Best digital pianos & keyboards for beginners: Your 2025 buying guide
Sam Taylor – resident ROLI writer and music tech specialist – explores the most recommended keyboards and pianos for beginners, students, and anyone ready to kick-start their musical journey. Read on for his expert take on the best digital pianos for beginners that you’ll find on the market today.
So you've decided to learn piano — great choice! You're about to discover why millions of people are drawn to this versatile instrument. But here's what's interesting: choosing a piano keyboard for beginners in 2025 is quite different from even five years ago. We're seeing traditional piano craftsmanship merge with modern learning technology, creating some impressive possibilities.
Think about it — acoustic pianos sound wonderful, but they're also large, expensive, require regular tuning, and your neighbors probably won't love your late-night practice sessions. - Digital pianos for beginners address these issues while offering capabilities that expand your learning options. We're talking about instruments that can guide you through songs in real-time, connect wirelessly to learning apps, and deliver high-quality concert piano sounds through your headphones.
What's notable is how much the technology has improved. Early pianos for beginners felt like compromises — useful for practice, but clearly substitutes for the "real thing." Today's instruments are considerably better. Advanced sampling captures the nuances of renowned pianos like Steinway concert grands (like the one sampled by Embertone for the ROLI Learn app), while sophisticated key mechanisms replicate the touch and response of acoustic pianos. Many even offer advantages over acoustic instruments, with consistent tuning, diverse sound libraries, and smart learning features.
It's interesting to see companies tackle the starter-piano challenge from different perspectives. Traditional manufacturers like Yamaha and Roland focus on perfecting acoustic piano emulation, creating instruments that feel remarkably authentic. Meanwhile, innovative companies like ROLI are exploring new possibilities, adding visual learning aids, expressive touch controls, and connectivity that transforms your instrument into a comprehensive learning system.
Perhaps most importantly, this technology isn't limited to expensive models anymore. You can now find a solid keyboard for learning piano with proper weighted keys and quality sounds for under $600. Technology that would have been costly just a few years ago is now within reach for most serious learners.
From traditional console-style instruments that look at home in your living room to compact stage pianos that travel easily, here are our picks for digital pianos that'll enhance your musical journey on any budget.
ROLI Piano M
The Piano M is a unique, wireless, and battery-powered piano keyboard for beginners, where every key lights up to guide your learning. It’s compact enough to fit in your bag, but don’t let the mini-keys fool you - it’s packed with some serious tech.
Specifications
Keys: 24 RG-backlit mini-keys
Key action: Expressive, touch-sensitive
Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C
Battery life: 6 hours of wireless playing
Learning features: ROLI Learn app integration, visual learning aids, and optional Airwave hand tracking
Reasons to buy
Keys light up to guide you, making learning immediate and fun
Extremely portable with wireless connectivity
Unique key spacing that is more comfortable for many players
Can be chained with another unit for an expanded range
Things to consider
The mini-keys are not traditional piano-size
Designed for one-handed learning
Sound like the right option for you? Find out more and buy the ROLI Piano M.
Roland FP-30X
The FP-30X is a popular digital piano that combines a genuinely authentic playing feel with modern connectivity, making it a powerful and long-lasting choice for serious beginner students.
Specifications
Keys: 88 full-size, weighted keys
Key action: PHA-4 Standard, graded resistance
Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth audio, Bluetooth MIDI
Polyphony: 256 notes
Sound engine: SuperNATURAL sound engine provides rich, responsive tones
Excellent connectivity options for playing along with music and app-based learning
Reasons to buy
One of the most affordable options with a hammer-action key feel
Can be powered by batteries for true portability
Excellent connectivity options for playing along with music and app-based learning
Things to consider
At 37 pounds, it is not very portable
Onboard speakers are sufficient for practice, but not for large spaces
Alesis Recital Pro
The Alesis Recital Pro is a budget-friendly digital piano that manages to combine hammer-action keys with battery power, offering an authentic playing feel without being tied to a power outlet.
Specifications
Keys: 88 full-size, hammer-action weighted keys
Key action: Hammer-action weighted
Connectivity: USB-MIDI, sustain pedal
Polyphony: 128 notes
Sound engine: 12 core voices
Reasons to buy
One of the most affordable options with a hammer-action key feel
Can be powered by batteries for true portability
Straightforward sound engine with useful core piano tones
Things to consider
Key action lacks the sophisticated grading of more expensive models
Build quality feels sturdy enough for regular use, but shows its budget origins in the details
Casio CDP-S160
The CDP-S160 is designed specifically for learning, combining a practical Scaled Hammer Action keyboard with genuine portability and a dedicated app for guided lessons.
Specifications
Keys: 88 full-size, weighted keys
Key action: Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II
Connectivity: USB, optional Bluetooth adapter
Polyphony: 128 notes
Learning features: CASIO MUSIC SPACE app, MIDI recording, step-up lessons
Reasons to buy
The scaled hammer action provides a good feel for the price
Battery operation on AA batteries for portability
The MUSIC SPACE app offers genuinely useful tools for developing technique
Things to consider
Key action is not as refined as premium competitors
The sound engine is basic compared to high-end models
ROLI Piano
Our latest keyboard takes a new approach to piano learning. ROLI Piano uses illuminated keys and interactive lessons to get you playing real songs from the very first day without endless theory.
Specifications
Keys: 49 full-size, semi-weighted keys
Key action: Expressive, touch-sensitive with full plague depth
Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C, MIDI output
Battery life: 6 hours wireless playing
Learning features: ROLI Learn app, video lessons, ROLI Vision hand-tracking
Reasons to buy
Keys light up to guide you through songs, making learning immediate
The 49 full-size keys are spaced like a traditional piano
ROLI Learn app with personalized AI coaching
Things to consider
Fewer keys than some competitors, which may be limiting for classical pieces
Semi-weighted action is not for those who need a full piano feel
Explore more and buy the ROLI Piano.
Loog Piano
The Loog Piano is an ultra-portable and straightforward beginner's piano keyboard designed with a single, clear purpose: to get kids started on their musical journey with a simple design.
Specifications
Keys: 37 scaled-down, velocity-sensitive keys
Key action: Synth-action
Connectivity: USB
Battery life: 8 hours
Learning features: Loog Piano app, physical flashcards
Reasons to buy
Extremely lightweight and portable with a carrying handle
The small key size is perfect for children and adults with small hands
Things to consider
Keys are too small for most adult hands
Lacks the weighted action needed for developing finger strength
Roland GO Piano 88
The GO Piano 88 addresses a specific need: a full 88-key range without the typical weight penalty, making it a manageable option for transport.
Specifications
Keys: 88 full-size keys
Key action: Velocity-sensitive, synth-action
Connectivity: USB-MIDI, Bluetooth audio, Bluetooth MIDI
Polyphony: 128 notes
Sound engine: Four essential voices
Reasons to buy
A full 88 key range in a lightweight, portable form factor
Good connectivity with Bluetooth audio streaming
Battery operation allows for practice without a power outlet
Things to consider
Synth-action keys will not build finger strength like weighted keys
Sound quality is functional but not as nuanced as more premium models
Casio PX-870
A digital piano that feels and looks like a furniture investment, the PX-870 delivers a sophisticated playing experience with its detailed sound engine and realistic key action.
Specifications
Keys: 88 full-size, weighted keys
Key action: Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action II
Connectivity: USB recording, audio input, dual headphone outputs
Sound engine: AiR sound engine with complex piano modeling
Cabinet: Console design with sliding key cover and pedals
Reasons to buy
Authentic, complex piano sound with realistic resonances
Weighted keys and a substantial cabinet feel like a true piano
Aesthetically pleasing design for a living room
Things to consider
High price point for a beginner instrument
Its large size makes it difficult to move
Yamaha P-225
The Yamaha P-225 is a popular digital piano that offers significant upgrades over its predecessor, focusing on improved sound quality and a more compact key action while maintaining its price point.
Specifications
Keys: 88 full-size, weighted keys
Key action: GHC (Graded Hammer Compact) action
Connectivity: USB audio, Bluetooth audio
Sound engine: CFX concert grand samples with VRM Lite
Voices: 24 total voices
Reasons to buy
Meaningful upgrades in sound quality and key action
Compact and lightweight for a full-sized weighted piano
Bluetooth audio streaming for playing along with songs
Things to consider
The GHC action is a compact version of a graded hammer action
Requires wall placement for optimal sound due to rear speakers
Kawai ES120
The Kawai ES120 is a premium digital piano that justifies its higher price with a realistic wooden key action and samples from a renowned concert grand piano.
Specifications
Keys: 88 full-size, weighted keys
Key action: Responsive Hammer Compact
Connectivity: USB, audio input, dual headphone outputs
Sound engine: Samples of a Shigeru Kawai concert grand piano
Features: Onboard DSP processing
Reasons to buy
Realistic key feel with wooden key action
Premium sound quality with detailed piano samples
Excellent for those who prioritize an authentic piano feel
Things to consider
The high price point may not be worth it for a complete beginner
Lacks some of the modern connectivity features of competitors
Yamaha PSR-E383
The Yamaha PSR-E383 is an ultra-budget keyboard that offers a surprising amount of educational value, making it an ideal entry point for those on a tight budget.
Specifications
Keys: 61 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys
Key action: Synth-action
Connectivity: USB-MIDI, headphone output, sustain pedal input
Voices: 650 built-in voices
Learning features: ‘Keys to Success’ lesson system, Duo mode
Reasons to buy
Extremely affordable with a huge number of voices
Portable and can be battery-powered for practice anywhere
Built-in lesson system provides a structured learning path
Things to consider
Unweighted keys will not build finger strength
Lacks the dynamic response and nuance of more expensive instruments
Casio CT-S1
The Casio CT-S1 takes an unconventional approach, prioritizing extreme portability and a simple interface while still delivering surprisingly sophisticated sounds for its weight class.
Specifications
Keys: 61 semi-weighted keys
Key action: Semi-weighted
Connectivity: USB-MIDI, optional Bluetooth
Voices: 61 voices
Features: AiX sound chip, built-in speaker system, guitar strap pin
Reasons to buy
Ultra-portable with a sleek, minimalist design
Semi-weighted keys offer more resistance than a typical budget keyboard
The AiX sound chip provides a surprisingly good sound for its size
Things to consider
Not a substitute for a full weighted piano feel
Lacks the complex features found on dedicated digital pianos
Yamaha YDP-145
The Yamaha YDP-145 is a console-style digital piano that encourages consistent practice by providing a furniture-grade instrument that feels at home in a dedicated practice space.
Specifications
Keys: 88 full-size, weighted keys
Key action: GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) action
Connectivity: USB
Sound engine: Pure CF piano samples
Cabinet: Console design with a three-pedal assembly and key cover
Reasons to buy
Its furniture-grade design encourages commitment to practice
GHS weighted action provides good resistance for building finger strength
The cabinet design affects sound in a way some players prefer
Things to consider
You are paying a premium for the cabinet
It is large and therefore could be difficult to move once assembled
Your questions, answered
Keyboard vs. digital piano: what's the key difference?
The fundamental difference lies in their purpose and physical design. Digital pianos are designed to be acoustic piano replacements. They almost always feature a full 88 weighted keys (often with hammer action) to accurately replicate the touch, feel, and dynamic range of a grand piano. They prioritize a few high-quality acoustic piano sounds over a large library of voices. Keyboards are built for versatility, portability, and feature-rich sound creation. They usually have fewer keys (often 61 or fewer), which are typically unweighted or semi-weighted. They come loaded with hundreds of extra sounds (synths, organs, drums), built-in rhythms, and are generally more compact, with many offering battery power for maximum mobility. While both instruments can be used to learn, the digital piano focuses on accurate feel, and the keyboard focuses on flexible features and sound variety.
What is the best age to start learning piano?
The best time to start learning piano is whenever the interest strikes - there is no magical optimal age to get a piano for beginners! If a child or an adult shows enthusiasm for the instrument, the most important thing is to encourage them.
However, the size of the player should inform the size of the instrument to ensure comfort and proper technique.
For young learners: Very young players often struggle with full-size keys and large instruments. We recommend starting with controllers that have 49 or 61 keys and lighter, synth-action keybeds. Overly stiff, fully-weighted keys can be challenging for children to navigate.
For beginner adults: Adults starting their journey with a digital piano for beginners can comfortably choose any key action based purely on their goals: go for weighted keys if you want to develop technique for an acoustic piano, or synth-action if your focus is on modern production and speed.
Ultimately, the goal is to reduce friction. Choose a keyboard for learning piano that fits the hands and matches the intent, ensuring your entire learning experience is fun and immediate.
What is the 80/20 rule in piano?
The 80/20 Rule, or the Pareto principle, is a concept often applied to piano practice that suggests 80% of your musical results come from 20% of your effort.
For a beginner digital piano student, this means being highly strategic with your time:
Instead of playing a piece straight through repeatedly, dedicate the majority of your practice time (80%) to the 20% of the music that you struggle with the most (the two or three difficult measures, a tricky chord change, or a quick scale passage).
Tools like the ROLI Learn app can help you identify this ‘difficult 20%’ by tracking your performance, showing you exactly which notes or sections need focused practice. It removes the guesswork, ensuring your time at the keyboard to learn piano is always productive and efficient.
What accessories do I need for my beginner’s keyboard?
Once you’ve chosen the perfect keyboard for beginners, adding a few key accessories is essential for comfort and technique. Think of these as vital upgrades for your creative space:
Stand: A sturdy keyboard stand is non-negotiable for stability. For large, semi-weighted instruments like the ROLI Piano, a double-braced stand offers the best security, ensuring your instrument is stable while you play with expression.
Bench/stool: Invest in an adjustable piano bench to guarantee correct playing posture. Proper height is crucial for developing good technique and preventing fatigue, allowing you to maximize practice time.
Headphones: A good pair of studio headphones is a must-have. They let you practice in silence, giving you a crystal-clear, focused sound of your instrument. This is vital for hearing the subtle nuances of expressive controls like MPE.
Carry case/protection: If you plan to take your instrument anywhere, protection is essential. For compact, modular devices like the Piano M, consider a durable option like the Piano M Snapcase for everyday travel. For larger instruments like the Seaboard 2, a premium soft case such as the Seaboard 2 Soft Case is ideal for safe transport.
Sustain pedal: Even if your beginner digital piano includes a basic pedal, upgrading to a dedicated, piano-style sustain pedal is highly recommended. It’s essential for musicality in nearly all styles of music, letting notes ring out and blend naturally.
Music stand: A dedicated music stand keeps your books, sheet music, or tablet (for the ROLI Learn app) at the correct eye level, further supporting good posture and focus during your learning sessions.
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