Best 88-Key Keyboards for Beginners: Top Starter Picks
When choosing an 88-key keyboard, especially as a beginner, several factors should be considered to ensure you get the best instrument for your needs and skill level. Here are the most important factors to take into account when choosing the best 88-key keyboards for beginners:
Important Factors To Consider
1. Key Action (Feel of the Keys)
- Fully Weighted Keys: Best for beginners who want to simulate the feel of an acoustic piano. These keys have resistance, requiring more force, similar to the hammer action of traditional pianos.
- Semi-Weighted Keys: Lighter than fully weighted keys, offering a softer feel. Good for beginners who don’t need the full acoustic feel or those who prefer lighter touch.
- Hammer Action: Some keyboards feature graded hammer action, where lower keys feel heavier and higher keys feel lighter, mimicking an acoustic piano. This is ideal for developing proper finger strength and technique for classical music.
- Touch Sensitivity: Ensure the keyboard is touch-sensitive, meaning the harder you press the key, the louder the sound, and vice versa. This is crucial for playing with dynamics.
2. Sound Quality
- Piano Samples: High-quality piano sounds are essential. Some brands like Yamaha and Roland offer sampled sounds from real grand pianos, providing richer, more authentic tones.
- Polyphony: This refers to how many notes the keyboard can play at once. Beginners should aim for at least 64-note polyphony, but 128-note or higher is recommended for playing more complex pieces or layering sounds.
- Voices and Sound Variety: Many keyboards come with a range of built-in voices beyond the acoustic piano sound, such as electric piano, strings, and organ. These extra sounds can make practice more enjoyable and versatile.
3. Portability and Size
- Weight and Dimensions: If you plan to move the keyboard around, or if space is limited, consider a lighter, more portable model. Some 88-key keyboards are very compact, while others are designed to be stationary.
- Built-in Speakers: Some models have built-in speakers, which is convenient for home use without needing extra equipment. If you’re often on the go, check for battery-powered options.
- Stand Compatibility: Make sure the keyboard can be placed securely on a stand, and that a stand is included or compatible with the model you are considering.
4. Connectivity
- USB/MIDI Ports: If you plan to use the keyboard with music production software or apps for learning, a USB or MIDI connection is essential. This allows you to connect the keyboard to your computer or tablet.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Some modern keyboards offer Bluetooth MIDI, allowing you to wirelessly connect to apps and devices, useful for practicing with music-learning apps or recording.
- Audio Outputs: Check for headphone jacks and other audio output options if you want to practice quietly or connect the keyboard to an external speaker or amplifier.
5. Budget
- Price Range: Determine your budget early on. Entry-level 88-key keyboards typically range from $300 to $800 USD. Higher-end models with more advanced features or better build quality may exceed $1,000 USD.
- Cost vs Features: Higher-priced keyboards typically have better key actions, sound quality, and build. However, there are affordable options with solid features that are great for beginners. Decide which features (such as fully weighted keys or Bluetooth) are essential to you.
6. Brand Reputation and Support
- Well-Known Brands: Yamaha, Casio, Roland, Kawai, and Korg are known for producing reliable keyboards with great sound and build quality. Established brands often have better customer support, warranty options, and long-term product reliability.
- Warranty and Customer Service: Check the warranty period and availability of customer service. A longer warranty can provide peace of mind in case something goes wrong with the keyboard.
8. Learning Features
- Built-in Lessons: Some keyboards come with built-in lessons or interactive features to help beginners learn how to play. This can be a helpful addition for self-learners.
- Split and Layer Modes: Split mode allows you to divide the keyboard into two sections with different sounds, and layer mode lets you play multiple sounds simultaneously (e.g., piano and strings). These features can enhance your learning experience and creative potential.
- Metronome and Recording Functions: Built-in metronomes help you keep time while practicing, and a recording feature allows you to listen to and evaluate your performances.
9. Built-in Pedals or Pedal Compatibility
- Sustain Pedal: Most beginners will need at least a sustain pedal to control note duration and expressiveness. Ensure that the keyboard either includes a pedal or has a port for one.
- Pedal Systems: If you are considering advancing to more complex classical pieces, you may want a keyboard that supports a full three-pedal setup (soft, sostenuto, and sustain pedals).
10. Aesthetics and Build Quality
- Design and Finish: The appearance of the keyboard may matter, especially if it will be placed in a prominent area of your home. Some keyboards are more minimalist and sleek, while others aim for a traditional piano look.
- Material and Durability: Check the quality of the materials used for the keys and casing. Keyboards with plastic keys might feel less durable than those with simulated ivory or ebony finishes.
Reviews and Recommendations
- User Reviews: Reading customer reviews can provide insight into the keyboard’s long-term performance, reliability, and any potential issues.
- Professional Recommendations: If possible, consult a piano teacher or a professional musician. They can offer valuable advice on which models are best suited to your learning goals.
The Best 88-Key Keyboards for Beginners
These keyboards provide an excellent entry point for learners who want the full range of 88 keys but aren’t ready to invest in an acoustic piano yet.
1. Yamaha P-45
The Yamaha P45 is a budget-friendly digital piano, ideal for beginners or those seeking a portable, straightforward instrument. It combines Yamaha’s signature sound quality with essential features, providing an authentic playing experience.
Key Features:
- 88 fully weighted keys with Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, mimicking the feel of an acoustic piano.
- AWM Stereo Sampling for rich, realistic piano sound.
- Dual Mode, allowing layering two voices (e.g., piano and strings) for a fuller sound.
- Compact and lightweight design, weighing around 25 pounds, making it highly portable.
- Built-in speakers for immediate playability without external amplification.
- USB to Host connectivity, enabling connection to music software or apps on your computer or smart device.
- 10 instrument voices, including pianos, electric pianos, organs, and more.
- Reverb and Chorus effects to enhance sound quality.
- Sustain pedal included for more dynamic expression.
The Yamaha P45 is a solid choice for beginners, providing an authentic piano feel and sound in an affordable, portable package.
Check out the price of Yamaha P45 at Amazon >>
2. Casio CDP-S160
3. Roland FP-10
The Roland FP-10 is an affordable, entry-level digital piano that offers excellent sound and feel in a compact, portable design. It features Roland’s signature SuperNATURAL sound engine and a high-quality weighted keyboard, making it an ideal choice for beginners or anyone seeking a space-saving digital piano.
Key Features:
- 88 fully weighted keys with PHA-4 Standard action, offering a highly responsive and realistic piano feel.
- SuperNATURAL Piano Sound Engine, delivering rich, expressive piano tones with a high degree of realism.
- Built-in Bluetooth MIDI for wireless connection to apps like Roland’s Piano Partner 2, sheet music apps, or music production software.
- Compact and lightweight design (27 pounds), making it easy to move and fit into smaller spaces.
- Onboard metronome, transposing functions, and tuning adjustments for practice and performance.
- Headphone output for quiet practice, along with a powerful onboard speaker system for home performance.
- USB MIDI connectivity for use with computers or external devices.
- Twin Piano Mode, which splits the keyboard into two identical ranges, perfect for student-teacher duets.
- 15 built-in sounds, including pianos, electric pianos, strings, and more.
The Roland FP-10 stands out for its realistic feel, excellent sound quality, and versatile connectivity, all packed into a portable, affordable digital piano.
Check out the price of Roland FP-10 at Amazon >>
4. Yamaha P-125
The Yamaha P-125 is a popular mid-range digital piano that offers a great balance of sound quality, playability, and features. It’s designed for pianists of all levels, combining Yamaha’s renowned Pure CF Sound Engine with a highly responsive keyboard in a sleek, portable design.
Key Features:
- 88 fully weighted keys with Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, providing a realistic acoustic piano feel.
- Pure CF Sound Engine, sampled from Yamaha’s acclaimed CFIIIS concert grand piano, delivering high-quality, authentic piano tones.
- Built-in 2-way speaker system for a rich, dynamic sound experience, projecting sound both upwards and downwards.
- 24 instrument voices, including grand pianos, electric pianos, organs, strings, and more.
- Smart Pianist App compatibility, allowing easy control of piano settings and access to sheet music via a smart device.
- Split, Layer, and Duo modes, enabling you to combine sounds or split the keyboard for dual players (ideal for lessons).
- USB to Host connectivity for seamless integration with music software and MIDI control.
- Onboard rhythm patterns to play along with, perfect for practice or small performances.
- Compact and lightweight design (26 pounds), making it easy to transport and fit in small spaces.
- Sustain pedal included, with an option to upgrade to a more traditional three-pedal unit.
The Yamaha P-125 is an excellent choice for both home practice and gigging, offering a balance of portability, functionality, and professional-quality sound.
Check out the price of Yamaha P-125 at Amazon >>
5. Alesis Recital Pro
The Alesis Recital Pro is a budget-friendly, beginner-focused digital piano that offers a full range of features and a realistic playing experience. It includes a wide variety of sounds and connectivity options, making it suitable for learning, practice, and casual performances.
Key Features:
- 88 fully weighted keys with adjustable touch sensitivity, providing a realistic piano feel.
- 12 built-in voices, including acoustic and electric pianos, organs, synths, and more.
- Layer and Split modes, allowing you to combine or split two different voices across the keyboard.
- Built-in 20W speakers, delivering clear, powerful sound for home practice or small performances.
- Adjustable reverb and chorus effects to enhance sound quality.
- Lesson Mode, which divides the keyboard into two identical sections, ideal for teacher-student learning.
- 5 built-in voices with polyphony up to 128 notes, ensuring a full sound even during complex passages.
- Headphone output for quiet practice.
- USB-MIDI connectivity, enabling use with music software and apps on a computer or mobile device.
- Battery-powered option for portability, allowing you to play anywhere without being tethered to a power outlet.
- Sustain pedal input (pedal sold separately).
The Alesis Recital Pro is a great entry-level digital piano for beginners, offering an authentic piano feel with a variety of sounds and features for an affordable price.
Check out the price of Alesis Recital Pro at Amazon >>
Conclusion
For those seeking the best 88-key keyboards for beginners, options like the Yamaha P-45 and Casio Privia PX-160 offer excellent entry-level features with a focus on piano feel and sound. The Kawai ES110 and Roland FP-10 provide a more advanced touch response for those who want to invest a little more. For those on a tighter budget, the Alesis Recital Pro offers affordability and portability. Each of these keyboards provides a great learning platform with the full range of 88 keys, helping beginners get the most out of their piano journey. Here’s to your success in choosing the best 88-key keyboards for beginners.
—————————–
Now that you have the options to choose from for the best 88-key keyboards for beginners, do you need help learning the piano? Simply Piano can get you started right away!
- Enjoy easy tutorials for beginners and advanced lessons for experienced players.
- Learn at your speed, with feedback tailored to your progress.
- Play a variety of music, from classical to pop, while refining your skills with warm-ups and sheet music.
———————————
Related piano articles:
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links from Amazon and Simply Piano. Should you decide to buy through these, we earn a small commission, but it won’t affect the price you pay. The products we recommend are based on user reviews and our hands-on assessment of Simply Piano.