In this article, we’re looking at the best roll up piano options. If you are new to roll up pianos then you might have some questions about the design, how they work and what sort of compromises they need you to make as opposed to a standard piano or keyboard.
It is easy to assume that these types of pianos are just toys that can be a bit of fun, but this is quite far from the truth. Roll up pianos actually give you a very useful practice tool and a way to learn how to play the piano without having to carry around a huge piano/keyboard with you. Naturally, a roll up model is far smaller.
Firstly, we’ve provided a buying guide for you to understand roll up pianos and what they can offer, and then reviews of some of the top roll up piano models on the market.
In a hurry? Here are our top picks..
Buying Guide – How to Choose a Roll Up Piano for You
Brands
One of the confusing things for musicians who are looking to buy a roll up piano or roll up keyboard for the first time is the fact that the brands they are used to buying music equipment from are rare. These products are relatively new, and a little bit different from some of the traditional keyboard piano models you might be used to buying and playing.
Normally, on a list of the best piano models or the best keyboards, there would be some familiar brands. Roland, Yamaha and Casio, to name a few. These brands don’t offer a roll up option. The reputation of the brands may not be the same, and you can’t rely on the track record of making acoustic pianos, for example.
Toys or Not? Are Roll Up Pianos Actually Good?
This is a question that a lot of people ask about roll up pianos. Are they actually an instrument or just a toy? You might get a kid a toy drum set as a gift, but you wouldn’t expect them to be able to play like the pros. Are these just the piano equivalent?
There’s little doubting that some of the models on this list have a “toy” feel to them. They are good for kids who want to play around and start to learn the piano, but who don’t necessarily have the space for a big digital piano or keyboard in their home. Even these are more than just a toy though, and as a child starts to play around with the keys and sounds, they can start to learn real piano skills.
Some of the models of this innovative instrument have some piano features that are surprisingly good. Though they rarely capture the exact feel of a piano, they are a good option for saving some space. Considering the fact that a roll up piano can probably go in a small section of your backpack, you can see why people like to use them to play around with ideas.
Don’t expect too much. It is unlikely that you are going to see a roll up keyboard piano at a concert with 10,000 people there. However, as a practice tool roll up pianos can be way more useful than just a toy.
Keys – The Difference Between a Keyboard and Roll Up Piano
This is somewhere you will need to make a compromise if you are going to buy a roll up piano. The keys don’t feel the same as a keyboard or piano. This is fairly obvious from just looking at a roll up piano. The roll up piano keyboard would be huge if the keys themselves weren’t flat, or at least nearly flat.
So, inevitably, the feel is very different from playing a keyboard or a piano. You need to keep this in mind if you are planning to eventually graduate to piano, and remember that piano keys are going to be very different. They offer a resistance that is referred to as “hammer” action, and while some of the roll up pianos manage to roughly estimate this with touch sensitivity, it doesn’t feel the same.
So, what we are getting at is the fact that when the 88 keys roll out, keep in mind the fact that they do not feel like a keyboard on an instrument with a full-sized design.
This matters in terms of being able to switch between the two, but it doesn’t make too much of a difference for some aspects of learning. For instance, the shapes of notes and chords will be identical on a roll up piano to any other keyboard. Notes will flow in the same order, octaves are the same no matter what type of keyboard you are using. This means that a huge amount of the knowledge that you will obtain will be incredibly useful if you want to play the piano.
The number of keys is another consideration here. 88 keys is the standard for a full-sized piano. Due to the nature of roll up models, they don’t restrict the number of keys too much. Most will have either the full 88 keys or a slightly shorter design of 61 keys. Either way is fine, and can allow for playing with two hands and getting adequate practice. This is one of the advantages of roll up piano models. If you were to buy a compact keyboard that doesn’t roll, you might be restricted to 49 or even 25 keys.
Tones and Voices
This is the term used to describe the sounds that any keyboard, roll up or not, can make. Different models have different instrument sounds and piano sounds. On many of these keyboards, the sounds are good, but not great.
It’s a bit like the difference between an affordable keyboard and a digital piano. You don’t necessarily expect that the sounds on the cheaper model are going to be amazingly high-fidelity. The sound engines and speaker systems that do a great job of replicating the traditional piano sound tend to cost a lot of money. $500 or so as a starting point. Roll up pianos are nothing like this in terms of cost, but the tones don’t tend to be quite as good either.
One thing that a lot of people find surprising is the number of tones that are often included with roll up piano models. Some of them have over 100 tones and additional rhythms too, which play out of the built-in speaker. As with most aspects of roll up pianos, the quality level isn’t the highest compared to some other music gear, but these rhythms and tones are a lot of fun and help to keep it interesting while you play new melodies.
MIDI Connectivity
Some of the models we’ve featured have a MIDI output. This can be a vital function for some of the more serious musicians out there, but for those who are just looking for something that is a bit of fun, it may be pointless. A USB MIDI output allows you to connect the keyboard to your computer and play on the computer. Software such as a DAW can be used to get more out of your keyboard. You can unroll the keys and use them to control different aspects within a virtual instrument or software synth.
MIDI connectivity is a good tool. If you want a tiny roll up keyboard that you can get out on public transport and start to compose or produce music with your laptop then a USB MIDI output is pretty much essential.
Unlike specific MIDI keyboards, the roll up piano keyboards on this list can generate sound on their own, so the MIDI output isn’t the only way you can use them. This means that MIDI connectivity is a bonus for some people and shouldn’t be what you use to make your choice if you are happy to just play the keyboard, and you don’t want to use it for production.
Other Features to Look Out For: Battery, Speakers, Outputs
There are a few other features that you should consider when you are working out what the best roll up pianos can offer you.
Battery – the battery life is important, but so is the actual source of power. A rechargeable battery is likely to be far preferable to using disposable batteries, which are convenient but not good for the environment. There are options of both types of batteries on the list, but a rechargeable battery is ideal for most. Plus, a quality lithium battery is likely to last a long time with a product like this.
Speakers – another area where you shouldn’t expect too much. The built-in speaker on the roll up piano is likely to be small and not the highest quality. However, they can still do a decent job, and some models give you the option to connect to external speakers so that you can hear the sounds in higher fidelity or at a louder volume.
Some even have the option to connect a sustain pedal. This is something traditionally people would use on a “real” piano to alter the tone somewhat. if you are looking to get a realistic piano sound then a sustain pedal might be useful, but don’t mistake it for something that is essential to play your instrument.
Buyer Beware of Cheap and Low-Quality Products
A quick word of warning before we move on to the product reviews for roll up keyboard and piano options. There are some duds on the market. Some of the products on Amazon or other online retailers have extremely low ratings and are flimsy, poor-quality products. This is why it is important to do some research before you buy. We’ve selected products we are happy to recommend based on buyer experiences.
Roll Up Piano Reviews
1. Lujex Standard 88 Keys Portable Roll Up Piano – Best Overall
The Lujex is our best overall roll up piano. If you are looking for a model that has the full 88 key design then it is worth considering. The brand Lujex may be new to musicians, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore their roll up piano options.
There is a lot to like and some really modern features. The silicone keyboard is resistant to wear, and the product overall is up to FCC certifications. It comes with an 1100 mah rechargeable battery, which lasts 8-10 hours of practice time.
As well as having 88 full-sized keys that give a fair estimation of playing a piano, there are some good tech functions. The small speaker manages to provide decent volume as you play through 128 rhythm options, 140 tones, and even some demo songs and sound effects. You can play “single finger chords” too, if you wish, meaning you hit one note and a whole chord is played.
While the product advertises a “subwoofer” inbuilt. We’d say that the bass is maybe lacking a bit, but this isn’t a problem for some people. The playback and recording function inbuilt is a real bonus and there is also a USB MIDI output so you can connect to your device or laptop. Any issues and this keyboard is backed up by a 180-day warranty.
Pros:
- Hard-wearing silicone design.
- Playback and recording.
- Over 100 rhythms and 140 tones.
- MIDI compatible.
- Lithium battery can provide 10 hours of use at a time. Rechargeable.
Cons:
- Bass frequencies don’t sound great out of the speaker.
For this type of instrument to have so many functions and compatibility with other devices on a budget, the Lujex does a decent job for those who are a bit more serious than just wanting a toy roll up piano/keyboard. It is an approximation of piano keys and also provides some tech features you might not expect from a cheap keyboard.
If you don’t want something as big as the 88-key model, Lujex also have you covered with a 61-key digital roll up piano. This is big enough for playing most simple rock and pop songs, two-handed.
2. Donner Roll Up Piano Keyboard, 61 Keys Portable – Best Roll Up Pianos Including Sustain Pedal
This roll up piano comes with a sustain pedal as standard. You don’t have to buy one additionally or worry about sustain pedals even being compatible, plus the price is pretty good. Obviously, having a sustain pedal makes this product appeal to those who are a little more serious about playing piano and want to be able to replicate the great instrument sounds of a real acoustic piano.
Many musicians may have heard of the Donner brand. They make quite a lot of budget audio equipment and even instrument options including ukuleles and keyboards.
The 61-keys are good for training your finger strength as they actually offer a fair amount of resistance. This folds to a small size with a 2.4 lb total weight, great for putting in your bag. Like some of the other options, it has an impressive set of tech features including 120 tones, 100 rhythms, and even 80 different demo songs. You can record and edit MP3 files within, and, of course, practice playing with sustain.
The power source is an external DC5V power supply. You can charge with a mobile power supply too if needed. There’s also support for external speakers, so if the inbuilt ones don’t quite do the job you were hoping you can hook this up to a bigger, louder, and better quality system.
Pros:
- Includes sustain pedal and USB cable.
- Good selection of tones, demo songs and rhythms.
- Easy to use and lightweight.
- Good resistance from the keys.
- Can connect to external speakers.
Cons:
- Sometimes has a lag between hitting the key and hearing the sound.
Generally speaking, for those who are happy with 61 keys, this can be a good option. It is the best piano to include a sustain pedal as standard, and comes at a reasonable price.
3. No products found. – Best 49-Key Model
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Even once you have decided that a roll up piano is perfect for you, the size might still be a big consideration, so a lot of people still need to find a compact design when unrolled. If you are in the market for a piano for classes or lessons, for instance, you might still need a space-saving option. 49 keys is still enough to play a lot of piano songs and play two-handed.
This design is very affordable, which is a bonus, but it does feel a little more childish than some of the 88 key models. It still has decent functions and plenty of sounds, with external speakers and headphones possible to connect if you don’t want to use the built in speakers.
The manufacturers describe this as an educational toy. Don’t expect MIDI compatibility or too much in terms of amazing functionality. You can use this with an adapter or AA batteries so it is also easily portable. The rainbow design (instead of just standard black keys and white keys) shows that this is probably aimed at children more than adults, so it can be a good choice if your child wants to learn piano but you aren’t ready to invest in something big and expensive.
Pros:
- Small and lightweight.
- Very affordable.
- Can use power adapter or AA batteries for portability.
- Can be connected to headphones for private play.
Cons:
- Smaller range than many other options with only 49 keys.
- Feels a bit childish and flimsy.
Not many adults will want to get this piano, but if you are looking for a kids classroom or just for a younger learner, this is a good option, with either a mains power source or battery for portability. Compact, efficient and effective even if it doesn’t have the same professional feel of some bigger pianos.
No products found.
4. JAEZZIY Roll Up Piano, 88 Keys Hand Roll Piano with Bluetooth Microphone – Best Including Microphone
The JAEZZIY gives an option for people who don’t just want to learn how to play the piano, but want to sing simultaneously. It includes a Bluetooth microphone that can be easily used in conjunction with the roll up piano.
In spite of being an 88-key keyboard, great for playing with two hands and enjoying the full range of a real piano, roll up options can still give you the same surface area of a digital or acoustic model, but they’re so much more portable. This roll up model weighs just under 3 lbs, so it can go in a backpack easily.
It is touch-sensitive to support playing with dynamics, and has dual speakers. Some of the models on the list have just one speaker. The microphone can connect via Bluetooth, though some users have said this is a little bit hit-and-miss and doesn’t work overly reliably.
There are 128 tones, 100 different rhythms, and 80 demo songs to help with your learning and give more options for sounds. The battery life is 8-10 hours and rechargeable, just plug it into a power source or charge from a laptop.
Connectivity is good, too. The JAEZZIY connects to either a computer or to external speakers or headphones for playing loudly, or playing in private.
Pros:
- Lightweight in spite of having 88 keys.
- Includes 100 rhythms and over 100 tones and voices.
- Good connectivity via MIDI/USB.
- Rechargeable battery with 8-10 hours of battery life.
Cons
- Microphone can sometimes struggle to connect via Bluetooth, defeating the purpose.
This piano has the full range and is good for the aspiring singer-songwriter. If you are happy to experiment with 128 tones and the mic connecting to the built-in speaker then this is a decent choice that represents good value-for-money.
5. Roll Up Piano - Yamano Digital & Portable 61 Keys Roll-Up Piano Electronic MIDI Keyboard – Best Roll Up Piano for MIDI
This is a piano design that has clearly focused on connecting a MIDI output and becoming a tool for bedroom musicians. Having 16 separate MIDI channels gives a lot of different options for what you can do with the sound and trigger a lot of different controls from the keys. For example, you could split channels and control multiple instrument sounds within your DAW or software.
The 61 keys are enough for most people, whether the goal for your roll up keyboard is to learn the piano or to use it to trigger melodies and basslines within MIDI-compatible software.
There are a few ways in which this could be improved, so it is not right at the top of our list. However, it has a 128 tone bank of sounds, 100 rhythms and 20 different demo songs.
Things that can let it down a bit are the 16 note polyphony and the fact that the black keys are not raised. Some manufacturers raise the black keys to make it easier to differentiate and also so that you don’t end up hitting it by mistake.
It can be operated in conjunction with your computer, as the USB MIDI connection is reliable, but the other power source is 4 AA batteries which do not come with the product.
Pros:
- Rolls up very easily due to the flat key design.
- Good MIDI USB controls.
- Portable and lightweight.
Cons:
- Some users report a lag in the sound being triggered.
- Only a 16 note polyphony so can struggle with complex, dense playing.
- No raised keys to differentiate black and white on the keyboard.
For an easy to use roll up model that is simple to connect and control software, this can be a good choice, but the piano features are not as amazing as some other options on the list, so keep this in mind when making your buying decision.
6. iLearnMusic Roll Up Piano – Best Roll Up Piano With Teaching Mode
Though there are some similar features to many of the other piano options on this list, this makes it into the list due to the fact that it has brilliant learning modes that you can’t even achieve with a “real piano” such as a teaching and learning mode that can allow for a split of the piano to make the keyboard easier to show students what to do and have them replicate it while both sitting at the same keyboard.
The iLearnMusic name is appropriate, then, but there are plenty of other features making this a good choice for all sorts of piano players.
The silicone design is very durable, with raised black notes so that you can differentiate. The interface is easy to navigate and get to the 128 tones, 128 rhythms, and 15 demo songs. Connect to MIDI or other speakers, and there is even a Bluetooth connection option for a modern feel.
The purchase comes with a 90-day warranty and a 30-day moneyback guarantee just in case there is anything you aren’t happy with.
Pros:
- Easy to use interface.
- Connects simply to other hardware and software.
- Very durable design.
- Fantastic learner features making it perfect for taking lessons.
Cons:
- There is a persistent double-playing issue with some of the keys. Notes can be triggered twice.
If it weren’t for the issue some people deal with, the double-triggering of some of the notes, this would probably be higher up on the list, but people who don’t experience this often recommend the product and find that it can be an excellent solution for learning how to play and taking lessons with someone else.
7. Rock And Roll It - Studio Piano – Best Interface
These types of piano tend to have a simple interface on the right hand side of the design allowing you to set the controls such as modes and to alter things like recording and tones. The Rock and Roll It model has a great, simple interface as well as plenty of features to make it on a par with some of the best roll up pianos on the market.
The 61 keys roll up easily for portability, and it comes with a rechargeable battery that can be charged from either a USB cable or from a power adapter.
The controls that can be altered from the interface include the 128 tones, 128 rhythms, tempo control, drum sounds, recording modes, a teaching mode, vibrato, sustain and even the volume of the speakers. It is all laid out there for you and simple to change making this one of the most convenient pianos to make our list. Also, it’s totally MIDI compatible so you can connect it to your software and control other VSTis and sounds.
If you don’t mind not having 88 keys then this is a good option. In an ideal world, there would be a choice of buying a 61 or 88 keys model, but this isn’t too much of a problem for a lot of people who are used to playing the keyboard rather than a real piano.
Pros:
- Simple to control all of the settings.
- Rechargeable battery.
- 128 rhythms, 128 different voices.
- Durable keys.
Cons:
- Not the full range of 88 keys.
This is a good option if you are worried about a model that is simple to use. It has a MIDI output, so plenty of flexibility, and as well as a built-in speaker you can connect to external options and sound systems, too.
Definitely a good “all-rounder” option if you don’t mind sacrificing and having less than the full 61 keys.
Conclusion
As you can see from our list, there are a number of different options when it comes to finding the best piano with roll up functionality. Some people will want 88 keys and the full MIDI output compatibility, while others want something much smaller, and a keyboard piano that can roll up and take up very little space in a bag, for example.
Though these products may not feel as professional as some other types of keyboard or instrument, they definitely have their use, and the technology is getting better. They can allow large groups of students to play the piano even if you don’t have space for 15 pianos in a classroom, for example.
Our guide is designed to show you 7 of the best options, it is up to you to find the piano for you based on your own criteria.
