Introduction
Digital pianos are available in several variants and can range from the very basic (with limited features) to full featured digital pianos.
Digital pianos are available in different styles (with or without speakers, traditional or simple portable design).
Generally, higher end digital pianos have richer sounds. Most home digital pianos feature built-in speakers (some stage pianos may not come with built-in speakers and require external amplification).
Almost every digital piano comes with USB port or line-outs that allows it to be connected to a computer; so you may use any digital piano for recording.
Related: Detailed piano and keyboards guide.
Key action is a determining factor when buying digital pianos, especially for the experienced pianist and for beginner piano players who are serious about learning to play the piano.
You can read about the various key action systems that digital pianos have. You will understand how they differ from each other, and how brands use different terms to mean the same thing.
All the digital pianos reviewed on this page have fully weighted action that simulates the action of an acoustic piano’s keybed. In top end digital pianos, the keys have ivory tops to make the feel even more realistic.
Best Budget 88-Key Piano Keyboards
A budget digital piano with fully weighted keys is the bare minimum you need as a piano student.
These budget 88-key piano keyboards are suitable for serious beginners who wish to learn piano, and can also be used by experienced players for practicing. These come with fully weighted keys, and nice set of sounds.
Some of these pianos may not come with built-in styles, but they have nice quality piano sounds and authentic piano action.
Alesis Prestige Artist Digital Stage Piano
A nice, budget piano with 88 graded Hammer Action Keys and built-in speakers. It has 30 voices, features an headphone output and has a few educational features.
Yamaha P-45:
This is the entry level model in the Yamaha P-series with nice piano sounds and fully weighted Graded Hammer Standard keys, it’s also lightweight and compact. The Yamaha P-45 is your perfect practice partner.
Roland FP-10
The FP-10 is an entry level piano in Roland’s FP portable series pianos (with weighted keys). The FP-10 from Roland offers value for money. Nice weighted keys (responsive PHA-4 Standard keyboard) and a sturdy keyboard. Roland FP-10 delivers an authentic feel and sound.
Best Mid-Range Digital Pianos (around $1000)
These ‘mid-range’ digital pianos (around 1000-1200 dollars) are more robust, have authentic key action (better touch, texture, overall piano action), and come with additional features such as higher polyphony, rich sound samples, better looks (available as consoles), etc.
These are for serious piano learners who want better keyboard touch, for those looking for a digital piano that can be used for performing (gigs, functions and entertainment), for those who want to upgrade to a superior piano from a music keyboard.
These pianos focus less on learning related features and more on providing a better piano playing experience. These come with several connectivity options – pedals, ins /outs, etc.
The top picks in this price range include the Yamaha DGX-660, Yamaha P-255 and Casio Privia pianos. These pianos have great sound and are perfect for practice or for performances. All of these models come with built-in speakers, and have many nice features.
Yamaha DGX-670
Yamaha DGX-670 is the flagship piano in the DGX series, a very popular model, and has undergone several improvements in the last few years. It features excellent piano samples (used from acclaimed Yamaha concert grand piano), GHS graded weighted action (feels like an acoustic piano). This piano comes with a 6-track recorder which allows you to capture your musical ideas or even your performances in details.
Korg SP-280
Korg SP-280 is a fantastic mid-range 88-Key portable digital piano with weighted hammer-action, rich sounds (piano, strings, organs) and on-board speakers (but no accompaniments). It is great for learning and for practice. No built in recording system and USB connectivity though.
Best Digital Pianos for Advanced Pianists / Piano Players
If you have been playing the piano for some time now, you should consider upgrading to a pro digital piano that will motivate you further to become a better player. The best digital pianos for advanced/experienced players include pianos with fully weighted (graded hammer) action and the best piano samples (including grand piano samples).
Here are the top digital pianos with fully weighted keys and excellent sounds, apt for experienced players.
Yamaha P-525
P-525 is the top model in the popular P series from Yamaha. These pianos are great for practicing at home but can be used for gigs as well. It features polished ebony/graded hammer-action keybed (Natural Wood X (NWX) keyboard) and includes concert grand piano (CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial) samples for a truly authentic piano playing experience. The piano has powerful built-in speakers that can be used for performing at smaller venues as well.
Yamaha YDP184R Arius
An excellent console style piano, the YDP184 is the top model in the YDP Arius series. Authentic piano action, grand piano samples and great looks. The YDP-184 Features spring-less hammer mechanism and comes with top-notch piano sounds (including concert grand sounds). It features powerful speakers.
Roland FP-90X
The Roland FP-90X is another good portable piano with progressive Hammer Action (PHA) keyboard. It comes with integrated multichannel speakers. This is the flagship model in Roland’s portable FP series. It comes with bluetooth Connectivity, you can stream audio directly from your smart device via Bluetooth.
Casio PX-870
Casio PX-870 is the flagship piano model from Casio’s Privia piano series and this one comes with a console style design. Hammer-action keys, great sound projection and selection of sounds. comes with powerful built-in speakers.
Recommended Accessories
You ay need some piano keyboard accessories to make your piano playing more enjoyable.
You will need a double-x keyboard stand for the portable 88-key keyboards. You can also opt for a piano like stand.
A good piano style sustain pedal is also a must for piano players and if you are going in for a piano like stand, a pedal board for your stand will be a good option.
Finally, get yourself a good adjustable piano bench that will help you to maintain the right posture for your piano playing.
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