In a hurry?

At a quick glance, here are our top picks.

The best digital pianos for beginners

1. Yamaha P145 Digital Piano

The best piano for building technique

Specifications

• Number of keys: 88
• Keyboard Type: Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) Keyboard
• Polyphony: (Max.) 64
• Preset Voices: 10
• Effects: Reverb (4 Types)
• Modes: Dual, Duo
• Metronome Included?: Yes
• Sustain Pedal Included?: Yes
• Amplifiers: 7W x 2
• Speakers: (12cm x 8cm) x 2
• Weight: 11.1kg

Pros

• At just 11.1kg, this is a very compact and portable piano – great for taking to school or lessons
• Graded hammer action keys are great for building correct technique as they feel just like an acoustic
• Includes a sustain pedal

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a stand
• Limited connectivity options, but this is fine for a beginner

The Yamaha P145 Digital Piano, formerly known as the P45, is renowned amongst piano teachers for its beginner-friendly features. And it’s affordable. This doesn’t mean it’s a cheap, flimsy piano – rather, it’s been designed to help you learn and develop your skills effectively. And what’s better than starting your piano career than doing it with the Yamaha name behind you?

Each of the P145’s 88 keys has a hammer inside – just like an acoustic piano. This means that when or if you move to the acoustic piano, it’ll feel familiar and you’ll have the correct technique nailed already. The hammers are also graded, meaning they’re heavier in the low end and lighter in the high end – again, another example of authentic design. And despite being compact, the GHC keyboard (newly developed by Yamaha) is extremely comfortable to play.

It’s not just an authentic-feeling digital piano that beginners are on the hunt for, but one that sounds great too.

The speakers of the P145 have been angled very precisely to replicate the sound reflection you’d hear on a grand piano’s soundboard and lid, producing an exceptionally clear and powerful tone from the bass to the treble. Plus, there’s even a Sound Boost function for adding some extra punch to your sound!

To make life easier – for you and your neighbours – there’s a headphone input. So, you can practise at all hours without disturbing anyone.

The P145 boasts numerous functions that a specially suited to beginners. Firstly, 10 different voices, ranging from grand piano to vibraphone, are accessible by the click of a button, and they’re sure to keep the piano fun and engaging to play.

Then there are the demo songs – something to ensure you’re always inspired. And one for your lessons: the Duo function, which splits the keyboard in half and allows you and your teacher to practise the same parts and duet together. Plus, there’s a metronome to keep you in time.

Finally, the Yamaha P145 connects to the Smart Pianist app, which allows you to control the piano remotely and access 303 classical pieces to practise – ideal for beginners!

Shop now | Yamaha P145 Digital Piano

2. Kawai ES120 Digital Stage Piano

The best piano for premium sound at an affordable price point

Specifications

• Number of keys: 88
• Keyboard Type: Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) Action
• Polyphony: (Max.) 192
• Preset Voices: 25
• Key Functions & Effects: Registration Memories, Dual, Split, Reverb, Damper Resonance, Brilliance, Voicing, Touch Curve, Fall-back Noise, Damper Noise, Effects, Smart Mode, Transpose, Tuning, Temperament, Temperament Key, Low Volume Balance, Speaker EQ
• Metronome Included?: Yes
• Sustain Pedal Included?: Yes
• Amplifiers: 10W + 10W
• Speakers: 12cm x 2
• Weight: 12.5kg

Pros

• Brilliant Responsive Hammer Compact action
• Includes the premium tone of the SK-EX grand piano
• Boasts a pair of powerful speakers

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a stand
• Effects are limited

If you’re after something that will stand the test of time and stick with you as you progress, consider the Kawai ES120 Digital Stage Piano. It’s a reimagined version of the ES110, offering everything you need in an introductory piano with the benefits of some premium features.

First off, you’ll notice that the piano is insanely sleek – in both size and control layout. This makes it easy to lug around and simple to use. In fact, every detail has been carefully thought out: the volume slider matches your finger shape and the buttons are larger and more tactile than the ES110 whilst still being extremely streamlined.

Keeping with the theme of enviable upgrades, the ES120 boasts an improved Responsive Hammer Compact action.

But what does this mean? Well, not only is it incredibly realistic, feeling just like the keys of an acoustic, but Kawai’s ES120 take on authentic hammer action also includes cushioning material between the hammer and keys. This drastically reduces the noise you hear when releasing the keys – so there’s only the sound of the piano, no ‘clunkiness’.

And since the ES120 projects such a flawless sound, Kawai have equipped it with the brilliant tone of the SK-EX grand piano. Previously, the SK-EX was only sampled for the ES520 and ES920, two higher-level Kawai pianos. Now that it’s accessible with the ES120, it’s easy for beginners to achieve such premium sound.

There’s also the sound of the Kawai K-60, created using Kawai’s famed Harmonic Imaging technology.

Six reverbs are included with the ES120: small rehearsal room, piano lounge, small hall, large concert hall for classical music, large hall for live music performance, and large cathedral.

What’s more, the speakers have also been redesigned, going from 14W to 20W. This gives you some serious power to play with. And if you want to practise with low volume, Kawai’s Low Volume Balance feature ensures the piano delivers a smooth, expressive sound even when playing with softer dynamics.

Even if you’re practising with headphones, you’ll benefit from the spacious, natural sound courtesy of Spatial Headphone Sound which ensures you have an ‘open’ tone coming through the headphones that’s less fatiguing on the ears.

One particularly useful connectivity feature of the ES120 is Bluetooth. This means you can play audio from your smartphone through your piano speakers, practise with a backing track, and watch piano tutorial videos – all wirelessly.

Shop now | Kawai ES120 Digital Stage Piano

3. Kawai KDP120 Digital Piano

The best piano for an authentic feel

Specifications

• Number of keys: 88
• Keyboard Type: Responsive Hammer Compact II with Improved Cushioning Material
• Polyphony: (Max.) 192
• Preset Voices: 15
• Key Functions & Effects: Damper Resonance, Reverb, Touch, Low Volume Balance, Tuning, Transpose, Brilliance, Spatial Headphone Sound, Phones Type, Auto Power Off, Bluetooth MIDI, Transmit Program Change Number, MIDI Channel, Local Control, Multi-Timbral Mode, Dual, Four Hands, Lesson
• Metronome Included?: Yes
• Sustain Pedal Included?: Yes
• Amplifiers: 10W x 2
• Speakers: 12cm x 2
• Weight: 37kg

Pros

• An upright digital piano with three pedals
• Boasts the finer details such as key-off effect, hammer delay, and topboard simulation
• The lesson function supports you as you progress
• Great max. polyphony (192 notes)

Cons

• One of the more expensive pianos on this list

The Kawai KDP120 Digital Piano is a step up in terms of beginner pianos. It’s suited to pianists who want something a bit more high-end without breaking the bank.

The first thing you’ll notice about the KDP120 is that it’s an upright piano with three pedals: sustain, soft, and sostenuto, and they’ll help you learn the advanced techniques needed for an acoustic. There’s also the Responsive Hammer Compact II keyboard action which gives you accurate resistance as you press down on the keys.

As expected with Kawai, you get the rich tones of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand – and it sounds insanely realistic thanks to Kawai’s Harmonic Imaging. This patented technology ensures that all the nuances of the 9-foot grand piano are recreated. And this further adds to the authentic experience of the piano – not only does it feel like a true acoustic, but it sounds like one too.

Although this piano might not be affordable as a beginner’s first piano, if you can stretch the budget – you’ll notice the difference. It’s one that will stick with you as your skill progresses, teaming advanced technology with novice-friendly features. For example, there’s the Lesson function. This includes songs for you to learn from reputable music educators such as Alfred and Burgmüller.

In addition to this, there is a metronome, 15 demo songs, dual mode for layering voices, and Four Hands mode – which is like Yamaha’s Duo function and splits the piano in two so you can duet with your teacher.

Connectivity-wise, the KDP-120 can be used as a MIDI device via a USB MIDI connector. Plus, it supports Bluetooth MIDI connectivity – and you can connect to Kawai’s PianoRemote and PiaBookPlayer apps for an extended range of sounds, settings, and scores.

Shop now | Kawai KDP120 Digital Piano

4. SDP-1 Portable Digital Piano by Gear4music + Stand and Headphones

The best digital piano for a super quick and easy setup, anywhere

Specifications

• Number of keys: 61
• Keyboard Type: Non-Weighted
• Polyphony: (Max.) 32
• Sounds: 8
• Effects: Reverb, Chorus, Bass EQ, Treble EQ
• Metronome Included?: Yes
• Sustain Pedal Included?: No
• Speakers: 10W x 2
• Weight: 5.45kg

Pros

• Battery-powered so can be used anywhere, even outdoors
• Easy to set up

Cons

• Only has 61 keys, not the full 88
• Keybed is unweighted – although there are six levels of adjustable sensitivity

The SDP-1 Portable Digital Piano by Gear4music does exactly what it says on the tin – it’s a portable piano that makes life that little bit easier when you’re practising one day, busking the next, and gigging with a band in the evening.

It includes an adjustable x-frame which takes seconds to set up, and you can either connect to mains power or use batteries for a wireless performance. The piano being battery-powered is a very handy feature, especially when the piano itself weighs just 5.45kg – it means that you can pick up the instrument, take it anywhere, and perform.

In terms of keybed action, the keys on the SDP-1 aren’t fully weighted, which means they’ll feel slightly ‘springier’ than an acoustic piano. That said, the keys are full-size and feature six levels of adjustable sensitivity, so you can work on getting the expression of a piece just right. This is ideal for complete beginners and young kids – plus, the affordability of the instrument certainly makes it a great option for a first piano!

Included in the piano are a range of sounds: two piano sounds, two electric pianos, rock and church organ, vibraphone, and harpsichord – all the key instrument voices you need to inspire you.

Shop now | SDP-1 Portable Digital Piano by Gear4music

5. Casio CDP S110 Digital Piano

Best portable piano for students

Specifications

• Number of keys: 88
• Keyboard Type: Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II
• Polyphony: (Max.) 64
• Preset Voices: 10
• Effects: Reverb, Chorus
• Metronome Included?: Yes
• Sustain Pedal Included?: Yes
• Amplifiers: 8W x 2
• Speakers: [12cm x 6cm (oval)] x 2
• Weight: 10.5kg 

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Authentic feel courtesy of the Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II system
• Comes with a music stand

Cons

• Bass notes can sometimes get a bit lost in the mix

Now for something a bit easier to manage, the Casio CDP S110. This sleek digital piano weighs just 10.5kg and is only 232mm deep, which makes it a dream to take to and from lessons or performances. Granted, it’s not as easy to transport as say, a flute, but in the grand scheme of pianos, it’s a winner.

Excellent portability isn’t all this piano has to offer, it also boasts some very innovative technology that ensures you’re getting all the perks of a realistic-feeling piano at a wallet-friendly price.

The CDP S110 has been made for students. And to ensure it’s the ultimate learner’s piano, Casio asked over one hundred piano teachers what they believed to be the most important aspect of a digital piano.

It may come as no surprise that the majority (over 80%) said it was the feel of the instrument. And with that in mind, Casio designed the S110 with the Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II system. This replicates the action of an acoustic piano, pushing a weighted hammer when you press a key.

Even the fine details have been considered; the keys boast a fine-grained finish which reduces slippage and adds a touch of class to the keyboard, making it look beyond the affordable price it’s set at.

The CDP S110 is also MIDI enabled and boasts a USB-B connection, allowing you to use the piano as a MIDI controller. Plus, it works with the Casio Music Space app, which can be used as a learning aid thanks to its vast catalogue of songs.

Shop now | Casio CDP S110

6. Casio PX 770 Digital Piano

An incredible range of textured, dynamic sound

Specifications

• Number of keys: 88
• Keyboard Type: Scaled Hammer Action II
• Polyphony: (Max.) 128
• Preset Voices: 19
• Effects: Reverb, Chorus, Brilliance, DSP
• Metronome Included?: Yes
• Sustain Pedal Included?: Yes
• Amplifiers: 8W x 2
• Speakers: 12cm x 2, 4cm x 2
• Weight: 31.5kg

Pros

• Uses Casio’s Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator technology for resonant sound
• Boasts a Tri-Sensor II hammer action keyboard

Cons

• Slightly on the pricier side
• No Bluetooth connection

The Casio PX 770 Digital Piano is more of a premium Casio offering when it comes to beginner pianos.

Firstly, it includes the AiR sound source, Casio’s pioneering Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator technology. This means the sound stems from the incredibly detailed and thorough sampling of a 9-foot concert grand, giving you extremely resonant and realistic sound with a superb range of dynamics.

It’s this kind of expressive sound that invites new pianists to play and keeps them inspired.

Coinciding with the expertly sampled grand piano, the PX 770 also boasts Casio’s renowned Tri-Sensor II hammer action keyboard, designed to replicate the keys of an acoustic as closely as possible with the use of three sensors.

Ideal for beginners, there’s a choice of 10 classical melodies included in this piano, and you can play alongside a symphony orchestra whilst you learn – giving you the full piano-playing experience. Plus, the 770 works with the Casio Music Space app, further aiding your learning and skill progression.

Shop now | Casio PX 770 Digital Piano

7. VISIONKEY-200 Portable Digital Stage Piano, with Bluetooth

A digital piano with a huge range of sounds to choose from

Specifications

• Number of keys: 88
• Keyboard Type: Velocity-Sensitive
• Polyphony: (Max.) 128
• Sounds: 128
• Sustain Pedal Included?: Yes
• Amplifiers: 10W x 2
• Weight: 6kg

Pros

• Affordable and perfect for beginners
• Comes with a wide range of sounds

Cons

• No effects to tailor your sound with

The VISIONKEY-200 Portable Digital Stage Piano includes a fantastic range of sounds that is sure to engage any beginner. From acoustic pianos to percussion, the choice is all yours – and there are 128 to choose from! Better still, there are 83 built-in rhythms and 61 songs to play along to that cover various genres.

One of the key features of this piano is its Bluetooth connectivity. This turns the instrument into a pair of speakers for you to stream music through either to listen to or play along to – and it’s ideal for beginners who want to practise with their favourite songs. There’s also USB MIDI, a 1/4” Jack, and 5-pin DIN pedal connections.

The modes included on the VISIONKEY-200 are perfect for aiding beginners’ progression. There’s Split mode, which allows you to assign a voice to either hand, e.g., you could create a bassline and a melody. Dual mode is slightly different in that it layers two different sounds, giving you a rich, full texture of instrument voices.

Once you’ve nailed a piece of music you’ve been working on, you want everyone to hear it, right? Luckily, the VISIONKEY-200 has an intuitive recorder that not only lets you record your performances but also layer them.

This is also particularly useful for budding composers who need to record their ideas as soon as inspiration strikes, you can then come back to this later and build on it, layering up voices or adding new harmonies and melodies.

Shop now | VISIONKEY-200 Portable Digital Stage Piano

8. VISIONKEY-100 Portable Digital Keyboard Piano, with Bluetooth

An excellent starter piano for complete beginners

Specifications

• Number of keys: 88
• Keyboard Type: Velocity-Sensitive
• Sounds: 129
• Sustain Pedal Included?: Yes
• Weight: 4.85kg

Pros

• Streamlined design makes it suitable for any environment
• Includes a vast range of instrument sounds

Cons

• Doesn’t have the extensive feature set of other pianos on this list

This VISIONKEY-100 is a slightly more affordable version of the VISIONKEY-200, offering a vast number of sounds, still, but in an even more user-friendly package.

There’s an LED screen that gives handy visibility to the presets you’ve chosen; 128 rhythms, 129 sounds, and 30 songs to try; and an incredibly broad range of connectivity options, allowing you to connect a mic, a sustain pedal (included), and external audio devices.

Just like the VISIONKEY-200, the 100 can be connected to via Bluetooth, making it easy for you to jam along to your favourite tracks.

Shop now | VISIONKEY-100 Portable Digital Keyboard Piano

9. Korg SP-280 Digital Stage Piano

A digital piano with a wide range of sounds to try

Specifications

• Number of keys: 88
• Keyboard Type: Natural Weighted Hammer Action
• Polyphony: (Max.) 120
• Sounds: 30
• Effects: Reverb, Chorus, Brilliance
• Metronome Included?: Yes
• Sustain Pedal Included?: Yes
• Amplifiers: 22W x 2
• Speakers: [8cm x 12cm (oval)] x 2
• Weight: 19kg

Pros

• Includes a vast range of sounds and demo songs
• Good maximum polyphony (120 notes)

Cons

• Not all pianists will be a fan of the rounded edge design

With a slightly unusual aesthetic courtesy of its rounded corners, the Korg SP-280 Digital Stage Piano is one for home, studio, and stage. It weighs just 19kg, making it suitable for taking to lessons and live performances – and its sleek, compact design certainly helps with this, too.

The SP-280 has been designed with beginners in mind, and it’s as versatile as possible to ensure it caters to all levels and styles of pianists.

One of the main things that set the SP-280 apart from the rest is its 30 sounds and 30 demo songs. From acoustic piano to electric grand to jazz organ, there’s a plethora of instrument voices to choose from, keeping you motivated to play and explore different sounds.

The SP-280 boasts Real Weighted Hammer Action and intuitive performance technology for a playing experience that is just like that of an acoustic piano.

What’s really clever is that the piano responds to your playing dynamics and will choose one of four piano samples to sound when you press the keys. This means that whether it’s soft pianissimo notes or booming crescendos, this piano will react accordingly and give you the best possible sound.

Shop now | Korg SP-280 Digital Stage Piano

10. Yamaha YDP 145 Digital Piano

The digital piano for advanced pianists who don’t mind spending a bit more than an entry-level piano

Specifications

• Number of keys: 88
• Keyboard Type:GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) keyboard with matte black keytops
• Polyphony: (Max.) 192
• Sounds: 10
• Effects: Reverb (4 types), Intelligent Acoustic Control, Stereophonic Optimiser
• Metronome Included?: Yes
• Sustain Pedal Included?: Yes
• Amplifiers: 8W x 2
• Speakers: 12cm x 2
• Weight: 38kg

Pros

• Realistic piano sound and feel
• Easy integration with educational apps
• Sleek, compact design suitable for small spaces

Cons

• Limited sound variety compared to others

The Yamaha YDP 145 Digital Piano is a slightly higher-end piano than other entry-level instruments, but it’s perfect for beginners as it strikes a harmonious balance between quality, functionality, and affordability. Its authentic CFX Grand Piano sound delivers an exceptionally pure and dynamic tone, allowing you to experience the richness of one of the world’s finest concert grand pianos from the comfort of your own home.

Coupled with the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard, the YDP 145 offers a tactile, responsive playing experience that mirrors the feel of an acoustic piano, fostering proper finger technique from the get-go.

In today’s digital age, connectivity is key, and the Yamaha YDP 145 doesn’t disappoint. With Bluetooth audio and MIDI compatibility, it effortlessly integrates with a plethora of educational apps and software, including Yamaha’s own Smart Pianist app. This feature not only makes practice sessions more engaging and productive but also allows beginners to explore and expand their musical repertoire seamlessly.

Despite its advanced features, the YDP 145 maintains a sleek, compact design, making it an ideal fit for smaller living spaces. Its minimalistic aesthetic complements any room decor, while its built-in speakers produce a sound that’s both rich and expansive, defying the piano’s modest footprint.

While the YDP 145 offers a somewhat limited variety of sounds compared to other models, this focus on quality over quantity ensures that beginners are not overwhelmed, allowing them to hone their skills on an instrument that prioritises the essentials. 

Shop now | Yamaha YDP 145 Digital Piano

11. Roland FP 10 Digital Piano

An entry-level piano that’s great value for money

Specifications

• Number of keys: 88
• Keyboard Type: PHA-4 Standard Keyboard with Escapement and Ivory Feel
• Polyphony: (Max.) 96
• Sounds: 15
• Effects: Ambience, Brilliance
• Metronome Included?: Yes
• Sustain Pedal Included?: Yes
• Amplifiers: 6W x 2
• Speakers: 12cm x 2
• Weight: 12.3kg

Pros

• An excellent keybed with touch-detection technology
• SuperNATURAL sound engine for a detailed, realistic sound

Cons

• No Bluetooth audio connectivity

The Roland FP 10 is an entry-level digital piano that doesn’t skimp on quality. It’s designed to be as streamlined and portable as possible, so it can fit into any space in your home without looking bulky or obtrusive.

As piano teachers recommend, it’s important to pick up good habits and technique in the early stages of your learning. That’s where Roland’s PHA-4 keyboard action comes in handy.

It’s designed with Roland’s latest touch-detection technology, allowing for incredible responsiveness. This means that whatever you play – whether it’s fast repetition, soft dynamics, or a quick change in playing styles – the keys will pick up on this and sound accordingly.

Plus, the hammer-action mechanism is quieter than Roland’s previous models, so you can focus on quality sound and progressing in skill. It’s also particularly beneficial when you’re practising with headphones – your family and friends won’t be disturbed by the annoying, repetitive sound of thudding keys absent of beautiful piano sound.

What’s even better is that not only do the keys sense every fine detail of your playing beautifully, but they also feel like acoustic ivory keys. It’s these small additions to an instrument that takes it to the next level – and, in this case, it means you have an experience similar to that of a real acoustic piano.

Now, does key coating seem like a meaningless feature? Well, what if it’s a moisture-absorbing material? This is what the white keys have been finished with. Even in hot environments, you’ll have an enjoyable, comfortable playing experience.

Roland’s renowned SuperNatural sound engine features in this piano, and it sets it apart from other digital pianos within this price range. As well as multi-layered samples, the SuperNatural engine means there’s also modelling technology. This recreates an acoustic piano’s dynamics by creating sounds between the sampled velocities for a smooth, natural sound at all dynamics.

The piano comes with the two helpful features you’d expect and need as a beginner: a metronome and Twin Piano mode (the mode that splits the piano for you and your teacher).

Shop now | Roland FP 10

12. Roland F107 Digital Piano

An affordable take on Roland’s premium F701

Specifications

• Number of keys: 88
• Keyboard Type: PHA-4 Standard Keyboard with Escapement and Ivory Feel
• Polyphony: (Max.) 256
• Sounds: 15
• Effects: Ambience, Brilliance
• Metronome Included?: Yes
• Sustain Pedal Included?: Yes
• Amplifiers: 8W x 2
• Speakers: 12cm x 2
• Weight: 34.5kg

Pros

• Brings premium sound and design to players on a budget
• Boasts Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine

Cons

• Controls are kept to a minimum – this is good for beginners but may be limiting for more advanced players

The Roland F107 is based on the F701, a piano at a much higher price point that won the 2021 Red Dot Design award. This more affordable take doesn’t sacrifice quality, and it welcomes a whole generation of new players that want a high-end model for their first, or even their second, piano.

Like the FP 10, the F107 has a SuperNATURAL sound engine for beautifully realistic sound and a PHA-4 keyboard for excellent responsiveness. And to ensure you relish the full expressive nature of the piano, there are sustain, soft, and sostenuto pedals built in.

Twin Piano mode features again for easy tuition with your teacher. And there are two headphone jacks, perfect for practising duets or letting someone listen to your playing.

In terms of connectivity, there’s built-in Bluetooth audio, USB ports, and MIDI, meaning you can effortlessly link the piano up to your smartphone, computer, or other device. Being able to connect to DAWs is a nice addition as it means you’re not limited to purely learning piano, you can explore music production too.

The F107 is compatible with the Roland Piano app, which allows you to control the settings of your piano remotely. You can also alter sound and record much more easily as it puts the control right in the palm of your hand. The app is also particularly useful for beginners as it includes lesson features and scores for the piano’s onboard songs – you can also add your own scores via Roland Cloud.

Shop now | Roland F107

13. Alesis Concert 88-Key Semi-Weighted Digital Piano

A digital piano with incredibly powerful speakers

Specifications

• Number of keys: 88
• Keyboard Type: Semi-Weighted with Velocity Sensitivity
• Polyphony: (Max.) 128
• Sounds: 10
• Effects: Reverb, Chorus
• Metronome Included?: Yes
• Sustain Pedal Included?: Yes
• Amplifiers: 20W x 2
• Weight: 7.1kg

Pros

• Powerful sound courtesy of 20W speakers and 128-note polyphony
• Keys boast adjustable touch response

Cons

• Keys aren’t fully weighted

If you’re after something easy to grasp, without all the bells and whistles that can be overwhelming for a complete beginner, the Alesis Concert is one for you. It boasts 88 keys, and although they aren’t fully weighted, you can adjust the touch response to add expression to your playing and prepare you for an acoustic.

It also produces full-bodied resonance thanks to its 128-note polyphony and sustain pedal. And there are two 20W speakers for some serious oomph.

Designed with beginners in mind, the Concert includes a Lesson mode, which halves the piano, giving you and your teacher the same note range. And of course, there’s a metronome to help you work on timing and rhythm.

If piano sounds just aren’t enough, don’t fret – the Concert has 10 built-in voices, ranging from acoustic piano to church organ to synth. Layer mode then lets you… layer these sounds, ideal for creating lush textures or unusual instrument combinations, whilst Split mode assigns one voice to your left hand and one to your right.

Shop now | Alesis Concert

14. JDP-1 Junior Digital Piano by Gear4music

The ideal digital piano for kids

Specifications

• Number of keys: 61
• Keyboard Type: Full Size Velocity Sensitive
• Polyphony: (Max.) 32
• Sounds: 8
• Metronome Included?: No
• Sustain Pedal Included?: Yes
• Speakers: 20W x 2
• Weight: 3.6kg

Pros

• Despite its small size, it packs a punch with two 20W speakers
• Touch-sensitive keys respond to the child’s playing

Cons

• There are only 61 keys
• Keybed isn’t weighted

Finally, we have the JDP-1 Junior Digital Piano by Gear4music. Although this lacks some of the more advanced features of other pianos on this list, its simplified build has been designed specifically for children.

With a height of 610mm, a depth of 320mm, and a width of 925mm, this piano is perfect for kids who want to get to grips with basics. Not only is it the ideal size for them, but it’s sure to slot easily in your home.

Helping to build their skill are the 61 standard-size keys – they aren’t weighted, but they are velocity sensitive. The keybed makes the affordable JDP-1 a comfortable, easy-to-use starter instrument.

Better still, to keep kids entertained and engaged, the JDP-1 includes eight different voices, including instrument sounds and even animal sounds (sorry, parents!).

Connectivity-wise, there’s a USB port – particularly useful for connecting to piano teaching apps that will aid your child’s progression. There’s also a headphones output for silent practice and an auxiliary input for connecting to a smartphone and playing along to tracks.

A sustain pedal is included, too, ensuring your child is building the correct technique when it comes to phrasing and sustaining notes.

Shop now | JDP-1 Junior Digital Piano by Gear4music

Benefits of digital pianos

So, we’ve gone through our top 14 digital pianos, but what are the benefits of them over an acoustic?

There’s no need to tune them

One major benefit of digital pianos is that there’s no need to tune them. An acoustic piano will need to be tuned after it has ‘settled’ in your home and about once a year thereafter – this costs money and means there’ll be times when your piano isn’t sounding its best as it needs to be tuned. Digital pianos, on the other hand, are good to go as soon as they’re set up, saving you money and making life that little bit easier.

Silent practice

They also allow for silent practice courtesy of a headphone output. Sometimes, you just want to work on a few bars over and over again to get it perfect – you can do this in peace without bothering other people if you have a good pair of headphones.

Digital pianos save space

This might seem obvious, but the size of a piano can be make-or-break for some people. Digital pianos come in different sizes, and many are super sleek and compact without compromising key size. This is ideal if space in your home, rehearsal room, or on stage is limited.

Affordability

Granted, digital pianos come in at different price points – but, overall, the cheapest digital piano will be cheaper than the lowest-priced acoustic. We’ve kept the pianos on this list below £900, and there are plenty more within this price range. As you get more skilled, you may decide to splash the cash on a more expensive model that includes a wider range of features.

Many digital pianos come with additional accessories

One very convenient selling point of a digital piano is that many come with the accessories you need to get started. A music stand, pedal, and power supply are all vital, and some pianos also come with headphones and a stool. We have digital piano packages that include everything you need to begin playing right out of the box.

They include features to help you learn

Digital pianos are particularly great for beginner pianists, and that’s partly due to the onboard features that really aid you in your learning. A metronome, for example, is essential for practising timing and rhythm. Even once you’ve learned a piece, it can be easy to speed up whilst you’re playing as you know the piece so well – I struggle with this! Playing along to a metronome to keep you in time is incredibly helpful.

Some pianos, like the Yamaha P45 and Kawai KDP120, are also compatible with certain tuition apps, offering scores for you to play along to, feedback, and exercises for you to warm up with.

Why do piano teachers recommend digital pianos?

Piano teachers recommend digital pianos because they can really help build technique and skill and deter beginners from picking up bad habits.

Digital pianos with weighted keys are particularly recommended as they encourage good wrist posture, dexterity, and finger strength – something that is needed for an acoustic. This means that when it comes to a piano exam or recital, you won’t have any unwelcome surprises – the acoustic piano will feel just like the digital you’ve been learning on.

Digital pianos with responsive keys also help you practise dynamics – something that is transferrable to an acoustic. Plus, they’re usually comparable to teachers’ pianos. You don’t want to be learning on a keyboard at home to then go to your tutor’s house and struggle with playing a full-size digital.

Similarly, many digital pianos come with a duo/dual/split mode which halves the keybed so that you and your teacher can play side by side, each with the same note range. This means you can watch your teacher’s technique when playing a passage and copy them exactly.

Finally, a sustain pedal is usually included with a digital piano. Being able to use a pedal is very important as you’ll need it for phrasing and, you guessed it, sustaining notes.

Things to consider

When choosing the right digital piano for you, I recommend looking for one that has 88 keys rather than 61 or 76. This means you have the full keybed to play with and you can learn all kinds of pieces without limitations.

You should also look for a keybed that is at least semi-weighted. As we’ve mentioned, teachers recommend this as it encourages you to develop correct playing techniques.

You’ll also want it to sound good! That’s why it’s important to look for a piano that has well-recorded samples – go for quality over quantity when it comes to instrument voices.

To ensure it fits perfectly in your home, the piano’s size is very important. Make a note of the measurements of your space and whether or not the piano will disturb others – if so, purchase a pair of headphones. To narrow your search, check out our guide to the best piano headphones.

One major but quite obvious thing to consider is whether or not your chosen piano comes with a stand. Many models are packaged as just the keyboard, so you’ll need to purchase a stand that suits your space – whether that’s an X-frame stand for performing live or more of an upright digital piano stand for home use.

We recommend the modul Universal Wooden Keyboard Stand as it’s suitable for all 88-key keyboards and pianos, and it looks extremely sleek!

What are weighted keys?

Weighted keys are keys that have been designed to replicate the resistance you feel when you press the keys of an acoustic piano. This is known as ‘action’ and means they respond to fast, agile passages of music.

Some keybeds are also ‘graded’: the bass notes are heavier than the treble end – just like an acoustic.

You can read more about pianos with weighted keys and different types of key action here.

FAQs

Are digital pianos good for beginners?

Digital pianos are good for beginners, and they’re recommended by piano teachers. Models with weighted keys will help you with technique, and many include a metronome, demo songs to play along to, and wireless connectivity for linking to piano tuition apps.

Which digital piano is closest to a real piano?

The Kawai ES120 Digital Stage Piano is most like a real piano as it includes Kawai’s Responsive Hammer Compact action which is just like the keys of an acoustic piano. It also has samples of the SK-EX grand piano and the K-60 upright – so you’re getting premium acoustic sound with all the benefits of digital design.

How much should a beginner spend on a digital piano?

A beginner should spend no more than £800 on a digital piano. The higher up the price range you go, the more features you’ll find – some will help with learning and some will just overcomplicate things when you’re first starting out. Once you get to grips with the basics, you can always splash the cash on a more premium instrument.

Final thoughts

Phew! That was a long guide to the best digital pianos for beginners! Hopefully, our list has helped you decide on the right one for you or at least enlightened you on the different features out there and what brands have to offer.

Once you’ve chosen your digital piano, why not read our tips on how to play piano?

Already have a keyboard and want to upgrade? Learn about the different pianos and how to best switch to a digital piano here.