There are many factors that you should take into consideration while choosing a keyboard as a beginner. Sometimes it can be very daunting. We’ve selected 10 best keyboard for beginners and tried to include all the factors that you would consider in the article. You can find detailed reviews of each keyboard. So read through the reviews carefully and find your favorite keyboard!
10 Best Keyboard for Beginners On the Market
Top 10 Best Keyboard for Beginners Reviews
1. Best Overall -Yamaha PSR-EW300 SA 76-key Keyboard
Yamaha PSR-EW300 is a satisfactory keyboard if you are looking for one to start learning piano as a beginner. We are no strangers to Yamaha brand obviously, which is one of the top brands of instruments and it is known for its decent quality in all of the aspects. This one is a 76 keys portable keyboard with touch-sensitive keys. Also, it comes up with every essential you need including stand, bench and power supply. If you only want a keyboard, it can be split for the bundle.
Brilliant features
- Tutor Lesson Mode
- Touch-sensitive dynamic keys
- Portable
- Include 574 instrument voice and 165 accompaniments
- Affordable
Watch out for
- Non-weighted keys
- No headphone (you can buy one at a piano store)
Why it is for beginners
The most outstanding feature to make it perfect for beginners is that it has Touch Tutor Lesson Mode to teach dynamics by tracking the velocity or strength of the keys. Together with touch-sensitive keys so you can play piano pieces with dynamic expression, which means you can feel melodies going up and down by either play harder or lighter. Although the keys are not weighted, touch-sensitive and responsive keys can still give you a weighted feel.
If you are serious about learning piano and want to create tunes one day, this keyboard is loaded with 574 instrument voice, 165 accompaniments and 154 present songs. You’ll have endless options to arrange your own songs and also play any musical genres.
Apart from its powerful learning mode as well as endless voices and styles, it has a portable design which is only 17.2 pounds, so don’t worry if you want to practice anywhere.
If you want to feel the beauty of music by playing an instrument by yourself, it’s a great option for you to both start learning piano and develop your musicality! Trying to build your musicality by playing with dynamic expression can never be a bad thing. Learn piano from it!
2. Best for Kids -Casio SA-76 Keyboard for Beginners
If you are struggling about choosing a music gift for your kids or grandkids, here is an excellent choice for you! It’s 44 mini-sized keys keyboard which specially designed for kids beginners to be easy and fun to use. It has 44 keys so you may not expect your kids are able to play complex pieces on it, but it allows kids to play loads of children songs and some simple tunes.
You can either buy it with an educational pack which comes with a Close-Cup headphone and instructional software or on its own.
Brilliant features
- Includes 100 Tones, 50 Rhythms and 10 integrated songs
- Small-sized 44 keys for kids
- Cheap
- Fun for kids
Watch out for
- Not the one for a serious piano starter
Why it is for beginners
As it has been mentioned before, this keyboard is designed for kids beginners. It pairs with Instructional Software which contains 50 step-by-step lessons in software allowing your kids to learn music basics. We did a research that comes up a lot of piano teachers say the most daunting thing for a kid to get started on playing the piano is note reading. And do not worried about it, the lessons teach not only note reading but also figure placement and how to play on black keys with a qualified teacher. So, it will be easier for your kids to get started!
It offers the opportunity for you to play and have fun with your kids together. Five drum sounds are built into the keyboard which can be used at the same time as the keys. It means it is possible that your kids are playing main melodies while you are playing drum as an accompaniment.
Simply, it is a great gift for parents who consider to buy a piano for their kids learning music basics and have their little figures play on it. Kids are able to improve their skills by just sitting down and playing. Plus, it is a really affordable choice, so pick it up for your kids if your budget is a bit limited. But be cautious that this one maybe not recommended for older children to use as the number of keys may let you struggle with more complex tunes.
3. Best Cost Effective -RockJam RJ561 Electronic Keyboard Piano
RockJam RJ561 Keyboard piano is an electronic keyboard with 61 keys, which is accessible to people of all ages. The brand may not as well-known as Casio or Yamaha. But it’s a reliable company that is dedicated to making some affordable and of good quality keyboard pianos. It comes with lots of learning aids to make it perfectly fits for beginners and you can even use it to learn by yourself.
The keyboard is sold as a superkit included stand, stool, headphones, and power supply. You don’t have to buy any extras. Just get all you need from one package!
Brilliant features
- All-in-one package
- Teaching with LCD display
- Free learning aids
Watch out for
- Non-weighted keys
- Only has 8 polyphony
Why it is for beginners
This keyboard comes up as the best seller in the piano list. Well, there are two reasons why it’s a great keyboard option for beginners to learn on. One is it pairs with plenty of learning aids such as piano learning apps and online tutorial guide. In detail, you can get access to one month’s free membership of the Simply Piano which allows you to learn piano as a game and guide you step-by-step to play tunes. Besides, you can also get two months of Face to Face lessons through Takeg Lesson.
The other one is teaching an LCD screen integrated into the keyboard. It provides instructions for beginners to learn keys and note reading. For example, the note on the staff can be directly shown on the screen by just press the key. Plus, RockJam offers keynote stickers along with every keyboard, so that you can use it for your kids or yourself.
It’s sold as a superkit including everything. Then you don’t have to concern about buying a stool to be compatible with it. The use of headphones gives you a more comfortable experience to practice anytime and to not disturb others while playing.
Overall, this keyboard is right for you if you expect to start learning piano without any buying troubles and want to be supported by a guide step by step. Lots of customers say in the Customer Review that they get a great learning experience from it and it’s great for the money as well.
4. Yamaha YPT260 Keyboard for Beginners
It’s time to recommend one that has solid value for the price! Yamaha YPT 260 is a 61-key keyboard with a slim and compact appearance. Yamaha is known for making keyboards and pianos with high-quality sound. Getting a Yamaha keyboard under $150 which offers Yamaha Education Suite and decent sounds can be a really wise purchase.
You can either only buy a keyboard or buy it as a bundle to get stool and bench included.
Brilliant features
- 61 full-sized keys
- Includes 400 voices, 130 accompaniment and 112 onboard songs
- Yamaha Education Suite
Watch out for
- No USB connection
- Keys are not weighted
Why it is for beginners
Yamaha YPT 260 is marketed as a keyboard for novice players and offers powerful functions as the players improve. It stands for its education functionality which contains nine-step lesson function to teach beginners musical skills such as note recognition, tempo and two-handed technique etc. Plus, Yamaha provides free downloadable song book allowing you to start your musical journey easily.
The feeling of sound is close to an acoustic piano, which allows you to have pleasant experience playing and hearing it.
It is super compact and to be specifically the dimensions is 42.1 x 16.9 x 6.6 inches. So, if the space taken by the keyboard is one of your concerns, Yamaha YPT 260 can be a positive choice. If you are a college student and have a small apartment, I highly recommend it to you. Plus, be aware to check the dimension before buying it.
Aux input allows you to play along with your favorite songs from your devices. It can be very helpful for learning to play.
It’s not the one for professional pianists. But as a keyboard for beginners, the keyboard features by high-quality sound and educational functions, back up by the reliable Yamaha brand. If you want the best budget keyboard, it’s an excellent choice and worth a lot.
5. Best with Weighted Keys -Yamaha P71 Keyboard for Beginners
You’ve reached in the middle of the list! What makes this keyboard special?
Yamaha P71 (Full review here) is a versatile digital piano with 88 weighted keys. You may be curious why it’s on the best keyboard list. The reason is, featuring its powerful functions, the price can be competitive with the price of a keyboard. It’s probably the best 88 weighted keys digital piano in the price range.
It’s a truly versatile piano marketed towards beginners. And I’d like to recommend it to serious starters as the function of Yamaha P71 is not just design for someone to learn on, as well as offers advanced functionality that will grow with you as you develop in it. So it can be used for the long term.
Brilliant features
- 88 weighted keys
- Touch-sensitive keys
- Graded Hammer Standard
- MIDI-capable
- Portable
Watch out for
- Only allow 2 voices at once
Why it is for beginners
For a beginner, practicing on Yamaha P71 trains your figure strength properly from the start. It can both for you to get an excellent practice at entry-level and also make it possible for you to play on a grand piano in the future.
The most awesome feature of this model is 88 weighted keys with Graded Hammer Standard. We know that a standard acoustic piano has 88 keys with weighted action And Graded Hammer Standard is designed to simulate the same hammer action as an acoustic piano. Playing it gives you the same authentic feeling like a real piano.
Heavier touch in the low end and lighter touch in the high end is possible in this model. Together with its richer, deeper and more spacious sound, you can immerse yourself into playing and enjoy the fully pleasant experience.
The model comes with a sustain pedal that can be used for getting more tonal features and having the sound resonate more. If you want to play in the modern style, it’s necessary to get one.
It only allows 2 voices at once, so the model maybe not the one for creating band songs.
If you want to get the best bang for your buck, Yamaha P71, as one of the best digital pianos under $500, is a top choice for aspiring beginners and who want to have the realistic feel of playing the piano. I recommend it without hesitation!
6. Best Budget -Casio CTK-2550 Keyboard for Beginners
Want a starter keyboard without spending tons of money? Here is a cost-effective option for you! Casio CTK-2550 (Full review here) is a 61-key portable keyboard. This one is loaded with lots of features and probably is the best affordable keyboard under $100 with such multiple features and high-quality design. Casio is one of the top manufacturers, which always comes at a lower price with the same functions.
The model is sold as either a keyboard on its own or a bundle with an X-shaped stand and a headphone included.
Brilliant features
- Price under $100
- Very portable
- Built-in Lessons
- High-quality sound
Watch out for
- Not MIDI capable
- Non-touch sensitive keys
Why it is for beginners
The keyboard features its Built-in lessons which you can start learning by playing your favorite songs with screens on keyboard showing notes on the staff, figure positions on keyboard and figuring technique. The keyboard is a real asset to a beginner as you learn music basics. It’s easy to start and fun to learn on.
Practice means everything to a piano beginner, so you may want to bring it with you anytime. I’d like to let you know that the portability of the keyboard is super impressive, which is ONLY 7.28 pounds. It’s truly light-weighted, isn’t it? Together with the battery power that can last for almost a day, you can easily take it to any place you want. If you need to commute from your college to home often, the keyboard makes it easy for you to pack up or fit in your car.
Yamaha Casio 2550 is a model you can either use it as a temporary way to practice while thinking if you are going to explore the instrument or you have already committed to it. It’s a really affordable keyboard with high-quality sound on the market and has features you would associate with more expensive models.
7. Best Touch-Sensitive -Casio CTK-3500 Beginner Keyboard
Casio CTK-3500 (Full review here) is a 61-key portable keyboard with touch-sensitive keys. You may have noticed that it’s a similar product to the last one (Casio CTK-2500). It has the same high-quality features and the same portable design, but there is one big difference: the keys are touch-sensitive.
Touch-sensitive keys allow you to play dynamics sounds and receive more authentic feelings. The keyboard has 3 levels of touch-sensitive (One is to turn off). The volume can be varied by how much pressure you press the keys to let you express tunes naturally.
The Number Of Keys
The model has 61 keys and so is some other keyboards on the list. Some of the beginners may concern about the number of keys when they purchase their first keyboard. And truly it’s an important point that beginners need to consider carefully. A standard grand piano has 88 keys which are seven octaves. But a 61-key or 76-key keyboard is popular as well. For a beginner who wants to learn piano playing instead of creating tunes or playing for fun, A keyboard with at least 61 keys is recommended. If it’s for young kids, then interest means everything, the number of keys isn’t that important.
Another point you need to know is that the number of keys is based on the types of music you’ll playing and what your goal is. If you are going to use your keyboard for pop or rock music, an 88 keys keyboard is not necessary. A 61-key or 76-key keyboard is able to satisfy your needs well. If you are committed to the instrument and are going to play some serious classical pieces, then the keyboard with 88 keys is right for you. Also, make sure to take your home or apartment space into consideration.
Compared with Casio CTK2550, the price of this one definitely would be a litter higher due to the feature of touch-sensitive keys. But this is a no-brainer buy if you are looking for an affordable keyboard with touch-sensitive keys.
8. Hamzer 61-key keyboard with Microphone
Hamzer is a 61-key electronic keyboard that comes with a microphone. You may not expect excellent sound, but the fun thing is that you can have fun playing while singing. The brand is not one of the top brands but it’s known for the best affordable piano with acceptable quality.
Brilliant features
- A microphone included
- Cheap
- Light weighted
Watch out for
- Loud sound
Why it is for beginners
As It has been mentioned above that there is a high-quality microphone included, together with the amazing amount of capacity to select timbres, rhythms, percussions and demo songs, the keyboard provides endless options allowing you or your kids to get inspired to continue developing interest in playing it.
The model allows you to play sing-fingered and fingered auto-bass chords. In addition, you can also use vibrato, sustain and ensemble functions to add effect to your tunes.
However, there is something you need to think about carefully. The keys are not full-sized, so it’s more suitable for kids playing. It has a loud sound, even you put the setting to the lowest point. So, a headphone is recommended, and as it doesn’t have one included, then you should probably get one from the music store or buy online.
To conclude, it’s not a proper instrument for you to improve your finger techniques. But this keyboard is Suitable for absolute beginners or kids to have around for fun and learn piano basics. It’s ready for use right after taking it out from the package, you wouldn’t have any trouble to assemble anything as it has very slim appearance so you can just put it on the table or somewhere you want. Plus, the best thing is that it does value for the price!
9. Casio WK-245 76-Key Keyboard for Starters
Casio Wk-245 is a 76-key keyboard with touch-sensitive keys. If you are a serious learner, this keyboard is a perfect choice to practice properly. Featuring its versatile functions, Casio WK-245 is able to satisfy the needs of players from beginners to intermediate pianists.
It offers several options for you to buy either a keyboard on its own or an essentials bundle including a stool and a headphone. If you want to have lessons online, you can get its software bundle to get 50 step-by-step lessons included.
Brilliant features
- 76 touch-sensitive keys
- LCD display
- AUX input
- High-quality sound
Watch out for
- Not MIDI capable
- Non-weighted keys
Why it is for beginners
The model has an LCD display that has everything you need to play a song, including notes, figure placement etc. AUX input allows players to connect their own devices. The connectivity provides the experience of playing along to songs from your devices and listening through stereo speakers or on headphones, even you can have feelings that you are playing in a band.
The model has 76 Keys, which is close to a standard grand piano (one octave less than). The number is definitely enough for you to play most piano tunes no matter what genre it is. Actually, an advanced pianist barely uses the lowest octave or the highest octaves. So, don’t worry if you want to play more complicated songs when you get improved. 76 keys keyboard is very beneficial by taking up less space as well. Yet the keys are non-weighted, so it may not be able to improve your figure strength.
Casio WK-245 is your choice if you are an aspiring pianist or you want to upgrade your old keyboard. The keyboard is possible for you to prepare for when the time comes to play on a grand piano. High-quality sound will give you pleasant experience of playing and it can also practice your listening skills.
10. Best for Toddler Learners -Vangoa 49-Key Keyboard
Have you been already drawn attention to its cute and lovely design? We’ll finish our list with a really pretty piano. It’s a 49-key electric keyboard that we think most girls would love it. It’s a good keyboard for kids or toddlers to learn to play piano in their initial stage. The keyboard comes with a small microphone and they’ll really enjoy playing and singing with it.
Brilliant features
- Attractive appearance
- Compact and portable
- 200 timbres, 200 rhythms, and 50 demo songs
- One-year warranty
Watch out for
- Maybe not in tune well
Why it is for beginners
The most valuable point is the attractive appearance of cute pink color design making kids and toddlers get more interested in playing and learning it. The interest can be motivated by initiative enthusiasm.
The manufacturer also provides a full one-year warranty for free in order to protect your keyboard against any flaws or damages.
It’s a good keyboard for beginners of kids and toddlers. The lovely appearance inspires their interest and unlocks their talent. Together with its cheap price, it’s the one for you!
Quick Review
Hopefully, you’ve already made your choice. If you haven’t, let’s look at several classification lists of all the keyboard above based on the features you might consider.
If you want, you can look back at the detailed reviews by clicking the name of the keyboards.
Best Keyboard for Aspiring Beginners
Best Affordable Keyboard for Beginners
Best Portable Keyboard for Beginners
If one of your demands is the keyboard need to be able to carry around. The list of most portable keyboards with the exact weight can help you to decide. These 3 keyboards are all very light-weighted and can be easy to bring with you.
Best Keyboard for Kids Beginners
Conclusion
Well, choosing the right keyboard can never be an easy thing. The keyboards on the list are all great keyboards that satisfy different players’ needs. Make sure that you clear your goals on playing piano first, then choose one that suits your needs and can help you to get improved.
For a beginner, always keep reminding yourself that ‘Practice makes perfect’. Because once you have enough practice, then you can have a big jump to the next level!
If you have any questions about the post or you want to know more about one exact keyboard above, please let us know by clicking Contact, Many thanks!
