Want to know my favorite picks right away? Here are the top 7 keyboard pianos I’ve shortlisted for beginners in 2023:
Hey there, piano enthusiasts! Are you a beginner looking to dip your toes into the world of keyboard pianos? You’re in the right place, because I have scoured the internet, looked at countless keyboards, and even bribed a few piano store employees (just kidding… or am I?) to bring you this definitive list of the top seven keyboard pianos for beginners.
Whether you’re just starting out and looking for an affordable option, or you’re ready to splurge on something a little more high-end, this list has something for everyone. So put your finger on the scroller, get comfortable, and let’s dive into the top seven keyboard pianos for beginners!
1. Yamaha P125
Price: $699.99
Pros
- 88 fully weighted keys for a realistic playing experience
- Built-in metronome to keep time while practicing,
- Range of instrument sounds for exploring different genres and styles
Cons
- No built-in lesson mode for step-by-step guidance in learning to play
The Yamaha P125 is an excellent keyboard piano for beginners. With 88 fully weighted keys, it provides a realistic playing experience that will help you develop proper technique. Plus, it has a built-in metronome to keep you on time during practice sessions. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try out different sounds like organs, electric pianos, and synthesizers, giving you the opportunity to experiment with a variety of instruments. All of this, plus its affordable price, makes the P125 a no-brainer for beginners.
One of the standout features of the P125 is its Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard, which gives each key a different weight based on its position on the keyboard. This helps to replicate the feel of an acoustic piano, making it easier for beginners to develop the right playing technique. It also has a range of connectivity options, including USB and Bluetooth, making it easy to connect to other devices. Overall, the Yamaha P125 is a fantastic keyboard piano for beginners, offering a top-notch playing experience at a reasonable price. Check it out here!
2. Casio CT-X700
Price: $199
Pros
- AiX Sound Source technology for high-quality sounds
- Built-in lesson mode for step-by-step guidance
- A very affordable price point
Cons
- Only 61 keys, which may not be enough for more advanced playing techniques
If you’re just starting out on your musical journey, the Casio CT-X700 is a great keyboard piano to consider. It has 61 keys, which is plenty for playing melodies and chords, and a range of different instrument sounds to keep things interesting. A huge selling point is its built-in lesson mode feature, which provides step-by-step guidance for learning how to play. Plus, it’s super affordable at under 200 bucks, so you won’t break the bank for this new hobby.
It’s a fantastic keyboard piano for beginners or those looking for a portable instrument. The key action is smooth and responsive, and I was really impressed with the variety of different voices and sounds it has to offer, including grand piano, electric piano, and even a harpsichord. Plus, it has a built-in metronome and a variety of rhythms to choose from, which is great for practicing with a backing track.
It even features a built-in recorder that is ideal for recording and sharing your progress with friends or a coach. You get a bunch of connectivity options like USB and MIDI, which allow you to easily hook it up to a computer or other music production equipment. What sweetens the pot even more for learners is Casio’s Chordana Play app for Android and iPhone which doesn’t even have an acquisition or membership fee. It provides unlimited access to piano lessons for any song available in their library. Just tap on a song you like, prop the screen up in front of you, and play the notes as they fall down on your device’s screen. There’s even a little ledge integrated below the music rest on the keyboard’s right hand to facilitate these virtual guitar lessons!
The only downside is that it doesn’t have a fully weighted keyboard, but for the sub-$200 price point, it’s a small sacrifice. Have a look!
3. Korg B2
Price: $599.99
Pros
- Comes with three-month free access to Skoove
- Sustain-pedal and music rest included
- Very simple to use
- A complete 88-note performance keyboard
Cons
- Could be cheaper
The Korg B2 is another excellent choice for beginners who are looking for a simple and smooth learning experience. The design is very sleek and minimalistic, which helps keep it a bit low-profile despite its large size. Being an 88-key instrument, it’s a bit bulky but certainly slimmer than most other full-note performance keyboards out there. The keyboard action is weighted to offer you an authentic piano-playing feel, and the sound is incredibly rich for an instrument that’s so simple to operate.
You can explore many different features in the sound selection including strings, electric pianos, and much more. It even comes with free three-month access to the Skoove Piano Teaching software, which is a premium resource that can significantly accelerate your learning. You also get a music rest and a piano-style sustain pedal included in the package. When it comes to connectivity, its USB Audio and MIDI allow you to flexibly work with a variety of teaching apps or recording software. If that sounds like everything you need in your new piano keyboard, check it out here!
4. Roland Go:Piano
Price: $299.99
Pros
- Very lightweight at just 8.62 pounds
- High value for money
- Features SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine for premium audio output
- Seamless wireless connectivity with on-baord bluetooth speakers
- Has Roland-acclaimed piano sounds with 128-voice polyphony
Cons
- Not ideal for advanced players
If you’re a beginner who’s always on the go, the Roland Go:Piano is a portable keyboard piano that you’ll definitely want to consider. It has 61 keys and a range of different instrument sounds, plus built-in speakers with Bluetooth connectivity so you can seamlessly hook it up to your smartphone. Being battery-powered, this setup offers you a completely wireless setup without much of a sacrifice in terms of audio quality. Thanks to the brand’s iconic SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, the Go:Piano provides premium-sounding piano notes that are incredibly realistic.
Being a 61-note keyboard with an excellent design, it’s one of the most portable and lightweight options listed here, which means you can carry it with you to a piano lesson and back. The compact size also makes the Go:Piano much easier to store when it’s not in use, and anyone with a small room or apartment can appreciate that. If that sounds like the perfect instrument for you, grab one here.
5. Korg EK-50
Price: $579.99
Pros
- Has built-in speakers with high-resolution audio
- Has 34 native audio effects
- Features 64-voice maximum polyphony
Cons
- Pretty heavy for a 61-not keyboard at 16.5 pounds
Here’s another 61-key option that’s optimized for maximum ease of use. The target customer base for this one is beginners who want a premium playing experience without having to deal with the technicalities of a professional instrument. The Korg EK-50 isn’t “cheap” by any means, but won’t burn a hole in your pocket either — certainly not bigger than some high-end pro keyboards out there. The 61-note arrangement is sufficient for newbies to learn any new song or practice chords. You also get to play around with 34 unique effects to add some variety to your real-time recording sessions!
Plus, seamless connectivity through USB and Bluetooth makes it very simple to use even if you’re not very tech-savvy. With eight AA batteries installed, you can use this keyboard on the go without even having to connect it to external speakers as it has those on board! It also has an outstanding lesson mode to help you through it all. The lesson mode is designed to offer you step-by-step guidance which includes a range of different exercises and drills, as well as a practicing evaluator that even gives you feedback on your playing. All this makes the Korg EK-50 the perfect package for beginners if you’d ask me. If you have the budget for it, take a closer look here!
6. Casio Privia PX-160
Price: $549
Pros
- Great price for an 88-note, feature-rich instrument
- Features the Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard for piano-like key resistance
- Offers excellent sound output with Casio’s AiR engine
- Versatile enough even for advanced players
Cons
- Sustain is slightly lacking on the keys
If you’re motivated to reach a high skill level and don’t want to spend money on an upgrade any time soon, the Casio Privia PX-160 is a solid buy. It has the potential to offer an advanced playing experience to seasoned pros while still being pretty beginner-friendly, which means it strikes the perfect balance for motivated newbies and fast learners.
It has 88 fully weighted keys, a range of different instrument sounds, and a built-in metronome. Plus, it has connectivity options like USB and Bluetooth, so you can easily connect it to other devices. And if you’re just starting out and need a little guidance, the built-in lesson mode is a great resource. All of this in a compact and stylish package makes the PX-160 an all-in-one starter pack for young players.
One of the standout features of the PX-160 is its Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard, which gives each key a different weight based on its position on the keyboard, making it feel just like a real piano. The audio output isn’t far off either thanks to the brand’s AiR engine, which is designed to offer high-accuracy grand piano dynamic sound.
I love its duet mode, which allows you and your coach to use the keyboard simultaneously by splitting it into two identical ranges. It even has a “split and layer” feature which means you can have two layered tones on one side and bass on the other — which goes to show that this keyboard isn’t just for beginners! For more details, check the Casio Privia PX-160 here!
7. Alesis Recital Pro
Price: $379.99
Pros
- Weighted keys with adjustable feedback
- Very crisp and accurate sound through an amp or speakers
- Sturdy and durable build
Cons
- Tutorial requires a monthly subscription after the initial period
Lastly, we have the Alesis Recital Pro. It’s an 88-key instrument that’s priced right in the middle of the higher and lower-end range of the models I’ve shortlisted in this article. For the price, it features a pretty solid build and a truly premium-sounding audio output. It’s nearly flawless at recreating the genuine sounds of a real piano, which is super rare (if not unheard of) for this price range. The hammer-action weighted keys make the instrument very easy to transition to if you’re accustomed to an actual piano. You can adjust the keys’ feedback as well to customize your playing experience as per your preferences, which is another uncommon yet highly useful feature.
The controls on the Recital Pro are positioned right in the middle and they’re super simple to use. The number of buttons is no higher than it needs to be, which helps beginners not get overwhelmed at first sight. Aside from the default settings, you get to choose between 11 additional instrument sounds (or voices) in this model, and they’re easy to access through a single or double tap on the buttons. There aren’t any filler voices in this collection, and the company seems to have focused on quality instead of quality by making sure they all sound pro-grade.
Like the Casio Privia PX-160 listed above, the Recital Pro also allows you to split the keyboard into two equal parts, creating two individual 44-note instruments. This lets you follow your instructor’s lead in real-time without having to switch seats every time you have to repeat after an arrangement they’ve demonstrated. With the purchase of this keyboard, you get three months of free access to Skoove Premium tutorials, as well as video lessons from TakeLessons!
The Alesis Recital Pro is an awesome keyboard for both beginner and pro pianists. It’s got all the features you need to take your playing to the next level, and it’s built to last. All things considered, it’s a great investment for any serious musician or aspiring learner.
Final thoughts on beginner-level keyboards
Piano is a great instrument to learn; personally, it’s the one I’d start with, because it opens doors to reading music and understanding a bit of theory. No matter what your budget or skill level is, there’s at least one great option on this list for you to get started with.
Don’t let the fear of not being good enough hold you back – with the right instrument and a little bit of practice, you can certainly achieve your musical dreams (or at least learn that one pop song that’s been stuck in your head). So take the plunge, and get started on your piano journey today.
Good luck out there!
