Digital pianos come in a range of shapes and sizes, all designed to emulate an acoustic piano in sound and playing feel. Ideal for players of all abilities, they’re often the go-to alternative to an acoustic thanks to their quiet playing abilities, learning features, and collection of preset piano voices.
As a beginner or intermediate player, a budget of £1000 can get you a decent digital piano packed with quality piano samples and sophisticated technology.
Digital pianos can look very different to one another. Some are built for stage and are therefore more compact, whereas some are designed to remain stationary and look more like an upright acoustic piano.
Keyboard action can also differ; some pianos have hammer action, some are medium-weighted, and some are heavy-weighted. The features and number of onboard sounds and songs vary, too. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best digital pianos under £1000 and who they’re best suited to.
In a hurry?
Here are our top three pianos at a glance:
| DP-10X Digital Piano by Gear4music | This piano offers exceptional playing control and hammer action for a realistic playing feel. | Check the current price |
| Yamaha YDP 145 Digital Piano | As well as an authentic touch, the YDP 145 takes samples from the Yamaha CFX Concert Grand. | Check the current price |
| Casio PX S1100 Digital Piano | This one's ideal for players looking for a compact digital piano for gigging with. | Check the current price |
Best digital pianos under £1000
1. DP-10X Digital Piano by Gear4music
The DP-10X Digital Piano by Gear4music is a great choice for any player looking for a digital piano with a sleek and modern aesthetic that will suit any environment. With its synthetic ebony and ivory-topped weighted hammer action keys, the DP-10X comes with all the fine details perfected.
There are a range of unique features, including the LCD screen on the device, which allows you to keep track of the sound or voice you’re using and adjust other settings such as the metronome and tempo.
The DP-10X features 23 different piano voices, a maximum polyphony of 64, a learning mode, built-in recording capabilities, and a multi-timbral grand piano sound. And there are two 15-watt speakers for a big concert hall sound.
Aesthetics are important when choosing a digital piano, and the DP-10X will suit various settings thanks to its neutral yet contemporary look. Another thing that you’ll want with any big instrument is efficient space utilisation, the DP-10X offers just that with its slim body and integrated headphone holder.
The piano’s sound controls are hidden out of view to maintain that traditional piano look whilst allowing you to alter the input level. These sound controls also allow you to attach USB, MIDI, and aux-in cables for connecting to external recording software.
This digital piano gives you the ability to transpose a song into an easier key – great for beginners. There are also Split, Layer, and Twin modes for customisable sounds and built-in reverb and chorus effects. This digital piano is a great choice for players looking to tailor their sound and get the most out of their digital piano.
2. DP-12 Compact Digital Piano by Gear4music
The DP-12 Compact Digital Piano is a stylish digital piano that’s perfect for beginner and intermediate players looking for a rich warm piano sound. It features 88 hammer action keys, constructed from synthetic ebony and ivory for a realistic look and a natural surface beneath your fingers.
If you’re looking for a digital piano that can easily sit in your lounge or practice room and not look out of place, the DP-12 is certainly a good choice. Its light oak finish will perfectly complement various surroundings and the compact sizing of the piano makes it ideal for fitting in small spaces.
The DP-12 produces high-quality sound through its four-speaker setup, which is made up of two 10W speakers and two 5W speakers.
It’s designed to replicate a warm and accurate piano sound, whilst also offering 32 different voices and standard features, such as metronome and volume control – all displayed on an LCD screen.
Other features include two-track playback recording, Split mode so you can create accompanied performances, and Layer mode for experimenting with different sounds.
If you’re looking to use your digital piano for quiet practice, there’s a headphone jack along with other options to connect your phone, tablet, or MP3 through AUX or MIDI. This is an incredibly handy way to play along to your favourite songs.
3. Yamaha YDP 145 Digital Piano
The Yamaha YDP 145 Digital Piano is a popular choice among beginners and intermediate players alike. Designed to have realism at the centre of its playability, the piano includes Yamaha’s Virtual Resonance Modelling Lite (VRM Lite), which simulates the resonance that you would expect from a grand piano.
Also included is Intelligence Acoustic Control – which delivers a fully balanced tone, no matter what volume you’re playing at. Together, the VRM Lite and Intelligent Acoustic Control help to provide an extremely realistic response.
One of the standout features of the YDP -145 is its ability to replicate the characteristics of an acoustic piano. It does this by projecting an amplified, acoustic-like sound through the speakers. Plus, the cabinet design mimics the natural vibrancy and reverberation that you experience when playing an acoustic piano.
It’s not only through sound that the Yamaha YPD 145 achieves expert levels of realism but also through its aesthetics. The matte black key tops add an authentic touch, whilst the graded hammer action standard weighting of the keys delivers the control and expression of a real grand piano.
Although the interface does not feature an LCD screen like other models at a similar price point, there are still plenty of settings and features to get stuck in with, including a metronome and songs to play along to. The piano features 10 voice demos. including samples taken from the Yamaha CFX Concert Grand.
Plus, you can connect to the Flowkey app, an interactive learning aid that is packed with sheet music and video content to help you learn, and the Smart Pianist app, which gives you the ability to control your piano directly from your smartphone.
4. DP-70U Upright Digital Piano by Gear4music
The DP-70U Upright Digital Piano by Gear4music is a great choice for players seeking a digital piano that looks like an authentic upright piano. Constructed from a dark rosewood-effect vinyl finish, the piano cabinet is robust and has the stunning aesthetic of a proper upright piano.
Complete with a specially designed stand for your music, the piano lid features soft closers to prevent any damage.
The DP-70U is built mainly for intermediate players, offering 26 different playing sounds and the option for you to create your own unique sound through Split and Layer modes.
Along with these modes, the piano has a metronome for timekeeping practice and various effects, such as reverb and chorus.
Also included with the DP-70U is a range of connections to expand your playing possibilities. These include auxiliary ports to easily connect your mobile phone or tablet and MIDI in and out and USB output to easily connect the piano to recording software.
5. Roland RP107 Digital Piano
The Roland RP107 Digital Piano offers a range of features that make it excellent for musicians looking for a high-quality instrument under £1000. It’s equipped with Bluetooth functionality, allowing you to easily connect and transmit MIDI or audio from compatible devices.
The piano also works with the Roland Piano App, whilst the USB port enables seamless connectivity to computers and facilitates data storage.
The RP107 includes a metronome and Split mode, offering versatile options for practising and composing. Plus, with the stereo jack, you can listen to music through the piano’s speakers.
Ideal for young beginners, the RP107 comes with a selection of different songs, including “Let’s Sing with DO RE MI” and other lesson-based songs, which are designed to assist with learning and skill development.
The keybed and sound of the RP107 are based on high-end models in the Roland piano range, ensuring a responsive and authentic playing experience with a premium feel. The progressive hammer action ivory-feel keys further enhance the natural touch and feel of the instrument.
As discussed, a crucial part of any large instrument is its aesthetic. The RP107 features a sleek black finish, giving it a neutral and sophisticated look. Its traditional electric upright design adds a touch of elegance, making it suitable for a wide variety of playing environments.
So, the RP107 certainly looks the part but does it sound authentic? Equipped with two 12cm speakers, it provides a rich and immersive sound projection that’s great for players looking for a piano with enough volume for practice sessions or small performances.
With 15 different sounds to choose from, you also have a diverse range of tonal possibilities at your fingertips, whilst Roland’s Supernatural piano engine, which utilises sophisticated sampling and modelling techniques, ensures a realistic and dynamic sound experience.
6. SDP-3 Stage Piano by Gear4music
The SDP-3 Stage Piano by Gear4music is a good choice for beginners and intermediate players. It’s packed with a wide range of customisable sounds that are suitable for any song or style, and it’s sturdy in construction, with advanced features and user-friendly controls.
With a sleek and stylish design, the piano will look great in front of any audience, and it feels good to play too thanks to its 88 weighted hammer-action keys that emulate the feel of a traditional piano.
Plus, there are seven different voices, 100 accompaniment styles, and customisable effects, making the piano versatile enough to suit any genre or musical style.
The SDP-3 is not only aesthetically pleasing but also lightweight and portable – ideal for musicians on the move. Powering it up with batteries ensures you’re always prepared for performances.
In terms of features, the SPD-3 boasts an impressive selection. With 16 different voices in its sound bank, along with 16 onboard songs, you can get creative.
The SDP-3 enables effortless tailoring of sounds to suit your musical style thanks to its reverb, chorus, and EQ effects. Notably, its detailed sample-based piano sound dynamically changes as you play louder, immersing you in an authentic playing experience.
Additionally, the piano includes Layer and Split modes, enhancing creative possibilities. Its LCD display allows for easy navigation between different kits, songs, and features, and it can be mounted on a wooden stand or stage stand based on your preference.
For intermediate players, the SDP-3 offers seamless connectivity options. It can be connected via MIDI and is compatible with recording software, facilitating effortless creativity and composition capture. USB and MIDI OUT options enable convenient plug-and-play. The piano also supports real-time recording and playback, making it great for creating your own musical pieces.
7. Casio PX S1100 Digital Piano
The Casio PX S1100 Digital Piano offers a truly authentic and immersive musical packed into an incredibly slim and stylish form. It boasts an 88-key hammer action, offering a natural touch response for a realistic playing feel.
The piano’s Advanced Integrated Resonator (AIR) Sound Source uses lossless audio compression, ensuring that the original sound is perfectly preserved upon playback.
It’s compatible with Casio Music Space, a comprehensive learning aid that features a diverse array of songs and sounds, making the piano ideal for beginners.
A sheet music stand and a small, detachable sustain pedal are included for convenience, whilst a wireless adapter allows you to connect to Bluetooth audio and play back your performances through the speaker system.
The sound quality of the Casio PX S1100 is second to none thanks to its two large 8W speakers. Incorporating Mica into the speaker diaphragms, a reinforcing material often found in high-end audio products, ensures rich and clean frequencies are delivered.
The multi-dimensional morphing acoustic and AIR sound source offers the rich sounds and resonance of a real grand piano.
To aid learning and musical exploration, the PX S1100 includes a vast library of 60 songs, 18 unique tones, and a maximum polyphony of 192. Its aesthetics are as impressive as its functionality – the sleek and stylish design, combined with intuitive touch controls, ensures that this keyboard will be a welcome addition to a wide variety of room sizes and decor styles.
Despite its abundance of features, the piano remains highly portable due to its compact frame
8. Roland FP-30X Digital Piano
The Roland FP-30X Digital Piano caters to both novice and seasoned musicians. Crafted with a stunning aesthetic, this piano features ivory-like keys that replicate the feel of traditional acoustic pianos and enhance comfort during play by absorbing moisture.
But the FP-30X goes beyond appearances; it is packed with an impressive array of features. With 12 available tones and a max polyphony of 256 notes, this piano is versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of musical styles.
Powered by two 11W speakers, the sound quality is unparalleled, delivering crystal-clear audio that will captivate any listener.
This remarkable instrument is not only lightweight and portable but also highly functional. It includes useful features such as a metronome, transposing, and Split functions, making it a versatile tool for all musical needs.
Additionally, its Bluetooth audio connectivity allows you to effortlessly stream music through the piano’s built-in speakers, transforming your performance into a complete musical experience.
For those who want to practise silently, the headphone connectivity ensures the sound is delivered directly to your ears. The Roland FP-30X incorporates touch detection technology and Roland’s triple sensor technology, guaranteeing an incredibly responsive playing experience that will elevate your musical expression to new heights.
9. Yamaha P145 Digital Piano
The Yamaha P145 Digital Piano (the successor to the popular Yamaha P45) is a remarkable instrument that offers the authentic feel of an acoustic piano in a manageable size. Designed to deliver accurate response, consistency, and range, this piano ensures a high-quality playing experience.
With 10 voices to choose from, you can explore a variety of sounds to suit your musical style, taking samples from the iconic Yamaha CFIII concert grand piano.
The Yamaha P145 boasts USB functionality, allowing for MIDI and audio connectivity to various devices. Additionally, the headphone jack enables quiet practice sessions, perfect for musicians who prefer solitude.
The piano is also compatible with the Flowkey app which allows you to choose from popular songs and access tuition videos. And if one learning app wasn’t enough, the P145 also includes the Yamaha Smart Pianist app, which allows you to alter the sounds of the digital piano in more depth.
Portability is made easy with the compact design of the Yamaha P145. Whether you need a gigging instrument or a permanent addition to any room, this piano fits seamlessly into any space. It even comes with a detachable pedal for added convenience.
The key feel of the Yamaha P145 is exceptional thanks to its weighted keys with a graded hammer compact (GHC) mechanism. This feature provides a realistic and satisfying playing experience and has a maximum polyphony of 64, widening the variation of sounds that you can create.
Better still, the sound quality is top-notch as the angle and placement of the speakers replicate the natural sound reflection of an acoustic grand piano, emulating the effect of a soundboard lid.
10. Kawai ES120 Digital Stage Piano
The Kawai ES120 Digital Stage Piano Is ideal for players looking for a digital piano with quality sound.
One standout feature of the ES120 is its Bluetooth audio functionality, which allows you to effortlessly play audio from your tablet or phone. This enables seamless integration with your favourite music apps, providing a versatile and enjoyable playing experience.
The piano offers Split and Dual modes, allowing you to layer different sounds or divide the keyboard into two, so student and teacher can practise alongside each other. With the transposing and voicing options, you have the freedom to adjust the pitch and character of the sounds to suit your preferences.
One of the bigger features of the Kawaii ES120 Digital Stage Piano is its maximum polyphony of 192 notes; this provides a wide array of tonal possibilities. The touch curve feature lets you customise the keyboard’s response to your playing style, ensuring optimal control and expression.
Additionally, the damper resonance feature adds depth and realism to your playing.
In terms of hardware connections, the ES120 supports MIDI, allowing you to connect it to other MIDI-compatible devices for seamless integration and expanded possibilities.
The action of the Kawai ES120 is truly exceptional. With its 88 weighted keys and responsive hammer action, it emulates the feel of an acoustic piano, providing an authentic playing experience. Unique hammer action keys are exactly what you would expect from a Kawai keyboard, offering a weighted feel that enhances precision and control.
Aesthetically, the ES120 is extremely compact and thin, making it easy to transport and fit into any musical setup. Its sleek design adds a touch of elegance to any environment. When it comes to sound quality, the ES120 does not disappoint here either. Equipped with 20W speakers and spatial headphone sound technology, it delivers impressive audio performance.
Whether you’re performing on stage or practising in private with headphones, the sound produced by the ES120 is rich, clear, and immersive.
With 25 different sounds and 16 internal songs, the ES120 offers a wide variety of tones and musical options to explore. From pianos to strings, organs, and more, this keyboard provides an extensive sound palette to suit any genre or musical style.
11. SDP-2 Stage Piano by Gear4music
The SDP-2 Stage Piano by Gear4music is a meticulously crafted instrument that offers an exceptional playing experience. With touch-sensitive keys and weighted action, the key action of this stage piano provides a realistic feel that musicians will appreciate.
In terms of sound quality, the SDP-2 boasts eight voices, allowing for a wide range of expressive possibilities.
Additionally, it includes eight demo songs that showcase the versatility of the instrument. Equipped with four 10W speakers, the SDP-2 delivers a rich and immersive sound experience.
This stage piano also offers a variety of useful features. It includes a headphone jack for private practice sessions, ensuring that you can play without disturbing others, whilst a built-in metronome helps to keep your timing crisp and precise.
RCA outputs enable you to easily connect the piano to mixers and amplifiers for larger performances.
The stereo feature of the SDP-2 allows for effortless control of panning, making it ideal for live situations. Additionally, the piano offers a volume sustain layer and fine-tune controls, allowing you to tailor your sound to perfection.
The SDP-2 Stage Piano is not only a fantastic instrument for performance but also a valuable tool for music production. It features MIDI and USB outputs, enabling seamless connectivity to computers and other devices. With a 32-note polyphony, the SDP-2 ensures that every note you play is faithfully reproduced, even in complex musical arrangements.
Jargon buster
Action types – This refers to the weighting of the piano keys. These can differ include synth weighted (light), semi-weighted (medium), and fully weighted (the heaviest possible). Choosing the right action for you is crucial to your playing and is a matter of personal preference from player to player.
Touch sensitivity – This indicates how sensitive the keys are when they’re played, for example, if you play the key heavily this will be represented in the intensity of the tone.
Polyphony – This is the highest number of notes a digital piano can produce at one time. It’s important to pay attention to this as it will ensure that you can achieve a great array of tones and sounds, therefore expanding the versatility of the piano.
Modes – This is the number of different playing functions a digital piano may have. Modes such as Split (also known as Dual with some manufacturers) or Layer are very common. Split mode halves the keyboard, allowing you to assign different voices to each, and layer mode allows you to stack tones so that you can create your own sounds.
Midi recorder vs. audio recorder – Midi recorders reproduce the pitch that is generated from the instrument in the form of instructions from the musical instrument. This can also include uploaded sounds from virtual instruments. Audio recording is – you guessed it – recorded sound.
Transpose – This feature allows you to change the key of your piano to either the next semitone up or the next semi-tone down. It allows you to set a piece’s key so that it is easier to play and enables quick transitions and setups between songs.
Is £1000 a good budget?
Digital pianos can range in price from £200 to well over £2000 but for a decent digital piano, £1000 will ensure you have one that can confidently emulate a real acoustic in both looks and advanced real piano sounds.
The further up the price range you go, the higher the quality of sounds will be, with samples taken from some of the most prestigious and recognisable pianos on the market. You’ll also find pianos with aesthetics that can truly become a part of your home décor.
With digital pianos at the £1000 mark, you won’t get large onboard displays, and the sound editing features will be limited, but there are apps and educational features to control this. It’s a good budget for beginners and intermediate players and will be more than sufficient for the player to grow.
If you’re looking specifically for beginner keyboards, check out our blog on the 16 best keyboards for kids and beginners.
What else do I need?
When thinking about your budget, it’s also important to consider the extra accessories you’ll need if your piano comes as a standalone model, not a package.
Firstly, you’ll need a stool – you’ll be uncomfortable otherwise! It’s important to choose one that has plenty of cushioning, is durable, and matches the finish of your piano.
You’ll also need a pair of headphones to practise with, check out our guide to the best headphones for digital pianos for ideas!
Finally, something else to consider is a piano stand. Not all digital pianos come with these, so if yours doesn’t, make sure to invest in a sturdy, durable, and attractive stand that fits your space. We recommend the modul piano stand as it’s a sleek and robust alternative to X-frame stands,
Digital pianos vs. acoustic pianos
Digital pianos are perfect for any player looking for an authentic-like sound and feel without the hassle of an acoustic. Although not quite a completely accurate replacement for an acoustic piano, going digital has many positives. These include easy maintenance, no need for regular tuning, and easy transportation.
Whilst some digital pianos are designed for stationary use, these can still be dismantled and transported without specific moving experts.
As with most instruments volume and regular practice is a good way to make enemies with your neighbours, so it’s no surprise that digital pianos are a go-to choice for players of all playing stages. Thanks to their headphone inputs, quiet practice can be easily achieved no matter the duration or what time of day you play.
Alternatively, some digital pianos allow you to connect to Bluetooth devices and have very powerful built-in speakers for when you’re looking to create noise or plug into a PA when needing to play live.
In terms of aesthetics acoustic pianos have a certain look, and a lot of the higher priced pianos within the £1000 budget are designed to look almost exactly like their acoustic counted parts with wooden cabinet designs, different weighted keys, and similar finishes that you would expect from acoustic.
Acoustic pianos, on the other hand, offer a truly traditional playing experience. Though it’s not exactly portable, an acoustic piano makes for a great addition to any home – and it’s got that beautiful, smooth piano tone that their digital counterparts try to recreate. It’s the kind of instrument that is kept in a family home for years, that generations learn on.
However, acoustic pianos don’t offer the silent practice abilities that digital models do. And they need regular tuning – something which is time-consuming and adds to ongoing maintenance costs.
Upright pianos vs. stage pianos
The difference between upright pianos and stage pianos simply comes down to the look and the portability. Upright pianos are generally meant for stationary use and are viewed as more of a piece of furniture as well as a musical instrument. In terms of sound, upright pianos can deliver a louder sound due to their typically larger speakers and speaker placement.
One thing to consider when deciding between upright and stage is its purpose; what are you using the piano for? If you’ll be playing in the same rehearsal or performance space each time, upright may be the choice for you. Upright pianos are also great for pianists who want an instrument that looks authentic; they’re often available in a range of wooden finishes to suit your environment.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a piano for gigging, practice, and easy storage then a stage piano is the better choice. This is due to its lightweight and compact features. Plus, as the name implies, stage pianos are better designed for stage and can be mounted onto piano stands.
Our favourite piano brands
Want to narrow down your search? These are our top five brands for piano:
FAQs
What is the best digital piano that sounds like a real piano?
One of the best digital pianos Is the Yamaha CP88 Digital Stage Piano, this features various effects and in-detail sound tailoring to perfectly suit professional players in a gigging environment.
What brand of digital piano is good?
The most popular digital piano brands include Yamaha, Casio, Roland, and Kawai. Each brand does different things exceptionally well and offers something for every style of pianist.
Is it worth buying a second-hand digital piano?
Buying second-hand instruments can often be a cheaper way to purchase the instrument that you want; however, it’s worth bearing in mind the age of the instrument and the condition as this can affect its lifespan.
Summary
Overall, there are many different types of digital pianos, all designed for a range of different setups, whether that’s a stationary setting or the stage. Like any instrument, pianos come down to personal preference and with a budget of under £1000, you can easily find a piano to suit your preferred playing style and feel. We hope our list of the best digital pianos under £1000 has helped you in your search!
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