Portable digital pianos are a great alternative to traditional pianos that run a fraction of the price and allow you to easily transport them wherever needed. These products are also great for connecting to your computer and running them with music editing software for creating new music.
They are great for beginners to learn on, and there are several professional models that performers can use during concerts, gigs, and recitals. We will be going over the top 7 that are currently on the market, as well as provide a comprehensive buying guide for your reference.
7 Best Portable Digital Pianos On the Market
Best Portable Digital Piano Buying Guide
We will be going over the top features and aspects that you should look out for when purchasing a portable digital piano.
1. Price
Portable digital pianos will range vastly in price depending on some factors. When you are in the market for one, it would be a good idea to have a price in mind with both a low-end and a high-end.
This will allow you to determine how much you are willing to spend while maintaining the features that are needed or wanted (more on this below).
A lot of beginner’s portable digital pianos will be moderately budget-friendly, while more professional models with additional features can run a little on the high end of the pricing spectrum.
2. Features
In the world of portable digital pianos, there are a lot of additional features that are available, although not all will be required for your specific needs.
More basic and simple models will allow you to connect to your computer for music editing software and have the option of using it while connected to headphones.
Alternatively, some of the more professional models will utilize synth tools that are great for gigs and live shows. Having a list of features that you would like to have would be ideal in order to find the right product.
3. Size
While pianos will all have 88 keys, portable digital pianos will vary on how many keys they come equipped with. If you are wanting to get the full range of sound, you will want to find one that is full-sized. That said, if you are a beginner and starting to learn how to play then you may want to find a more compact model.
This will not only be easier to transport, but chances are that you will not need the additional keys at first. If you are making music using MIDI software, you may need the full 88 key digital piano, however.
4. Sensitivity and Weight of Keys
Another important aspect to consider is both the weight of the keys and how sensitive they are. If you are used to playing on a traditional piano, one of the first things you may notice is that portable digital keyboards will be much lighter. There are various models that feature weighted keys, and these would be ideal for switching between the two, and for more of a realistic piano feel.
Additionally, the sensitivity of the keys is important. You won’t want to have to hit them too hard in order to get a sound or have them be too sensitive. Try to find a good middle ground for key sensitivity.
5. Quality of Sound
While this feature isn’t as important as the others listed above, it is still one that you should take into consideration. The sound quality is important especially if you are going to be learning how to play by ear, as you will start to recognize how certain keys and notes sound.
That said, a lot of the digital pianos that are currently on the market will allow you to plug them into either headphones or speakers.
Top 7 Best Portable Digital Piano Reviews
1. Best Overall -Yamaha P125 Weighted Digital Piano
Brilliant features
- 88 Hammer-action keys for offering authencity
- Connectivity to your computer or laptop for additional function
- Excellent and authentic sound quality with improved speak systems
- Can be put on a table for playing
- Easy to use and a good budget-friendly option
Watch out for
- The keys are not textured
For a well balanced Portable digital Piano keyboard, Yamaha P125 is a great option. It comes from a reputable manufacturer, and is available in either white or black, with either 73 key or 88 key models available. It features added weight in order to give it an authentic feel, with the keys feeling like a real piano.
The sound for this product is excellent and reproduces the sound that you would hear in a concert hall from a larger and more expensive piano. For added functionality and versatility, you can connect your PC or laptop with the USB port for music editing and creation. This is compatible with most MIDI sound files and programs, making it a highly versatile product that comes in at a reasonable price.
2. Best Budget -Alesis Recital 88 Key Portable Digital Piano
Brilliant features
- 88 full-sized weighted keys
- Powerful educational features included
- A high-quality budget-friendly option
- Can be used with either the power cord or batteries
- Sleek and simple appearance
Watch out for
- Not for professional players
If you are on a budget and looking for a good high-quality piano, Alesis Recital 88 Key is worth looking into. It is available in three unique styles and is a great option for beginners who are learning to play the piano. This features 88 keys that are weighted in order to achieve a more realistic feel and produces a good sound quality.
There are 5 sound options to choose from when playing, with the option to play with headphones inserted. This gives you the option to practice without disturbing anyone when you are out and about, as well as the option to increase the sound quality with speakers. This also has the option for remote play, with either the power cord or by using batteries.
3. Best for Stage Performance -Roland JUNO-DS Weighed Piano
Brilliant features
- A high-quality professional keyboard perfect for live shows
- Weighted keys offer a realistic feel while being lightweight enough to transport
- Connectivity features between the keyboard and computer programs
- A great option for aspiring musicians that offers an intuitive design
Watch out for
- The price can seem a little steep, especially if on a budget
If you are planning on performing live on stage for either a concert or a recital, this portable digital piano keyboard from Roland is a great choice. It is available in either 61, 76, or 88 keys and features a professional quality sound. It has a wide range of high-quality features that provide superior sound quality and professional performance.
The weighted keys add a level of realness while being lightweight enough to easily transport while traveling. For new musicians or those who are just learning to play, this is a great option that can evolve with you.
There are plenty of high-tech options that come with this keyboard, such as connectivity with a computer and synthesizing capabilities.
4. Best for Beginners -Alesis Recital Pro 88 Key Portable Digital Piano
Brilliant features
- Great for learning to play the keyboard for beginners
- Lightweight while maintaining a high level of durability
- Has multiple features to play around with
- Features connectivity between your computer and keyboard for software
Watch out for
- The volume level will be a bit low
For beginning musicians who are just starting out, this 88-key digital piano from Alesis is a great product. It is a professional grade high-end digital piano keyboard that is also priced reasonably and has multiple features that you can play around with to create your own unique sound.
Unique to this model, you can adjust the touch response of the keys to fit in with your own playing style. It has a good quality sound, and enough connectivity to allow you to plug into your computer for editing sounds and converting MIDI’s. Built-in features such as 12 piano voices and an included 3-month subscription to interactive lessons.
5. Best With Weighted Keys -Casio PX-160 Digital Piano
Brilliant features
- 88 hammer-action keys with ivory and ebony texture
- Great sound quality for the cost
- Elegant design that is also simplistic
- Duet Mode for splitting the keyboard
- Features more accuracy than other models
Watch out for
- No Bluetooth connectivity
For a realistic feel, this portable digital piano from Casio is available in 5 different bundles, from beginner to professional. It is also available in either white or black and features a high level of accuracy with a seamless design and great sound.
Casio Privia PX-160 has multiple sensors in the keys that allow for more accuracy while being weighted which provides a realistic feel.
The speakers in this provide a good amount of high-quality sound, with the option to plug in your own headphones if needed. This sounds pretty close to what you would expect from a grand piano, and at a budget-friendly cost.
6. Best 76 Key -Yamaha NP32 Portable Digital Piano
Brilliant features
- 76 touch-sensitive keys for different preferences
- Option to connect to a computer for music editing
- Great for beginners to learn on
- Compact design that is easy to transport
- Keys are easy to use and have a nice feel
Watch out for
- Not the full-sized piano
For a smaller and more compact digital piano, this option from Yamaha is a great choice that is available for a good price. The keys are slightly weighted down for a realistic feel while keeping the feel of a traditional digital keyboard. The sound quality is good, with Advanced Wave Memory Stereo providing a realistic sound while playing.
For a streamlined interface and connectivity, there is a USB port and controller application that is easy to use and hosts a lot of features. In addition to being a professional quality keyboard, you can also use this as a MIDI controller for compatible software programs through your computer or laptop.
7. Best With Bluetooth Speakers -Roland Go Piano Digital Piano
Brilliant features
- Wireless capability with Bluetooth functionality
- Durable product that has the feeling of playing a traditional piano
- A full-size keyboard that is lightweight enough to easily transport
- Comes in at a decent price that won’t break the bank
Watch out for
- The sheet music stand tends to be less durable overall
For a highly sophisticated and digital option with Bluetooth speakers, Roland Go Piano is a great find. It is a full-size portable digital piano with a variety of controls and functions, like Bluetooth compatibility and MIDI functionality. This is a lightweight keyboard that can easily be stored and transported while being heavy enough to feel as if you are playing a real piano.
Roland Go Piano can also be a completely wireless option, operating on a battery with Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, included in the purchase of this product are free online piano lessons for beginners. These can be accessed on any platform that is internet capable, such as smartphones.
Conclusion
We hope that this article will help you understand the different aspects of a portable digital piano, as well as offer you the top 7 products that are on the market. All of the products listed above are made from high-quality materials, and we offered a wide range of prices, as well as features that you may be looking for.
Additionally, our buying guide should help you in making the final decision regarding your digital piano purchase and will be a great tool to keep on hand for your personal reference. T
he most important thing to keep in mind is what you are going to be using the piano for, and what features you will be needing or wanting.
