Best Keyboards for Beginners in 2023
While a serious pianist will eventually want an acoustic piano to practice on, keyboards are a great alternative if you or your child is just starting out. They take up less space in your house, are easily transportable, and do not need to be tuned. Plus, they usually come with a number of fun and helpful built-in features such as a metronome, recording functions, and different sounds. But with so many keyboards on the market, how do you know what to buy? We have provided several great options at different price points to save you time, and help you know that you are buying a great product that will serve your specific needs. All of these keyboards meet our most important criteria: 88 keys (full-size), velocity sensitivity (touch sensitivity), and built-in speakers. On our list, the more expensive a keyboard is, the closer it approximates a real piano. If you do choose one of these keyboards, please use the “Buy Here” links on our website. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use our link. :)
Roland GO:PIANO 88
$399.99 User: Beginner Only Buy Here
A good option for those on a tight budget. Very compact and portable. Plug it in or go wireless with battery power–you can truly take this keyboard anywhere. A student will outgrow this keyboard quicker than the other options we list. This keyboard does not come with a keyboard stand or bench, so you would need to order that separately. See “Keyboard Accessories” below.
Yamaha YDP164 Arius Series Piano with Bench
$1,839.99 Beginner - Intermediate Buy Here
This package includes a matching bench and stand and looks great in any room. The Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard action gives a closer approximation to the feel of an acoustic piano, and the half-damper pedal control gives an impressive level of expressive realism. The Advanced Wave Memory sampling supplies a rich sound from the high-quality built-in speakers. Half-damper pedal control allows for continuously increasing amounts of sustain as the pedal is dpressed. If you have the budget, this is a superb instrument and our number 1 recommendation.
Yamaha P125 88-Key Digital Piano
$699.99 Beginner - Intermediate Buy Here
We LOVE this keyboard and think it is worth every dollar. The sound, sampled from the Yamaha CFIIIS 9’ Concert Grand, has a gorgeous tone that is delivered through the well-balanced speaker system. The Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard action gives a closer approximation to the feel of an acoustic piano. Relatively light weight. Sure to provide years of enjoyment. We recommend not opting for the attachable stand but instead purchasing an X stand, that way you can more easily take advantage of the keyboard’s portability, and customize the keyboard’s height. See “Keyboard Accessories” below.
Keyboard Accessories
On-Stage KS8291XX Pro Lok-Tight Double-X Keyboard Stand
$109.95 Buy Here
If your keyboard does not come with a stand, we recommend getting an X stand, and this is our favorite one. X stands allow you to customize the height of your keyboard, which is a great for small children and tall adults! The On-Stage KS8291XX Pro stand is SOLID. There is no chance your keyboard will topple, even with energetic dogs running around your house. The non-slip rubber end caps keep the stand and keyboard in place, and protect your home’s floors. Folds up flat in one second, so it is easy to transport or store.
AW Adjustable Height Piano Bench
$104.90 Buy Here
One of the most important things a beginning student learns is how to sit properly. A proper piano bench helps the student begin to develop good posture. This piano bench is sturdy, and allows you to easily adjust the height. The rubber pads on the feet protect your floor and do not screech when you pull the bench in and out. Additionally, there is a storage compartment hidden beneath the seat where you can store your music books. This is a classic-style bench at a great price.
Pyle Dual Studio Monitor 2 Speaker Stand Mount Kit
$74.99. Buy Here
We use these speaker stands to mount our laptops for virtual lessons. They are sturdy, but super light weight and easy to move around. When you’re not using the stand, they easily fold down small. There is no strap to secure the laptop/device in place, so this might not be a good option for very young students. The stands come as a set of two. Although you would only need one for virtual lessons, in a pandemic virtual world, we love having extras around to use for many different purposes. (We have 8…)