FAQs About Digital Pianos

Digital pianos have become a popular choice for musicians of all levels, offering realistic sound and feel without the maintenance of an acoustic piano. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first instrument or an experienced player considering an upgrade, you likely have questions about features, brands, and performance. In this article, we answer the most common FAQs about digital pianos to help you make an informed decision.

(Disclosure: If you purchase through the links below, we’ll earn a small affiliate commission from Amazon but it won’t affect the price you pay.)

1. Best Beginner Keyboards for Kids

Yamaha P-45 – A simple, no-frills option with Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) key action. Features 88 fully weighted keys and 10 instrument sounds, making it an excellent choice for young learners.
Casio Privia PX-770 – A compact console-style model with Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action keys. Includes Duet Mode (great for lessons) and a Concert Play function with built-in orchestral backing tracks.
Roland FP-10 – Affordable and compact, featuring Roland’s PHA-4 Standard key action and SuperNATURAL sound engine for realistic play. Includes Bluetooth MIDI for use with learning apps.

2. Top Home Digital Pianos

Casio PX-870 – Designed for immersive home practice with a four-speaker system, Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action keyboard, and AiR Sound Source for a rich grand piano tone.
Nord Grand 2 – Offers Kawai Hammer Action keybed with triple sensors and Nord’s premium Piano Library sounds. Seamless layering and split functionality make it a versatile choice.
Roland F701 – Compact and stylish, featuring a SuperNATURAL sound engine, Bluetooth MIDI & Audio, and a headphone ambiance feature perfect for private practice.

3. Best Budget Keyboards Under $1,000

Yamaha P-125 – A well-balanced choice with GHS weighted keys, Pure CF Sound Engine, Smart Acoustic Control, and USB MIDI connectivity.
Roland FP-10 – Features a PHA-4 Standard keybed, expressive SuperNATURAL sound, Bluetooth MIDI, and built-in speakers for flexible practice.
Casio PX-S1100 – One of the slimmest 88-key keyboards, featuring Smart Scaled Hammer Action, AiR Sound Source, Bluetooth Audio & MIDI, and battery-powered operation.

4. Best Compact Keyboards for Small Spaces

Roland FP-30X – A powerful yet slim model featuring PHA-4 Standard hammer action, SuperNATURAL Piano Sound Engine, Bluetooth MIDI & Audio, and a sleek 11.2-inch depth.
Roland GO – A lightweight, battery-powered option with 88 semi-weighted keys, Bluetooth Audio & MIDI, and built-in speakers.
Casio PX-S1100 – Ultra-slim with Smart Scaled Hammer Action keys, Bluetooth Audio & MIDI, and battery operation for flexible setups.

5. Best Keyboards with App Integration for Learning

Korg B2 – Works with Korg Module and Gadget 2 LE apps. Offers a Natural Hammer Action keyboard and USB MIDI/audio for app-based learning.
Alesis Prestige Artist – Compatible with Simply Piano, Skoove, and Melodics. Features a graded hammer action keyboard, 128-note polyphony, and built-in speakers.
Casio PX-S1100 – Connects to the Casio Music Space app, offering Smart Scaled Hammer Action keys and Bluetooth Audio & MIDI for interactive learning.

6. Best Digital Pianos for Classical Music Practice

Yamaha P-525 – GrandTouch-S wooden-key action with Yamaha CFX & Bösendorfer samples, Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM), and USB MIDI for DAW integration.
Casio PX-S7000 – Hybrid Hammer Action keyboard with wooden/synthetic keys, AiR Grand Sound Source, and integrated stand with a triple pedal unit.
Kawai ES920 – Features Responsive Hammer III (RHIII) key action, Shigeru Kawai EX concert grand samples, and Virtual Technician for sound customization.

7. Best Beginner-Friendly Digital Keyboards

Alesis Recital Pro – 88-key weighted hammer-action keyboard with built-in lesson features, including Lesson Mode and battery-powered operation.
Yamaha P-125 – GHS weighted keyboard, Pure CF Sound Engine, Smart Pianist app support, and built-in speakers.
Casio PX-S1100 – Ultra-slim, with Smart Scaled Hammer Action keys, AiR Sound Source, and Bluetooth Audio & MIDI.

8. Digital pianos for intermediate and advanced players

Kawai CA701 Shigeru Kawai concert grand samples with Grand Feel III key action. Grand Feel III wooden-key action with counterweights. Shigeru Kawai EX concert grand piano multi-sampling. TwinDrive soundboard speaker system for rich acoustic resonance. OLED touchscreen for intuitive control. Bluetooth Audio & MIDI for wireless integration.
Nord Grand 2Kawai Hammer Action keybed and high-end Nord Piano Library sounds. Kawai Hammer Action keybed with triple sensors for responsive touch. Nord Piano Library with premium grand and upright samples. Seamless layer and split functionality. OLED display for easy navigation. Portable yet powerful for stage and home use.
Nord Stage 4 Professional-grade stage piano with high-end sampling and flexible sound design. Fully weighted hammer-action keybed. Nord Piano Library with premium grand, upright, and electric pianos. Advanced layering and split functionality for performance flexibility. Seamless sound transitions between patches. Extensive real-time controls for live performance.

9.  Digital pianos with MIDI connectivity for recording

Yamaha P-225Compact, affordable, and integrates seamlessly with DAWs. USB MIDI and Audio interface for direct DAW connection. CFX Grand Piano Sound Engine for realistic piano tones. Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) action for an authentic feel. Compatible with Yamaha Smart Pianist and learning apps
Roland FP-30XBluetooth MIDI and USB connectivity for wireless workflow. SuperNATURAL Piano Sound Engine for expressive sound. PHA-4 Standard hammer-action keyboard for detailed dynamics. USB MIDI and Audio for DAW integration. Bluetooth MIDI support for wireless recording and playback.
Casio PX-S3100Slim, modern design with advanced MIDI functionality. Smart Scaled Hammer Action keys for accurate touch response. AiR Sound Source with detailed piano and synth sounds. USB MIDI and Bluetooth Audio & MIDI for seamless connectivity. Assignable knobs and DSP effects for custom sound shaping. Battery-powered option for flexible studio and gigging use

10. Digital pianos with Bluetooth connectivity for tablets

Yamaha P-225Compact and budget-friendly with Smart Pianist app integration. Bluetooth MIDI for wireless learning and app connectivity. Yamaha CFX Grand Piano Sound Engine for realistic tone. Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) keyboard for authentic touch. USB MIDI and audio interface for DAW recording. Works with Yamaha Smart Pianist and Flowkey apps.
Roland FP-30XGreat feel and sound with wireless MIDI and Audio. Bluetooth MIDI & Audio for app integration and streaming. SuperNATURAL Piano Sound Engine for expressive playability. PHA-4 Standard keyboard with escapement for realistic response. USB MIDI for direct recording and DAW use. Compact and portable with built-in speakers.
Casio PX-S3100Slim, stylish design with excellent wireless connectivity. Bluetooth Audio & MIDI for wireless learning and play-along practice. Smart Scaled Hammer Action keys for responsive touch. AiR Sound Source with expressive grand piano tones. Battery-powered option for flexible setup. Lightweight and sleek (232mm depth, slimmest 88-key digital piano)

11. Digital pianos with built-in speakers and recording features

Casio PX-S3100Slim, affordable, and packed with recording features. Smart Scaled Hammer Action keys for realistic touch. Built-in stereo speaker system (8W+8W). MIDI Recorder & USB Audio recording. Bluetooth Audio & MIDI for wireless play-along and DAW use. Battery-powered option for flexibility.
Kawai CA701Premium wooden keys, excellent speakers, and advanced recording features. Grand Feel III wooden-key action for acoustic feel. Shigeru Kawai EX grand piano samples. Six-speaker system (TwinDrive Soundboard, 135W total). MP3/WAV recording via USB for direct saving. Bluetooth Audio & MIDI for wireless functionality.
Yamaha DGX-670Feature-packed and great for song recording. GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) keyboard. CFX Grand Piano Sound Engine. Built-in 2-way speaker system (6W+6W). 16-track MIDI recording & USB Audio recording. Accompaniment features for arranging full tracks

12. Digital pianos with built-in speakers

Roland FP-90XPowerful built-in speakers with professional-quality sound modeling. SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling for expressive tone. Four-speaker sound system (2x25W + 2x5W). PHA-50 hybrid wooden-key keyboard with escapement. Bluetooth Audio & MIDI for seamless app connectivity. USB Audio & MIDI recording support.
Kawai CA701One of the best digital pianos with a built-in speaker system. Grand Feel III wooden-key action with ivory touch. Shigeru Kawai EX grand piano multi-sampling. Six-speaker system with TwinDrive Soundboard (135W total). Virtual Technician customization for tone shaping. Bluetooth Audio & MIDI for modern integration.
Casio PX-S7000Slim, stylish design with impressive sound projection. Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard for realistic response. Four-speaker Spatial Sound System (8W+8W+8W+8W output). AiR Grand Sound Source with multiple resonance layers. Bluetooth Audio & MIDI for streaming and app control. Battery-powered option for flexible use

13. Digital pianos with headphone outputs for quiet practice

Yamaha P-225Budget-friendly with high-quality headphone sound. Standard and mini headphone jacks for compatibility. Yamaha CFX Grand Piano Sound Engine for realistic tone. Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) keyboard for an authentic feel. USB MIDI & Audio recording for silent practice and playback. Smart Pianist app integration for interactive learning
Kawai ES920Lightweight, professional-level portable piano with high-quality headphone sound. Dual headphone jacks for silent lessons and practice. Shigeru Kawai EX grand piano multi-sampling. Responsive Hammer III (RHIII) keyboard for authentic touch. Virtual Technician settings to customize the piano feel. Onboard recording and USB MIDI for silent practice and playback.
Casio PX-S1100Slim, stylish design with excellent headphone output. Dual headphone outputs for private practice. Smart Scaled Hammer Action keyboard for expressive playability. AiR Sound Source with rich grand piano tones. Bluetooth Audio & MIDI for seamless integration. Battery-powered option for flexible quiet practice anywhere

14. Digital pianos with graded hammer action

Kawai CA701One of the best hybrid wooden key actions for classical players. Grand Feel III wooden-key action with escapement. Graded hammer weight for accurate touch. Shigeru Kawai EX grand piano multi-sampling. Six-speaker TwinDrive Soundboard System for immersive sound. Bluetooth MIDI & Audio for interactive learning.
Roland FP-90XPortable, professional-grade piano with graded hammer action. PHA-50 hybrid wood-action keyboard with escapement. Graded weighting for natural acoustic response. SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling for rich, realistic tone. Bluetooth Audio & MIDI for app-based learning. USB Audio/MIDI for recording and production.
Yamaha P-225Compact, budget-friendly piano with graded hammer action. Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) keyboard. Yamaha CFX Grand Piano Sound Engine. USB MIDI & Audio for recording and playback. Smart Pianist app integration for interactive practice. Slim, portable design with powerful speakers
 

15. Portable digital pianos for gigs

Yamaha CP88High-quality piano sounds with a road-ready design. Natural Wood Graded Hammer (NW-GH) keyboard for authentic feel. Yamaha CFX, Bösendorfer, and U1 upright piano samples. Dedicated real-time controls for live performance adjustments. USB MIDI, 5-pin DIN MIDI, and balanced XLR outputs. Lightweight (18.6 kg / 41 lbs) with durable metal chassis.
Roland RD-2000Dual sound engines for superior piano and synth versatility. PHA-50 hybrid wood-action keyboard for expressive control. SuperNATURAL and V-Piano sound engines for realistic tones. 8 assignable faders, real-time knobs, and pitch/mod controls. USB MIDI, balanced XLR, and unbalanced 1/4″ outputs. Heavy-duty build, weighing 21.7 kg / 48 lbs.
Nord Stage 4Industry-standard stage piano with world-class sounds. Fully weighted hammer-action keybed for responsive touch. Nord Piano Library with premium grand, upright, and electric pianos. Advanced layering and split functions for performance flexibility. USB MIDI, multiple audio outputs, and real-time knob/fader controls. Lightweight and gig-friendly (19.9 kg / 44 lbs)

16. Portable digital pianos for live performances

Roland FP-90XPowerful built-in speakers with professional connectivity. PHA-50 hybrid wood-action keyboard for responsive dynamics. SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling with deep expressive control. USB MIDI, Bluetooth Audio & MIDI, and balanced/unbalanced outputs. Built-in powerful stereo speakers, eliminating the need for a monitor. Gig-friendly weight for its capabilities (23.6 kg / 52 lbs).
Nord Stage 4Industry-standard stage piano with deep sound layering. Fully weighted hammer-action keybed for precise touch. Nord Piano Library with world-class grand, upright, and electric pianos. Seamless sound transitions, real-time effects, and live split zones. Multiple audio outputs, USB MIDI, and real-time performance knobs. Lightweight and gig-friendly (19.9 kg / 44 lbs).
Roland RD-2000Two independent sound engines with high-end playability. PHA-50 hybrid wood-key action for expressive touch. SuperNATURAL and V-Piano sound engines for ultra-realistic tones. 8 faders, multiple knobs, and extensive live performance controls. USB MIDI, balanced XLR, and unbalanced 1/4″ outputs. Rugged stage-ready build, weighs 21.7 kg / 48 lbs

17. Best Digital Keyboards for Worship Services

Roland FP-90X – SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling, built-in speakers, Bluetooth Audio & MIDI, and powerful connectivity for worship settings.
Yamaha CP88 – High-quality piano tones, dedicated faders and knobs, and balanced XLR outputs for church sound systems.
Kawai MP11SE – Grand Feel II wooden-key action, Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine, and built-in audio interface for recording and playback.

The Editorial Team

Pianos-Galore is headed by Ismael D. Tabije, Managing Director and Editor-In-Chief, who is an international development consultant, a published book author and a passionate music enthusiast. His editorial team is composed of writers, editors, content strategists, proof readers and consultants who are experts and enthusiasts in the field of piano and music.


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