When I place my hands on those piano keys its just me and the sound, the whole world shuts off, making it impossible for me to focus on anything else. That is why I love tapping those piano keys and I am sure you feel the same way.
So if you are looking to get the best digital piano you are in a right place, in this article I will cover the basics of the digital piano buying guide and the best options for the money. Purchasing a digital piano is an important decision especially if you are buying your first so make sure you read the buying guide in this article.
In the review below, I will cover the cheaper and more professional best digital piano choices. So if you are a beginner or a professional pianist you will find something that works for you.
The most important criteria for my choices are:
The price and the quality ratio, I want for musicians to get what they pay for.
The experiences of other people who had the chance to use the digital piano.
The quality of the build, additional features and the sound quality of course.
Table of Contents
- Why should you buy a digital piano?
- What is the best digital piano for you?
- Top 10 Best Digital Pianos Reviews:
- 1. Williams Legato 88-Key Digital Piano
- 2. Yamaha YPG-235 76-Key Portable Grand Piano
- 3. Yamaha P45 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
- 4.Yamaha P115 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
- 5. Yamaha DGX-660 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Grand Piano
- 6. Casio PX360BK Key Digital Piano
- 7. Casio Privia PX-860 Digital Piano Bundle
- 8. Korg SV-1BK 73-Key Stage Vintage Piano
- 9. Yamaha CP4 Stage Piano with Natural Wood Keys
- 10. Nord Piano 3 88-Key Stage Piano with 1GB of Sample Memory
- Still not sure which one is for you?
Why should you buy a digital piano?
If you are a beginner then this question is probably lurking around your mind. Digital piano is similar to the acoustic piano but it has its differences and advantages. First off, as the technology advances so do our music capabilities and digital piano is probably one of the best things that happened for us musicians.
They are usually quite cheaper than acoustic pianos, easy to transport (some more than others) and are perfect for beginners who want to play the piano.
Digital piano can be hooked to an amplifier without a microphone, they offer the ability to use headphones which is especially handy if you wish to practice while your family is sleeping.
Hardcore acoustic piano fans will argue that digital pianos can never offer the feel of a real thing and even if that might be true, I say that they both have their time and place. However, in this article I will focus on the best digital pianos and their pros and cons.
What is the best digital piano for you?
Now you might be wondering… How do I decide which is the best digital piano for me, my skillset and needs?
Don’t worry, this is why I prepared this list. Think about these factors below and it will help you decide what are your options.
- What key count works for you? Digital pianos come in various key counts. This means that the number of keys on the piano can vary. The standard acoustic piano has 88 Keys and that is the best you can have, however, if you need for some reason to go with a lower number then you can count on the digital piano. There are options to go with 76 or 61 keys. But one thing you should keep in mind is that some of the classical pieces need the full 88 Keys in order to be produced. Also if you are a beginner I would not recommend going with anything under the full 88 Keys. It is best if you start it off right and if you don’t have to improvise because you are a key short while practicing.
- Key Make – Key make in traditional pianos is weighted but with the digital piano, you have a few more options, like semi-weighted or synth-action. You should know what works best for you and choose your key make accordingly.
- Do you need the portability? Some of these are fully portable while some of them can be portable by folding the stand and separating the piano. Keep in mind that if you are planning to travel a lot with your digital piano that a fully portable solution might work for you.
- Size and storage – If you are not into mobility and are looking to have a constant place for your digital piano then you should check the size of it and make sure that you will have a proper room in order to be able to play unobstructed. But keep in mind that most of the digital pianos are fairly easy to transport, it is just that some of them are designed for more of a fixed position use.
- Additional accessories you will need – At first you might be satisfied with just a piano, especially as a beginner. But as you advance you are going to want to get additional speakers, headphones, maybe even a piano stand if you don’t have a decent place to place your digital piano.
- Additional features you might want – Since these pianos are digital they come with all of the benefits from the digital world and you are going to want to think if you need USB connectivity, headphone jack, amp connection or others.
- Your skill set – If you are a beginner you might don’t need to acquire the best digital piano right away, but you are more likely to get a best digital piano for a beginner’s needs. Still, if you have the money you can opt out immediately for a top of the line choice, which brings me to my next point.
- Your budget – Unfortunately we are all limited by this factor when it comes to purchasing things. Luckily for us musicians, what is considered PRO and being the best digital piano is not beyond reach. Still, you might not be ready for something like that so this is another thing worth thinking about.
Top 10 Best Digital Pianos Reviews:
Now after you read the brief buying guide above, it is time to consider your options. I listed some of the best digital pianos there are for all budgets and different player needs.
I will start with the cheaper more beginner friendly options and will slowly transition to the more expensive professional digital pianos.
Without further ado lets jump into the reviews.
1. Williams Legato 88-Key Digital Piano
This is a budget and beginner friendly digital piano. It is a great option if you love playing the piano as a hobby but you are not ready to spend a big amount of money. Legato is easy to use and recommended for a beginner use.
This Williams model is the best budget digital piano. However, because it is a budget option you should be aware that its features and sound quality are limited by it.
If you are looking for a very cheap digital piano and you are not a demanding user then this option just might be for you. But I urge you to check out other options below as well, maybe you find something even better which is within your budget range.
Williams Legato 88-Key Digital Piano Features:
- Model with 88 Semi-Weighted keys
- Comes with five sound options
- Inbuilt speakers
- Split Mode – Allows the keyboard to be divided into two sections.
What I like about this budget digital piano is that you get inbuilt speakers which are pretty good and you will do just fine with them until you acquire additional speakers, it comes with five sound options (piano, electric piano, bass, organ, and synth) and it features a full 88keys board.
Another nice thing I like is that they added an option to apply reverb and chorus effects to each sound individually and these effects will remain even if you switch your digital piano off. This provides you with additional ways to customize your sounds.
The keys are semi-weighted which will degrade the feel while playing but if you are a beginner you will not even feel this.
Here is a video to check out the sound quality:
Conclusion? This is a budget option, if you don’t want to spend more money on a digital piano then this one is for you. It is great for practicing and beginner use.
- 88 semi-weighted keys, 5 rich sounds: piano, electric piano, organ, synth and bass. Battery...
- Convenient, built-in metronome
- Built-in speakers, Stereo/mono line out jacks, USB MIDI connections.
- AC Power adapter, Sustain Pedal, Batteries, Stand or bench are Sold separately
Last update on 2020-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Yamaha YPG-235 76-Key Portable Grand Piano
This Yamaha’s model is one of the best portable digital pianos and it is budget friendly as it won’t shred your credit card into pieces.
Its excellent portability comes from the fact that it has 76 keys, which is not going to cause you troubles if you are not playing or composing anything that requires full 88 keys. It has Graded Soft Touch keys which don’t contribute to the realistic feel as the weighted keys but in this price range that is acceptable.
This piano is good for beginners and advanced users alike because it packs something for everyone. If you are a beginner you will love the Yamaha’s P.A.T. aka Performance Assistant Technology which helps you better understand the chords, while if you are an advanced player, you will love the inbuilt sequencer to record to.
Yamaha YPG-235 Features:
- Computer Connectivity via USB
- 30 inbuilt songs + a CD-ROM with additional 70 songs you can install on your piano
- 76 Graded Soft Touch Keys
- Inbuilt sequencer
- Equipped with 361 XGlite voices (Trumpet, Flute, Pan Flute, Soprano, Tenor Saxes, Galaxy Electric Piano, Organ and Rotor Organ)
- High-Quality build – Very Durable
This is easily the best digital portable piano out there and beside its portability, it packs a good amount of additional features. It is beginner rated but even if you are an advanced player this piano can come in handy.
If you are someone who travels a lot, plays at friends parties and going to band practices then this model might be for you.
The sounds and overall quality are good, I have nothing bad to say about that. You should check out the sample video above to see it in action.
- 76 piano-style keys with Graded Soft Touch Technology allow for expressive performances
- Nearly 500 Voices, 160 Preset Styles, and 30 preset songs with a built-in Recording Feature
- Yamaha Education Suite (Y.E.S.) is an advanced set of helpful learning tools built into the...
- USB connectivity and compatibility with music software on your computer
- Keyboard Only - AA Batteries or PA150 Power Adapter required (sold separately, best used with...
Last update on 2020-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Yamaha P45 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
This is another gem among portable and beginner friendly digital pianos, it comes at the moderate price but offers far more value for a beginner and professionals alike.
This model from Yamaha offers fully weighted 88 keys keyboard. Yamaha’s GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) weighted action has heavier touch in the low end and lighter touch in the high end, exactly like the hammers inside an acoustic piano.
What I love about this digital piano is its simplicity. It is very simple and easy to use, everything is done with a single button which makes it very beginner friendly.
Yamaha P45 Features:
- Very Simple to use
- Weighted 88 Keys (GHS)
- USB Port
- Dust Resistant
- Dual Voice option
- Features Yamaha’s Classic Sound Engine
There is a USB port which makes it easy to access your media on mobile devices or PCs.
The key layout is extremely simple and the keys are coated with the dust resistant coating which makes for a very simple maintenance and cleaning of your digital piano.
Many piano teachers found this piano to be the best model for their students because of its simplicity and the high quality weighted keys which are like the keys of the acoustic piano.
Another thing I liked about this piano is the dual voice option, allowing you to combine two voices together which helps you have an inspiring new experience.
The sound is excellent and it features Yamaha’s Classic Sound Engine.
This piano is a great option for beginners who are not afraid to spend a little bit more money because it is worth it. If you are attending piano school or you are planning to become a professional piano player then this one is a great option.
And even if you are a professional already this piano will do you well, sure it is not like the professional digital pianos from below in this article, but it offers plenty of positive features for the money.
- GHS weighted action is heavier in the low end and lighter in the high end, just like an acoustic pia
- Advanced Wave Memory Stereo Sampling recreates natural instrument sound in stereo
- 64-note polyphony allows the player to perform moderately dense piano passages
- Dual Mode lets you combine two Voices together, like piano and strings, for an inspiring new playing
- The USB to HOST port allows you to connect and interact with a wide variety of educational, music cr
Last update on 2020-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4.Yamaha P115 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
This is one of the most impressive Yamaha digital pianos at this price range. It is meant for intermediates and beginners. But I believe that even a full professional who is on a tight budget will enjoy everything this piano has to offer.
The most important thing I have to say about this piano is the Pure CF Sound Engine which came as a result of years of Yamaha’s piano-making history. This digital piano offers the tone of a meticulously sampled Yamaha’s acclaimed 9′ CFIIIS concert grand piano, allowing for incredibly dynamic and expressive playing.
The sound quality is further enhanced by the speaker’s position which was improved in the P-115 to be in line with the ears of the performer. This makes the instruments sounds sparkle and come alive across the entire tonal range.
Yamaha P115 Features:
- Pure CF Sound Engine – Offers the sound of a grand piano
- Enhanced speakers position
- It has 88 Graded Hammer Standard weighted action keys
- Has its own special free digital piano App for your phone
- AUX Out jacks – Support for an amplifier for Live Stage Use
- USB Connectivity port
The piano comes with the Graded Hammer Standard weighted action keys with touch sensitivity feature which makes an unbelievable experience while jamming those keys.
This feature makes piano learning for beginners far more effective by allowing them to practice with right fingering technique. Practice using this keyboard should prepare piano learners to adjust and easily play on a real acoustic piano in the future.
The key finish is non-slippery and you will not feel strained if playing on it for a prolonged period of time.
The piano comes with 10 different styles and various built-in rhythms which makes it a great option for more demanding players.
This digital piano comes with 3 Year warranty which speaks of the Yamaha’s trust in their product overall quality. If you are a beginner or a professional user this piano will not let you down.
- GHS weighted 88 key action is heavier in the low end and lighter in the high end, just like an...
- Amplifiers 7 W x 2.The Pure CF Sound Engine faithfully reproduces the tone of a meticulously sampled...
- Pianist Styles turn your simple chords into exciting accompaniment. Play a chord and the Pianist...
- The Controller App for iOS devices adds a rich, graphic user interface allowing for quick and easy...
- Includes PA150 Power Supply and a Sustain Pedal
Last update on 2020-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Yamaha DGX-660 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Grand Piano
Now I will be moving on to the top of the line digital pianos such as this one. The DGX-660 is one of the best digital pianos there are and it deserves to sit among the professional pianos which I will write about from this point on.
Make no mistake, this piano is very beginner friendly but it is capable of so much more than just practicing and learning. And being one of the most affordable professional digital pianos it is well worth the look.
This model from Yamaha features the impressive sound quality using the Pure CF Sound Engine which authentically reproduces the sound from the Yamaha grand piano. This is absolutely expected from a piano at this price range and it doesn’t disappoint. The sound quality is just top of the line.
Yamaha DGX-660 Features:
- Pure CF Sound Engine – World class concert grand piano sound
- Microphone support
- Weighted GHS keys
- High quality LCD display which assists you all the way
- USB Connectivity
- Piano Room feature
The piano has microphone support so that you don’t need any additional gear in order to mix your voice with the sound of your keys.
The keys are of course weighted (GHS) and they offer only the finest realistic feel of acoustic piano keys.
What I love about this piano is that they included a high-quality display which makes your life so much easier. The crystal-clear LCD can be switched to score or lyric display, showing you notation for any MIDI song that the DGX-660 is playing. Read the music for your favorite built-in songs, or follow along with songs downloaded to a USB device from Yamaha MusicSoft.
Another interesting feature is the Piano Room which allows you to choose from a variety of pianos and acoustic settings to create your personal piano environment.
If you are an advanced pianist and you are looking for a great digital piano for a reasonable price or if you are a beginner who is not afraid to spend a little bit more money, you are not going to make a mistake by going with this option.
- GHS weighted action is heavier in the low end and lighter in the high end, just like an acoustic pia
- 1/4" microphone input allows you to connect a microphone so you can sing along while you play
- Wireless audio & MIDI features utilize Wi-Fi to stream audio and MIDI to/from your iOS device
- The assignable pedal allows you to connect a foot switch and configure it to control various functio
- USB audio recording and playback captures performances on a USB drive
Last update on 2020-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Casio PX360BK Key Digital Piano
This is another really good professional digital piano and it is one of the best digital pianos from Casio in this price range.
Let’s first talk sound quality. This piano features an immersive and authentic 9-foot concert grand piano sound powered by Casio’s powerful AiR (Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator) Sound Source which will satisfy any professional.
This digital piano is always stage ready. It is fully portable with its ultra-light weight of just 26 pounds. It supports outputs for any amplification source or additions like MIDI I/O. There is also the support for multi-keyboard rigs. It is compatible with almost every keyboard stand for a live performance.
Another fantastic thing worth mentioning is that it has 550 tones included and they cover an enormous amount of musical instruments for your playing pleasure.
Everything is simple to use with this digital piano, even the USB connectivity which is usually not this simple. Casio PX360BK connects via USB port to Mac, Pc or iOS devices without any driver installation or any other additional setup which makes for a very simple and easy control of your favorite music software.
The display is elegant, beautiful and operates on the touch. Exploring the PX360 via display is simple as it gets, the whole interface uses easily recognizable icons to help you take full advantage of the PX-360’s diverse sounds and features.
This is highly professional digital piano and it will suffice any live stage use or recording in the studio. However, even if you are a beginner you wouldn’t regret owning this piano because once you master your moves you will enjoy all of the professional features.
- Controlled via the Color Touch Interface, an intuitive, full-color touch display that allows you to...
- The Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard has an incredible feel and captures the dynamics of...
- The AiR engine provides highly-accurate grand piano sounds with seamless dynamics for a remarkably...
- Includes 550 Tones, from expressive guitars and basses to strings, drums, and much more, all...
- Accompany your playing with over 200 Rhythms that cover a wide spectrum of musical styles, or use...
Last update on 2020-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. Casio Privia PX-860 Digital Piano Bundle
This Casio model is higher in price but it is well worth if you want one of the best digital pianos you can get today. It comes as a bundle which includes Gearlux furniture-style bench, headphones, Hal Leonard instructional book, two Gearlux 1/4″ instrument cables, Austin Bazaar instructional DVD, and polishing cloth.
This is one of the best digital pianos I have seen at this price range. The piano comes with 88-key scaled hammer action keyboard with simulated ebony and ivory keys which is pretty much the best it can get. One of the best pianos when it comes to the key build and quality.
Casio Privia PX-860 Digital Piano Bundle Features:
- Educational Features
- Full bundle pack – Makes it easy to play right out of the box
- Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Technology
- 88-key scaled hammer action keyboard
- Two headphone-out jacks
It comes with 18 tones of high-quality along with stereo-sampled grand piano tones. The sound quality is amazing and features the latest Casio “Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR” technology which helps for better tonal variations.
The PX-860’s also supports educational features, which include a Lesson Function and Duet Mode this makes it an excellent choice for students (beginners) and teachers alike. Another feature which professional players will love is the Concert Play mode, which allows you to play a variety of classic pieces backed by the sounds of a full orchestra.
The piano comes with two headphone-out jacks which is great if you are planning to play with someone in silence in order not to disturb other people in the room or the house. This is also very beneficial for the student and teacher playing sessions.
Piano features built-in speakers which are of high quality and their sound can be additionally improved by with a cabinet design that can be opened for additional resonance.
This is one of the best digital pianos and if you have the budget and need for it I say give it a shot. You will not regret having this piano for your practice or professional play.
- A superior grand piano experience
- 88 scaled, weighted hammer-action keys with simulated ebony and ivory textures
- Stunning piano sound with detailed resonance and Hall Simulator
- Hundreds of Tones and Rhythms plus versatile recording and practice tools
- Stylish wooden cabinet with moveable lid and powerful 4-speaker stereo system
Last update on 2020-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. Korg SV-1BK 73-Key Stage Vintage Piano
Now let’s move on to the highest of quality when it comes to digital pianos. This Korg’s model is an impressive piece of machinery and it delivers and over delivers when it comes to quality and features.
First thing first, this is not intended just for home use but for the stage play. Sure you can use it at your home but keep in mind that this is a highly professional digital piano.
It features 73 keys, Korg’s best RH3 Graded Hammer Action, they feel and look amazing – just as the ones of the acoustic piano. One thing that might turn you off is that you are 15 keys short than with your typical piano but if this doesn’t oppose a problem for you then you will still admire this beauty.
The sound is unbelievable, coming with the two grand pianos and an upright piano samples. This piano will charm you with more than its beautiful vintage looks because the sound is of the highest quality.
Speaking of sound I can not but mention a huge sound variety found in this piano like electric and acoustic pianos, organs, synths, and strings.
It has all of the professional features you would need, including the FX chain and amp modeling, modulation fx (flanger, phaser, chorus, etc.), u-vibe, boost, an equalizer and more. This makes it a perfect choice if you are a stage pianist, which is what this piano is meant for.
Of course, there are many ins and outs like Stereo Outs (1/4-Inch & XLR), Ins (1/4-Inch), Headphone out and etc. The more jacks there are the better as I always say.
This is one of the best digital pianos for a stage play, studio recording or any other professional use. I wouldn’t recommend it for a beginner simply because of its price and because it is not really beginner friendly. This is an elegant piece of machinery and it takes a skilled pianist to use this beauty up to its full potential.
- 73 keys; Korg's best RH3 Graded Hammer Action; stunning piano sounds - two grands and an upright!
- 36 of the most in-demand and coveted vintage keyboard sounds, recreated with exacting detail
- Retro-inspired performance styling; single-function knobs and switches offer fast, simple operation
- 3-band EQ; 6 Pre-FX, 6 Amp Models, 6 Modulation FX, 6 Reverb/Delays; Real tube 12AX7 Valve Reactor
- Stereo Outs (1/4-Inch & XLR), Ins (1/4-Inch), Headphone out; Damper Pedal included. Optional stand...
Last update on 2020-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9. Yamaha CP4 Stage Piano with Natural Wood Keys
This is the best stage piano Yamaha has ever made, period. I love everything about it and you should know that this beast offers pretty much anything a professional on the stage would want.
Beside stage use, it is perfect for studio recording so if you are looking for a professional piano for a studio, you should check this one out.
Yamaha CP 4 Stage Piano Features:
- 88-note wooden key Graded Hammer action
- CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice
- Professionally balanced XLR outputs
- Layer & Split – A single touch is what it takes to layer and split sounds
- Virtual Circuit Modeling
- FC3A sustain pedal and power supply
Natural Wood keys with Synthetic Ivory keytops will provide a grand piano touch, stability and key-repetition. Probably the best key make I have ever seen. They are elegant and beautiful and will not disappoint.
The sound quality is amazing thanks to the CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice which recreates the power and tone of Yamaha’s flagship CFX concert grand piano.
The selection of voices from Yamaha’s Premium hand-crafted grand pianos is huge including CFX, CFIIIS and S6, vintage EPs with VCM effects and a variety of sounds.
The CP4 stage piano is slim, light weight, elegant and portable which is another bonus, having a piano this good while keeping the portability. Another thing I love is its simplicity which was achieved by easy-to-understand interface design.
Another pro feature I love is that professionally balanced XLR outputs provide high output, noise-reducing signal without the need for a DI box thus reducing the amount of the equipment you will need.
What more can I say? This is the best digital piano for stage use from Yamaha. There really isn’t anything bad about it apart from its price. But the price is also not so bad considering that you are getting only the best the Yamaha has to offer so if you are looking for a high-quality stage piano I advise you to check this one out.
- Includes FC3A sustain pedal and power supply
- Natural Wood keys with Synthetic Ivory keytops offer grand piano touch, stability and key-repetition
- The CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice recreates the power and tone of Yamaha's flagship CFX concert...
- Virtual Circuit Modeling re-creates the sound and behavior of vintage effects and signal processors
- Professional balanced XLR outputs provide high output, noise-reducing signal without the need for a...
Last update on 2020-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. Nord Piano 3 88-Key Stage Piano with 1GB of Sample Memory
For the end of this buying guide, I have decided to go with the Nord’s piano. It is probably one of the best commercially available stage pianos. It is very expensive but if you are into the best digital piano on the market it might work for you.
Nord pianos are famous for their beauty and this model promotes their good reputation. But besides its looks, Nord Piano 3 has some amazing features that you want to know about.
The quality of this piano starts with its 88-note Triple Sensor keyboard with improved grand weighted action followed by the Nord Virtual Hammer Action Technology for a vastly improved key response.
What is impressive about this stage piano is its huge sample memory of 1GB of “Nord Piano Library” sounds (256 MB for Nord Sample Library). This will have you exhausted before you check out all of the samples.
The Effect section is perfected and offers tweakable effects for instantly adding dirt, glimmer or atmosphere to your sound. It has dedicated knobs and buttons for all vital functions needed in a live performance situation.
This is as good as it gets when it comes to the digital pianos. If you are a piano enthusiast, a skilled professional pianist, a stage player or if you are studio recording you will not make a mistake by going with this piano. This is how the best digital piano looks like and it will overdeliver when it comes to features and sound quality.
- 88-note Triple Sensor keybed with improved grand weighted action
- Nord Virtual Hammer Action Technology for greatly improved key response
- OLED-display for better overview
- 1 GB memory for Nord Piano Library; 256 MB for Nord Sample Library
- Layer and split functionality; Nord Triple Pedal
Last update on 2020-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Still not sure which one is for you?
This was the rundown of the best digital pianos there are but keep in mind that I added in this list only the high-quality pianos which fulfilled my criteria. These pianos are well worth their money, some more than others but that depends on what you get and what you pay for. Pianos in this list are all of high quality and the reviews of other people were almost all positive.
Think about what will you use your piano for and your current skills, then add the budget in the equation and see which of these 10 options might work for you. Depending on your skill level each and every one of these options are great if you choose accordingly.
