The 18 Best Digital Pianos

*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Digital pianos are full-fledged analogues of classical pianos and grand pianos, which work due to the close interweaving of mechanics and electronics. Of course, the functionality of digital instruments is much higher: they give more freedom to compose compositions and realize performing skills. It is also convenient to study on them, since most devices are equipped with a special training mode.

The editors and experts of Expertology magazine conducted a comprehensive analysis of the musical instrument market and selected 18 of the best digital pianos in three thematic categories. The following parameters were adopted as criteria for selecting goods for the rating:

1. feedback from professionals, experts and experienced electric piano users;

2. functionality;

3. build quality (especially the keyboard);

4. reliability and durability;

5. average price in the market.

Rating of the best digital pianos

The Best Compact Digital Pianos

KORG SV-1 73

Rating: 4.9

A vintage digital piano of the highest quality, using the best practices of the KORG manufacturing company. The slightly chaotic look of its front panel adds a unique charm that is not the case with other representatives of the rating. The Korg RH3 keyboard brings out the feeling of a real grand piano by smoothly changing the weight of the keys as you move from lower to upper registers. It should be noted that this model is the only one that uses only 73 keys.

Polyphony is also able to scare off “superficial” buyers: only 80 simultaneously sounding voices are available here. The number of timbres is also not too large – only 36. However, this is more than the closest competitor from YAMAHA, and they sound somehow more pleasant. But the number of effects and options can impress even the most demanding users. You just need to look at the controller panel to understand that this is the field of possibilities where you can experiment. In conclusion, I would like to note that the sound quality here is perhaps one of the purest among the described representatives of the category. The price is fully consistent with the content, and therefore we highly recommend the KORG SV-1 73 for purchase.

YAMAHA P-255

Rating: 4.8

Electronic piano from Yamaha in a white case with a very impressive appearance. It uses 88 keys with a Graded Hammer mechanism – according to experienced users, this is one of the best keyboards in the segment. Next comes the standard description of the average representative of the category: 256 polyphonic notes, 24 timbres (but what!), a sequencer with two tracks and a dozen songs, as well as a rich set of sound effects. Among the latter, there was a place for a phaser, tremolo, rotary speaker, SoundBoost technology and a 3-band equalizer.

In terms of equipment, the YAMAHA P-255 does not lose to any of the top competitors. Under its body there are two speakers of 10 and 2,5 centimeters with amplifiers of 15 watts each. This achieves an excellent effect on the volume and quality of the output sound. By default, the electric piano comes with a stand and an L-255WH pedal unit, but if you wish, you can order an L-85 type stand. Such a purchase will cost you quite a lot, but for a true connoisseur, we think this is not a problem.

ONLY ES7

Rating: 4.7

Electric piano with a full-size keyboard with Ivory Touch finish and Responsive Hammer 2 action with spike backlash and triple sensor. Its set of features is much richer than in the case of Kurzweil, but … let’s start in order. The number of preset timbres is only 32 pieces, but all of them are implemented in one way or another according to the highest level. Especially when it comes to piano samples. Progressive Harmonic Imaging (PHI) technology is responsible for their reproduction with sampling of each piano key.

KAWAI ES7 allows you to save user settings in 28 memory locations. In fact, you can switch from one setting to another as needed. The built-in LCD display is extended and includes 2 lines of 16 characters each. As for the sound system, two 15 W speakers with Bass Reflex system are installed under the case. This is a very good acoustics, which allows you to give a clear sound at high volumes. In conclusion, let’s talk about the package. For an additional fee, you can get an HM4 designer stand with an acrylic music rest, as well as an F-301 pedal set with three pedals, as in the middle and professional pianos.

Kurzweil SP4-8

Rating: 4.7

The Kurzweil SP4-8 synthesizer is a very interesting example of how consumers can push an average product to the top of the list. In fact, in all respects, it is inferior to almost every representative of the segment. Polyphony for 64 voices, 128 timbres in the preset and 64 more user effects, as well as many other little things. But what then makes it a great option to buy?

The whole point lies in the quality of execution. The keys on the hammer mechanism respond to the speed of pressing and are generally very comfortable to play, do not play even after prolonged intensive use. The 2 effects processors use over a dozen complex effect chains borrowed from the PC3 synthesizer, as well as a wide range of user adjustments. The 16-character display clearly and conveniently displays the main information – the user does not have to peer at the screen for a long time. In general, our advice is this: you should not always pay attention to multi-possibility. In most cases, this indicates that the technique is weak in other directions.

CASIO PX-5S

Rating: 4.6

The CASIO PX-5S digital piano may seem somewhat impractical due to the presence of white plastic in the case design. Do not pay attention to this: if you operate it correctly, then you should not be afraid of pollution. Let’s move away from questions of practicality towards equipment. The keyboard here uses weighted hammer action II with a triple sensor and consists of 88 keys. 340 timbres are preloaded into memory, but you will have the opportunity to replenish their number by another 220. The polyphony allows you to play up to 256 notes at the same time, which is quite a good result for this category.

Among the installed effects in the model, 4 tones of reverb, resonance, 4 tones of chorus and DSP can be distinguished. You can order the CS-44 stand as an additional package item, but be prepared for a significant increase in the cost of the synthesizer. It is also worth noting the possibility of its battery operation, which is not available to all representatives of the segment.

YAMAHA DGX-660

Rating: 4.5

If you prefer the modern look of synthesizers to “modern”, then the YAMAHA DGX-660 will be the perfect purchase for you. It uses the Graded Hammer Standard mechanics, which provides a perfect load balance for all 88 keys. There is also a pitch change controller, made in the form of a wheel. The display is a small screen with a resolution of 320×240 pixels, rather ascetic, but surprisingly comfortable.

As for the tones, there are a whopping 151 at your disposal, not counting the additional 388 XGlite tones. Polyphony allows 192 voices to sound simultaneously, and the Pure CF Sound Engine, which is common with the Japanese company, is used as a tone generator. The design includes two 6W amplifiers and a pair of speakers. The bundle also boasts a stand (optional, for a fee) and a foot switch for sustain.

YAMAHA P-115

Rating: 4.5

A compact synthesizer for those who like to play for a small audience or stretch their fingers at home. Its keyboard holds a full set of 88 GHS type keys. The number of preset timbres is 14, and the polyphony allows simultaneous sounding of 192 notes. Features include a metronome with tempo change from 5 to 280, transpose and SoundBoost.

The YAMAHA P-115 package includes a music rest and a footswitch. The acoustic system in the piano has the following configuration: two 12 cm speakers for reproduction of medium and high frequencies; two 4 cm bass drivers. Acoustics also suggests the presence of a pair of amplifiers of 7 watts each. This version of the digital piano is not very expensive, which correlates well with the functionality and quality of performance.

The Best Modern Cabinet Pianos in the Middle Class

YAMAHA CSP-150

Rating: 4.9

The first line of the rating belongs to the digital piano from the Japanese company Yamaha. In 2019, it received the Red Dot Award: Product Design for its excellent combination of classic appearance patterns with modern elegance. The NWX keyboard features a synthetic ebony and ivory finish with a return mechanism with adjustable touch sensitivity (six modes in total). Among the functions, sustain, sostenuto, softening, glissando, style control, etc. stand out.

A feature of this model is the presence of 692 timbres and 29 sets of percussion instruments. The device allows you to simultaneously run up to 256 sounding voices. We also note a huge set of technological “gadgets”, such as 58 types of reverb, intelligent acoustic control, a stereophonic optimizer, etc. Two amplifiers with a power of 30 W each, as well as the presence of an acoustic optimizer, complete the image of an ideal piano.

Kurzweil MP-10

Rating: 4.8

A step away from the leader, the Kurzweil MP-10 digital piano stopped for a combination of very good sound quality with a low price and reliability. Let’s leave the talk about the keyboard aside, since its layout and design is exactly the same as previous models. Let’s move on to the most interesting.

This instrument was produced back in 2011, but still has not lost its relevance and is in good standing with many professional pianists. You will have access to 64-voice polyphony and 88 built-in timbres, as well as 50 preset songs and 10 demos. The design has four 30W speakers divided into three playback lanes. That is, each speaker is responsible for playing a certain frequency range. At the bottom is a standard set of controllers – these are sustain, sostenuto and mute pedals. Such magnificence costs up to 90 thousand rubles and is in good standing with consumers.

CABINET CN-37

Rating: 4.7

If you’re looking for something more than a classic electronic piano, take a look at the KAWAI CN-37. It is a combination of two elements: professional equipment for academic performance and an instrument for improvisation and virtuosity. In his memory there was a place for 352 timbres, 256-note polyphony and 100 styles of auto accompaniment. The buyer will also receive 31 effects and a full range of special options (reverb, fade, etc.).

One of the main advantages of the model was a 4-way speaker system that can accurately recreate the harmonic spectrum of an acoustic piano. Each of the available speakers is strictly responsible for its own frequency, which adds “nobility” to the sound and does not distort it. Add to that a 20-watt amplifier and you have a great public speaking instrument.

CASIO AP-700

Rating: 4.6

Another representative of CASIO, but a slightly higher price category. All the typical “sores” of the younger versions bypassed him. Key rattling is not observed even after many years of intensive use, and the level of acoustics allows you to play complex compositions without fear of their distortion.

Inside the AP-700 is a 30-watt amplifier for the ability to “create” for a wide audience without connecting an additional set of speakers. The AiR Grand microprocessor with memory modules contains 250 timbres and 256 polyphonic notes. The hand of C. Bechstein is immediately traced in the sound: each individual frequency range has its own identity. We also note that the manufacturers moved two headphone jacks to the front panel: this greatly simplifies the connection process, since you do not need to crawl under the piano.

Roland HP601

Rating: 4.5

Roland’s mid-sized digital piano is the quintessence of pleasing sound and a wealth of presets for professional music playing. The base is still the same set of keys on a weighted mechanical keyboard that adorns an already pleasant classic case. There is a display, there are controller pedals. In general, this review could end …

… that’s just worth mentioning 319 timbres and 288-note polyphony. This set will be a real gift for any piano virtuoso. Despite the soft and gentle sound, the disadvantage of the model is a weak 14 W amplifier. It is good in its own way, but when it comes to playing to a large audience, you need to connect an external set of acoustics to convey all the expression and atmosphere.

YAMAHA CLP-635

Rating: 4.4

The Yamaha CLP-635 electric piano has received a number of improvements over other models in its line. This affects the sound quality and reliability of the keyboard, which includes 88 mechanical keys. The updated acoustics has a power of 60 W, thereby providing high volume and accentuated reproduction of high and medium frequencies.

The piano system contains 36 timbres and polyphony for 256 notes. Special attention should be paid to stereo optimization, due to which the sound in the headphones becomes more natural, not synthetic. The model received an LCD display, which greatly simplifies the interaction with all options and settings.

CASIO AP-460

Rating: 4.4

The CASIO AP-460 electronic portable piano is an excellent combination of modern technology and classic design. It has a keyboard of 88 full-sized keys, equipped with a hammer action. It is convenient, but after a year of operation it starts to tap, which is especially noticeable with a quiet performance.

The instrument is equipped with 18 timbres and 256-voice polyphony. The sound is a bit of a stretch, but you can still pass it off as a professional concert grand piano. Among the functions of the model, the following can be distinguished: 4 reverb options, key sensitivity and a touch controller that helps to achieve a smooth decay of the sound. Built-in 20-watt acoustics tries to highlight every detail of the composition, and this is also worthy of praise. In conclusion, we note the presence of two headphone outputs, a Type B USB port and a line output.

The best digital pianos for professionals

YAMAHA AvantGrand N3

Rating: 4.9

Yamaha is renowned for the quality of its products, and the AvantGtand N3 digital piano is no exception. It is very expensive, but offers commensurate improvements. Like, for example, a 250-watt amplifier packed into a classic case. But the number of timbres is limited to five, which is not very consistent with the asking price.

As for the keyboard device, it includes 88 keys with a hammer-type sound extraction system. If we evaluate the YAMAHA AvantGrand N3 in terms of exclusivity, loudness and purity of sound, then it will certainly enter the top of professional pianos. However, the controversial choice in favor of this model lies in the limited functionality. On the other hand, it allows pianists to show all their skills, without recourse to the total processing of tracks after recording. Be prepared to spend more than a million rubles.

Roland GP609

Rating: 4.9

The second line of the rating goes to the creative and very beautiful electric piano from Roland. It also uses a weighted keyboard of 88 hammer action keys. Built-in pedals act as sound controllers.

The body of the Roland GP609 is classically styled, but not devoid of modern sophistication. The keyboard cover is in place, and with it the touch screen. There is built-in acoustics, but not as powerful as in the case of previous competitors – only 33 watts. But the sound is great. The most important thing in the model is a colossal number of timbres: 319! The number of polyphony also increased to 384. Separately, it is worth noting the presence of a Bluetooth receiver, a duplicated line output and a pair of headphone outputs. Also keep in mind that the total weight of the structure is 148 kg – think several times about the advisability of buying if you live, for example, in an apartment.

CASIO GP-500

Rating: 4.8

Digital piano with weighted 88-key firmness and hammer action. Has three built-in sound controllers in the form of pedals. The classic cabinet includes a display and a standard keyboard cover, as well as a 50W amplified speaker system. The total weight of the model is 77,5 kg.

Among the functions of the CASIO GP-500, it is worth noting the presence of a metronome and accompaniment, the function of transposition and sound recording, as well as the sensitivity of the keys to even the slightest touch. The device’s memory has a preset for 35 timbres, 256 polyphony tracks and 15 styles of automatic accompaniment. The connector panel houses MIDI input/output, two USB interfaces (Type A and B), and two headphone outputs. The piano is expensive, but has the highest ratings from users.

ONLY CA-78

Rating: 4.8

A touch-sensitive, professional-style piano with an 88-key, weighted hardness keyboard. It differs from many representatives of the segment in its classic case, which is why the total weight reaches about 75 kg. A design feature is a touch screen and the presence of a keyboard cover, as well as a built-in 50 W speaker system. There are three built-in pedals on the bottom of the piano that act as sound controllers.

The KAWAI CA-78 has 66 tones and 41 built-in effects, as well as 256 polyphonic samples. Among the characteristic functions are reverb, transposition, song recording, metronome and key sensitivity to a simple touch. On the connector panel, there was a place for two headphone outputs, USB A- and B-type ports, as well as line and MIDI inputs. We also note the presence of a Bluetooth receiver, thanks to which you can broadcast MP3 tracks directly to the piano’s sound system.

Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.