A digital piano may be a good solution if you want to learn or practice playing without disturbing others. The best digital pianos can offer a range of benefits, such as portability, sound versatility, and the ability to practice with headphones.
Finding the best digital piano can be difficult due to the variety of models and features available on the market. There are a lot of factors to consider, such as the number of keys, touch sensitivity, sound quality, and additional features like pedals and recording capabilities. It can be overwhelming for someone unfamiliar with the different options available.
Fortunately, we have reviewed many digital pianos and can help you choose one that suits your needs. Considering your skill level, budget, and personal preferences, we can recommend digital pianos with the right features and sound quality to help you achieve your musical goals.
Contents
- Best Digital Piano Must Have:
- Top 12 Best Digital Pianos
- Best overall: Yamaha Clavinova CLP-775
- Best budget Yamaha: Yamaha YDP145 Arius Series Digital Console Piano
- Best for sound: Roland FP-30X 88-Key Digital Piano Bundle with Roland KSC-70 Stand
- Best for hammer action: Casio CDP-S160 88-Key Compact Digital Piano
- Best entry-level piano: Kawai KDP120 Digital Home Piano
- Best for learning: Yamaha YDP184 Arius Series Console Digital Piano
- Best Roland Slimline Digital Piano: Roland F107 Digital Streamlined and Affordable Home Piano
- Best Budget Digital Piano: Casio Celviano AP-270BK 88-Key Digital Pianos
- Best Space-Saving Digital Piano: KORG LP-380U Digital Home Piano
- Best for Classical Tones: Kawai CA401 88-Key Digital Piano with Bench
- Best for Modern Homes: Casio PX-S7000 Digital Piano
- Best for Functionality: Roland FP-E50 Digital Piano
- Digital Piano Buying Guide
- How To Choose The Best Digital Piano
- Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Piano
- 1. What is a digital piano?
- 2. What are the benefits of a digital piano?
- 3. What should I look for when buying a digital piano?
- 4. How many keys should a digital piano have?
- 5. What is the difference between a digital piano and a keyboard?
- 6. Can I use headphones with a digital piano?
- 7. What is polyphony?
- 8. Can I connect a digital piano to a computer or recording device?
- 9. Do I need to tune a digital piano?
- 10. How long do digital pianos last?
- 11. Can a digital piano be used for live performances?
- 12. What is the price range for a digital piano?
- Conclusion
Best Digital Piano Must Have:
- An 88-critical weighted and velocity-sensitive keyboard
- For creative purposes, a lot of different sounds and tonalities
- A considerable memory space, plus an SD memory card slot
- Light and compact for portability, heavy and grand piano-like for only home use
- A headphone jack
To help you find the right piano, we have researched the best piano and have a list below. I believe they are the best in their respective brands.
Top 12 Best Digital Pianos
Best overall: Yamaha Clavinova CLP-775
The Yamaha Clavinova CLP-775 is an outstanding choice in digital pianos. Its remarkable sound quality, advanced technology, and premium craftsmanship make it stand out among the best digital pianos in the market. Thanks to Yamaha’s cutting-edge sampling technology, this instrument is designed to provide an authentic acoustic piano experience with its stunning grand piano sound.
- Exceptional Sound Quality: The Clavinova CLP-775 offers a rich, expressive, and lifelike piano sound. This brings a professional concert hall experience to your living room, perfect for beginners and experienced pianists.
- Natural Wood Keys: The piano features natural wood keys, which provide an authentic feel and ensure precision and control, enhancing the overall playing experience.
- Variety of Voices and Styles: With a wide range of instrument voices and rhythm styles, this digital piano offers versatility in music creation, from classical to modern genres.
For those who demand the best in sound quality and playability, the Yamaha Clavinova CLP-775 is an ideal choice. It suits musicians, piano enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an exceptional digital piano experience. While it is an investment, the quality and features justify the price.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality
- Natural wood keys
- Versatility in voices and styles
- Premium craftsmanship
- Yamaha’s trusted brand
Cons:
- High price point
- Limited portability
Best budget Yamaha: Yamaha YDP145 Arius Series Digital Console Piano
The Yamaha Arius YDP-145 is a budget-friendly digital piano that doesn’t compromise quality. It’s an excellent choice for an affordable digital piano with reliable performance. The YDP-145 may be budget-friendly, but it offers impressive features that cater to pianists of all levels.
Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) Keyboard: The YDP-145 is equipped with GHS keys that mimic the touch of an acoustic piano. This feature is perfect for beginners as it helps develop finger strength and proper technique.
High-Quality Sound: It boasts Yamaha’s Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) stereo sampling for authentic and dynamic piano sound, making your playing experience enjoyable and expressive.
Duo Mode: This feature allows you to split the keyboard into two identical sections, making it an excellent teaching tool for students and teachers.
The Yamaha Arius YDP-145 is an excellent choice for beginners and budget-conscious buyers. It offers quality features that make learning and playing the piano a delightful experience.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Authentic keyboard touch
- High-quality sound
- Duo mode for teaching
- Compact and space-saving design
Cons:
- Limited sound variety
- Less advanced features compared to higher-end models
Best for sound: Roland FP-30X 88-Key Digital Piano Bundle with Roland KSC-70 Stand
The Roland FP-30X is hailed as one of the best digital pianos on the market, primarily due to its exceptional sound quality.
Powered by Roland’s cutting-edge SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling technology, the Roland FP-30X produces an incredibly realistic and expressive piano sound. It captures the nuances of a grand piano, making it perfect for musicians seeking an authentic playing experience.
SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling: This advanced technology replicates the behavior of an acoustic grand piano, from the strings’ tonal changes to the soundboard’s resonance. It produces a highly expressive and dynamic piano sound, ideal for professional pianists and serious enthusiasts.
PHA-4 Standard Keyboard: The Roland FP-30X features Roland’s PHA-4 Standard keyboard with escapement and Ivory Feel keys. This keyboard provides a realistic piano touch and enhances comfort during extended practice sessions.
Bluetooth Connectivity: With Bluetooth MIDI and audio connectivity, you can easily connect your devices for music apps, lessons, and recording, offering versatile options for learning and creativity.
The Roland FP-30X is perfect for pianists prioritizing sound quality and demanding an authentic playing experience. It’s an excellent choice for both professionals and intermediate players.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound realism
- Authentic piano touch
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Sleek and modern design
- Trusted Roland brand
Cons:
- Relatively higher price
- Limited sound variety
Best for hammer action: Casio CDP-S160 88-Key Compact Digital Piano
The Casio CDP-S160 is among the best digital pianos, particularly for its outstanding hammer action. This instrument is designed to emulate the feel of playing a grand piano, making it a preferred choice for pianists who prioritize touch and responsiveness.
Natural Grand Hammer Action Keyboard: The Casio CDP-S160 is equipped with a Natural Grand Hammer Action Keyboard, combining wooden keys and responsive hammer action. This mimics the touch of a grand piano, allowing for precise and expressive playing.
AiR Grand Sound Source: Casio’s AiR Grand Sound Source technology ensures a rich and powerful piano sound. The Casio CDP-S160 offers three grand piano tones with exceptional depth and resonance, suitable for classical and contemporary musicians.
Concert Play: This feature lets you play along with ten world-class orchestral recordings, enhancing your playing experience and offering the opportunity to perform with an orchestra.
The Casio CDP-S160 is perfect for pianists who demand an authentic grand piano feel in a digital instrument. It’s ideal for advanced players and those who appreciate a realistic touch in their performances.
Pros:
- Outstanding hammer action
- Rich and powerful piano sound
- Concert Play feature
- Elegant and traditional design
- Competitive Pricing
Cons:
- Limited sound variety
- Heavier compared to some other digital pianos
Best entry-level piano: Kawai KDP120 Digital Home Piano
The Kawai KDP120 is rightfully considered one of the best digital pianos in the entry-level category. It excels in delivering an authentic piano-playing experience for beginners thanks to its impressive features.
One standout quality is its Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) keyboard, which replicates the feel of an acoustic piano’s keys. This feature ensures learners can develop proper finger technique, enhancing their piano skills.
The KDP120’s Harmonic Imaging Sound Technology produces a rich and expressive sound that resembles a grand piano. This is an excellent advantage for novices keen on building a solid foundation in piano playing. Official Kawai KDP120 Website
In summary, the Kawai KDP120 is ideal for those just starting their musical journey, offering a rewarding and realistic experience at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Authentic piano-like key touch
- Rich and expressive sound
- Suitable for beginners
- Affordable price point
- Compact design for smaller spaces
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Fewer sound options
Best for learning: Yamaha YDP184 Arius Series Console Digital Piano
The Yamaha YDP184 is recognized as the ideal choice for those eager to learn and advance their piano skills. Its standout feature is the Smart Pianist app compatibility.
This innovative app provides interactive sheet music, chord analysis, and the ability to control the piano’s settings from a smart device. This feature dramatically aids learners in their practice, making it easier to access educational resources.
The Yamaha YDP184 also boasts the Clavinova’s signature GrandTouch-S keyboard, providing a responsive and authentic playing experience vital for skill development.
The Yamaha YDP184 is best suited for aspiring pianists committed to learning and progressing, thanks to its intelligent technology integration and realistic essential action.
Pros:
- Smart Pianist app for learning
- Authentic GrandTouch-S keyboard
- Wide range of interactive features
- Suitable for advancing pianists
- Yamaha’s renowned quality
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Requires commitment to maximize innovative features
Best Roland Slimline Digital Piano: Roland F107 Digital Streamlined and Affordable Home Piano
The Roland F107 stands out as one of the best slimline digital pianos. Its slim and elegant design complements any modern living space, making it an excellent choice for those with limited room for a traditional piano.
Its first notable feature is the PHA-4 Standard Keyboard, which offers a responsive and authentic playing experience. This ensures that users can develop their piano skills with precision.
The SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine also produces lifelike piano tones, enhancing the musical experience. The F107 is ideal for individuals seeking a compact and stylish piano that doesn’t compromise playability.
Pros:
- Slim and elegant design
- Authentic keyboard feel
- Lifelike piano tones
- Space-saving
- Suitable for modern living spaces
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Slightly higher price point
Best Budget Digital Piano: Casio Celviano AP-270BK 88-Key Digital Pianos
The Casio Celviano AP-270BK earns its place as one of the best budget digital pianos. This piano is a fantastic option for beginners and cost-conscious individuals.
One of its standout features is the Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard, replicating the feel of a grand piano’s keys. This contributes to skill development and finger strength.
The AiR Sound Source technology ensures that the piano produces high-quality and expressive tones, allowing users to explore various musical styles.
The AP-270BK is recommended for those who want an affordable yet reliable digital piano for practice and learning.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Authentic keyboard action
- High-quality sound
- Ideal for beginners
- Space-efficient design
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Fewer sound options
Official Casio Celviano AP-270BK Website
Best Space-Saving Digital Piano: KORG LP-380U Digital Home Piano
The Korg LP-380U is an excellent choice for those seeking a space-saving digital piano without compromising performance. Its slim and stylish design is perfect for small apartments and rooms.
The Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) keyboard provides an authentic touch, ensuring users can develop their piano skills effectively. The LP-380U’s versatile sound selection offers various tones to suit different music genres.
It’s ideal for anyone needing a compact yet fully functional digital piano that doesn’t take up much space.
Pros:
- Slim and space-saving design
- Authentic keyboard action
- Versatile sound selection
- Suitable for small spaces
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Slightly higher price for its category
Best for Classical Tones: Kawai CA401 88-Key Digital Piano with Bench
The Kawai CA401 is among the best digital pianos for its exceptional classical tones. Its sound engine replicates the nuances of a grand piano’s classical tones with remarkable precision.
The Harmonic Imaging XL technology ensures that every note is rich and expressive, making it an ideal choice for classical pianists. The Responsive Hammer III keyboard action also provides the authentic touch for intricate classical pieces. Official Kawai CA401 Website
This digital piano is perfect for those seeking an instrument that can faithfully reproduce the classical compositions of the masters.
Pros:
- Precise classical tones
- Expressive Harmonic Imaging XL technology
- Authentic keyboard action
- Suitable for classical pianists
- Exceptional sound quality
Cons:
- Heavier and less portable
- Higher price point
Best for Modern Homes: Casio PX-S7000 Digital Piano
The Casio PX-S7000 is the best digital piano for modern homes. With its slim and sleek design, it complements contemporary living spaces perfectly.
It features AiR Sound Source technology, delivering a wide range of expressive tones ideal for modern musical styles. The Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard provides an authentic touch, allowing players to convey emotion in their music. Official Casio PX-S7000 Website
Its Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with Casio’s Chordana Play app make it a versatile choice for modern musicians.
Pros:
- Sleek and modern design
- Diverse sound options
- Authentic keyboard feel
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Ideal for modern musicians
Cons:
- Fewer classical tone options
- Limited built-in song library
Best for Functionality: Roland FP-E50 Digital Piano
The Roland FP-E50 is an exceptional digital piano known for its impressive functionality. It’s perfect for musicians who require a versatile instrument.
This digital piano offers various sounds and rhythms, making it suitable for various music genres. Its interactive “arranger” capabilities provide creative possibilities for composing and arranging music.
Despite its functionality, the FP-E50 maintains a reasonable price point, making it accessible to many musicians.
Pros:
- Versatile sounds and rhythms
- Interactive “arranger” features
- Affordable price
- Suitable for composing and arranging
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Less authentic piano feel
- Limited advanced features
Digital Piano Buying Guide
The piano is an instrument that has been very popular among the middle class and the elite. Digital pianos are among the greatest innovations in the music industry.
The most important aspect of a digital piano is that it sounds the way an acoustic piano would. The best digital piano is one that provides the same control, sensitivity, and timbre that would be found in the acoustic piano.
Digital pianos are high-tech electronic instruments capable of playing tunes apart from the usual riff created by the conventional one.
They have no strings requiring tuning, are smaller, relatively lighter, and can play many other sounds, including guitars, strings, harpsichords, and trumpet or trombone sounds.
Benefits Of Digital Pianos:
Digital pianos never need tuning; they’re easy to clean, and most are easy to store.
Portable
Digital piano keyboards come in various sizes (primarily driven by the number of keys, generally 61, 73, or 88, and sound quality). They are generally easy to move around if designed as “tabletop” rather than floor-standing.
Lower Cost
Although you can buy digital pianos that cost more than used traditional pianos, in general, the price range for digital pianos is much less than the analog “wood and string” variety.
Of course, you can get a basic digital unit for under $100, but you can get a full-featured, quality sound for under $500.
Privacy
Most, if not all, digital pianos include a headphone port that allows you to play and hear what you are playing when no one else can hear a thing.
Variety
A traditional piano sounds like a piano, and a pipe organ sounds like a pipe organ. Still, digital pianos often have buttons that let you play automated background rhythms, make your keyboard sound like other instruments, and even play recorded “accompaniment” music. Hence, it sounds like you are in a band or orchestra.
Many models even let you vary the sound to offer the rich sound of a concert hall or jazz club.
Size and Location
Digital pianos weigh less and take up much less space than analog pianos.
They also do not require stringent temperature and humidity controls or exceptional movers in exceptional cases.
Most homes have an available tabletop where you can play a digital piano.
Recording
Many digital pianos include recorded songs and lessons and even let you record your performances.
These recordings can also be transferred to your computer to mix your music with other accompaniments.
MIDI
Musical Instrument Digital Interface lets you connect your instrument to other digital piano keyboards, computers, and other digital equipment.
This lets you control multiple instruments simultaneously, record on your computer, and more.
Don’t Need Tuning
With a digital piano, you get consistent sound quality without the hassle of tuning.
Digital piano tuning is not required because the sounds are prerecorded and digitally stored in the instrument.
This means the sound quality will not change over time or even with much use.
There are several different kinds of tones that you can get by playing on a digital piano, and all of those sounds will always be waiting for the key strike without the maintenance of a traditional piano.
Digital piano maintenance requires keeping it clean (regularly dusting), out of direct sunlight, and keeping liquids away to avoid damage.
Although a digital piano will have the apparent soundsapparentigital instrument, such as the amplified quality, it has its benefits, and not needing to be tuned is one of them.
They are virtually maintenance-free, meaning you can touch the keys whenever the mood strikes you.
The different sound available allows you to play with the song in front of you instead of simply playing it, and there is no need to worry about hitting a key that does not work because you have forgotten to tune your piano.
Every note is your own, and all you have to do is play.
How To Choose The Best Digital Piano
Choosing the best digital piano can be daunting for beginners and professionals alike. With so many options available in the market, it’s essential to know what features to look for to make an informed decision. In this article, we’ll discuss the essential factors to consider when choosing the best digital piano for your needs.
1. Sound Quality
Sound quality is one of the most critical factors when buying a digital piano. Look for a digital piano with high-quality sound that emulates the tone and resonance of an acoustic piano. Listening to multiple digital pianos is recommended to compare sound quality.
2. Key Action
The essential action on a digital piano should feel like that of an acoustic piano. Look for a digital piano with weighted keys that respond to the touch, allowing nuanced expression.
3. Polyphony
Polyphony refers to the number of notes a digital piano can produce simultaneously. A higher polyphony count is recommended for more complex pieces to avoid the sound cutting off.
4. Connectivity
Digital pianos can connect to computers, tablets, and smartphones, allowing for versatile recording and performance options. Look for a digital piano with USB and MIDI connectivity for maximum versatility.
5. Portability
If you plan on moving your digital piano frequently, it’s essential to consider the weight and portability of the instrument. Look for a digital piano that is lightweight and compact for easy transport.
6. Brand Reputation
Research the brand and read reviews to ensure you purchase from a reputable company with a history of producing quality instruments.
7. Price
Digital pianos can vary significantly in price, ranging from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Determine your budget and look for a digital piano that offers the best value for the price.
8. Additional Features
Consider additional features such as recording capabilities, built-in speakers, and effects when choosing a digital piano.
In conclusion, choosing the best digital piano requires consideration of several essential factors. You can make an informed decision when purchasing a digital piano by considering sound quality, essential action, polyphony, connectivity, portability, brand reputation, price, and additional features.
Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Piano
Digital pianos have become a popular alternative to traditional acoustic pianos due to their versatility, portability, and affordability. However, choosing the right digital piano can be overwhelming, with so many options available. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about digital pianos to help you make an informed decision.
1. What is a digital piano?
A digital piano is an electronic musical instrument replicating the sound and feel of an acoustic piano using digital technology. Unlike keyboards, digital pianos have weighted keys that simulate the feel of playing an acoustic piano.
2. What are the benefits of a digital piano?
Digital pianos offer many benefits over acoustic pianos, including portability, the ability to use headphones for quiet practice, and the ability to access a variety of sounds and effects.
3. What should I look for when buying a digital piano?
When buying a digital piano, you should consider factors such as the number of keys, the quality of the critical action, the sound quality, the number and variety of sounds and effects, the connectivity options, and the instrument’s portability.
4. How many keys should a digital piano have?
Digital pianos come with different numbers of keys, but the most common are 88 keys, which is the same as an acoustic piano. However, if you’re a beginner, you may be able to get by with a smaller keyboard with fewer keys.
5. What is the difference between a digital piano and a keyboard?
The weighted essential action is the main difference between a digital piano and a keyboard. Digital pianos have weighted keys that simulate the feel of an acoustic piano, while keyboards typically have lighter, unweighted keys.
6. Can I use headphones with a digital piano?
Yes, one of the benefits of a digital piano is the ability to use headphones for quiet practice. Make sure the digital piano you choose has a headphone jack.
7. What is polyphony?
Polyphony refers to the number of notes a digital piano can produce simultaneously. A higher polyphony count allows for more complex and layered music without notes cutting off or dropping out.
8. Can I connect a digital piano to a computer or recording device?
Many digital pianos come with USB connectivity, allowing you to connect the instrument to a computer or recording device for recording or MIDI control.
9. Do I need to tune a digital piano?
No, one of the benefits of a digital piano is that it doesn’t require tuning like an acoustic piano.
10. How long do digital pianos last?
A digital piano can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. However, it’s essential that technology is constantly evolving, and newer models with improved features may become available over time.
11. Can a digital piano be used for live performances?
Many professional musicians use digital pianos for live performances due to their portability and versatility.
12. What is the price range for a digital piano?
The price of a digital piano can vary greatly depending on factors such as the quality of the instrument, the number of features and sounds, and the brand. Entry-level digital pianos can start at around $500, while high-end models cost several thousand dollars.
Conclusion
The best digital piano is not absolute but instead usage and preference-specific. I think there is no single best digital piano on the market for everyone since everyone has different needs for a piano. With our digital piano reviews, you can be sure to find the one that will fit all of your needs.
