Last Updated On January 3rd, 2022
For those with a passion for music and a love of classical sounds, the best digital piano can offer an easy way to learn and improve your skills without spending a fortune. Digital pianos are a wonderful choice for people of all ages. Regardless of your educational level, you can use an electric piano to unlock talents you didn’t know you had and discover an exciting new hobby.
Unlike bulky, cumbersome, and often difficult-to-maintain traditional acoustic pianos, digital models can provide a more portable and accessible solution for today’s budding or professional musician. These unique tools have evolved over the years to transform the landscape for musical production and education, making it easier for anyone to explore the beauty of piano music.
However, the ability to confidently choose the right digital piano is something of an art form in itself. Often, with so many different pianos on the market, the search for your new musical partner can be a frustrating and even exhausting experience. If you’re new to shopping for digital pianos, then you may not even know what sort of features you should be searching for.
To help you make the most out of your artistic journey and decide on an investment that you can really stick by, we’ve sorted through endless digital piano reviews to give you an updated list perfect for your shopping. No matter whether you’re looking for something compact and portable, or you need a piano that’s as close to the traditional style as possible, we’re here to help.
Let’s make some music.
Our Favourite Digital Pianos Compared
Best Digital Piano Reviews – Top 10 Picks
1. Yamaha P-45 (Editor’s Choice)
Simple and stunning, this Yamaha P-45 digital piano was designed by one of the market leaders in the musical industry.
Features
With 10-stereo sampled voices to help you create the perfect melody from scratch, a dual-mode solution for two voices to play at the same time, and more – this piano is excellent for budding artists and music creators.
The P-45 has managed to condense the traditional sound and feel of a Yamaha concert grand piano into something small, portable, and perfect for use wherever you might be. What’s more, the highly sensitive piano keys makes creating amazing tunes a breeze. From the moment you hear the crystal clear chime of the first note you play on this Yamaha piano, you’re sure to fall in love.
As one of the best electric piano options that we found on the market today, the Yamaha P-45 allows you to practice day or night, with the choice to attach a pair of headphones. Plus, you can expand your sound experimentation opportunities with the sound of organs, harps and more. The kit is also computer ready – all you need to do to go digital is connect the piano to your desktop or laptop with a single USB cable.
One issue with this product is that the connection for the headphones is located at the back of the piano, which means that it can be awkward to plug in and unplug. The sustain pedal supplied with the piano is also quite poor. It might be a good idea to invest in a more substantial pedal separately. However, this way, you have the opportunity to find the kind of pedals that suit you better, too.
- Dual-voice mode and keyboard duo function for students
- USB to host port for computer connection
- High-quality touch-sensitive keyboard
- Small and portable design
- Excellent sound quality with headphone feature
- Awkward USB port and headphone location
- Sustain pedal provided isn’t excellent
- Built-in speakers could do with an upgrade
2. Alesis Recital Beginner Digital (Best for Newbies)
If you’re looking for a compact digital piano that delivers incredible performance for an excellent price, then the Alesis Recital could be just the piano you’ve been searching for.
Features
This stunning digital piano is pre-loaded with five expertly curated voices, including acoustic piano, bass and synth. Additionally, there are various educational features to help beginners improve their skills in no time.
The universal and highly responsive feel of real piano keys is perfect for those who are still discovering their playing style. The semi-weighted keys feel robust as you play – no matter how fast-paced or chaotic the tune is. Additionally, the built-in 20W speakers are sure to provide you with all the sound output you need. You can also add headphones if you want to practice in silence.
For those who are still learning, the Alesis comes with a 3-month premium subscription to Skoove for excellent interactive lessons online. Additionally, there’s a dual-mode that separates the keyboard into two segments for students and teachers to play side by side. Whether you’re maintaining your skills with regular practice or you’re building out new talent, the Alesis comes with everything you need. There’s also an option to buy an additional sustain pedal alongside this kit.
One issue is that the advanced functions aren’t very easy to use – there’s quite a learning curve when it comes to getting the most out of your investment. Additionally, you may need extra speakers to improve the volume, but the same could be said of a lot of digital pianos. Often, the speakers supplied with these machines are quite small and compact to make the piano more portable. Nevertheless, we are dubbing this model as our best value digital piano.
- Brilliant for learning with various educational functions
- Semi-weighted keys feel amazing as you play
- Free 3-month premium subscription to Skoove
- Integrated headphone socket
- Difficult to use the advanced features
- Power cord is too short for some
- Not very loud and may require additional speakers
3. Alesis Recital Pro (Best Educational Features)
Finally, if you’re ready to jump fully into the process of learning how to play the piano, then it’s hard to go wrong with an authentic piano like the Alesis Recital Pro.
Features
This model comes with everything you need to hone your craft, including 12 premium voices to choose from, built-in speakers, a headphone output, and of course, a printed music stand where you can keep your music steady while you play.
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play professionally, this beginners digital piano is more than just a basic offering, with a range of soundscapes to choose from and 88 full-sized keys where you can practice your skills. The built-in powerful educational features include the option to split your keyboard with a teacher, for a maximum of 128-note polyphony. There’s also access to three months of a premium subscription to Skoove if you want to learn how to play online.
There are plenty of opportunities to customise your authentic piano sound experience using layering modes and the various features on the LCD screen. You can also assign voices specifically to certain hands, to create more unique melodies while you play. While you’re practising, you can choose to take advantage of the full 20W speakers that are built into the piano, or you can opt to plug in your headphones and practice silently too.
For people keen to learn the tricks of the trade when it comes to creating a stunning musical effect with a digital piano, there’s nothing quite like the experience that the Alesis Recital PRO can offer. Created specifically for learners and ambitious new musicians, this is an excellent tool to learn on. However, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t come with any pedals to get you started, or a stand – so you’ll need to buy those separately.
Additionally, some reviewers had an issue with the somewhat distracting thud sound that the weighted keyboard make when playing. However, many reviewers felt this was not an issue, so it might be a matter of personal preference.
- Range of learning and educational features to choose from
- Play through 20W speakers or plug in a pair of headphones
- Connectivity options to suit your needs
- Includes a 3-month Skoove premium account
- Universal responsive feel for 88 weighted piano keys
- No stand or pedals included
- Thudding sound of keyboard may be distracting unlike other pianos
4. Yamaha P-125 Portable (Best Compact)
One of the best things about investing in a digital piano is that you can take your music lessons with you wherever you go. Unlike a traditional grand acoustic piano, an electric piano can go with you on the move, particularly when you invest in something as lightweight and compact as the Yamaha P-125.
Features
This small digital piano is an excellent choice for people who don’t have a lot of excess space in their home for a real piano, or musicians who want to take their stage pianos with them wherever they go. Although this Yamaha may be small in size, it’s big on features.
The P-125 comes with 24 voices to choose from, including the sound and feel of a grand concert piano. There are also 20 rhythms to choose from, and a free iOS app so you can control your piano from your smartphone. For computer access, all you need is a USB connection to access and assess your playing online. Once you’re plugged in, you can also take advantage of your computer connection to access music programs and record your melodies.
Designed with ease of use and accessibility in mind, this Yamaha digital piano will make sure that you never have to compromise on your playing. Everything from the feel of real piano keys to the lightweight nature of the design was created for the avid musician. That makes it an excellent choice for people who want high quality in a compact package.
Unfortunately, there’s no Bluetooth connectivity or high-tech features included, which is quite a downside for some people who expect some of the latest capabilities included with their digital pianos these days. When it comes to possible problems, some reviewers also acknowledged that there’s no chorus effect. It’s common to see this feature among most digital pianos, so it’s strange that a high-quality product wouldn’t have this built-in.
- Graded hammer key action
- 20 rhythms to choose from
- 24 voices included
- Free iOS app and easy computer connectivity
- Compact and lightweight design
- Some people don’t like the feel of the matt keys
- No Bluetooth connectivity or chorus feature
- Action is a little sluggish in places
5. Yamaha NP32 (Best Touch-Sensitive)
Depending on your playing style, an electric piano with 88-note weighted keyboard might not be the ideal option for you. Instead, you might prefer something slightly simpler, like a 76-key Yamaha NP32 for instance.
Features
This stereo-sound piano gives you all the realistic feel of playing a stage concert-level grand piano, in a compact package. There’s built-in USB to host capability, and you can even use a digital piano app with it to expand your functionality, too.
According to the electric piano reviews that we read, the NP-32 comes with an excellent range of 76 touch-sensitive keys, all designed to capture every movement you make as a budding musician perfectly. There are also 10 high-quality piano sound options to choose from, ranging from strings and organs to harpsichords and more. Despite its incredible functionality, the Yamaha portable keyboard also happens to be incredibly lightweight and compact – perfect for those who want to carry their pianos with them on the go.
With Yamaha, you get a great combination of musical elegance and simplicity in a neat package. What’s more, all of the elements of the piano have been designed to give you more comfort when you’re playing, so you can focus on practising your craft and honing your skills, rather than getting used to a new style of playing.
Although this Yamaha portable keyboard might not be ideal for those in search of the full 88 key range, it’s an excellent choice for many modern players. Unfortunately, it’s worth noting that the speakers can begin to lose their sound quality over time and take on a crackling effect with constant playing. This may be something that Yamaha needs to look into.
- Compact 76 touch-sensitive key piano
- Stereo grand piano sound quality
- 64-note polyphony included
- USB to host capability and app accessibility
- Excellent for learning and practice
- Not ideal for those who want the full 88-key grand piano experience
- Speakers need improvement and can become crackly over time
- Voice options are limited unlike other digital pianos
6. Casio CDP-S100BKCS (Best Weighted Keys)
When it comes to creating a sensational sound experience with your new digital piano, it’s important to find the right balance between simplicity, lightweight performance, and dynamic range. The Casio CDP-S100BKC5 offers something truly unique to today’s modern musicians.
Features
This portable and ultra-compact Casio sound engine can be taken with you on the go – weighing in at just 10.5kg. However, it also comes with all the features you need to create a truly unforgettable sound.
Like many digital pianos, the Casio comes with access to 88 fully weighted and scaled hammer action textured keyboard. There’s also an advanced audio input so you can connect external audio sources and expand your volume with amplifying speakers. The Audio input is even compatible with the Casio application available on your smartphone or computer.
One thing that really makes this Casio stand out, however, is the fact that it provides a diverse and dynamic range of sound, from Fortissimo to Pianissimo. There’s also 64-note polyphony, which means that you can hear the distinct sounds of 64 different notes at once, ensuring that you won’t stumble with even the most complicated songs.
The Casio CDP also comes with a precise-touch feature that is intended to help you get the most out of your finger placement and technique if you’re learning how to master the piano from scratch. There’s also a scaled hammer action mechanism that mimics the weighting of an acoustic piano. This makes Casio one of the best digital pianos with weighted keys on the market.
According to some reviewers, the sound of this Casio piano could be a little brighter compared to other digital pianos. Additionally, some consumers didn’t like the feel of the textured and grainy effect of the keyboard, as they felt it make the piano feel cheaper and less authentic.
- Incredible dynamic range
- Audio input to connect to external sources
- 64-note polyphony and improved piano sounds
- State-of-the-art design with portable lightweight features
- Incredible scaled hammer key action that mimics acoustic pianos
- Difficult to get used to the grainy feel of the piano keys
- Not very loud compared to acoustic pianos
- Could do with a brighter sound overall
7. Rockjam 54 Key Digit (Best Value)
If you’re experimenting with your love of piano for the first time or introducing a child to a new hobby, then you might not want to invest in the best digital piano that money can buy straight away. Instead, you could be looking for a product that’s both reliable and feature-rich, but also affordable enough that it’s not going to break your budget.
Features
This Rockjam digital piano comes with 54 full-sized real piano keys for an experience that’s very similar to using a traditional acoustic piano. The use of only 54 notes makes the device a little more compact than the stage pianos, which also ensures that you can carry it around easily and use it wherever you go. There are also two built-in speakers with excellent piano sound to help you monitor your performance.
The Rockjam sound engine helps you to make the most of your musical education by providing exclusive access to content in the Simply Piano application for Android and IOS devices. Additionally, there’s an LCD display on the keyboard to offer feedback on the way that you’re using the keys if you’re learning from scratch. This is a pretty impressive feature to have on a digital piano that’s available for such a low price. Usually, you’d have to pay a lot more to get learning features included.
As one of the best budget digital pianos we’ve seen, this piano is sure to be an excellent choice for beginners, but it may not be ideal for those who want the full 88-key experience. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the battery life isn’t as great as it could be. What’s more, the keys are a little smaller than that of grand pianos, which can lead to issues with finger placement later in your lessons. Still, this model is a great buy for every beginner and worthy to be considered as the best cheap digital piano on the list.
- Small and compact design
- Affordable budget-friendly option
- Sheet music stand included
- Support for education features included
- Access to IOS and Android Simply Piano app
- Battery life isn’t great
- Not exactly the same size of keys as grand pianos
- Not a full 88-key sound engine
8. Axus Digital AXD2 (Professional Choice)
If you’re a little further along with your piano education, then you can’t afford to compromise on having the best digital experience around. According to all of the digital piano reviews we’ve read, the Axus Digital AXD2 is the model that’s sure to give you the closest traditional acoustic piano feel.
Features
Offering fantastic sound quality and 3 piano-style pedals to help you get the most out of your musical experience, the Axus has it all. There’s even the option to customise your piano sounds with adjustable touch, master tune, master volume and sound balance. What’s more, the Audio-out feature allows you to add amps for further volume.
The Axus sound engine has a very sophisticated classic design that’s perfect for people who want to experience a realistic feel of using a grand piano, without the expense or maintenance. Additionally, this stage piano is perfect for helping you to tap into a wide range of voices and piano sounds, including bass, organ, strings and more. You can even layer voices over each other for a more advanced musical experience, which is something that’s sure to appeal to educated musicians who want to experiment with sound.
This is definitely one of the more advanced pianos on the market for those who want to combine the convenience of a digital model with the appeal of a traditional upright piano. However, it’s worth noting that you may need to prepare for a bit of a complicated delivery based on the sheer size of this piano. It’s also not the ideal model for someone with a smaller home. One other issue is that the keys can make quite a large “thud” when pushed too heavily.
- Beautiful classic design similar to an acoustic piano
- 3 real piano pedals for more music control
- Plenty of piano sound customisation
- Built-in digital effects including reverb and level control
- State-of-the-art materials used throughout
- Keys are more sensitive than other pianos
- Difficult delivery experience due to the size of the stage piano
- The keyboard can make quite a loud thudding noise at times
9. Gear4Music DP-10X (Best for All Levels)
Often, choosing the ideal instrument isn’t just about browsing through digital piano reviews looking for the happiest customers. It’s also important to find something that suits your preferences and playing style. The Gear4Music DP-10X is an excellent choice for modern musicians that appreciate the range and diversity of a digital or electric piano, but also want the true-to-life traditional experience of a grand stage piano.
Features
Presenting a range of improved high-quality voices that are now more authentic than ever, the DP-10X comes with a range of 24 voices to choose from, and a streamlined configuration that helps you to get the most out of every practise or playing session. You can fully configure your entire piano sound experience with a data control wheel and a simplified function button. Additionally, the 88-key hammer action piano comes with an adjustable touch response, so you can ensure you’re getting the closest possible experience to an acoustic piano.
There’s an ample 64-note polyphony included, and the layer mode on the digital tech ensures that you can layer multiple piano sounds on top of each other for an even more complex melody. This means that you can create in-depth songs and record them to your computer or laptop when you’re ready to start sharing your music with others. When it comes to connectivity features, you’ll also have a range of options to choose from, such as USB and MIDI, and Aux input. Some issues that reviewers had were the skin of the piano kept breaking and that the pedals don’t allow for a truly satisfying authentic experience.
- Beautiful design mimics a grand acoustic piano
- 24 diverse piano sounds to choose from
- Easily record yourself with USB and internal memory features
- 88-note hammer key action with authentic resonance
- Easy-to-use interface for sound customisation
- Slightly tinny sound quality
- Skin of the piano breaks quite easily
- The pedals aren’t appropriately designed for an authentic experience
10. Gear4Music DP-6 (Best Set)
If you’re looking for the best digital piano for an advanced pianist, then you might want something a lot more high-tech than your standard portable piano. The Gear4Music DP-6 gives today’s musicians the opportunity to experience a grand acoustic piano feel when playing in their own home, without the excessive size and maintenance bills to worry about.
Features
Built with the complete 88-note graded hammer action keyboard that today’s artists need, and a highly refined sound engine, this exceptional upright piano is an excellent choice for a truly passionate player. Whether you’re learning how to play or you’re exploring your skills, the DP-6 has everything you need including a 64-note polyphony, which allows 64 notes to play simultaneously together.
The unique keyboard on the DP-6 react to how heavily you play them, so you can feel confident that your stage piano can handle virtually any playing style. Additionally, the DP-6 come with multiple accessories and connection options to help you create music and symphonies from your own home.
The great thing about this digital piano is that it comes with a host of accessories to help you really get the most out of your playing experience. An adjustable stool is included, as well as a pair of headphones for silent practice and a music sheet stand so that you can follow your melodies with ease.
The only major problem that the reviewers we heard from had with this digital sound engine is that the pedal that comes with it can be a little bit flimsy. However, that’s an easy issue to overcome as you can always replace the pedal.
- Excellent design and quality sound that appeals to professionals
- Full 88-note hammer-action keyboard with 64-note polyphony
- Adjustable stool, headphones, and other accessories included
- Built-in speakers and headphone jack
- Intelligent piano keys respond to your playing style
- Could do with a more robust pedal
- Top couple of octaves are too high and harsh compared to other pianos
- Can have a bit of a learning curve for certain users
Which Digital Piano is Right for You?
There’s more work involved in choosing the ideal digital piano than most people realise. Just like choosing a ring light, tripod, and other electronic devices, you need to make sure that you’re buying something that you feel comfortable using. However, it’s also important to track down the features that will help you to expand your skills and create new piano sounds, too. There are certainly plenty of options to choose from on the market today. However, such a wide range of brands and models can be confusing for beginners, and those who are just beginning to choose digital pianos over acoustic instruments.
If you’ve read through the reviews above and you’ve done a little of your own research to help you get started – but you’re still feeling confused, don’t worry. We’ve still got some additional guidance that we can offer.
Basic Features to Look for in Your Digital Pianos
Digital pianos are an excellent alternative to traditional acoustic pianos for a range of reasons. On the other hand, these models are often more compact and portable than stage pianos, which means that you can take your music with you on the go and practice from wherever you like. Additionally, digital or electric pianos also come with the benefit of being able to connect to your smartphone or computer.
With a computer connection, you can record your melodies directly to a hard drive, which is excellent for composition. Additionally, the digital features in an electric keyboard mean that you can play with different sounds or “voices” when designing your new creations. This gives your music far more scope than you can get from a traditional acoustic piano.
So how do you choose the right model?
a. Look at How the Keyboard Feels
The first thing you’ll need to know is how good the keyboard feels to play. Typically, if you want a playing experience that’s similar to grand pianos, then you’re going to need to look for specially weighted keys that mimic the experience of an acoustic instrument. Weighted or semi-weighted action has a more satisfying response, which is something that learners and professional musicians tend to prefer.
b. Consider the Size and Number of Keys
Interestingly, digital pianos can come with different numbers of keys depending on the complexity of the music that you want to create. For instance, you can go for a full-range 88-key model or something a lot smaller like a 56-key piano. There are also options that fall somewhere in between. Make sure that you consider the size that you want your piano to be and the range of soundscapes you hope to create when making your choice.
c. Explore the Available Voices
Most digital pianos will come with voices that allow you to change the sound you produce from that of a traditional acoustic piano to something unique like an electric synthesizer or a bass guitar. The wider the range of voices, the more music you can create. Additionally, some electric pianos allow you to layer multiple voices over each other to create more unique sounds.
d. Consider the Style
The style or appearance of your digital piano might not seem important at first. However, remember that some of these models can take up a lot of space in your home. You’ll want to make sure that you enjoy looking at your portable keyboard each day. Think about if you want something that looks more classical or modern.
e. Sound Quality
Above all else, it’s important for musical instruments and audio equipment such as a karaoke machine to deliver an amazing sound. You’ll need something that’s going to sound rich and bright while you’re playing it. Read through the reviews available to find out what other people think about the kind of sounds that they can create with your potential new piano.
Additional Points to Consider
Aside from the basics like the style and quality sound, many of the modern digital pianos available on the market today also come with additional features to help you get the most out of your piano experience. For instance, some of the advanced electric pianos come with polyphony solutions which mean you can hear dozens of different sounds playing together at once.
When you’re making your choice, ensure that you consider all of the different elements that come together to give you a more immersive piano experience when you’re playing. For instance, some of the things you can look at include:
a. Learning Tools
Many of the modern digital pianos available on the market today are specifically designed for people who want to learn how to play the piano perfectly but don’t have the budget or space for a traditional piano. To help improve your learning strategy, these pianos come with things like the option to split the keyboard into two sections so you can play alongside a teacher. There are also pianos that come with apps and digital teaching tools as well.
b. Amplification and Speakers
There’s a good chance that you’ll need a good pair of speakers to help you play for other people and track the progress of your performance. A pair of tinny speakers can really damage the overall experience that you get with your piano, so make sure that you don’t underestimate the importance of this feature.
c. Connectivity Options
Many modern digital pianos come with a range of ways to connect to computers and software. You can link some of them in with your smartphone applications through Bluetooth, or you might have the option to consider linking to a computer through a USB cable, too.
d. Added Extras
Remember to check for any added extras which might be helpful too. For instance, do you need a headphone jack so you can practice in silence? What about a place to store your sheet music, or a piano stand so you don’t have to find a spare table that you can play from?
e. Ease of Use and Maintenance
Keep in mind that your new sound engine should also be easy to use and maintain. This will help to make sure that you can continue to enjoy the experience you get with your instrument for years to come.
Finding the Right Digital Piano
Choosing the best digital piano for your needs isn’t always easy, particularly if you’re new to the instrument or you’re starting from scratch. While reading through a selection of digital piano reviews from other consumers and musicians – like yourself – can help you to make a more informed decision, the final choice will come down to you.
The key to success when choosing the ideal piano is finding an instrument that suits your personal playing style and delivers the kind of experience you need to continue building your skills. The more comfortable you feel playing, and the better the quality of piano sound you can create, the more you’ll fall in love with your new piano.
We particularly enjoyed the simple but attractive design of the Yamaha P-45. This model comes with all the heritage you would expect from Yamaha pianos, but it’s also lightweight and compact enough to carry with you on the go. Brimming with amazing sounds to choose from and providing excellent key quality, the Yamaha P-45 is a great choice for professionals and beginners alike.
Do you have a favourite digital piano in the market today? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.