If you’ve been looking to learn the piano or you’re a musician looking for a good instrument to practice and perform with, then a digital piano might be the way to go. These instruments are cheaper than acoustic ones, and they retain a lot of the feel and sound that you get when playing one.
That being said, digital pianos can get pretty expensive, especially if you’re looking at the premium brands and models. And while you should expect to pay more money for premium products, there are a bunch of digital pianos out there available for less than $1000, and a lot of them can hold their own against the most expensive ones out there.
Our pick for the best digital piano under 1000 is the Yamaha P125, as this model features a fully weighted 88-key keyboard, amazing voices to choose from, and is just light enough to be transported to gigs and rehearsal venues. On top of all that, it’s also fairly cheap, especially considering all its features.
But if this model isn’t exactly your cup of tea, there’s no reason to worry. In this article, we’re taking a look at the six best digital pianos on a budget available on the market today. We’ve also included a buying guide at the end of the article, so read on to learn more!
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Quick Summary
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top 6 Best Digital Piano Under 1000$
#1. Yamaha P125 – The Best Overall Pick
- A fully weighted digital piano with 88 full sized piano style keys
- GHS weighted action is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high keys, just like an acoustic piano
- The pure CF sound engine faithfully reproduces the tone of the acclaimed Yamaha 9 feet CFIIIS Concert grand piano; Tempo range: 5 to 280
- Split mode lets you play a different voice with each hand; Tuning: 414.8 440.0 to 446.8 hertz
- USB to host connectivity with MIDI and audio transfer means you only need 1 cable to connect to your music making software
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Next up is our top pick for the best digital piano under $1000, and it should come as no surprise that it’s a Yamaha model. This is one of the most respected brands in the world of instruments, and while they might be more known for their motorcycles, they are also fairly popular as one of the best instrument manufacturers in the world.
This particular model can hold its own against a lot of instruments that cost north of $1000, which is why it is the best pick on our list. It features a fully-weighted 88-key setup, which gives you both the full range of the piano and the same feeling as an acoustic instrument. It also features GHS Weighted Action, which means the lower keys will be a bit heavier than the higher keys, simulating the feeling of a real acoustic piano.
It has a two-way sound system that provides players with a full-stereo experience, which is similar to what you’ll get playing an actual upright piano. It also comes loaded with a bunch of premium voices, including the sound of the famous 9-foot Yamaha CFIIIS Grand Piano, which would be a dream for most instrumentalists out there to play.
It also has a modern and sophisticated design, which makes performing really easy, since ease of use was one of the top priorities of the brand when designing this instrument. So whether you’re a budding music student are a full-time professional performer, you’ll find that this Yamaha keyboard can handle just about all of your needs as a pianist and more!
#2. Yamaha P71 – Best Beginner Piano
- Acoustic Piano Feel - Touch-sensitive keys allow for true expression and dynamic performance. The weighted action replicates the acoustic piano experience
- Elevated Sound - Choose from 10 unique Voices, including the richness and resonance of a Yamaha grand piano, with full dynamic sound and deep bass
- Effortless Control - Simple one-button operation and streamlined functionality designed to keep you focused on your music
- Layered Sound - Dual Mode lets you blend two Voices, like piano and strings, creating a rich, layered sound for an inspiring new playing experience
- Included sustain pedal allows for subtle variations and greater expression in your performances
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Next up is the Yamaha P71, one of the best pianos for beginners on the market today. It’s a very affordable Amazon-exclusive that includes a power-supply and sustain pedal, which gives beginners a great set of tools to learn the piano with.
This is a full 88-key keyboard, which gives you the full range and spectrum of notes that you would expect from just about any digital piano out there, and it also comes with fully-weighted keys to simulate the actual feeling of playing an acoustic piano. It comes with 10 premium voices, some of which are sampled directly from some of Yamaha’s most popular grand pianos.
On top of that, it has a feature called dual mode. This allows you to combine two different voices on the piano, which can give you a lot of sonic variety when playing. For example, you can have an acoustic piano programmed on the lower keys and an electric one programmed on the higher ones, which gives you two distinct instrumental sounds that you can play around with either when practicing or playing live.
This is a very light and slim instrument, which allows you to carry it around with you to a bunch of different places. This is great for musicians who perform and rehearse in a lot places, since you don’t have to worry too much about how to carry it around. It measures in at around 12” deep and only weighs 25 pounds, so it doesn’t take too much effort to lug around.
#3. Yamaha Ydp103 – The Best Rosewood Digital Piano
- Your purchase includes One Yamaha Arius Series, YDP103 model | Bench, Owner’s manual & Quick Operation Guide
- Piano dimensions – 53-7/16” W x 32-1/16” H x 16-5/8” | Weight – 82 lbs. | Number of pedals – 3 | Max polyphony – 64 | Number of voices – 10 | Headphones – (2) Standard Stereo phone jack | No recording nor playback capabilities
- GHS weighted action is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high keys, just like an acoustic piano
- The special matte black key tops are designed to absorb moisture and remain tactile after extended use without becoming slippery
- The controller app for iOS devices adds a rich graphical user interface, allowing for quick and easy navigation and configuration
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’ve been looking for a reliable console-type piano with a beautiful rosewood finish, this could be the right one for you. It has GHS Weighted Action keys and three different pedals, which will give you a feeling that resembles a real acoustic piano, which can be really hard to find in this range.
It has a special matte black finish on the sharp and flat keys so that they will remain tactile and non-slip after repeated use, which is a feature that not a lot of pianos (digital or acoustic) have. It’s compatible with a controller app for iOS, which gives users a very friendly interface that they can use to change or customize the piano to their exact tastes and playing styles.
It has 10 voice options, which is more than a lot of pianos in this range, and since it’s made by Yamaha, you can rest assured that their piano voices will be very reminiscent of real acoustic Yamaha pianos, if not identical. Like most premium Yamaha options, this digital piano has dual mode which allows you to have to voices at the same time when playing, giving musicians a lot of versatility when making music.
It has 64-note maximum polyphony, which isn’t the most you’ll find in this range, but it’s enough to give off a clear and crisp tone, and when paired with the stereo speakers built in to the instrument, you’ll feel like you’re playing a real acoustic instrument! On top of all of that, it comes in a beautiful rosewood finish that would make a wonderful addition to any home or performance space.
#4. Alesis Recital – The Best Option For Students
- An Electric Piano That’s Tailored to You - Feature-packed Electric keyboard with 88 premium full-sized semi weighted keys with adjustable touch response to suit your preferred playing style
- Premium Sounds - 5 voices (Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Synth, and Bass), built-in FX: Chorus, Reverb, and two built in 20W speakers that deliver crystal-clear, room-filling sound
- All The Right Connections - ¼” sustain pedal input (pedal not included), ¼” stereo headphone output for private practice and stereo RCA outputs for connection to speakers / amplifiers
- Play the Keyboard Wherever You Go - Power via the included power adapter or 6 D cell batteries (not included) for professional piano performance anywhere
- Powerful Educational Features - Standard, split, layer, and lesson modes with 128-note max polyphony and Skoove 3 month premium subscription for expert interactive online piano lessons
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The first option we’ll be discussing in this list is the Alesis Recital. This is a great option for music students as it is affordable, portable, and comes with great features.
For starters, it’s a full 88-key keyboard with semi-weighted keys. It won’t be giving you the exact same feel as an acoustic piano, but it will give you enough weight to give some semblance of playing an acoustic instrument. It also comes with a power supply, so you don’t have to go out and look for one yourself.
It has built-in speakers which are great for practicing at home, and it also has a headphone jack for silent practice, which is a great option for those who live with other people and can’t make too much sound at night. It also has stereo outputs for larger speakers, which could come in handy when using this instrument for performances in bigger venues.
This piano comes with 5 different voices that include acoustic piano, electric piano, organ, bass, and synth. These are all voices that the modern musician will use and gives you a wide range of sounds to play around with, making it a good option for band musicians and composers as well!
#5. Casio Px-770 – The Best Home Piano
- 88 scaled, weighted hammer-action keys with simulated ebony and ivory textures
- Stunning new piano sound with detailed resonance, plus 18 other Tones
- Stereo speaker system built into stylish, modern wooden cabinet
- Versatile practice, performance, and MIDI recording tools
- 3 year manufacturer extended warranty
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
While a large acoustic piano would almost make a great fit for any home, it can also sometimes be impractical. That’s why we’re lucky to have options such as this Casio model, which brings us close to the feeling of having an acoustic piano at home, only without the logistical concerns.
This model features a fully-weighted 88-key keyboard, so you won’t have to worry about lacking notes or an inauthentic feeling. It’s a Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard which can instantly catch the dynamics when one is playing, which makes the instrument feel like a fully-acoustic piano. It also connects to both Mac and Windows devices, which also makes it a great option for recording artists and composers working from a home-studio.
It also easily connects to the Chordana Play app, which can teach you how to play your favorite songs on the piano. This makes it a great option for households with a lot of musicians, since it has features fit for both beginners and serious musicians alike.
#6. Donner Ddp-100 – The Best Console Option
- Authentic Key Feel: Experience the precision of an 88-key fully-weighted action digital piano. Designed to replicate the genuine touch of traditional pianos, it captures every nuance for an enhanced playing experience
- Meticulous Sound Engineering: Our experts have adjusted timbre details, providing a more lifelike sound that sharpens your ability to discern musical notes
- Versatile Audio Options: An 88 key weighted keyboard with with input and playback for MP3 tracks through the built-in amplifier, whether you're using external speakers or headphones
- Elegant Design: A sleek, streamlined piano keyboard with wooden cabinet coupled with a sliding key cover ensures your keys are always protected and your piano always looks its best
- Unparalleled Sound Quality: The Donner DDP-100 beginner digital piano boasts pure tones sampled directly from real acoustic grand pianos, assuring the pinnacle of sound quality for both practice and performance
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Console type digital pianos are a great option for those who don’t exactly need to bring the instrument around. If it’s going to be used as a household piano or an in-house instrument for a performance space, then it’s a great option since they have a realistic sound and feel, and don’t cost as much as full acoustic pianos.
And if you’re shopping in the sub-$1000 range, it doesn’t get much better than the Donner DDP-100. This console piano is a beautiful instrument, with a black finish that is reminiscent of large acoustic instruments. It’s also a very stable option, with well-designed weighted keys that can be adjusted depending on your playing style. It comes with a streamlined wooden cabinet and beautiful cover for the keys so you can keep the instrument looking good as new for a very long time.
It comes with premium voices and three pedals, which give you just about all the sonic options you would have on an acoustic instrument. On top of that, it also has MIDI connectivity, so it can also be used as a controller for composers and artists out there who use Digital Audio Workstations or DAW’s.
What To Consider When Buying A Digital Piano
Type of piano
There are a lot of types of digital pianos out there, and a lot of people tend to get confused. But to make things easier for you, we’ve compiled them into two basic categories: keyboard-type digital pianos and console-type digital pianos. We’ll dive into the differences in this section.
Let’s start with keyboard type instruments. These are basically digital pianos that look like your standard keyboards. This means they are light, portable, and need a stand to stay upright. While they look like keyboards, they definitely aren’t since these pianos are usually only loaded with 5-15 voices, have fully-weighted keys, and are more designed for piano players. These instruments are ideal for performing musicians as they can be easily carried around and transported.
Console type instruments, on the other hand, are much larger and are more designed to stay put. These are great options for homes and for venues like churches and other performance spaces. Since they are large and don’t require a stand, they have a much closer feel to an acoustic pianos which is why they are the go-to option for a lot of veteran piano players. That being said, unless you have a team to help you and a large enough car, you aren’t going to be able to transport this instrument from venue to venue.
Number of keys
The next thing you would want to consider is the number of keys available. Standard acoustic pianos have 88-keys, and a lot of the music out there for piano is composed for this large spectrum of notes. Obviously, 88-key keyboards will cost you a bit more money since a lot more work is put into making these instruments.
So if you want to save some money, you can also consider buying 66 or 54-key pianos which are much cheaper, but don’t offer you the full range of notes. That being said, these instruments are more than enough for you to learn the basics of the instrument, and even serve as a great tool for playing small gigs or rehearsing in tight spaces.
Hammer action
Hammer action simply refers to the weight of the keys. If what you’re looking for is the realistic feel of an acoustic piano, then we recommend that you go for full-weighted models. These will feel exactly like an acoustic piano, and are preferred by most pianists out there. In fact, there are even models out there that simulate the heavier weight on the lower keys and a lighter one of the higher keys to really give an authentic feel.
That being said, full-weighted options tend to be very expensive. So if you’re looking to save some money and compromise a bit of the feel, then you can always get a semi-weighted piano. These won’t cost as much money as fully-weighted ones but still give you a semblance of what playing an acoustic piano feels like.
Non-weighted options are also good for those who want to save money, but be warned, these instruments feel nothing like an acoustic piano and could get in the way of your playing style. However, there are actually some players out there who prefer the feel of non-weighted keys, but that’s all a matter of personal taste.
Portability
One of the main advantages that digital instruments have over acoustic pianos is that most of them are portable. This is ideal for performing musicians and music students who might have to go to a lot of different venues to rehearse or perform. Most of the options out there will be able to fit in a special bag and be carried around to different areas.
However, there are also large digital pianos out there that aren’t portable. These options give you a much more realistic feel on the instrument, but since they can’t be brought around as easily they are more recommended as an in-house instrument for churches and other performance spaces.
Price
Lastly, it will be much easier to find the right model for you if you have a good idea of the price range you’re shopping in. You’ll be able to find a lot of good options in just about any price range nowadays, but you would need to adjust your expectations. If you plan on spending more than $1000, you can expect to really get your hands on some of the best instruments on the market.
However, if you’re shopping in the sub-$500 or sub-$1000 range, you can expect very good options, but you would have to make a compromise for some features. But unless you are a very serious musician who is very particular about the details, a lot of these differences will be very noticeable.
FAQ’s
Are digital pianos worth it?
Yes, while they may be more expensive than your regular keyboards, they are a very worthwhile investment, especially for devoted piano players. These instruments will sound and feel more authentic than a regular keyboard, which is partly the reason they cost so much. However, it should be noted that digital pianos will not have as many different sounds and voices as a keyboard, which could be limiting, especially if you play a wide variety of musical styles.
How long will a digital piano last?
Generally, digital pianos can last up to 50 years. They have such a long lifespan because there are no hammers and strings that needs regular maintenance and tuning. And if you take care of the instrument right, it can even last you longer than 50 years.
Do digital pianos hold their value?
Sadly, because of how quickly technology develops. digital pianos do not hold their value as well as other instruments. This is because new software and other technological advancements make these models go out of style fairly quick. For example, a couple of decades ago, digital pianos were very expensive tools reserved for studios and other performance spaces, but because of how far technology has progressed since they were first created, you can now get a simple digital piano for your home for less that $300.
Are digital pianos better than keyboards?
If you’re a pianist who is focused on more traditional styles of playing such as classical music and jazz, then yes. These instruments have sounds that are more similar to real acoustic pianos than keyboards and they also have a much more realistic feel. However, if you are looking for variety in your sounds and play more modern musical styles, the flexibility of a keyboard might suit you better. And since a lot more keyboards have weighted keys nowadays, you don’t have to make too much of a sacrifice for the feel of an acoustic piano.
Do digital pianos wear out?
If taken care of properly, these instruments will not wear out. This is largely because most of the components are electronic and digital, and as long as you don’t fry the circuits or ruin the electronics, the piano should work just fine for a very long time.
Conclusion
And that concludes our list of the best pianos under $1000. These are all options that would suit just about any piano player very well, but we all know that everyone has their own personal tastes and preferences.
There are cheaper options and more premium options on this list. Some will be designed for beginners, and other for professional performing musicians. But regardless of which option you pick, the most important thing to remember is to make sure you enjoy and feel comfortable playing the instrument. And if that’s the case, no one can tell you that you don’t have the right piano for you.
So if you think you found the right option on this list, the only thing left to do is head out and get one yourself! And sooner or later, you’ll be playing your favorite songs all in the comfort of your own home.
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