Best Keyboards for Beginners [2023 Review]

Striking the right chord with your musical journey often begins with a keyboard.

And, if you are looking for the best beginner keyboard – then you have come to the right place.

This guide is your stepping stone into the world of modern keyboards, whether you aspire to be a concert pianist, enjoy jamming out in your living room, or dream of creating your own melodies. We’ve scoured the market, examined the offerings, and hit every key to bring you our top picks of great beginner keyboards that strike the perfect balance between quality, price, and user-friendliness.

Rest assured, these keyboards have been handpicked to ensure they not only ignite your passion for music but also provide the tools to nurture and grow it.

Before we dive right in, we have a couple of important points to make that helped shape this guide – and which sets it apart from other keyboard review articles.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We firmly believe that beginner keyboard players should start their musical journey with semi-weighted or full-weighted keys to help match the feel of a real traditional piano. Using a light-weighted keyboard could hinder progression and cause mistakes when switching to the feel of a real piano. This is why most of our keyboard choices feature weighted keys because most low-cost digital pianos feel unnatural and cheap.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In your search for the best beginner keyboard you may come across a “MIDI keyboard” or “MIDI controller”. If you are looking for a keyboard that can produce sound out of the box – you do NOT want these options as they are not keyboards for beginners and do not produce any sound unless hooked up to a computer (that is, unless the keyboard offers both midi and normal keyboard functions).

So, now that we have covered those important notes (no pun intended), let’s embark on this harmonious journey together, one key at a time.

 

Product Overview

Let’s introduce a keyboard that brings the Yamaha legacy right into your living room – the Yamaha P71. This is among the selection of digital pianos that presents a beautiful blend of simplicity and performance, making it a top choice for beginners to play piano with a taste of professional sound quality.

 

Price Range
Falling within the mid-range of about $400-$500, the Yamaha P71 is a reasonably priced piano keyboard for the quality it offers. This keyboard aims to balance price and performance, making it a fantastic starting point for new pianists.

 

Key Features
The Yamaha P71 features 88 fully weighted piano-style keys that mimic the feel of an acoustic grand piano. These keys allow beginners to develop the right technique from the start. It also comes equipped with a sustain pedal to add depth and emotion to your playing.

The keyboard offers ten different voices, including digitally sampled tones from real Yamaha acoustic grand pianos, so you can experiment with various sounds and styles. Among a few features that stand out is the dual mode for combining two voices like grand piano and strings, which can broaden your musical canvas.

Alongside the instrument, you’ll receive a power adapter and sustain pedal. And with a slim design and a weight of just 25 lbs, the Yamaha P71 is easy to move and store – a bonus for those living in smaller spaces or on the move.

 

Suitability
Given its design and price point, the Yamaha P71 is suitable for beginners looking for an authentic piano experience. Its simplicity and focus on quality make it an excellent choice for those starting their musical journey or intermediate players looking for an affordable practice instrument.

 

User Reviews
The Yamaha P71 has received overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon. Many users love its authentic piano sound and feel, stating that it’s excellent for beginners and intermediate players. The slim design and ease of use are also highlighted as top features.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable price point for a full 88-key weighted digital piano
• Authentic sound sampled from real Yamaha grand pianos
• Compact and lightweight design

Cons:

• Limited to 10 voices, which might be a con for those looking for more sound variety
• Some users have reported the need for additional sustain pedals for more complex play

Specifications

Brand: Yamaha
Keys: 88 fully weighted keys
Voices: 10 digitally sampled voices
Extras: Power adapter, sustain pedal included
Weight: 25 lbs
User Feedback: Positive reviews praising its authentic sound, full 88-key range, and value for money
Best For: Beginners and intermediate players seeking a well-rounded option among affordable and reliable digital pianos

 

Final Verdict

All in all, the Yamaha P71 stands out as an exceptional choice for one of the best keyboards and digital pianos for new musicians. It combines Yamaha’s renowned sound engine with the feel of a real grand piano, all at a price point that won’t break the bank. It’s a fantastic instrument for any new pianist, and the portability is a bonus for those with limited space. Yamaha is a trusted name in the world of musical instruments, and the P71 is a shining example of why that’s the case.

Product Overview

Entering the stage with style, the Roland GO-88P is an entry-level choice among our list of keyboard pianos – and it doesn’t compromise on quality. Perfect for beginners and budding musicians, this keyboard is your ticket to the beautiful world of piano playing.

 

Price Range
The Roland GO-88P resides in the moderate price range, floating around $400-$500. It’s designed to deliver impressive piano sound and a wide range of features without breaking your budget.

 

Key Features
The Roland GO-88P boasts 88 full-size keys with box-shape design, which mimics the feel and response of an acoustic grand piano. Its keyboard also has touch response, so you can convey every nuance of your performance. Did we mention the built-in metronome?

While other keyboards may only have a handful of sounds, this keyboard comes loaded with an array of onboard instrument sounds derived from Roland’s professional synthesizers, offering a diverse palette of tones to play around with. From digital pianos and strings to organs and synths, you have a full ensemble under your fingertips.

This great digital piano includes Bluetooth connection for streaming audio from your smartphone or tablet, letting you jam along with your favorite tunes or lessons. And weighing just under 16 pounds, the GO-88P is perfect for musicians on the move.

 

Suitability
The Roland GO-88P is ideal for beginners and intermediate players seeking a balance between price, performance, and portability while they learn piano. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and perfect for those starting their musical journey.

 

User Reviews
On Amazon, users have highly praised the Roland GO-88P for its excellent sound tonality, variety of tones, and its lightweight and portable design. The Bluetooth feature is also a hit among users as it enhances the learning and playing experience.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable for a full-size 88-key digital piano
• High-quality instrument sounds derived from Roland’s professional synthesizers
• Portable and lightweight design
• Bluetooth connectivity

Cons:

• No onboard recording feature
• Some users wish for more advanced customization features

Specifications

Brand: Roland
Keys: 88 full-size keys with touch response
Voices: Wide variety of onboard sounds
Extras: Bluetooth connectivity
Weight: Less than 16 lbs
User Feedback: Positive reviews highlighting its great sound, variety of tones, and portability
Best For: Beginners and intermediate players seeking a versatile and user-friendly digital piano

 

Final Verdict

Summing up, the Roland GO-88P is an excellent entry-level digital piano that offers more than just the basics. It’s a solid choice among keyboards for beginners, providing a range of high-quality sounds and a full-size keyboard at an affordable price. Its portability and Bluetooth connectivity make it a modern and flexible choice for today’s musicians. With Roland’s reputable name behind it, the GO-88P promises quality and performance that will not disappoint and is considered one of the best beginner keyboards.

Product Overview

The Donner DEP-20 is a beginner digital piano that offers a full-size weighted keyboard without the full-size price tag. Designed with the aspiring pianist in mind, this keyboard makes playing piano both fun and affordable.

 

Price Range
The Donner DEP-20 falls in the budget-friendly price range, typically costing around $400. This keyboard offers excellent value, making it a great option for those seeking quality on a budget.

 

Key Features
The Donner DEP-20 features 88 fully-weighted keys that provide the feel of an acoustic piano. It’s equipped with 238 types of tones and 128 polyphony, allowing you to explore various styles of music.

The DEP-20 is loaded with additional features that enhance the playing experience. It comes with two high-quality speakers, a metronome, and a recording function that allows you to record your performances and track your progress.

This digital piano also features a headphone jack for silent practice and USB connectivity for music software interaction.

 

Suitability
With its range of features and affordable price, the Donner DEP-20 is a fantastic option for beginners or intermediate players. Its weighted keys make it an excellent choice for those wanting to develop correct piano technique.

 

User Reviews
Amazon users are fond of the DEP-20 for its affordability and wide range of features. Many have praised its weighted keys and the overall sound quality, claiming it gives more expensive models a run for their money.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Full-size weighted keys
• High-quality sound and wide range of tones
• Features like metronome and recording function

Cons:

• Some users have reported that the speakers could be better
• Some users have noted that the keys are somewhat heavy to touch

Specifications

Brand: Donner
Keys: 88 full-size weighted keys
Tones: 238 types of tones
Polyphony: 128 polyphony
Extras: Headphone jack, USB connectivity, metronome, and recording function
User Feedback: Positive reviews highlighting great value for money, weighted keys, and wide range of features
Best For: Beginners and intermediate players looking for an affordable yet versatile digital piano

 

Final Verdict

All in all, the Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano offers impressive features at an accessible price, making it an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate players. The weighted keys provide a realistic piano feel, while the variety of tones and features allow for creative expression. While it may not replace a grand piano, it offers a lot of bang for your buck and is a fantastic starting point for anyone beginning their piano journey.

Product Overview

The Alesis Melody 61 MKII is a 61-key portable keyboard that is perfect for beginners wanting to dive into the world of music. This compact keyboard is loaded with features that help to create a fantastic learning experience for any budding musician.

 

Price Range
Sitting comfortably in the budget-friendly category, the Alesis Melody 61 MKII typically retails at under $200, making it a steal for any beginner wanting to test the musical waters.

 

Key Features
The Alesis Melody 61 MKII boasts 61 responsive piano-style keys, 300 built-in tones, and a range of effects and features that make learning fun and interactive. It comes pre-loaded with 300 built-in tones, including digital pianos, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, mallets, guitars, synths, and even sound effects, creating endless possibilities for creativity.

The Alesis Melody 61 MKII also includes an easy-to-assemble keyboard stand, a bench with three adjustable height settings, headphones for private practice, a music rest, a power adapter, and even a microphone for singing along while you play.

 

Suitability
This keyboard is an excellent choice for beginners. The included lesson modes and the wide range of voices and rhythms will inspire creativity and make practicing enjoyable.

 

User Reviews
The Alesis Melody 61 MKII receives overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon. Users frequently mention the keyboard’s excellent value for money and the abundance of features that make learning fun.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Compact and portable
• Comes with a variety of accessories
• Includes 300 built-in tones

Cons:

• Some users reported the keys are not as responsive as they would like
• It’s not a full-sized keyboard

Specifications

Brand: Alesis
Keys: 61 piano-style keys
Tones: 300 built-in tones
Extras: Headphones, stand, bench, music rest, power adapter, and microphone
User Feedback: Very positive, with users highlighting the keyboard’s value for money and multitude of features
Best For: Beginners looking for a comprehensive, affordable, and fun introduction to keyboard playing
 

Final Verdict

In summary, the Alesis Melody 61 MKII is a versatile and feature-rich keyboard that offers excellent value for beginners. Its abundance of features and included accessories make it an all-in-one solution for anyone starting their musical journey. While it may not have the full range of a full-size keyboard, it certainly does not lack in variety and learning resources. This keyboard is a testament that a musical journey can start without breaking the bank.

Product Overview

The Yamaha P45 is an excellent full-sized, 88-key digital piano that comes from a well-established brand renowned for quality musical instruments. This digital piano blends simplicity, authenticity, and Yamaha’s trusted technology to provide a satisfying beginner keyboard experience.

 

Price Range
Priced in the upper mid-range, the Yamaha P45 typically sells for around $500-$550. This price is reflective of the brand’s reputation for quality and the high-grade features that this digital piano provides.

 

Key Features
The Yamaha P45 showcases 88 weighted keys that use Yamaha’s GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) Weighted Action, which replicates the feel of an acoustic piano by having a heavier touch in the low end and lighter touch in the high end.

It features ten instrument voices, including acoustic pianos, electric digital pianos, organs, and more. Also, it uses Yamaha’s AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) sampling to create deeper, richer, and more spacious sounds.

The bundle includes a power adapter, sustain pedal, and a music rest, all geared toward making your keyboard playing experience a breeze.

 

Suitability
Given its full-size keyboard with weighted keys and quality sound technology, the Yamaha P45 is ideal for beginners and intermediate players looking for a realistic piano experience.

 

User Reviews
The Yamaha P45 has garnered positive feedback on Amazon, with users appreciating the keyboard’s excellent sound quality, weighted keys, and the overall build quality of the instrument.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Full-sized keyboard with GHS Weighted Action
• Advanced Wave Memory sampling for better tone
• Comes from a well-established brand
• Compact and portable

Cons:

• Fewer voices and rhythms compared to other models at this price point

 

Specifications

Brand: Yamaha
Keys: 88 GHS weighted keys
Voices: 10 instrument voices
Extras: Power adapter, sustain pedal, music rest
User Feedback: Mostly positive, highlighting its superior sound and weighted keys
Best For: Beginners and intermediate players seeking a realistic piano experience

 

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Yamaha P45 is a reliable choice for a beginner keyboard. Despite offering fewer voices compared to some models, it shines in areas that matter most – authentic touch response, superior sound technology, and quality build. While it may require a bit more investment than other beginner keyboards, the Yamaha P45’s value and performance make it a worthy consideration for aspiring pianists.

Product Overview

The Casio Casiotone CT-S300 is a portable, feature-rich keyboard that’s designed for beginners and intermediate players. With a variety of tones, rhythms, and digital features, this keyboard offers excellent value for those seeking an all-around instrument.

 

Price Range
The Casio Casiotone CT-S300 is moderately priced, usually available for between $140-$160. This keyboard offers a combination of quality and affordability.

 

Key Features
The Casio CT-S300 features 61 full-size keys and boasts 400 AHL keyboard voices and 150 rhythms. It includes a pitch bend wheel for added expression during performances.

This keyboard can be connected to the Chordana Play app, which offers lessons and other educational resources. It comes with a built-in handle for easy transportation, making it suitable for musicians on the go.

 

Suitability
Thanks to its comprehensive features, the Casio Casiotone CT-S300 is ideal for beginners and intermediate players looking to enhance their skills. Its portability also makes it a great choice for musicians who need an instrument on the move.

 

User Reviews
Users on Amazon have given the Casio Casiotone CT-S300 favorable reviews, praising its sound quality, portability, and the Chordana Play app’s integration. Some users have noted that the built-in speakers could be more powerful.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Wide range of keyboard voices and rhythms
• Portability with a built-in handle
• Integrated with Chordana Play app

Cons:

• Some users have reported the built-in speakers could be more powerful

 

Specifications

Brand: Casio
Keys: 61 full-size keys
Extras: Pitch bend wheel, Chordana Play app compatibility
User Feedback: Mostly positive, with users praising its amazing sound and portability
Best For: Beginners and intermediate players seeking a portable, versatile keyboard

 

Final Verdict

The Casio Casiotone CT-S300 61-Key Portable Keyboard is a great choice for both beginners and intermediate players. It offers a range of keyboard voices and rhythms, pitch bend wheel for additional expression, and the ability to connect with the Chordana Play app for interactive learning. While the built-in speakers could be more robust, this keyboard’s overall functionality and affordability make it an excellent investment.

Product Overview

The RockJam 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano is a full-sized keyboard designed for beginners looking to make their foray into music. It combines a user-friendly interface with functionality, making it one of the best keyboards to start your musical journey.

 

Price Range
This beginner-friendly keyboard is priced affordably within the $200-$250 range, making it a cost-effective option for those new to the world of music.

 

Key Features
The RockJam digital piano features 88 full-sized, semi-weighted keys, offering a pleasant, responsive feel for a beginner player.

This keyboard boasts a vast array of features including ten unique voices, 10 demo songs, and multiple digital effects (Reverb and Chorus) to enhance your music.

Moreover, it includes exclusive content within the Simply Piano app (both iOS & Android) providing an interactive and fun way to learn. Other accessories include a sturdy stand for sheet music, a comfortable stool, and high-quality headphones.

 

Suitability
The RockJam 88-Key Keyboard, with its beginner-friendly features and budget-friendly price, is an ideal instrument for beginners or players on a budget.

 

User Reviews
Users on Amazon highly rate the RockJam digital piano, praising its value for money, quality of sound, and the inclusion of helpful learning resources.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Full-sized semi-weighted keys
• Comes with stand, stool, and headphones
• Access to Simply Piano app for interactive learning
• Multiple digital effects to enhance sound

Cons:

• Semi-weighted keys may not replicate the exact feel of an acoustic piano

 

Specifications

Brand: RockJam
Keys: 88 semi-weighted keys
Voices: 10 unique voices
Extras: Stand, stool, headphones, Simply Piano app content
User Feedback: Positive, praising its great value and helpful learning resources
Best For: Beginners seeking an affordable, feature-packed digital piano

 

Final Verdict

The RockJam 88-Key Beginner Digital Piano offers more than just an instrument. It’s an entire package for the aspiring pianist, complete with a digital keyboard, learning resources, and additional accessories. While the semi-weighted keys might not provide the exact feel of an acoustic piano, they are more than adequate for beginners. In short, this keyboard presents an excellent starting point for budding musicians, offering a blend of quality, affordability, and user-friendly features.

Product Overview

The Donner DEP-10 Beginner Digital Piano is an excellent instrument tailored to those taking their first steps into the world of music. With its weighted keys and beginner-friendly features, this digital piano provides an authentic playing experience coupled with a wealth of learning resources.

 

Price Range
This digital piano fits comfortably into the mid-range price bracket, with a tag of around $350-$400. It offers a wealth of features for its price, proving a worthwhile investment for budding pianists.

 

Key Features
The DEP-10 boasts 88 fully-weighted keys, providing a rich, dynamic response that closely emulates the touch of an acoustic piano. It comes equipped with 7 unique tones, allowing players to explore a variety of sounds.

This piano offers a plethora of features, including 128 polyphony, a dual-tone mode for combining two voices, and a recording function to track your progress. It even comes with a built-in stereo speaker system, delivering crystal-clear, room-filling sound.

Unlike most digital pianos, this also included are MIDI capabilities, allowing you to connect the piano to your computer for advanced music production needs. (But is not ONLY limited to a MIDI keyboard).

 

Suitability
Given its fully weighted keys and a range of sound options, this piano is best suited to beginner and intermediate players looking to experience an authentic piano feel.

 

User Reviews
Users on Amazon commend the Donner DEP-10 for its weighted keys, sound quality, and comprehensive features. Its MIDI functionality is a standout feature, as it adds a new dimension of versatility to this piano.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• 88 fully-weighted keys for an authentic piano feel
• Wide variety of tones
• MIDI connectivity
• Recording function

Cons:

• Some users have noted the speakers may not be the strongest

 

Specifications

Brand: Donner
Keys: 88 fully-weighted keys
Voices: 7 unique voices
Extras: MIDI Connectivity, built-in speakers, recording function
User Feedback: Positive, emphasizing its great value and range of features
Best For: Beginners and intermediate players seeking a versatile digital piano sound with an authentic feel

 

Final Verdict

The Donner DEP-10 Beginner Digital Piano is a great choice for those starting their musical journey. Its fully weighted keys and range of voices offer a genuine piano experience, while the additional features like recording function and MIDI connectivity add versatility. This piano offers good value for its price and serves as an excellent tool for learning and advancing piano skills.

Product Overview

Offering a perfect blend of performance and value, the Roland FP-10 88-Key Entry-Level Digital Piano provides a substantial introduction for new musicians. Known for their high-quality instruments, Roland has designed this good digital piano to bring their advanced technology to beginners.

 

Price Range
The Roland FP-10 comes in the mid-range price category, with a typical price around $500-$550. Given the excellent features it offers and Roland’s reputation for quality, it represents good value for the price.

 

Key Features
The Roland FP-10 boasts 88 full-size fully weighted keys, offering a rich and expressive playing experience. The keys come with Roland’s PHA-4 Standard keyboard, providing an incredibly sensitive touch to capture every nuance of your playing.

Equipped with Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano technology as a sound engine, it delivers an exceptional real piano tone that feels expressive and alive. Additionally, the FP-10 includes built-in speakers, headphone output for quiet practice, and Bluetooth MIDI for wireless connection to popular apps on your smartphone or tablet.

The piano also offers dual, split, and twin piano modes for different playing styles.

 

Suitability
Given its professional-grade features and sensitive keyboard, the Roland FP-10 is suitable for beginners looking to start their musical journey with a high-quality instrument.

 

User Reviews
The Roland FP-10 enjoys high praise from Amazon users for its superior touch response and the natural piano sound, along with its sleek design. Many users appreciate the Bluetooth MIDI functionality, stating it’s a great feature for beginners.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• 88 full-size fully weighted keys
• SuperNATURAL Piano technology
• Bluetooth MIDI connectivity
• Dual, split, and twin piano modes

Cons:

• Some users have reported that the built-in speakers could be more powerful

 

Specifications

Brand: Roland
Keys: 88 fully-weighted keys
Extras: Bluetooth MIDI, built-in speakers, headphone output
User Feedback: Very positive, with particular mention of touch response and tonality
Best For: Beginners looking for a high-quality instrument with professional-grade features

 

Final Verdict

The Roland FP-10 88-Key Entry-Level Digital Piano is a fantastic choice for beginners. The instrument offers a quality piano experience, thanks to Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano technology and PHA-4 Standard keyboard. With added features such as Bluetooth MIDI connectivity and multiple playing modes, it stands out as an exceptional value for the price. It’s a great investment for those committed to learning the piano.

Product Overview

The Casio Casiotone CT-S200 is a 61-Key Portable Keyboard designed to offer both simplicity and versatility to beginners. With a convenient and portable design coupled with a host of interactive features, it makes for an excellent starting point for aspiring pianists.

 

Price Range
Falling in the affordable price bracket, the Casio Casiotone CT-S200 typically retails between $115-$135. It represents excellent value for those looking for an entry-level instrument.

 

Key Features
The Casio Casiotone CT-S200 comes with 61 full-size keys, a pitch bend wheel, and is loaded with 400 tones and 77 rhythms. It has a built-in carry handle and can be powered by either AC adapter or batteries for portability.

The CT-S200 offers features such as a Dance Music Mode allowing you to create and remix electronic dance music quickly and easily. Additionally, it connects to the Chordana Play app for added functionality and learning resources.

 

Suitability
With its easy-to-use interface, compact design, and affordable price, the Casio Casiotone CT-S200 is an excellent fit for beginners, particularly those interested in portable and versatile keyboards.

 

User Reviews
The Casio Casiotone CT-S200 has received positive reviews from Amazon customers, who praise its portable design and value for money. The variety of tones and rhythms are also highlighted, with many users appreciating the interactive features offered.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• 61 full-size keys
• Portable with a built-in handle
• 400 tones and 77 rhythms
• Dance Music Mode

Cons:

• Some users have reported that the sound quality could be better

 

Specifications

Brand: Casio
Keys: 61 full-size keys
Extras: Pitch bend wheel, Dance Music Mode, Chordana Play app compatibility
User Feedback: Generally positive, highlighting its portability and versatility
Best For: Beginners interested in a versatile keyboard

 

Final Verdict

The Casio Casiotone CT-S200 61-Key Portable Keyboard stands out as an excellent choice for beginners. Its features make it a fun and interactive tool for learning, with a price point that makes it accessible for most. If portability and versatility are high on your priority list, the CT-S200 is a worthy investment.

Product Overview

The Yamaha YPT270 is a user-friendly, versatile keyboard designed to help beginner musicians learn and practice their craft. This model is packed with useful features and digital controls, making it a solid choice for novices seeking a comprehensive starter instrument.

 

Price Range
The Yamaha YPT270 Portable Keyboard generally ranges in price from $130 to $150. Given its extensive range of features and the brand’s reputation for quality, this instrument offers solid value for money.

 

Key Features
The Yamaha YPT270 features 61 full-sized keys, 400 instrument voices, and 130 auto accompaniment styles. With a Duo Mode, it’s perfect for collaborative playing or teaching scenarios.

The model also incorporates Yamaha’s Education Suite (Y.E.S.), which provides interactive lessons and exercises for beginners. Additionally, it offers a USB-to-host port for easy connectivity to smart devices or computers.

 

Suitability
The Yamaha YPT270 is well-suited for beginners and those in the early stages of learning to play the keyboard. With its educational features and user-friendly design, it helps newcomers develop their skills in a structured, supportive way.

 

User Reviews
Users have generally given the Yamaha YPT270 positive reviews. Many appreciate its range of features and the Yamaha Education Suite’s benefits. However, some users note that the keys are not touch-sensitive, which could be a limitation for more advanced players.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extensive selection of instrument voices and auto accompaniment styles
• Duo mode for simultaneous two-player practice
• Includes Yamaha Education Suite for interactive learning

Cons:

• Keys are not touch-sensitive

 

Specifications

Brand: Yamaha
Keys: 61 full-size keys
Extras: Duo mode, Yamaha Education Suite, USB-to-host port
User Feedback: Generally positive, with praise for its feature set and interactive lessons
Best For: Beginners and early intermediate players

 

Final Verdict

The Yamaha YPT270 61-Key Portable Keyboard offers a great deal of functionality for beginners. Its robust selection of instrument voices, auto accompaniment styles, and interactive educational tools make it a smart choice for those starting their musical journey. Overall, this is one of the best keyboards for beginners and provides excellent value for its price.

Not only that, but Yamaha is a popular brand name and is known to create some of the best keyboard pianos.

Product Overview

The Yamaha PSR-EW310 is a highly versatile, feature-packed keyboard suitable for beginners and intermediate players. Equipped with an expansive set of functions and a larger key range, this instrument enables learners to experience a broad spectrum of sounds and styles.

 

Price Range
The Yamaha PSR-EW310 Portable Keyboard typically costs between $270 and $300. The instrument’s rich functionality and Yamaha’s renowned quality make it a worthy investment for those serious about their musical development.

 

Key Features
The Yamaha PSR-EW310 boasts 76 touch-sensitive keys, providing a more extensive range and a more expressive playing experience than many beginner keyboards. It comes with 622 high-quality instrument voices and 205 backing styles, delivering an array of sounds and accompaniment options.

Furthermore, the PSR-EW310 features a Lesson Mode with three types of lessons, a chord dictionary, and a recording function. It also includes a USB to HOST port for connecting to computers and smart devices.

 

Suitability
This keyboard is suitable for beginners to intermediate players seeking a more extensive range of keys and enhanced touch-sensitivity. The onboard lessons and comprehensive feature set support learners at various stages.

 

User Reviews
User reviews for the Yamaha PSR-EW310 are mostly positive. Customers praise the keyboard’s excellent sound, wide range of voices and styles, and the touch-sensitive keys. Some users have remarked that the stand could be sturdier.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Broad key range with 76 touch-sensitive keys
• Extensive selection of voices and styles
• Useful learning features, including Lesson Mode and a chord dictionary

Cons:

• The stand could be sturdier

 

Specifications

Brand: Yamaha
Keys: 76 touch-sensitive keys
Extras: Lesson Mode, chord dictionary, recording function, USB-to-HOST port
User Feedback: Mostly positive, with praise for its broad key range and expressive playability
Best For: Beginners to intermediate players

 

Final Verdict

The Yamaha PSR-EW310 76-Key Portable Keyboard is a fantastic instrument for learners seeking a more extensive key range and enhanced expressiveness. It offers a wide range of voices and styles and supportive learning features, providing a solid platform for musical growth. While some users have pointed out the stand’s sturdiness, overall, the keyboard’s benefits far outweigh its drawbacks.

Product Overview

The Starfavor 88-Key Beginner Electric Piano Keyboard is a full-sized, semi-weighted instrument ideal for those starting their musical journey. It provides an excellent balance between functionality, affordability, and performance quality.

 

Price Range
The Starfavor 88-Key Keyboard typically costs between $220 and $260. Given its full-sized key set and host of features, it offers excellent value for money.

 

Key Features
This solid keyboard provides 88 semi-weighted keys for a realistic playing experience. Unlike most keyboards, it offers a plethora of features, including 500 tones, 300 rhythms, and 40 favorite songs. The keyboard includes a dual keyboard function, loop mix function, and metronome – making it a great learning tool.

Additionally, it features a convenient digital screen and buttons for easy sound, rhythm, and demo song selection. The same keyboard also includes a record and playback function.

 

Suitability
This keyboard is well-suited for beginners, with features like a dual keyboard function and metronome that are especially helpful for new players. Additionally, the vast range of tones and rhythms offers plenty of room for exploration and growth.

 

User Reviews
User reviews for the Starfavor 88-Key Keyboard are overwhelmingly positive. Customers appreciate the keyboard’s excellent value, great tone, and helpful learning features. However, some users have reported that the volume is somewhat low.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• 88 semi-weighted keys provide a realistic playing experience
• Large number of tones, rhythms, and demo songs
• Helpful learning features like dual keyboard function and metronome

Cons:

• Some users have reported that the volume is somewhat low
• Not a popular brand name

 

Specifications

Brand: Starfavor
Keys: 88 semi-weighted keys
Extras: Dual keyboard function, metronome, record and playback function
User Feedback: Mostly positive, with praise for its value and wide range of features
Best For: Beginners

 

Final Verdict

The Starfavor 88-Key Beginner Electric Piano Keyboard is a fantastic choice for beginners. It offers a wealth of features that can aid learning and encourage musical exploration. Though some users have pointed out a lower volume level, this minor concern is outweighed by the keyboard’s overall benefits and exceptional value.

 

Product Overview

The Donner DEP-45 Beginner Digital Piano is a well-rounded instrument ideal for those starting to explore their musical potential. It features a full 88 key, fully weighted keyboard with touch-sensitive keys that allow expressive playing.

 

Price Range
The Donner DEP-45 typically costs between $300 and $350. Considering the fully weighted keys and wealth of features it offers, it presents excellent value.

 

Key Features
This digital piano includes 88 fully weighted keys, providing a realistic and sensitive touch. It offers a large sound selection with 235 voices, 225 rhythms, and can play songs itself, enabling a broad range of musical exploration. These sounds include acoustic piano, electric pianos, and organ sounds. It also features a dual-tone mode for combining two voices together.

Furthermore, the DEP-45 includes built-in speakers, a music stand, and a headphone jack for silent practice. A sustain pedal and keyboard cover are also included.

 

Suitability
With its fully weighted keys and rich feature set, the Donner DEP-45 is perfect for beginners and intermediate players alike. The diverse voices, rhythms, and demo songs provide plenty of room for growth.

 

User Reviews
User reviews are generally positive, praising the keyboard’s quality, sound, and value. Some users, however, have reported issues with the sustain pedal and audio quality when using headphones.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fully weighted, touch-sensitive keys
• Large number of voices, rhythms, and demo songs
• Includes sustain pedal and keyboard cover

Cons:

• Some users report issues with sustain pedal
• Some reports of subpar audio quality when using headphones

 

Specifications

Brand: Donner
Keys: 88 fully weighted keys
Extras: Dual-tone mode, built-in speakers, headphone jack, sustain pedal, keyboard cover
User Feedback: Mostly positive, with some concerns about the sustain pedal and headphone audio
Best For: Beginners to intermediate players

 

Final Verdict

The Donner DEP-45 Beginner Digital Piano is a versatile and valuable tool for new and growing musicians. Unlike many digital pianos, it boasts a full set of 88 weighted keys and a vast range of voices and rhythms to inspire creativity. Although there are minor concerns with the sustain pedal and headphone audio, these do not detract significantly from the piano’s overall high-quality experience and value.

Product Overview

The Hamzer 61-Key Portable Electronic Keyboard Piano is a highly-rated, versatile instrument perfect for beginner musicians. This feature-packed keyboard offers an impressive range of sounds, rhythms, and functions to help you learn and grow as a musician.

 

Price Range: Under $100

 

Key Features

• 61-Key Lighting Keyboard: Helps beginners to learn and play music with ease.
• Variety of Tones and Rhythms: Offers 255 timbres, 255 rhythms, and 61 keyboard percussions.
• Integrated Learning System: Equipped with 50 demonstration songs, record and playback functionality.
• Versatile Use: Comes with a stand, bench, headphones, and a microphone.

 

Suitability

The Hamzer 61-Key Portable Electronic Keyboard Piano is suitable for beginners and intermediate players who are seeking a versatile and easy-to-use instrument. With light-up keys and an integrated learning system, it’s especially suitable for learners who prefer visual learning.

 

User Reviews

Users appreciate the keyboard’s light-up keys, which makes learning new songs more interactive and enjoyable. They also praised the variety of tones and rhythms, allowing for endless creativity. Some users, however, mentioned that the stand is not as stable as they would like.

 

PROS AND CONS

Pros:

• Light-up keys aid in learning
• Wide variety of tones and rhythms
• Integrated learning system
• Good value for money

Cons:

• Stand may lack stability
• The sound quality may not meet the expectations of more experienced players.
• The actual piano sound might not be as impressive

 

Specifications

• Keyboard Size: 33.5 x 13 x 4.7 inches
• Number of Keys: 61
• Included Accessories: Stand, Stool, Headphones, Microphone

 

Final Verdict

The Hamzer 61-Key Portable Electronic Keyboard is a solid choice for those looking to start their musical journey. Unlike the other keyboards, it features light up keys to help you learn traditional piano. Its range of features and affordability make it an excellent option for beginners. However, more experienced players may want to consider higher-end keyboards for more advanced features and better acoustic piano sound.

Conclusion

After thorough review and analysis, we’ve selected the top keyboards for beginners based on various needs and preferences.

 

Top Choice Keyboard for a Budget

When it comes to finding an affordable option without compromising on essential features, the Alesis Melody 61 MKII comes out on top. It offers a variety of voices and rhythms, and the addition of headphones and a microphone at an unbeatable price point makes it a fantastic choice for beginners on a budget.

 

Top Choice Keyboard for Progression

For those looking to progress in their musical journey, the Roland FP-10 88-Key Entry-Level Digital Piano offers the best value. It provides fully weighted keys for a realistic feel and high-quality sound, aiding in the development of proper technique and expressive playing. Moreover, its Bluetooth MIDI functionality provides access to a range of educational apps that can support progression in playing skills.

 

Top Choice Keyboard Overall

Taking into account factors such as cost, features, and user feedback, our top choice overall is the Yamaha P45 88-Key Weighted Digital Piano. With its full set of weighted keys, high-quality sound, and user-friendly design, it offers a balanced combination of affordability, functionality, and quality that will serve beginners and intermediate players alike.

Choosing the right keyboards for beginners ultimately depends on individual needs, preferences, and budget. Still, these top choices provide a valuable starting point in your search for the perfect beginner keyboard. Remember, the best instrument is the one that inspires you to play and create music.