• HOME
  • ABOUT
  • START HERE
  • LEARN PIANO NOW
  • RESOURCES
  • CONTACT

Digital Piano Review Guide

Digital Piano Reviews and News.

  • For Beginners
  • On a Budget
  • Buying Guide
  • Weighted Keys
  • Learn Piano Chords
START HERE

Visit our Getting Started page for guidance on finding the right piano.

PIANO REVIEWS

Visit our Piano Review page to find all of our digital piano reviews.

LEARN PIANO

Learn how to play the piano from the comfort of your home.

Welcome to Digital Piano Review Guide, where digital piano beginners and longtime enthusiasts can find in-depth reviews of piano models, helpful tips, industry news, and even learn how to play the piano itself.

If you’re a brand new visitor, we encourage you to check out our Getting Started page, which helps new visitors find what we feel are our most essential articles to read if you’re looking for a new digital piano.

review-guide

Below, please take a look at our interactive guide.  The guide connects you to our full page reviews of some the most popular (and some that are less well-known) digital pianos on the market today:

$ = $500 or less | $$ = $500 – $1,000 | $$$ = $1,000 and up

PhotoModelKeysPriceFeaturesRating
Akai Advance 49Akai Advance 4949$Semi-Weighted. Velocity-Sensitive Keybed★★
Akai APC40 MKII40 Pads$RGB Pad Feedback★★★★
Akai MPK249Akai MPK24949$Semi-Weighted Keys★★★★
Akai MPK8888$$16 Pads w/Pressure & Velocity Sensitivity★★★
akai-mpk-mini-mkiiAkai MPK Mini MKII25$Velocity-Sensitive Rubber Drum Pads★★★
akai-timbre-wolf
Akai Timbre Wolf25$4-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer★★★★
Alesis-Cadenza-pianoAlesis Cadenza88$$Built-in Speakers★★★
Alesis CodaAlesis Coda88$Semi-Weighted Keys★★★★
Alesis Recital88$Semi-Weighted Keys★★★★
Alesis V4949$USB-Powered w/ Sustain-Pedal Input★★★
Alesis VI4949$USB-Powered w/ Sustain-Pedal Input★★★
arturia-keylab-49
Arturia KeyLab 4949$More than 200 Multi Patches★★★
arturia-keystepArturia KeyStep32$USB, MIDI, DIN and CV/GATE★★★★
Arturia MatrixBrute49$$$3 Brute oscillators
arturia-microbruteArturia Microbrute25$Step Sequencer w/8 Memory Locations★★★★
arturia-mini-labArturia MiniLab25$Slim-Key Controller★★★★
Casio AP250Casio AP-25088$$128 Note Polyphony★★★★
Casio AP420Casio AP-42088$$$Speakers: 2 x 4.7" + 2 x 1"★★★
Casio AP-460Casio AP-46088$$$256 Notes of Polyphony
Casio CDP-12088$48 Notes of Polyphony★★★★
Casio CDP-130Casio CDP-13088$48 Notes of Polyphony★★★★
Casio CDP-22088$$700 Built-In Tones★★★★
Casio CDP-230Casio CDP-23088$$152 Built-In Songs★★★★
Casio CTK-230061$400 Tones★★★★
Casio CTK 2400Casio CTK-240061$400 AHL Keyboard Voices★★★★
Casio CTK 4200Casio CTK-420061$48 Note Polyphony★★★★
Casio CTK-4400Casio CTK-440061$Touch-Sensitive Keys★★★★
Casio-CGP-700Casio CGP-70088$$5.3in Color Touch Interface Display★★★★
Casio LK-16561$110 Built-In Songs★★★★
Casio LK-280Casio LK-28061$48-Note Polyphony★★★★
Casio PX 130Casio PX-13088$128 Note Polyphony★★★★
Casio PX150Casio PX-15088$18 Built-In Tones★★★★
compare-2Casio PX-160 vs Casio PX-15088$New String Ensemble & Electric Piano tones★★★★
Casio PX-160Casio PX-16088$Dual Headphone Outputs on Front★★★★
compare-2Casio PX-160 vs Yamaha P-4588$128 vs 64 Polyphony★★★★
compare-2Casio PX-160 vs Yamaha P-11588$ - $$128 vs 192 Polyphony
Casio PX-35088$$Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II★★★★
Casio PX 360Casio PX-36088$$550 Tones★★★★★
Casio PX 560Casio PX-56088$$$5.3” Color Display★★★★
Casio PX-75088$$128 Note Polyphony★★★★
Casio PX 760Casio PX-76088$$3 Sensitivity Levels★★★★
Casio PX780Casio PX-78088$$250 Built-In Tones★★★★
Casio PX-85088$$$256 Note Polyphony★★★★
Casio-PX-860Casio PX-86088$$$256 Note Polyphony★★★★
compare-2Casio PX-860 vs Casio PX-85088$$$256 Note Polyphony★★★★
Casio PX5S88$$Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II Keyboard★★★★
Casio SA-7644$100 Sounds & 50 Rhythm Patterns★★★★
Casio WK-22576$600 Built-In Tones★★★★
Casio WK-650076$670 Tones★★★
Casio WK-750076$800 Tones★★★
Dave Smith Mopho x444$$$16 x 4 Step Sequencer★★★★★
Dave Smith OB-644$$$6-voice Poly Synth★★★★★
Sequential Prophet-6Dave Smith Prophet 649$$$Two Discrete VCOs Per Voice★★★★★
Hammond SK1-8888$$$12 Hammond Macro Profiles w/17 Tweakable Parameters★★★★★
Hammond XK-3c73$$$Portable Drawbar Keyboard w/Digital Tone-Wheels★★★★
Hammond XK573$$$61 playing keys,12 Preset Keys
Huntington KB6161$8 Stereo Demo Songs★★★
Kawai CE22088$$$AWA PROII w/Counterbalancing★★★★
Kawai CN2788$$$192 Note Polyphony
Kawai CN3788$$$256 Note Polyphony
Kawai ES10088$$192-Note Polyphony★★★★
Kawai ES11088$$Bluetooth MIDI★★★★★
compare-2Kawai ES100 vs Yamaha P-11588$$Both 192-Note Polyphony ★★★★
Kawai KDP9088$$$AHAIV-F Graded-Hammer Action★★★★★
Kawai-ES-7Kawai ES788$$$Responsive Hammer II Graded-Hammer Action★★★★★
Kawai ES8Kawai ES888$$$RHIII Graded-Hammer Action★★★★★
Kawai MP788$$$256 Harmonic Imaging XL Sounds★★★★
Korg Arp OdysseyKorg ARP Odyssey37$$USB MIDI and CV/Gate I/O★★★★
Korg B1Korg B188$Onboard Reverb and Chorus effects★★★★
Korg Krome88$$$800 x 480 pixel TouchView Color Display★★★
Korg KronosKorg Kronos88$$$16 Audio & 16 MIDI Tracks★★★★★
compare-2Korg Kronos vs Yamaha Montage 888$$$N/A★★★★
Korg Kross88$$Step Sequencer (from the Electribe)★★★★★
Korg LP-18088$$Natural Weighted Hammer Action★★
Korg LP-38088$$RH3 (Real Weighted Hammer Action 3) Keyboard★★★
korg-microkorgKorg MicroKorg37$4-Voice Analog Modeling Synth Engine★★★★
Korg MinilogueKorg Minilogue37$$16-Step Polyphonic Step & Motion Sequencer★★★★
Korg Monologue25$2 VCO (Square Wave, Triangle Wave, Sawtooth Wave)★★★★
Korg SP170sKorg SP-170s88$Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) Keyboard★★★★
Korg SP25088$$$RH3 Graded Hammer Action Keyboard★★★
Korg SP28088$$Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) Keyboard★★★★
Korg SV188$$$RH3 Graded Hammer Action★★★★
KurzweilSP48Kurzweil SP4-888$$KVA Powered Synth Programs from the PC3 Series Sonic Library★★★
Moog MiniMoog Model D44$$$3 Vintage Moog Oscillators★★★★★
Moog Sub 37Moog Sub 3737$$$Polyphony: Selectable Monophonic or Paraphonic★★★★
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S4949$Light Guide Key Illumination★★★★
Nord Electro 5D73$$$Discrete Reverb & Delay FX Paths★★★★★
Nord HA-7676$$$9 Digitally Controlled Drawbars★★★★★
Nord HA-8888$$$Fully Weighted Keys★★★★
nord-lead-4-1Nord Lead 449$$$2-Oscillator Virtual Analog Subtractive Synthesis★★★★★
Nord Piano 388$$$1 GB Memory for Nord Piano Library★★★★★
Novation Impulse 49Novation Impulse 4949$Semi-Weighted w/Aftertouch★★★★
novation-mininova
Novation MiniNova37$256 Onboard Sounds★★★★
novation-ultranova
Novation UltraNova37$$Full-sized Keys & a Vocoder★★★★
ONE Light KeyboardONE Light Keyboard61$128+ Instrument Sounds★★★★
ONE SMART PianoONE Smart Piano88$$$Learn to Play via a Free iOS or Android app★★★★
Roland F-12088$$$Ivory Feel-G Keyboard ★★★★
Roland F-130Roland F-13088$$$128 Voices
roland-fa-08Roland FA-0888$$$16-Track Sequencer w/Non-Stop Loop Recording★★★
Roland FP-3088$$Built-in Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity★★★★
Roland FP-5088$$$Built-In Speaker System★★★★
roland-gaia-sh-01Roland Gaia SH-0137$$64-Voice Polyphony★★★★
roland-jd-xaRoland JD-XA49$$Discrete Analog Synth EngineN/A
roland-jd-xiRoland JD-XI37$Gooseneck mic w/built-in Vocoder & AutoPitch★★★★
roland-juno-ds61Roland JUNO DS6161$$8-Track Pattern Sequencer w/Non-Stop Recording★★★★★
roland-juno-ds88Roland JUNO DS8888$$$128 Note Polyphony★★★★★
Roland RD300NXRoland RD-300NX88$$$One Touch Piano Feature & Graphic LCD★★★★
Roland RD-80088$$$PHA-4 Concert Keyboard
Roland RD-200088$$$SuperNATURAL Sound Engine: 128 voices★★★★★
Roland System 849$$$Advanced ACB technology★★★★★
Roland V-Combo VR-0988$$Battery or AC Power★★★★
Suzuki mdg-200Suzuki MDG-20088$$$Micro Digital Grand
Williams Allegro88$8 Voices★★★
Williams Allegro 2Williams Allegro 288$64 Note Polyphony★★★★
Williams LegatoWilliams Legato88$Semi-Weighted Keys w/Built-In Speakers★★★★
Williams Overture88$$147 Total Voices★★★★
Williams Overture 288$$147 Total Voices★★★★
Williams RhapsodyWilliams Rhapsody88$Elegant PVC Wood-Like Finish★★★★
Williams RhapsodyWilliams Rhapsody 288$Elegant PVC Wood-Like Finish★★★★
Williams Symphony Grand88$$$Elegant Ebony Gloss Finish★★★
Yamaha CLP-44088$$$GH3 (Graded Hammer 3) Keyboard★★★
Yamaha CLP 525Yamaha CLP-52588$$$GH3 (Graded Hammer 3) Keyboard★★★★
Yamaha CLP-535Yamaha CLP-53588$$$GH3X (Graded Hammer 3X) Keyboard
Yamaha CLP-545Yamaha CLP-54588$$$GH3 (Graded Hammer 3) Keyboard
Yamaha CLP-63588$$$Yamaha’s NWX (Natural Wood X)
Yamaha CP3388$$AWM Dynamic Stereo Sampling★★★★
Yamaha CP488$$$128 Note Polyphony★★★★
Yamaha CP4088$$$128 Note Polyphony★★★★
Yamaha DGX-53088$Graded Soft Touch Keyboard★★★★
Yamaha DGX-64088$$Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) Keyboard★★★★
Yamaha DGX-65088$$Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) Keyboard★★★★
Yamaha DGX 660Yamaha DGX-66088$$Graded Hammer Standard(GHS) Keyboard★★★★
compare-2Yamaha DGX-660 vs Yamaha P-11588$$Both 192-Note Polyphony ★★★★
Yamaha MM888$$$GHS Keyboard★★★★
yamaha-montage8Yamaha Montage 888$$$Balanced Hammer Effect Keyboard★★★★
yamaha-moxf8Yamaha MOXF888$$$GHS Keyboard (Initial Touch)★★★★
Yamaha NP 11Yamaha NP-1161$Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) Stereo Sampling★★★★
Yamaha NP 12Yamaha NP-1261$Uses Six AA Batteries★★★★
Yamaha NP-3176$Graded Soft Touch keyboard★★★★
Yamaha NP 32Yamaha NP-3276$Graded Soft Touch (GST) Keyboard★★★★
Yamaha NP-V6076$489 Voices★★★★
Yamaha NP-V8076$32 Note Polyphony★★★★
Yamaha P-3588$10 Voices★★★★
Yamaha P45Yamaha P-4588$64 Note Polyphony★★★★
Yamaha P-7188$Amazon Exclusive★★★★
compare-2Yamaha P-45 vs Yamaha P-11588$64 vs 192 Polyphony★★★★
Yamaha-P105Yamaha P-10588$$Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) Keyboard★★★★
Yamaha P115Yamaha P-11588$$GHS Weighted Key Action★★★★
compare-2Yamaha P-115 vs Yamaha P-25588$$192 vs 256 Polyphony★★★★
Yamaha P-15588$$Graded Hammer (GH) Keyboard★★★★
Yamaha P-25588$$$256 Note Polyphony★★★★
Yamaha PSR-E253Yamaha PSR-E25361$Use Batteries or Power Adapter★★★★
Yamaha PSR-E353Yamaha PSR-E35361$Touch-Sensitive Keys★★★★
Yamaha-PSRE443Yamaha PSR-E44361$755 Voices★★★★
Yamaha PSR-E453Yamaha PSR-E45361$48 Note Polyphony★★★★
yamaha-s70xsYamaha S70XS76$$$4 Knobs, 16 Backlit LEDs★★★★
Yamaha PSR-S75061$$$128 Voices★★★★
Yamaha PSR S770Yamaha PSR-S77061$$$Features Mic/Guitar Input★★★
Yamaha PSR S970Yamaha PSR-S97061$$$989 Voices★★★
Yamaha YDP-10388$$$GHS Weighted Action★★★★
Yamaha YDP-14188$$$64 Note Polyphony★★★★
Yamaha YDP-14288$$$Graded Hammer Standard (GHS)★★★★
Yamaha YDP-14388$$$GHS Weighted Action★★★★
compare-2Yamaha YDP-143 vs Yamaha YDP-16388$$$Both Arius Pianos★★★★
Yamaha YDP-16288$$$GH(Graded Hammer) Keyboard★★★★
compare-2Yamaha YDP-162 vs Yamaha YDP V24088$$$Both Arius Pianos★★★★
Yamaha 163Yamaha YDP-16388$$$GH3 Weighted action★★★★
Yamaha YDP-18188$$$128 Note Polyphony★★★★
Yamaha YDP-S51Yamaha YDP-S5188$$$Graded Hammer (GH) Keyboard★★★★
Yamaha YDP-S51Yamaha YDP-S5288$$$Graded Hammer (GH) Keyboard★★★★
Yamaha YDP-V24088$$$6-Track Recorder w/Hands-Separate Practicing★★★★
Yamaha YPG-23576$Graded Soft Touch Keyboard★★★★
Yamaha YPG-53588$Graded Soft Touch Keyboard★★★★
Yamaha YPT-23061$32 Note Polyphony★★★★
Yamaha YPT-240Yamaha YPT-24061$32 Note Polyphony★★★★
Yamaha ypt-340Yamaha YPT-34061$32 Note Polyphony★★★★

The evolution of the piano as an instrument has taken a wide variety of developments throughout its history. It is certainly one of the most interesting instruments ever to be created, if not the most popular. The piano is widely credited as having been created and developed by Italian instrument maker, Bartolomeo Cristofori in the 18th century, and ever since it has gone on to delight the homes, playing halls, and concert venues of people all across the world.

There are many different types of pianos, and they are mostly divided into a few categories, being: vertical pianos, horizontal pianos, digital pianos, and keyboards. Vertical pianos consist of the traditional constructs of the instrument, with vibrating wires that can be tuned. There are spinets, consoles, studios, and upright pianos. Horizontal pianos contain all grand pianos, and have a larger range of keys. Within this category are petite, baby, medium, and parlor grand pianos, with ballroom and concert grand pianos following behind them as the largest.

Digital pianos and keyboards contain many of the same elements, except they are electrical and contain a bevy of predetermined sounds, which are stored inside the instrument. Digital pianos are constructed similarly to upright pianos, but are lighter and don’t have vibrating wires. Keyboards have no legs attached at all, and are great for their portability. For the sake of this discourse, we will include keyboards in the category of digital pianos.

Why Digital Piano Reviews?

Digital pianos have become some of the most popular and desired of all pianos because of their affordability, their ability to produce a wide range of sounds, and their ability to be incorporated in a wide range of musical production. Traditional pianos have their purpose, but they fail in many areas for a number of reasons. Traditional pianos look great in a person’s living room, but many times that’s all they are, a piece of furniture. They can be difficult to move. A person can’t turn the volume down or plug in a set of headphones to accommodate others in a living space. Or they can flat out be way too expensive.

Yamaha P45
The Yamaha P45

With most digital pianos you don’t run into these problems. Add on the number of desirable features you may find in a digital piano or workstation keyboard, and it usually seals the deal for most buyers. Digital pianos are sought after mostly because of the precision with which they can resemble traditional pianos. They can have perfectly weighted keys identical to that of a piano, along with identical pedals. Workstation keyboards many times come with fancy LCD screens, multiple gigabytes of memory and compatibility with any computer system.

Of course, the more one gets into the different specifics of digital pianos, the more it becomes evident that every piano is not suitable for everyone. The most important factors in deciding on what digital piano is right for you come from the key features you desire.

If you are an acoustic pianist that is looking to further his or her craft, or someone that wants to practice on an instrument that simulates certain environments (like Casio’s “Hall Simulator” feature, for instance), then maybe a digital piano is right for you. Digital pianos, as stated before, can be designed to the exact specifications of a traditional piano, from the number of keys to the weight of the keys.

If you’re music producer or DJ that’s looking for more of a studio feel, and needs the capabilities to record, store, and perform music, then workstation keyboards might be better for you.

And of course, if you’re a complete “newbie” to the world of piano, or even someone that knows how to play quite well, then anything from a 61-key keyboard to a feature-rich 88-key digital piano is likely most ideal.

The Right Piano for You

Casio PX-860
The Casio PX-860

When looking into a digital piano, you must pay close attention to the type of sound that comes out of the instrument. As a pianist, you’re looking for the most realistic adaptation you can get, so you can actually set yourself back by practicing on a machine that doesn’t give you the same sound as a traditional piano. Digital pianos contain a large number of sounds, which are recorded from actual instruments in every single note, and at different velocities. There certainly will be a piano out there that has the sound you’re looking for.

As with the keys of the keyboard, always look to test out how it feels to you as a player. Following the construction of a traditional piano, the keys towards the bass area should get heavier and heavier, while those towards the treble area should get lighter and lighter. If you test the piano out and your hands get tired and sore quickly, it may be a sign that this particular piano is not suitable for you.

As stated before, it’s important to decide just where exactly this piano will be played, or if you are looking for a piano that will be portable. Pianos that need to be in an open venue or in a performance type of situation will need in-built amplifiers. Digital pianos to be played at home won’t need this, but may need the ability to incorporate headphones and volume control.

Digital pianos can come in a variety of styles, and you should do your research to find out just which one you need. Most pianos can be constructed to accommodate 61, 76, or 88 keys, as is the same with any workstation keyboard. Some of the important features to look out for can be MIDI sequencing ports, USB ports or adapters, SmartCard, and Wi-Fi capability.

Piano Prices and Brands

The price range for digital pianos is pretty wide, and depends on what the buyer is looking for. You can find dependable digital pianos for as low as $500, and keyboards for as low as $100. High-end digital pianos range out at about $5,000, with most workstations clipping out around $4,000. However, at the end of the day, these prices are no comparison with the hefty costs of traditional pianos which can be anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000.

Someone who is new to purchasing digital pianos may have to depend on the popular brand names that most people know, but even then, they shouldn’t be far off from finding a dependable machine. Some of the most notable brand names for digital pianos and workstation keyboards are Clavinova, Yamaha, Casio, Roland, and Korg.

Yamaha keyboards are some of the most trusted and well known, while Casios are known for their affordability. Roland and Korg have produced some of the most coveted lines of digital pianos, with the Fantom series for Roland and the Triton for Korg series being the most sought after.

Yamaha P115
The Yamaha P-115

One of the most wonderful things about digital pianos is that just about everyone can use them. Sometimes with traditional pianos, people can be held back by having to be in a certain location, not being able to afford them, or not having the strength to handle the keys or the expertise to operate some of the more advanced functions. With digital pianos, mostly none of these restrictions apply, and anyone can find a machine that is suitable to their desire.

I personally have experienced this many times throughout my interactions with pianos. I first fell in love with the piano at an early age through my elementary school. I was amazed by the instrument and the level of dedication it took for people to learn and play it with skill.

However, I was always disappointed when I couldn’t experiment with that hallway piano, and I longed to have one of my own. My prayers were answered when my parents gifted me with my first Casio keyboard. It was a beauty to me, and had a simple memory bank of sounds, with a 6-track song arranger and modulation wheel. It was that machine that taught me to play, produce, and arrange tracks, and has served me to this day.  It was perfect for my situation.

Kawai ES 100
The Kawai ES 100

But I, like many other keyboardists, piano players, songwriters, and composers alike have desired to advance to some of the more coveted digital pianos made famous by producers and artists around the world.

There were the P-Funk All Stars who popularized keyboards and synthesizers with their captivating performances of the 70’s. There was Stevie Wonder, who made famous the Clavinet and possibly keyboard playing more than any other artist in recent history. Names like Herbie Hancock, Jon Lord, and Keith Emerson roll off the tongue as artists who have led the way in their respective genres, all while using many of the digital pianos we have come to know and love.

As technology continues to move forward, and innovation continues to expand possibilities, so the wide expanse of digital pianos will continue to improve. We have already seen much advancement in just the past 30 years, and have enjoyed its benefits and the fruits of its production from many different sources. Digital pianos will continue to be a big mainstay in homes, studios, and performance halls of musicians for years to come. With the right direction and guidance, anyone can choose the right digital piano to help take them to whatever level they desire to progress.

Getting Started

Need a little help in finding what you’re searching for?  If so, please go to the appropriate pages, as they’ll aid you best in your search.

By Brand:

  • Casio Digital Pianos
  • Kawai Digital Pianos
  • Korg Digital Pianos
  • Roland Digital Pianos
  • Yamaha Digital Pianos

Most Popular Articles:

  • Digital Piano Buyers Guide: Beginners Edition
  • The Best Digital Pianos of 2016
  • Best Digital Piano Under $1000
  • Best Digital Piano With 88 Weighted Keys?
  • Best Headphones for Digital Pianos

And lastly, please follow us on Facebook!

We hope you enjoy our digital piano reviews, and be sure to leave us a comment so we know you stopped by!

Most Recent Articles

Are Yamaha or Roland Digital Pianos Better?
Yamaha’s TransAcoustic U1TA offers digital, acoustic hybrid magic
What Are the Best Headphones for Digital Pianos?

Join Us On Facebook

Search Our Website

© 2017 Digital Piano Review Guide All Rights Reserved | About | Privacy Policy | Affiliate Disclosure | Terms of Use