There are many digital keyboards on the market, but you may want more of a traditional piano-style instrument. A lot of keyboards don’t have a full set of keys, and this can be quite limited in terms of the styles of music that you want to play. Here is a guide to the best digital pianos on the market that are under one thousand dollars.
In a hurry? Here are our top picks..
Why Buy a Digital Piano?
The main reason why you want a digital piano is that they have a full set of 88 keys, which regular keyboards don’t have. You want to recreate the sounds of a regular acoustic piano only in a digital form. There are many digital style pianos on the market for you to choose from, and they come with a whole host of features. Here are the main advantages of owning one.
Portability
The main advantage of a digital piano is that it’s portable. You can’t lug a regular digital piano to your music lessons, but you can with a digital one. You can also take it with you to a gig and play live on stage. They are light and easy to store and give you the full sounds range of a regular instrument.
Less Cost
A digital piano will cost a lot less than an acoustic one. You also don’t have to pay for tuning. A regular acoustic piano will cost you more as you have to have it tuned by a professional or a regular basis. You will find a wide range of products in various price ranges including products under 1000 and often a lot less than this.
Requires Less Storage
You need a lot of room to store a regular piano. They won’t fit in most apartments, and you can’t play them anyways as the noise would disturb your neighbors. A digital system can be played anywhere, as you can use headphones. You can store your instrument even if you don’t have a lot of room. Most digital products today are portable although some are stationary like a regular acoustic instrument.
Volume Control
A regular piano will be quite loud, and it’s hard to control this volume. When you go digital, you have control over the volume, and many of them come with headphone jacks so you can play while you wear headphones for quiet practicing that won’t disturb anyone else around you. Many products have hookups for speakers and PA systems so you have a lot of control over the volume level.
More Versatility
With a regular piano, you just get acoustic piano sounds and nothing else. Thes is nothing wrong with this, but it’s quite limiting in terms of variety and sound choice. There are many sound options with digital products. You’ll find song demos, sound samples, presets, and more. It’s also easy to hook up with other equipment to expand the sounds that you can create. When you play a digital piano, it can help to spark your creativity as you have a wide range of tones that you can draw from. This isn’t possible with standard acoustic pianos.
Recording
You have recording options with many digital products. You can store your ideas and refer to them later, which helps you develop songs a lot faster. This can also facilitate how fast you earn as you can review your materials.
Latest Technology
Digital products also incorporate a lot of our latest technology, such as USB and Bluetooth. You can hook your piano up with other musical equipment easily for jamming, recording, learning songs, mixing, editing, and so on.
Learning Tools
A lot of digital pianos come with learning tools such as song demos, metronomes, note displays, and access to learning materials online. You get a complete package to help you learn quickly when you use a digital product.
Types of Digital Pianos
There are several different styles of pianos that you need to be aware of before you make your purchase. they are listed below.
Traditional
The traditional style is stationary and acts like a regular piano. They are difficult to move around. If you want more of a classic piano feel where you sit at a bench and play, this is the style to get. You’ll get a wide range of features with their piano, it’s just not something you can lug with you to music lessons as it’s too big and heavy. It’s designed to stay at home or in a studio. Most pianos today tend to be portable but there are still quite a few digital versions that look like a regular acoustic piano.
Portable
Most players will go with a portable digital piano. You will want to take your instrument with you to music lessons, or use it in the studio or on stage. Most digit products today are quite lightweight and easy to carry with you no matter where you want to take your music. You will want one that has the right inputs for all of your other musical equipment. Most products on the market today are portable. Most mobile keyboards today have the latest in technology such as Bluetooth and USB ports so you can hook them up to computers and other musical gear.
Foldable
Technology has come a long way and you can now find digital pianos that are foldable. The main problem with a regular piano is the full set of keys which is cumbersome to carry. A foldable piano is easy to store in a bag. Once you get to your destination just unfold it and start playing any flat surface. If you don’t have a lot of room, this is the style that you want to look at.
How to Buy a Digital Piano
You have some considerations to keep in mind before you go off and buy a digital piano. You want to ensure that you get something that will meet all of your needs. These devices can have a lot of features and it may feel overwhelming when you’re looking a them. As a beginner, you may not need all the bells and whistles that the expensive products tend to have. You may need advanced skills to use some of these features
Your Experience Level
You should buy your piano based upon your skill level. It makes no sense to buy an instrument filled with complicated buttons and features as you’ll not use them if you’re a beginner. An advanced player will need something with more features, so buy based upon your skill level now and upgrade when you feel it’s necessary.
Make Sure You Have the Room
A digital piano at full size is 88 keys. Make sure you have enough room for the instrument in your home or apartment. You will probably want an adjustable stand for it so you can play at a normal height while sitting down.
Portability
You will want a product that is portable if you go to music lessons or play live. Some digital pianos aren’t portable. You will want that versatility in your instrument.
Action and Response
You will want a piano that has action and response that is similar to the regular acoustic version. If you have used an acoustic one in the past, the transition to digital may feel a little off to you, so ensure the keys and action are as close to the standard acoustic feel as possible.
Action can be semi-weighted or weighted. The action works like a traditional piano. Some have hammer action, which adds a hammer mechanism to enhance how the keys respond. That gives a sound that is similar to the action on a regular acoustic. Some digital pianos have volume controls so you can dial in the amount of sound that you want to hear out of the keys.
Sound
You want to purchase a digital piano that is of reasonable quality. If you try to limit your budget, you may get an inferior product with poor quality sound. As you go up in price, you’ll have more features and will be able to do more with your purchase. You may want to spend a little more if you care about decent sound from your instrument.
Educational Tools
Many digital pianos come with educational tools. This may include demo songs, a display that shows you how to play a chord, a built-in metronome, and so on. You may want a product that includes some of these tools if you’re a student that is trying to learn piano. Most modern setups include some learning tools to guide your progress on the instrument.
Speakers
The speakers on your piano are important. You don’t want a product that has poor quality speakers. You may also want to purchase an amplifier or a PA system if you plan to play live to enhance the sound of your instrument. Make sure that it has the proper hookups for external equipment if you plan on playing any live performances. Some may come with USB ports and hookups for your computer for recording and mixing purposes.
Inputs and Outputs
It’s critical that your musical equipment has the necessary inputs and outputs that you require. Older gear may not hook up with a modem computer that uses Bluetooth, for example. You should ensure that the product you buy has all the plugins you require. You may want a headphone jack for quiet practicing. Not every piece of equipment will have this type of feature. You may need multiple inputs for various instruments or speakers if you play live.
Best Digital Piano Under 1000 Reviews
1. Yamaha YDP144R Arius Series – Best Traditional Style Piano
The Yamaha YDP144R Arius Series is an excellent choice for those that are looking for that traditional feeling when they play the piano. It had plenty to offer today’s modern player.
This digital piano has 88 weighted keys. You get a bench, 3 pedal unit, and a stand. The keys play and feel authentic. You will never know that this is a digital product. The weight in the low keys is heavier than the high keys so it feels just like a regular acoustic piano. You get the authentic feel that you want with this digital instrument.
You get authentic tone out of this Yamaha as well as good sustain with the included pedals. There is a Smart Pianist app which controls the functions of your product. It can also help analyze songs out of your library so you learn them faster. It’s easy to hook up to all your smart devices such as a phone or tablet. You get dual headphone jacks which are perfect for lessons as your teacher can listen in to what you’re playing. The YDP144R Arius Series comes in several different colors and styles to meet your needs.
Pros:
- Authentic piano tone
- Pedals included
Cons:
- It’s not portable
- A little expensive
2. Alesis Recital 88 Keys – Best For Music Lessons
For those taking music lessons and looking for a portable 88 keys piano, look to the Alesis Recital as it has everything you need as a music student.
This piano has full-sized semi-weighted keys. You can adjust the touch response so the keys work for you the way you want. You get five premium sounds which include organ, electric piano, acoustic piano, bass, and synth. This gives you plenty of musical options to suit your own individual style and lets you experiment as you grow as a player.
Effects include reverb and chorus so you have the ability to shape your sound the way you want. The sound from the unit is crystal clear thanks to two 20 watt speakers. This unit will fill the room with sound with ease. You can use the RCA outputs to connect to an amp or speakers. There is a headphone jack for quiet practicing. The unit runs on D batteries or an adapter. You get a premium 3-month subscription to Skoove which is an online platform to help you learn how to play piano.
Pros:
- High-quality sound
- Portable unit
- Learning software
Cons:
- May not offer enough for advanced players
- Some users experienced problems with the volume on this unit
3. ANDSF Portable Flexible Electronic 88-Key Piano – Best for Travelers
For those that are traveling it’s difficult to take an 88 key piano with you even the portable types as they are too long and cumbersome. This is made easy with the ANDSF foldable keyboard system.
The ANDSF system gives you 128 sounds and 88 keys to work with so it’s a fully functional digital piano. You get 80 demos and 100 rhythms so it has everything you need to learn while on the go. It works with Bluetooth so it’s compatible with your other electronic devices. You get 15 hours of battery life with the lithium rechargeable battery. It comes with a built-in speaker and you can connect it to other devices like headphones or an external power supply when you don’t need the portability. All of the features are easy to access via the handy screen at the end of this keyboard. For those that need to take their piano with them, but don’t have a lot of room, this one saves you a lot of hassle. Use it to practice wherever you are until you can get back to your main piano.
Pros:
- Saves room
- Good sound
- Low cost
Cons:
- Lacks the feature of other digital pianos
- You need a long flat surface to use it
4. Korg SP280BK 88 Key – Best All Round Digital Piano
For those that want to play digital piano, you need a well-rounded device that can do a lot. The Korg SP-280 is an excellent 88-key digital piano that has everything you need to sound great.
The keyboard uses weighted hammer action keys so it replicated the feel of the traditional acoustic style. The device is lightweight so you can take it with you to lessons or to the stage for a live performance. You can hook it to external audio sources and use the stereo input. It recreates 30 different sounds such as strings, harpsichord, organs, regular piano, and more. You can get an optional pedal for even more authentic tones. It has a high-amp section so you’ll get the volume you need for a large room. The stand folds up and is easy to store. The device comes with chorus as well as reverb effects so you can sculpt your tones the way you want them. If you’re looking for a well-rounded device that will recreate all sorts of instruments including acoustic piano, this one should be on your list.
Pros:
- easy to transport
- Has plenty of tones
Cons:
- Included stand is a bit flimsy
- Control buttons are small
5. Kurzweil SP1 88-Key – Best Intermediate-Pro Style Keyboard
For those that are past the beginner stage and ready for a pro-style keyboard, you may want to look at the Kurzweil SP1 88 keys digital piano. It has all you need to sound just like a professional but doesn’t have the expensive price tag that other models do.
You get a full set of keys that are fully weighted with hammer style action so it plays like an authentic instrument. It comes with a full Kurzweil Sound Library. This gives you woodwinds, strings, piano, bass, and many other tones to use. There are 16 programs that cover 4 instrument categories. You get a total of 256 voices so you have everything that you need to make professional-sounding music right away. The control, panel is bright and easy to use so you can pick the tones you want right away. Use the audio jacks and jam along with an MP3 player or another device. Use the USB input to hook up to your computer. There is an external control section for MIDI software or instruments. Make use of chorus, delay, reverb, and tremolo effects so your tunes stand out. Take your professional sound with you as the device only weighs 27 pounds.
Pros:
- Lot s of tones
- Plenty of plugins for other equipment
Cons:
- Controls may overwhelm some players
- You need to buy a separate stand
6. M-Audio Hammer 88 – Best Product That Uses Today’s Technology
For those looking for a digital product that uses all of the latest technology, the M-Audio Hammer 88 is one you want to have on your radar.
You get a full keyboard that is fully weighted. The keys deliver the feel of a real piano. You will get the authentic sounds that you crave. The device connects via USB so you can use it with your computer. Use software and other devices to create your own music. You get volume, modulation, octave, and pitch bend control to shape your sound just the way that you like. You can use the included Skoove subscription and learn how to play. You get interactive lessons for both beginners and advanced players.
Included with this device is the M-Audio Pro Tools software package for both PC and MAC that help you recreate the sound you want. Edit, mix, and produce the sound that you need. This device comes with Touch Loops which gives you access to a 2GB sound library where you can work on your music and edit it to perfection. Add bass, drum hits, and more with over 500 samples. Use eleven Lite which is a cabinet and amp modeler to create guitar effects for your project. Also included is Ableton Lite live which helps you edit your project just the way you want. The M-Audio Hammer 88 makes great use of today’s technology and software to help you create amazing-sounding music.
Pros:
- Tone of software included
- Easy to hook up to your other devices
Cons:
- Some of the software is complex
- Not beginner-friendly
7. Roland RD-2000 Premium 88-Key – Best for a Pro Sound
For those that need premium, professional sound, have a loot at the Roland RD-2000. This is a total musical package for today’s advanced keyboard player.
he keys on this unit are built with solid construction so it will last a long time. They respond easily to your touch so you can control all aspects of your music. This keyboard has two sound engines, advanced controllers, and premium action. You will get excellent performance no matter if you’re at home, the studio, or on the stage. The unit has a dedicated acoustic piano engine and uses Roland’s latest technology so it sounds amazing.
It includes effects which Roland is famous for such as chorus and reverb. The device recreates the sounds of other instruments such as strings, organs, bass, synth, and a lot more. It’s easy to control everything with eight knobs and the LED indicators show you what your settings are so it’s easy to change them in real-time. For professionals looking for both electric, and acoustic piano sounds, you will get superior sound out of this product by Roland.
Pros:
- Lots of options to die in your tone
- Premium acoustic and electric tones
Cons:
- Not beginner-friendly
- A lot of switches and dials on the unit
8. Yamaha P125 Weighted Action – Best for Total Beginners
For digital piano beginners, the Yamaha P125 88-Key is a good option. It has a lot of modern features, so it’s easy to use. You’ll be making great music in no time.
This unit has weighted action so it’s light in the high keys and heavier on the low keys like a regular piano. The sound engine recreates the tones of regular Yamaha pianos. You can use USB to connect to MIDI and use recording software to put your musical ideas down. The two-way speaker system provides you with excellent rich stereo sound to make your music stand out. Use the Smart Pianist App to control your keyboard via your smartphone or tablet. Select settings, rhythms and voices with your phone with ease. For new players that want to incorporate today’s technology with their keyboard playing, this is the product that you want to own.
Pros:
- Comes with a smart app
- USB connection
Cons:
- Could use a few more features
- Some users had problems with the sound
9. Casio PX-770 BK Privia – Best Stationary Digital Piano
If you’re looking for a standard style stationary digital piano, you may want to look at the Casio PX-770 Privia. This gives you everything you need to make great-sounding modern music.
This piano has a full keyboard that feels and responds like regular acoustic keys do. It features multi-tone selection, volume adjustment, and contains teaching tools such as a metronome. Use the USB port to connect to a range of software. It comes complete with expression pedals to help shape your sound. You get 80 demo songs to help you learn how to play as well as 960 tones. This is a huge library to work from. You’ll be able to find the right rhythm for the song you want to create. It has built-in speakers and a rich tone that you’ll love. If you want a traditional style piano that is perfect for the digital age, the PX-770 Privia is a solid option.
Pros:
- Huge range of tones to choose from
- Expression pedals
- Authentic sounds
Cons:
- Not portable
- Some experience quality controls issues with the keys
10. Alesis Melody 61 MKII – Best for Younger Kids
Smaller children may not be able to handle a full keyboard. There are plenty of products on the market that cater to younger students such as the Alesis Melody 61 MKII. This has everything that younger students need to sound great.
You get 61 keys with his setup and while it’s not a full board, it’s an effective system for learning how to play the instrument. You get 300 built-in tones and 300 rhythms to help you practice. There are 40 demo songs to play along with. Students can also use the system to record their own songs. It comes with an adjustable stand for the keyboard and a bench. Students can use the included music rest for their books. You also get a microphone and headphones with this unit.
When you purchase you get three months of Skoove Premium. This is an online platform that teaches you how to play the piano. You’ll find many interactive lessons on the site to help you. The Alesis Melody 61 MKII is a great choice for music students and has all you need to get started.
Pros:
- Contains learning tools
- Full range of demo songs
- easy to play
Cons:
- Not a full range of keys
- Some of the accessories aren’t the best quality
Conclusion
You have plenty of options if you’re looking for a true digital piano. These products recreate the sound of regular acoustic instruments, yet have the functionality of today’s digital equipment. You’ll find them capable of a lot more than just traditional acoustic sounds. They come with song demos, sample sounds, and many of them give you access to learning tools such as online lessons. They have everything that today’s practicing musician needs to sound great.
Beginners may want to look at the Yamaha YDP144R Arius Series. This is a traditional style digital piano and a great introduction to digital products as it maintains the acoustic feel of a regular instrument, but with the functionality of digital. For those that want to go full digital and embrace today’s technology, look at the M-Audio Hammer 88. It’s easy to set up with today’s advanced software programs and musical equipment so you can make music with your instrument and computer. The only downside is that it’s not a good option for beginners due to the complexity of some of the software programs it ships with. The Roland RD-2000 is a good choice for intermediate or professional players that want a lot of flexibility with their music. Younger students may want to try the Alesis Melody 61 MKII, it has fewer keys, but gives you all that is required to lay down a solid musical foundation.
No matter what your needs are, you’ll find a lot of products under 1000 that are of high quality and provide you what you need as a growing musician or a seasoned professional.
