Best Budget Keyboard Pianos Reviews (Under Different Budgets)

As a beginner, when starting your journey as a musician, your main aim is to get an instrument, like in this case – a piano for practicing purposes. And that’s okay.

But if you choose to take a blind approach when buying your first piano, you may end with an instrument that doesn’t solve your needs. So you have to consider several things.

One of them is your budget. Before you purchase any piano, the first question the salesperson will ask you is how much money you plan on using. Once you answer that question, they’ll recommend you to the best instruments within your budget.

Let’s say you want a beginner keyboard piano. Which one should you pick?

Today, we thought about making life easy for beginners who want to know the best instruments to pick. We are going to highlight the ten best keyboard pianos. And you know what? We’ve divided them into three budget categories, under 300, under 500, and 1000.

So, let’s get started.

Best Budget Keyboard Pianos Reviews

Under 300

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Anything at this level is a beginner keyboard. However, we have keyboard pianos that really sound good. Here are the three best options you should consider choosing.

1. Alesis Recital | 88 Key Beginner Digital Piano

The Alesis Recital digital piano is an ideal gift for any beginner. Here’s why you are going to love it.

Semi-weighted keys

As a beginner, even though a beginner instrument is what you need, getting a keyboard with 88 keys is what most experts recommend. The Alesis Recital keyboard piano features 88 semi-weighted keys.

On the board, you’ll find dedicated buttons for the metronome, effects, demo songs, lessons, piano sounds, electric sounds, synths, and organs. You’ll also get an assignable pedal when you buy this keyboard.

Clear sound

We had to listen to this keyboard, and for sure, this keyboard doesn’t sound like a beginner keyboard. The grand piano sound is quite realistic, and we believe that it’s a 128 polyphony. Therefore, it doesn’t drop any notes when you play.

Apart from that, the player can add some effects like chorus and reverb. The speakers are audible; you can hear them from a distance.

Connectivity

The Alesis Recital comes with several connectivity capabilities. You can connect your PC or Mac via the USB/MIDI port. If you want to practice silently, you can also connect your headphones via the headphone port available. And if you are with a teacher, you can use the split function on the keyboard to enable simultaneous playing.

Pros
  • The keyboard is portable
  • Features semi-weighted keys
  • Comes with everything you need to start playing outside the box
  • Provides three-month subscriptions for online lessons
  • The manufacturer offers a music stand to place your sheets
Cons
  • You’ll have to buy the stand separately
  • Some players would prefer a full weighted key

2. YAMAHA PSR-EW300

The Yamaha PSR-EW300 is one of the best keyboards you’ll find in the market. We dug deep to find out more about this keyboard, and here’s what we found.

Right out of the box

The keyboard piano has a simple yet fascinating look. Its matte color on the chassis adds to the elegance that you require for your décor.

It features 76 semi-weighted keys. On the panel, you’ll find a host of dedicated buttons to change the menu to your preference. Some of the settings included in this instrument are 574 voices, 154 preset songs, 165 styles, and many other instrument voices.

When you buy this keyboard, you’ll receive an X-stand and a power adapter. Therefore, it’s ready to play outside the box.

An expressive piano

The PSR-EW300 may not be an 88 key-keyboard. However, what you can be sure about this piano is that it sounds are realistic. Its grand piano voice is suitable for a beginner, but it’s something that even a professional would enjoy playing since it comes with touch sensitivity.

We also noted that the keyboard is a 48-note polyphony, which makes it a suitable beginner keyboard for anyone who would love to learn piano on a keyboard that sounds good.

Not just for practice

Although this piano is ideal for practice, many musicians may use it for performances and band rehearsals. Hence, the instrument can adapt in many musical situations, even though it’s a beginner instrument.

Note that it comes with a USB MIDI to connect your USB drives, a transpose button, recording, demo songs, and many other features that the player needs to explore.

Pros
  • Elegant keyboard
  • Comes with a stand
  • Comes with every feature you need to start playing outside the box
  • Semi-weighted keys
  • Adapts to various musical settings
Cons
  • You may not be able to connect the keyboard to your laptop
  • Few keys to play on

3. Williams Legato Piano

If you are looking for a beginner keyboard piano that is as versatile as it can get, here is the Williams Legato piano. It comes with excellent features that beginners and intermediate pianists may like.

Talk of convenience

What we loved about this piano is that it brings all levels of convenience to the player. As in, it starts with portability. You can be sure that you can carry the piano wherever you go.

Secondly, it’s convenient for the beginning instrumentalist, since it comes with 88 keys, and they are semi-weighted. So if you don’t like weighted keys, this piano is worth buying it.

Nonetheless, the keyboard doesn’t come with a stand, power adapter, and sustain pedal. You’ll have to buy them separately.

Exceptional sound

For the sound, we can appreciate the work that this brand did to bring an affordable instrument for beginners. If you are familiar with William pianos, you’ll notice that their keyboards have a realistic grand piano sound. This is not any different.

The sound is superb. You can also add some effects (reverb and chorus) and change the instrument voice to electric piano, organ, synth, and bass.

For practice and performance

The William Legato piano is an ideal instrument for practice, silently practicing duets via split function, layering, and performances. The keyboard will not shame you if you choose to use it on stage. It functions well, and if you would like to access more voices, there’s a USB MIDI port to connect your PC, Mac, and USB drive.

Pros
  • Versatile
  • Comes with touch sensitivity
  • Super portable
  • You can control each voice individually when layering
  • Loudspeakers
Cons
  • The bundle doesn’t come with a power adapter, sustain pedal, and stand; hence, you’ll have to spend more on these accessories

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Under 500

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For those intermediate pianists (or even beginners still) who want an instrument that they can practice with, play with, and even use it for performances, here are the top four instruments to choose from.

1. Roland FP-10 Digital Keyboard

As a pianist, any time you see any piano from Roland, you’d better go and try it. The FP-10 is an instrument that you’ll use for years, even after you advance. Here’s why.

Versatile instrument

Once you lay your eyes on the FP-10, I can assure you that you’ll fall in love with it. The keyboard comes with 88 keys, full-weighted, and an easy-to-use panel. As a beginner, you can be sure that you’ll be having an easy time using this keyboard.

With this bundle, you have two options. You can go for the portable option, with no stand. Alternatively, you can ask for the classical stand, which gives your piano that classic acoustic piano vibe.

Also, with the FP-10, you’ll get DSP-2 sustain pedal and a power adapter. You also get access to Skoove online lessons, where you can learn a few things like holding chords, notes, and playing songs.

Supernatural sound

Beginners who want to know how the acoustic piano sounds should buy this piano. Roland sampled the piano notes from the best acoustic pianos and combined it with a supernatural sound engine, making the sound realistic.

We also noted that the keyboard has the touch sensitivity, which adds a bit of expression when playing. And note that the speakers are loud and provide authentic sounds. If you want to use the headphones, we can assure you that the sound quality remains the same, no compromise at all.

Connectivity options

Since the piano doesn’t have any additional voices other than the keyboard, you can access any other voice that you’d like using Roland free piano Partner 2 app. Simply connect your pc or smart device via Bluetooth option or the USB MIDI option.

Apart from that, the keyboard has split and layering options. Therefore, it fits into any music environment, which is an inspiration that most musicians want.

Pros
  • Portable
  • The bundle comes with all the accessories you need to start playing out of the box
  • 88 weighted keys
  • Simple to use
  • Versatile
  • Bluetooth and USB MIDI connectivity options
Cons
  • Doesn’t have inbuilt instrument voices, other than the piano

2. Artesia PA-88W Digital Piano

At first glance, the Artesia PA-88W may look like any other beginner keyboard piano. But surprisingly, it has more to offer players.

Lightweight design

One of the notable features is its slim design. You can carry the instrument wherever you go, whether it’s a music class or performance.

The keyboard features 88 keys, full-weighted, onboard speakers, an easy-to-use panel, and other inbuilt technologies that contribute to the sound of this piano.

Once you buy this bundle, you get a sustain pedal, a music stand, and a power adapter. Hence, you can play this keyboard piano right out of the box.

Deep and expressive

The Artesia PA-88W allows the pianist to explore different musical expressiveness. Its grand piano voice is quite exceptional. You can also change the touch sensitivity to hard or soft.

We also listened to the sound that the onboard speakers produces. They are loud and have an added stereo effect, which provides that natural piano feel.

Other qualities include three layering options, additional instrument voices and effects such as reverb and chorus.

Get the most of your instrument

Because of its sound, you can be sure that you can use it in different musical environments. It’s ideal for practice and performance.

If you’d like to explore other instrumental qualities and voices, you can connect your smart devices via the USB MIDI. From there, you can learn and play around with the settings via any music app.

Pros
  • Touch sensitivity
  • 88 full-weighted keys
  • Portable
  • Comes with a power adapter and a sustain pedal
  • Adapts to different musical settings
Cons
  • Doesn’t come with a stand
  • Some users complain about the keys not being sturdy

3. Korg B2 Digital Piano

If you are an intermediate pianist that loves to explore different music genres, then any Korg piano is an excellent instrument to buy.

Introducing the Korg B2

The B2 presents a beginner-friendly and affordable piano for beginners. It features 88 keys, full-weighted keys, a simple panel, and an elegant looking speaker panel that runs across the board.

In short, the keyboard piano is elegant.

When you buy this bundle, you also receive a power adapter, a damper pedal, and music rest.

Next level music

If you would like to play as the pros do, it should start with the B2. The piano comes with 12 sounds, and the grand piano sounds are sampled note by note from the best acoustic pianos you’ll find in the market. It also comes with touch sensitivity to enhance playability as much as possible.

Other instrument voices you’ll find on this piano include harpsichord, strings, organs, and the electric piano. For the sound, you can use the inbuilt speakers, or you can use headphones.

Enhance your creativity

Pianists that love to play different genres and would love an instrument that adapts to these numerous changes, the Korg B2 should be your go-to piano. We also noticed that you could access other voices if you connect the keyboard to your computer or smart device via the USB MIDI.

Pros
  • Portable
  • Full weighted
  • The manufacturer sampled grand piano sounds from the best grand pianos
  • Comes with an added damper pedal for added effect while playing
  • Features a learning software via the app
Cons
  • Doesn’t come with a stand

4. Yamaha P45 Digital Piano

Yamaha has been one of the most competitive brands when it comes to producing the best musical instruments. The Yamaha P45 is an affordable keyboard piano ideal for beginners. Here’s why you’ll love it.

Elegance in this instrument

Primarily, the P45 comes with 88 keys. They have the graded hammer scale, which means that the lower keys are heavier than those on the higher octaves.

The keyboard piano also features inbuilt speakers and a simple, but beginner control panel. Unfortunately, you’ll have to buy the accessories you need separately. Hence, it might not be ready to play out of the box.

When it comes to sound

According to Yamaha, this is the most affordable digital keyboard in the P series. Because of this, we had to test the sound to know what if offers to players. We can confirm that the sound is superb since Yamaha sampled the grand piano sounds from the best Yamaha grand concert pianos.

The piano also comes with a new technology that brings out the natural piano sound in stereo.

Connectivity

The piano comes with just inbuilt sound, which is the grand piano. However, if you want to access other instrument voices, you can connect the piano via USB MIDI port. You can also use the app to learn and configure your settings to your liking.

Pros
  • Features the graded hammer action
  • Sounds realistic
  • Easy to use control panel
  • Light and portable
Cons
  • It doesn’t have other inbuilt sounds. Only the grand piano is available

Under 1000

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Any keyboard under this range may have added qualities that all the other ones in the previous categories might miss. These pianos are also beginner keyboards, but professionals may also use them for rehearsals, performances, and practices. Here are our best three options.

1. Yamaha DGX-660 Grand Digital Piano

The Yamaha DGX-660 is a fan favorite for most pianists nowadays. It comes from a reputable brand, but it also provides the player with an environment that he or she can enjoy.

Ready to play out of the box

When you buy this bundle, you’ll receive everything that you need to start playing immediately. These accessories include a music rest, keyboard stand, a matching bench with storage, a dust cover, a power adapter, and a sustain pedal.

The keyboard features 88 full weighted keys. Yamaha used the graded hammer standard to ensure that your piano playing experience is real, and that’s at an affordable price.

Sounds professional

The DGX-660 features several sounds other than the grand piano. You can access other instrument voices, including different electric piano voices, organs, different piano sounds, drum rhythms, recorded demos, and many other settings.

Also, players can compose and record their songs using, still, the keyboard.

Inspires you every day

If you are looking for an instrument that will inspire you to play and advance your skills every day, the DGX-660 is where you should start. The keyboard piano is easy to use, and you can connect your pc, mac, or smart devices via the USB MIDI, other instruments, and a microphone, too.

Pros
  • Comes with the tools you need to start playing immediately
  • Features 88 full weighted keys
  • A reliable and easy-to-use panel
  • Comes with playback features
  • Sampled sounds from the acoustic piano
Cons
  • Some users had problems assembling the bench
  • The keyboard’s chassis is plastic

2. Yamaha P125 Digital Piano

For players that would love to invest in a keyboard piano that operates like the acoustic piano, here’s the Yamaha P125.

Sleek and slim design

The digital piano is a portable instrument that you can carry for your performances. At home, it won’t consume much space since it has a slim design. Hence, if you have a small space in your apartment, this keyboard will fit in it effortlessly.

When you buy this keyboard, you’ll get an optional stand, a power adapter, a matching bench, and a sustain pedal. The keyboard itself comes with 88 Graded hammer keys, onboard speakers, a music rest, and a control panel with dedicated buttons.

Dynamic, high-quality sound

Most pianists appreciate the work that Yamaha did in coming up with the P125. The grand piano sounds, which is the voice that most pianists love, is realistic. Yamaha sampled the notes from the renowned Yamaha CIIIF concert grand piano.

The player can also express his musicality since it comes with an added touch sensitivity setting.

We took the time to listen to the onboard speakers, and for sure, they didn’t disappoint. The Pure CF sound engine used ensures that the sound remains authentic and uncompromised, regardless of the environment.

Other qualities include a damper effect, reverb, and chorus that are included in the keyboard.

Focus on playing

As a player, you’d love something that you can use in almost all settings. The P125 will stand out in any performance since it comes with a superb design, and the player can enjoy different instrument voices and styles installed on this keyboard.

If you want access to more features and voices, the player can also connect the keyboard to their pc or mac.

Pros
  • Slim design; hence, doesn’t consume space
  • Full weight keys
  • 192 polyphony
  • Comes with split and layering options
  • Features up to 21 demo songs
  • USB connectivity allows you to access the smart app
Cons
  • Doesn’t have a display screen

3. KORG SP-280 BK Digital Piano

Of course, we all know that Korg is excellent when it comes to inventing the best electric pianos. So we wouldn’t want to finish this list without mentioning one of their best keyboard pianos under 1000, the Korg SP-280.

Stylish

The Korg sp-280 comes in a sturdy chassis, which features 88 keys with natural weighted hammer action. It also comes with a panel, with numerous settings that the player can explore, two onboard speakers, and a small display screen.

Its panel comes with different piano voices, styles, effects, demo songs, and drum patterns. Other accessories you’ll receive with this piano include a sustain pedal, power adapter, and a pair of headphones for silent practicing.

Enjoyable to play

The Korg SP-280 features natural piano sounds sampled from the best concert grand pianos in the market. Apart from that, the keyboard piano features other electric piano sounds and other instrument voices.

We listened to the onboard speakers, and they were loud. The sound they relay is full and high quality since Korg included a stereo piano system to facilitate this.

Perfect for live performances

The Korg- SP280 is not just an instrument that you’ll use at home. Many pianists will carry it for live performances, and band rehearsals since the piano will fit into any musical setting and genre. Note that beginners will enjoy using this instrument since it has all the functions necessary for them to start using it right out of the box.

Pros
  • Features inbuilt effects to enhance your playing experience
  • Comes with 30 demo songs
  • The pianists are a 120 polyphony
  • Has the touch sensitivity to improve your playing experience
  • The sustain pedal is suitable for most professional pianists
Cons
  • Some users complained that the stand was not sturdy
  • With large sustain pedal as this one, they don’t stick in one position; however, you can solve this problem by placing a wooden plank at the bottom of the pedal

Final Words

Selecting the best keyboard piano out of hundreds of options available in this niche can be a daunting task. However, if you really want to take the best keyboard home, you’ll have to listen to how each sounds. You can test it, or you can watch different reviews online.

As we picked the best in all the three categories, we had to consider how each sounded.

Note also that each piano we highlight in this article can adapt to any genre. Hence, each piano might be relevant to you in terms of playing style and sound ability, even if you would like to change your playing style.

About Traci Schroeder

At KBonet, she’s our music & sounds expert. Traci has dived deep into the worlds of instruments, uncovering the very best in composing music, song writing, sound designing and more — all with an eye towards practicality and affordability.

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