this instrument are next level. Kawai uses harmonic imaging to record the sounds for each digital key. This essentially means that each key is recorded individually and at different volumes to capture tonal qualities that accompany a shift in strike velocity and volume. The end product is a digital piano that sounds extremely close to an actual acoustic. Additional reverb and resonance effects are then layered in to create clarity and complexity in the tunes on this piano. They make it sound and feel just like an acoustic piano. Thanks to its advanced sampling technology, you can explore 18 sound samples from sophisticated grand pianos too. The keys are graded and feature hammer compact action, so they are comfortable to play and give the feeling of an acoustic piano.
The 192-note polyphony count makes this an excellent choice for pros. With it, you can layer tons of different notes to compose complex melodies. This piano may feel a bit complex for beginners, but it comes with in-built lessons to help you hone your skills. You can take this piano anywhere as it is compact, lightweight, and easy to set up.
What I don’t Like
I wouldn’t recommend this piano for beginners as they may end up paying for performance and features that they can’t take advantage of at the beginner skill level.
Pros
- Beautiful tunes
- Comfortable keyboard
- High polyphony notes
- Onboard lessons
- Easily portable
Cons
- A bit complex for beginners
Kawai makes some of the best and most expensive digital pianos. However, the Kawai ES110 not only features Kawai’s best technology but is also relatively affordable and offers great value for what you end up paying.
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
Lagrima LG-803 Digital Piano
The Lagrima LG-803 Digital Piano is another digital piano that makes it to my list of best budget digital pianos because of its excellent features. It looks amazing, and if you’re willing to pay a bit more is a slight step above the Alesis Recital in terms of the features and quality it offers.
Key Features
- Three pedals (soft, sustain, and sostenuto)
- 88 10-grade weighted hammer action keys
- Bluetooth remote control
- Multiple connection options including USB, MIDI, and headphone
- Built in stereo speakers
- 200 demo songs
- 802 Tones and 400 Rhythms
- Quiet mode
What I Like
I love the touch response of this piano and the many beautiful features it possesses. If the Alesis Recital’s semi-weighted keys feel almost like an acoustic, the 10 grade fully weighed hammer action keys of this instrument almost perfectly mirror the response and feel of an acoustic. It has powerful in-built speakers that make it sound like an acoustic piano. Bluetooth capability allows you to connect with your smartphone, PC, and mp3 player, and a three-pedal feature provides a stable support base. It also offers many connectivity options including USB, MIDI, and audio input/output to your smartphone, headphones (3.5mm), and external speakers. You can choose from three metal pedals for sound control. These include the sustain pedal for more extended notes, rear sustain pedal for midway down to partial effects, or the free cover pedals that shield your piano from dust.
What I don’t Like
My piano arrived with one broken leg, so be keen when you place an order to ensure you get your money’s worth.
Pros
- Sleek and stylish look (includes the full piano stand)
- Feel almost exactly mirrors an acoustic
- Bluetooth capability
- Tons of songs and additional voices included
- Three-pedals included
Cons
- Quality control issues
- Slightly more expensive than the Alesis
The LG-803 piano is suitable for players who’re looking to get amazing features at a relatively low price. It comes with a three-pedal feature at the bottom, a stand, and powerful speakers. With a variety of nifty features just a few clicks away, the Lagrima makes learning or practice enjoyable.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Roland GO – PIANO 88 Digital Piano
Primarily a MIDI equipment making company, Roland has done a fantastic job of incorporating its expertise into the Roland Go digital piano. This model packs a lot of amazing features that will help elevate you as a pianist. With over 500 sounds, this model lets you explore a range of sounds and tones. If you love to experiment with different sound combinations, this might be the digital piano for you.
Key Features
- Full-size 88 keys piano
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Chorus and reverb effects
- Box-shape keys
- Recording and playback
What I Like
I love this piano for the fact that it allows you to connect to your computer via Bluetooth. Its recording feature is something that I found interesting as well.
What I don’t Like
The internal speakers of this piano are not of high quality. You’re more than likely to find yourself using a pair of headsets.
Pros
- Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- 88 keys that feel like a real acoustic piano
- Recording feature
Cons
- In-built speakers of questionable quality
With the Roland Go, you get a keyboard that’s sturdy and ready for your performances at an affordable price. It’s also lightweight and compact meaning you can carry it quickly or store it in a tight space. It’s also possible to record your tracks and connect quickly with other portable devices.
Overall Rating: 8/10
Yamaha P115
The Yamaha P115 is a fantastic budget digital piano hands down. It features Yamaha’s best sound engine and some of the latest music technology. It is also compact and light, which makes it easily portable. I highly recommend this piano for freelance performers.
Key Features
- Pure CF sound engine with tones from Yamaha’s famed 9-foot CFIIIS grand piano
- Graded Hammer Standard keyboard with 88 weighted keys
- Digital piano app with access to all features and settings
- Auxiliary jacks that are compatible with external speakers and other instruments
- In-built drum rhythms
- A USB port to connect to phones and PCs
What I Like
I like the overall power of this piano, especially its powerful sound engine. It features Yamaha’s best sound engine and comes with ten in-built drum rhythms. It even sounds like Yamaha’s famous CFIIIS 9-foot concert grand piano and comes with 88 GHS keys that are weighted to feel just like an acoustic piano. Easy to play, these key allow you to transition quickly to an acoustic piano.
The tweeters are set up in a way that they line up with your ears when playing meaning you can pick up every tune quickly. You can connect it with external speakers and headphones, too, and access virtually all the settings on this piano via the Yamaha piano app. I also appreciate the fact that it is easy to carry.
What I don’t Like
Besides the drum rhythms, this piano does not mimic any other musical instrument. While this isn’t a big deal if all you want is a piano, it is more limited than many other digital pianos on the market in this regard.
Pros
- Smooth melodies
- Weighted keys
- Enhanced sound configuration
- Powerful app
Cons
- Limited instrument tools
The Yamaha P115 is excellent for players with different skills. Beginners will find it easy to learn while pros will find it good suitable for their professional performances.
Overall Rating: 9.6/10
Casio PX860 BK Privia
Fitted with Casio’s best sound technology, the PX860 BK Privia looks as good as it sounds. The inspiration behind its design and functionality comes from Casio’s grand acoustic pianos.
Key Features
- Advanced Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator (AiR) sound engine
- 256 notes of polyphony
- Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action keyboard with textured keys
- Split and layer capabilities and a duet mode
- Audio recordings of 10 live orchestra performances
What I Like
I like its advanced sound technology and acoustic-grade performance. This piano features Casio’s powerful AiR sound engine that sounds just like the company’s grandest acoustic pianos. It also comes with ten pre-recorded orchestra performances.
It is one of the most versatile keyboards on the market. Its keys are weighted, and you can adjust the Scaled Hammer Action to three sensitivity levels. You can also connect your piano to your PC via the USB MIDI port or external speakers/headphones using auxiliary jacks. You can play this piano in pairs, too – student and teacher— thanks to the duet mode.
What I don’t Like
This is not a piano that a single person could move around with ease. If portability matters to you, look elsewhere.
Pros
- Acoustic-grade tunes
- Comfortable keyboard
- Versatile compatibility
- Duet mode
Cons
- Not very portable
The Casio Privia PX860 is one of Casio’s most advanced digital pianos. Though it comes with some excellent settings, it is not easy to move around.
Overall Rating: 9.4/10
Yamaha P71
The Yamaha P71 is the best budget digital piano in terms of power and portability. It is suitable for freelance performers. You can use it at home or in a studio.
Key Features
- Slim, light, and compact
- Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) stereo sampling sound engine
- 88-key fully weighted keyboard
- Dual sound mode
- Ten different sounds
What I Like
I like the sophistication of this piano and its compact design. It uses Yamaha’s Advanced Wave Memory stereo sampling sound engine with samples recorded from Yamaha’s grand pianos. There are ten pre-recorded sounds and tones which simulate other musical instruments. Also, you can layer two sounds simultaneously to create more vibrant music.
It is 12 inches thick and weighs only 25lbs, so it is easy to carry around. Since it comes with accessories, you can set it up anywhere you want. The 88-keys are GHS-weighted just like an acoustic piano’s keyboard and textured for your comfort, too.
What I don’t Like
The P71 is not feature-rich, but this is understandable because of its slim build.
Pros
- Powerful sound engine
- Diverse sounds and effects
- Easily portable
- Comfortable keyboard
Cons
- Limited features
The Yamaha P71 is an excellent digital piano for performers who are always on the move. It is powerful enough for professional presentations and simple enough for beginners.
Overall Rating: 9.3/10
Casio Privia PX-160
This piano from Casio looks so stylish and elegant that it is difficult to believe that it won’t break the bank. It is designed as a classical upright acoustic piano but features some of the latest sound technologies.
Key Features
- Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator sound technology
- GHS 88-key keyboard
- Classic upright acoustic piano design
- Three-pedal system
What I Like
I like the simplicity of this piano. It is ideal for beginners and sophisticated enough for professional pianists. Casio uses its Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator sound engine to simulate the grand acoustic piano.
You can connect to external speakers via audio jacks. It’s also possible to connect your piano to a laptop or smartphone and access more dynamic features. You can play this piano for hours on end as its keys are textured and easily accessible.
What I don’t Like
This piano lacks some of the latest tech features, such as a piano app, and the keys aren’t weighted, so they don’t really have that authentic acoustic piano feel.
Pros
- Incredible tunes
- Powerful speakers
- Eighteen pre-recorded sounds
- PC and smartphone compatibility
- Textured keys
Cons
- The keys are not weighted
- No app
This Casio model can spice up your performance as it has some beautiful acoustic-piano-grade tunes and pre-recorded tunes from 18 different sound instruments.
Overall Rating: 9.2/10
Korg B1 Digital Piano
Korg is an upcoming brand that is rivaling larger brands such as Yamaha and Casio. The Korg B1 digital piano is one of its best digital piano models. While it’s typically too expensive for this list (though it is a great value piano), you can sometimes find used models that are still high quality for a super cheap price.
Key Features
- MFB Servo sound technology
- Eight onboard sounds
- Onboard chorus and reverb effects
- Hammer Action weighted keyboard
What I Like
I like the simplicity of the Korg1 digital piano and its ease of use in general. Korg’s MFB Servo sound stereo technology isn’t just powerful, but it sounds just like an authentic acoustic. In addition to the original piano tunes, this digital piano also features eight onboard sounds as well as built-in chorus and reverb effects. The 88-keys are Hammer Action-weighted and textured for extra comfort.
What I don’t Like
I think that this piano could do with more features such as compatibility with a variety of accessories. The technology behind it too basic for advanced players or professional pianists.
Pros
- Powerful sound system
- Vibrant sounds and effects
- Comfortable keyboard
Cons
- Limited features
The Korg B1 digital piano is ideal for beginners thanks to its ease of use. However, professional pianists may find it challenging to work with owing to its limited features.
Overall Rating: 9.0/10
Digital Piano Buying Guide – Factors to Consider
Digital pianos have come a long way. The latest models sound more like acoustic pianos thanks to advances in sound technology. You have a variety of brands and models from which to choose. Each model styles itself as the best, but you don’t have to take the manufacturers’ word at face value.
So, what determines the worth of a digital? In my opinion, the number of features influences the cost. Here’s what to look out for next time you go shopping.
Sound Quality
Some of the latest digital pianos sound just as good as acoustic pianos. However, you can still tell there is a slight difference in sound quality.
The best way to judge the sound quality of any piano is by paying extra attention to the decay and sustain of different individual notes. Good pianos should produce realistic sounds. Of course, this aspect depends on the type of sound engine.
The other factor is the samples used to reproduce these sounds. Yamaha is a trailblazer in this area as it uses the world-famous 9-foot CFIIIS grand acoustic piano to produce sound samples in all its digital pianos.
The speakers’ quality and configuration also play a significant role in determining the sound’s quality. In-built speakers and tweeters should be crystal clear and positioned in a way that aligns them with your ears. This way, you won’t strain to listen when playing. Lastly, the piano should be compatible with high-definition headphones and external speakers.
Variety of Sounds and Effects
Digital pianos are more versatile than acoustic ones as they are capable of generating more sounds other than piano tunes. Some models use pre-recorded sounds from different musical instruments such as drums, flutes, and organs. It’s not usual to find a piano with a dozen sounds from different musical instruments and hundreds of effects.
With such a large selection of sounds and effects at your disposal, you will find it easy to compose more diverse and vibrant music. However, you should check to see that the sounds are realistic. If you prefer to stick to just a piano sound, these extra features may also be an unnecessary expense. Consider what you’ll really use before making a decision.
Polyphony
Polyphony refers to the number of notes and tones that a piano can produce simultaneously. A high polyphony rating means that you can create more complex music. The best quality digital pianos have polyphony rates of 128-notes or higher and are popular among pros. If you are a beginner, go or a keyboard with a lower polyphony rating. A 64-note polyphony rating should suffice until you fully hone your skills.
Keyboard Touch Response
The keys of an acoustic piano keyboard are naturally resistant because of wooden hammers and other mechanical components. They are also weighted so that the lower keys feel heavier than the upper ones. Both aspects make the keys comfortable and easy to use.
On the other hand, the keys on a digital piano are not naturally weighted. So, they tend to feel like the keys on a computer. As a result, they may feel less comfortable and less enjoyable to use.
It also compromises the quality of your tunes owing to inconsistencies in your fingers’ velocity. For this reason, many leading models feature Graded Hammer Action- actual mechanical hammers that simulate the natural feeling of acoustic piano keyboards.
Connectivity and Compatibility
When shopping for a piano, you should keep in mind the ability to connect to a range of accessories. The piano, at the very least, should be compatible with a wide range of sound components such as external speakers (for notable performances) and headphones (for private/silent practice). It will also help if your piano is compatible with smart gadgets such as smartphones and computers. Enhanced connectivity would give you access to more features such as music programs, extra sounds and effects, and piano apps.
Most digital pianos are compatible with speakers, smartphones, and computers. Some of the sophisticated models can seamlessly connect with other musical instruments such as organs and other keyboards.
Portability
Acoustic pianos have more parts and are larger than digital ones. The attributes give it unique power and sound quality. On the contrary, these pianos a cumbersome, so moving them around might be a challenge.
Digital pianos may not sound as good as acoustic ones, but they are getting there. They are also much smaller and lighter than the latter, so it’s easy to move them around. What’s more, they come with extra portable accessories including stands and benches for quick setup. These make them convenient for freelance performers who move from stage to stage or perform in unconventional stages such as in the streets.
However, not all digital pianos are portable. Some are styled in an upright design to look just like acoustic pianos. Some of these are not hard to dissemble, but it is not always easy. Nevertheless, they are still lighter and smaller than grand acoustic pianos.
Recording and Playback Capabilities
It’s almost natural for players to want to listen to their performances. Beginners may want to record and keeping track of their progress while pros may do so while producing their music. A good digital piano should be capable of recording your performance as you play.
The good thing is that most pianos come with recording and playback features. Some models are sophisticated enough to record two different sounds at the same time. Other designs include auxiliary ports for microphones in case you wish to sing along to your tunes. I recommend you for a model that has both recording and playback features.
Learning Resources
Most pianists would not be where they are today were it not for digital pianos. They’re not only cheaper and easier to access than acoustic ones, but also more comfortable to play when practicing. So beginners can gain the most when they acquire them.
Unless you are a pro, you should check whether the piano you intend to buy comes with learning tools and resources. A good learner’s keyboard should have a songbook and pre-recorded piano hits and classics. Some models include advanced learning tools, interactive online classes, and powerful apps.
Final Thoughts
Digital pianos are a cheaper alternative to the costly and cumbersome acoustic pianos. They use the latest sound technologies and sound just as good as their acoustic counterparts. With nine fantastic pianos within our price range, you have options that might suit your budget. If you are looking to spend a little bit more, but still get tons of bang for your buck, check out this digital piano value guide.
Consider features such as playability, polyphony, recording, and playback capability when shopping for your digital piano. Also, if you are a beginner, complementary learning resources to hone your skills should be considered. I am confident if you follow the leads in this review, you will find the best digital piano to suit your needs.
