Best Beginner Digital Pianos In 2023 For You

Looking to know about the best beginner digital pianos in 2023? If yes, you're reading the right article!

Many of us dream of having an acoustic piano in our home, but they're not always the most suitable option - especially for beginners.

Traditional pianos come with several inconveniences. For example, they're large, heavy, expensive, and require regular tuning and maintenance.

That's why smaller, lighter, and cheaper digital pianos have become popular. They mimic the feel and sound of a real piano.

But it takes work to pick a digital piano with many options.

To help you out, we have done extensive research for you. We have selected 27 digital pianos for beginners based on user reviews, brand reputation, and experience in this field.

From those 27, we chose ten models that performed exceptionally well in our test to create this list of the best beginner digital pianos in 2023. These models were selected based on their design, sound quality, key action, ease of use, special features, and price.

So, whether you're starting to learn to play piano or upgrading from a regular keyboard, you'll find something here that fits your needs.

Let's dive into our top picks!

10 Best Beginner Digital Pianos In 2023

Before we begin, and to avoid repetition, do note that ALL digital pianos in this list meet the following criteria:

• Manufactured by well-established companies with good reputations in the music industry, such as Yamaha, Roland, Casio, Korg, etc.
• Compact and lightweight.
• 88 full-size keys with weighted hammer action
• High-quality samples (realistic piano tone)
• At least 64-note polyphony to play complex pieces without dropping notes.
• Standard functions like a metronome to help you keep time, headphones jack for quiet practice, a music rest for your sheet music, transpose, etc.
• Each piano can be powered with batteries or a wall socket, so you can use it wherever you want.
• The price ranges from $250 to $1000, making them affordable for beginners on a tight budget.

Yamaha P-45

Key Specifications

• Dimensions: 52.25 x 11.5 x 6 inches
• Keyboard Type: Graded hammer standard (GHS) keyboard
• No. of Keys: 88
• Touch Sensitivity: Yes (Hard/medium/soft/fixed)
• Polyphony (Max.): 64
• Voices: 10
• Effects: Yes
• Speakers: Yes
• Pedals: 1 (Sustain Pedal)
• Metronome: Yes
• Connectivity: DC IN, USB to Host, a headphones Jack, sustain pedal jack
• Weight: 11.5 kg
• Price: $449

Our top pick is the Yamaha P-45 digital piano because of its realistic sound, fantastic feel, and playability at an affordable price. It is one of the best-selling Yamaha digital pianos for beginners under 500 dollars.

The keyboard features 88 Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keys. It offers a fully weighted and realistic feel and a reliable entry-level action.

The GHS doesn't have texture on keys and uses a 2-sensor key detection system to detect keys. While it's no problem to quickly repeat notes on the P-45, playing further up the keys can be more difficult due to the shorter action.

This Yamaha digital piano offers excellent sound quality. The P-45 uses AWM stereo sampling technology that delivers a rich, natural piano sound.

Additionally, the piano offers ten beautiful tones, including electric pianos, organs, strings, and other instrument sounds.

Since the sound is entirely subjective, comparing it with the competition is brutal. But we feel that it is on the same level as the FP-10 and B2 in terms of realism. Nevertheless, each sound has a unique character, so it is best to listen and decide which one appeals to you the most.

The P-45 has 64 notes of polyphony, which is enough for most situations.

It doesn't have Split Mode or Line Out jacks, but they're not a dealbreaker for beginners. However, if you plan on using your piano for performances, you'll need dedicated Line Out jacks (only available on the next model up, the P-125).

Another thing to consider is the lack of MIDI recording. Unfortunately, only a few pianos in this price range have this feature, such as the Casio CDP-S160 and Alesis Recital Pro.

The P-45 has a USB-type B port, which is fantastic. This port lets you connect it to a computer for multi-track MIDI recordings and do many other things (learning, notation creation, music production, etc.) using various music apps.

In addition to all its impressive features, this digital piano includes a power adapter, sustain pedal, and music rest.

Overall, the Yamaha P-45 is a solid entry-level digital piano with a realistic sound, touch, and an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for beginners and hobbyists.

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Roland FP-10

Specification

• Dimensions: 50.5 x 10.1 x 5.5 inches
• Number of Keys: 88
• Touch Sensitivity: Yes (5 types, OFF)
• Polyphony (Max.): 96
• Voices: 15
• Effects: Yes
• Speakers: Yes
• Pedals: 1 (Sustain Pedal)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, USB to Device, USB to Host, Sustain Pedal jack, a headphone jack
• Weight: 12.3 kg
• Price: $594

The Roland FP-10 takes second place in our list because it offers the best piano-playing experience with no frills at a fraction of the cost of other high-end models.

This model features Roland's PHA-4 Standard keyboard with an escapement mechanism and synthetic ivory key surfaces. This keyboard provides high-quality touch and realistic mechanical movements that emulate the sensation of playing on an acoustic piano.

This is the only piano in this price range that simulates the escapement sensation found on an acoustic piano.

Besides Casio keyboards, it's the only piano for $500 that uses a 3-sensor detection system and has ivory keys.

The FP-10's sound is also impressive, thanks to Roland's famous SuperNATURAL sound engine. This engine combines sampling with physical modeling algorithms to produce a natural and detailed sound.

This musical instrument also has 96 polyphony, 15 different sounds, and various piano sound effects. It includes organic piano elements such as string resonance, damper resonance, and key-off response.

Even though the FP-10 doesn't have many features (like MIDI recording or lesson mode), you can easily expand it by connecting it to Roland's free Piano Partner 2 app via Bluetooth. This unlocks additional rhythms and features like a MIDI recorder and provides an intuitive graphical interface for controlling settings and parameters.

Additional connectivity options include USB to Device, USB to Host, a sustain pedal jack, and a headphone jack. Plug in headphones if you would like to practice music quietly or play piano without disturbing others.

Overall, the Roland FP-10 is the best digital piano with the highest quality piano sound and feel in its price range.

Although it doesn't have as many features as some digital keyboards on this list, we think it's got the best piano sound at this price. And this is what matters if you want it to sound as close as possible to an acoustic piano.

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Alesis Recital Pro

Specification

• Dimensions: 51.6 x 13.8 x 5.5 inches
• Number of Keys: 88
• Touch Sensitivity: Yes (3 types, Off)
• Polyphony (Max.): 128
• Voices: 12
• Effects: Yes
• Speakers: Yes
• Pedals: N/A
• Connectivity: A USB port, 2 x Line outputs, Sustain Pedal input, headphone output
• Weight: 11.8 kg
• Price: $379

The Alesis Recital Pro is the cheapest 88-key digital piano for beginners on our list. Due to its lightweight and compact design, the piano is easy to move around, making it perfect for frequent travelers.

It features 88 full-size hammer action keys that can be adjusted for touch response to suit your playing style.

The piano keys are weighted like an acoustic piano, but the action is not graded. This is not a dealbreaker for beginners, but advanced pianists should take note.

This piano model has 12 onboard voices and multiple sound effects. You can layer or split these 12 voices to create a richer tone.

In this low price range of $379, the default grand piano tone is excellent, but we wish there were more piano-centric tones available since there are only two grand pianos and one electric piano.

One thing we love about the Recital Pro is that it comes with a large, backlit, and highly functional LCD screen. This makes setting effects and selecting functions extremely easy. Each voice has dedicated buttons, so switching between them is easy.

Furthermore, this affordable digital piano has a 20-watt speaker system that is powerful enough to perform in front of a small group. You can also hook up more powerful speakers with the 14" stereo line-out jacks.

The USB MIDI port lets you connect to music-learning apps. It includes two months of live online, face-to-face lessons and a 3-month subscription to a music learning app, which is an excellent value.

Additionally, this instrument has a sustain pedal connector, but a pedal is not included in the box. To make it fully functional, you'll need to add a sustain pedal to your cart for about $20.

You can power the piano with the included power adapter or 6 "D" batteries.

So, if you're looking for the cheapest digital piano for beginners with great sound quality and easy to use, we highly recommend the Alesis Recital Pro. It's easy to use and offers excellent value for the price.

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Casio Privia PX-S1100

Specification

• Dimensions: 52 x 9.1 x 4 inches
• Number of Keys: 88
• Touch Sensitivity: Yes (5 sensitivity levels, off)
• Polyphony (Max.): 192
• Voices: 18
• Effects: Yes
• Speakers: Yes
• Pedals: 1 (Sustain Pedal)
• Connectivity: USB ports (Type A & B), Audio IN, two stereo outputs, sustain pedal jack, connector for a 3-pedal unit, LINE OUT: 2 (L / MONO, R), Standard jack
• Weight: 11.2 kg
• Price: $729

If you're looking for something affordable that doesn't compromise quality, this 88 fully weighted keys piano should be on your shortlist.

This Casio model is one of the best portable digital pianos for beginners under $1000. The bundle comes with everything you need to get started.

It includes an adjustable music stand, piano bench, sustain pedal, Austin Bazaar instructional DVD, instructional book, and polishing cloth.

The PX-S1100 is an upgrade to the S1000 with modern features that budding pianists expect today.

The piano sounds incredible and plays like a real piano because of its weighted keys. This digital keyboard has 88 fully weighted keys with five sensitivity levels and 192 notes of maximum polyphony.

Additionally, it has 18 voices, effects, and an upgraded speaker system (which was already great in the previous model).

The sleek, glossy fascia attracts fingerprints, but it looks as good as it sounds.

One of the new features of the PX-S1100 is the ability to stream audio and MIDI wirelessly via the included WU-BT10 USB adapter. This new feature will revolutionize your practice routine. It lets players play along with their favorite songs and take advantage of popular online piano lessons.

So, if you want a well-built, affordable digital piano with superb sound and smart connectivity, the Casio PX-S1100 is the right choice.

Korg B2

Key Specifications

• Dimensions: 51.6 x 13.2 x 4.6 inches
• No. of Keys: 88
• Touch Sensitivity: Yes (3 types)
• No. of Voices: 12
• Polyphony (Max.): 120
• Speakers: Yes
• Pedals: Sustain Pedal
• Connectivity: USB to Host, Audio input, sustain pedal input, Phones (Headphone/ LINE OUT combined use)
• Weight: 11.4 kg
• Price: $599

Next, we have the Korg B2 digital piano with powerful sound and minimal features. It is one of the best digital pianos for beginners under $1000.

It has a simple yet beautiful sleek design. Because of its compact and lightweight design, the B2 is perfect for musicians looking for a portable 88-note performance instrument.

The piano features Korg's Natural Weighted Hammer Action keyboard, which provides a natural response that is comfortable to play - whether you're a beginner or an expert.

The B2 has a stereo PCM tone generator that produces deep, powerful sound with a wide dynamic range through dual 15W speakers.

It also includes 12 unique voices, including five piano voices from a newly developed piano engine.

Like other digital pianos on this list, the Korg B2 has a headphone output for silent practice, an audio input for jamming to your favorite songs, and a sustain pedal input.

You can also connect it to your computer via USB Audio and MIDI to use it with recording software and teaching apps.

In addition, it comes with a three-month subscription to Skoove Piano Teaching software, making it an excellent option for beginners looking to improve their skills.

At under $1000, the B2 comes with a piano-style sustain pedal and music rest, making it an excellent value for a quality digital piano.

In summary, the Korg B2 is an easy-to-use and stylish digital piano that provides a rich and realistic piano-playing experience. It's suitable for beginners, intermediate players, and professional musicians.

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Kawai ES 120

Key Specifications

• Dimensions: 51.4 x 11 x 6 inches
• No. of Keys: 88
• Touch Sensitivity: Yes (Light, Normal, Heavy, Off)
• Polyphony (Max.): 192
• Voices: 25
• Effects: Yes
• Speakers: Yes
• Pedals: 1 (Sustain Pedal)
• Metronome: Yes
• Connectivity: Bluetooth (audio + MIDI), USB to Host, two headphone jacks, Line Out (R, L/Mono), Sustain Pedal jack
• Weight: 12 kg
• Price: $899

Kawai is a big name in acoustic pianos, and their ES 120 is a contender in the beginner digital piano category.

The ES 120 features 25 different tones, including an accurate replica of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano. The sounds are also powered by Kawai's Harmonic Imaging technology, enhancing realism throughout the dynamic range.

This piano uses Kawai's Responsive Hammer Compact action, which is similar to its higher-end RHIII action, but redesigned to fit into a more compact case.

It also has a built-in metronome and 100 drum rhythms to make piano practice fun and effective.

Additionally, this instrument supports MIDI and audio over Bluetooth for wireless communication with iOS and Android devices.

And the Kawai's Virtual Technician app lets you tweak advanced parameters such as temperament and touch response.

Overall, the Kawai ES 120 is an impressive digital piano with realistic sounds, touch-sensitive keys, and a wide range of connectivity options. At $899, it is an excellent value for money.

YAMAHA P125

Key Specifications

• Dimensions: 52.19 x 11.63 x 6.56 inches
• No. of Keys: 88
• Touch Sensitivity: Yes (Hard/medium/soft/fixed)
• Polyphony (Max.): 192
• Voices: 24
• Effects: Yes
• Speakers: Yes
• Pedals: 1 (Sustain Pedal)
• Metronome: Yes
• Connectivity: DC IN, USB to Host, AUX OUT, Sustain Pedal Input, dual Headphones Jacks.
• Weight: 11.8 kg
• Price: $699.99

The Yamaha P125 digital piano is an upgrade from the P45 model.

It features the same Graded Hammer Standard keyboard as the P45 model but offers a more extensive range of features and better sound quality.

With a maximum polyphony of 192 notes, the Pure CF sound engine produces an exceptionally realistic piano tone. Also, the P125 has more sounds and 20 onboard rhythms, giving you more flexibility.

You can even customize your sound with control over EQ and damper resonance. Moreover, it has a two-track recorder, allowing you to record and playback your performances.

The P125 is ideal for teachers and students because it comes with dual headphone outputs.

Additionally, it is compatible with Yamaha's free Smart Pianist app for iOS devices, which is a significant improvement over the P45 model.

Overall, the Yamaha P125 is a versatile digital piano that's a fantastic option for those who want realistic sound quality, customizable features, and easy connectivity.

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Casio CDP-S160

Key Specifications

• Dimensions: 52 x 9.1 x 3.8 inches
• Number of Keys: 88
• Touch Sensitivity: Yes (3 sensitivity levels, off)
• Voices: 10
• Polyphony (Max.): 64
• Effects: Yes
• Speakers: Yes
• Pedals: 1 Sustain pedal
• Metronome: Yes
• Connectivity: USB Type B port, Audio IN, dual headphone jack, Phones/Output: Stereo mini jack, sustain pedal, and triple pedal unit
• Weight: 10.5 kg
• Price: $577

The CDP-S160 is another popular Casio digital piano on this list. It comes with many useful features and a realistic feel and sound.

The CDP-S160 is built well. The keyboard features 88 full-size, progressively weighted hammer action keys that are textured similarly to traditional ebony & ivory keys on an acoustic piano.

As the keys are less heavy, this keyboard is more suitable for beginners who have yet to develop sufficient finger strength.

In terms of sound quality, the CDP-160 doesn't disappoint. It has ten onboard tones, including three grand pianos and three electric pianos. You can layer these voices or use choruses and reverb effects to create your unique sound.

The piano has 16-watt built-in speakers, with bass ports under the chassis for enhanced resonance in the lower notes.

The keyboard also features an intuitive song recorder, auxiliary audio input, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The headphones jack also serves as an audio output if you need to connect to more powerful speakers.

The CDP-S160 is the only digital piano under $500 that features a free mobile app that lets you adjust many settings.

When connected to your smartphone or iPad, you can select voices, view music sheets, change keys, repeat sections, load MIDI and audio songs, change parameters, and change tempo.

You can use music-learning apps to connect your keyboard to your computer via USB MIDI.

In addition to the piano, the package includes a single damper pedal. However, you can get a triple pedal accessory and a wooden stand if you want a more traditional look.

The keyboard runs on 6 AA batteries and has a versatile carrying case.

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Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano

Key Specifications

• Dimensions: 52.4 x 11.6 x 7.6 inches
• Number of Keys: 88
• Touch Sensitivity: Yes, adjustable touch response
• Voices: 238
• Polyphony (Max.): 128
• Effects: Yes
• Speakers: Yes
• Pedals: 1 Sustain pedal
• Metronome: Yes
• Connectivity: USB-MIDI, USB Port, Audio in & out, dual headphone jack, sustain pedal, and triple pedal unit
• Weight: 11.5 kg
• Price: $379

The Donner DEP-20 is a fantastic digital piano for beginners who want a high-quality instrument without spending a lot of money. Despite its low cost, it doesn't scrimp on quality.

It features 88 full-sized keys that are adjustable in touch response, so you can customize the keyboard to suit your playing style.

This keyboard delivers impressive sound quality through two 25W amplifiers. It has 238 tones, which is the highest number on this list.

In dual mode, you can combine two voices, such as piano and drums, to create new compositions.

The device includes a sustain pedal jack, a triangle pedal unit, audio inputs, and outputs. These ports are ideal for music arrangement and ensemble playing.

One of the most impressive features of this product is its backlit LCD screen that displays chord names and notation. This makes it easy to adjust tones and settings.

You can also save and playback your performances using a particular mode. This 88-key piano is suitable for rehearsals, learning, and creating music.

In summary, if you're looking for a multipurpose 88-key electric piano that won't break the bank, the Donner DEP-20 is worth considering.

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Roland GO:PIANO 88

Key Specifications

• Dimensions: 50.56 x 11.5 x 3.43 inches
• No. of Keys: 88
• Touch Sensitivity: Yes (3 types, fixed touch)
• Voices: 4
• Polyphony (Max.): 128
• Speakers: Yes
• Effects: Yes
• Metronome: Yes
• Pedals: 1 (sustain pedal)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth Ver 4.0, USB to Host, a headphone output, sustain pedal input, Phones/Output jack
• Weight: 7 kg
• Price: $399

The Roland GO:Piano 88-Key Digital Piano is a popular and affordable option for beginners, priced at $399.

It's a full-size 88-note piano and is the lightest digital piano on this list. It weighs only 7kg, making it easy to transport and set up anywhere, even for buskers.

Although the keyboard is only semi-weighted rather than fully weighted due to its portability, many users find it acceptable.

Compared to the smaller GO:PIANO 61, this Roland piano has only four sounds. But they are superior in quality, so you get a more focused piano experience. During testing, its speakers were found to be exceptionally powerful.

The instrument also features Bluetooth audio and MIDI connectivity. This lets you play along with tunes streamed from your smartphone and record your playing into the Roland Piano Partner 2 app via Bluetooth.

Overall, the Roland GO:Piano 88-Key Digital Piano is an excellent choice for beginners who want a lightweight, portable option with superior sound quality and connectivity.

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Conclusion

So that's our list of the ten best beginner digital pianos in 2023. They are affordable and portable.

All of the pianos on our list would be perfect for a first-time student or even someone looking to return to the piano after a long break.

These pianos offer a solid foundation for developing your skills and will keep pace with you as you progress along your musical journey. They offer different features and functions to help you grow your piano skills.

We hope this article has helped you find a beginner digital piano that suits your budget and needs.

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