8 Best 88-Key Keyboard Cases to Protect Your Instrument!

We took a look at all of the best 88-key keyboard cases on the market and ranked our top choices in a list. Check out this year’s best 88-key keyboard cases below.
Fact Checked Yoke Wong
Yoke Wong
Review by Yoke Wong
Expert Consultant
Yoke Wong is a talented pianist and piano teacher, author of online piano courses Pianomother.com, founder of Harmony and Melody Studio.
Updated 10-08-2023
Updated 10-08-2023
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Music is one of the most extraordinary things on earth, and of all the instruments, we think 88 key keyboards are beautiful instruments that are fun to play and travel with. That being said, they don't come cheap, and for this reason, it's crucial to find the perfect case for your 88-key keyboard.

Our Top Choices

#Editor’s Choice
"As far as soft body bags go, the case is super heavy duty and has comfortable handles that make moving your large 88 key keyboards as easy as possible."
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#Premium Pick
"This molded flight case is super sturdy and secure and even has wheels and TSA-approved locking latches. This case is described by the manufacturers as being “nearly indestructible,” and while we didn’t put it through any extreme tests, it did survive normal wear and tore during transport."
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#Best Value
"This rolling case is convenient and easy to transport, not to mention durably constructed with rugged nylon and an interior frame of polyethylene."
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In order to find the best keyboard cases for you, we compared a ton of popular options and read a ton of 88 key keyboard case reviews to find our favorites. Some of the features we looked at were type, size, material, design, fit, and weight. Each of these elements brings a unique aspect to your 88 key keyboard case, and you'll want to assess your own situation and needs to find the right fit for you and your instrument.

8 Best 88-Key Keyboard Cases Reviewed in 2024

1
Editor’s Choice
Gator Cases Padded Keyboard Gig Bag
9,8
Site Rank
Features
  • Type: gig bag
  • Material: heavy-duty nylon
  • Size: 53 x 15 x 6 inches
  • Weight: 6.16 lbs.

Details: adjustable padded straps, reinforced handles

Gator Cases Padded Keyboard Gig Bag
Good
Bad
    Good
  • There are so many great features on this model that it's honestly hard to sum it up briefly. The durable nylon construction of this bag is superb, and we were frankly amazed at home comfortable and easy it was to lug our heavy 88 key keyboards around. This is largely thanks to the padded and well-constructed straps that help provide balance and ease of transport for users. We also love the convenient outer pocket to store whatever accessories you may have in the same place as your keyboard (there's nothing worse than losing a cord or adapter in transit!).
    Bad
  • This case is great for casual use and for local transport, but it won't do the trick if you're a traveling musician or need to take your keyboard overseas (or on any plane) for some reason. Soft body cases, in general, are not the best choice for such extended travel simply because they can't offer the same protection as a hard body case can. As we said, however, this case will satisfy any musician who wants to store their instrument away from dust or who is planning to transport it locally.

This gig bag is one of the most durable and affordable options on our list. It has a lot of great features that help it stand out from the competition, including adjustable padded straps, reinforced handles, straps to secure the keyboard, and nylon material.

This is best for someone who needs to securely transport their 88 key keyboards locally but doesn’t plan to check their instrument as luggage on a plane. This bag offers a lot of confidence and security in terms of its construction and durability but wouldn’t protect a keyboard in the luggage hold of an aircraft.

2
Premium Pick
Gator Cases Molded Flight Case
9,7
Site Rank
Features
  • Type: flight case
  • Material: polyethylene
  • Size: 59 x 19 x 7 inches
  • Weight: 33 lbs.

Details: TSA approved locking latches, recessed wheels, ergo-grip comfort handle, 130 lbs. weight capacity

Gator Cases Molded Flight Case
Good
Bad
    Good
  • This case is really top of the line (and is priced like it is, which is very fair in our opinion). Some of our favorite features include the ergo-grip comfort handle, which is really as comfortable as it claims to be (quite the feat when lugging around a 70-pound instrument). It also has a high weight capacity of 130 pounds, so it can handle and protect some of the larger and more heavy-duty 88 key keyboards out there. The recessed wheels are ideal for airport mobility because they allow you to easily tow the flight case behind you, but they also don't stick out awkwardly when lying flat, which is beneficial in situations where you need to maximize available space (the back of a sprinter van, for example). The durability is another insanely great feature that we were thankful for. The polyethylene construction is, as the manufacturer states, virtually indestructible, and the keyboard fits snugly inside the case in such a way that we would bet your instrument could survive a plane crash unscathed.
    Bad
  • This case is not cheap, which is something that we understand may put it out of reach for many people. While we firmly believe that your cases and accessories should be just as high quality and high performing as your instrument, we understand that this isn't a reality for everyone. Even still, there are cases out there that are far more expensive (and possibly better performing) than this flight case, but we firmly stand by our Premium Pick award for this excellent case.

In our opinion, this is the best hard case for the nord 88 key keyboard case. This flight case is extremely durable thanks to its polyethylene body construction and has a number of awesome features that make it our ideal flight case for professional musicians or anyone who travels on planes with their 88 key keyboards. That being said, this case is one of the more expensive options on this list which is something to keep in mind.

If you’re a professional musician or someone who travels a lot with their instrument, then this flight case is an excellent choice for you. This case offers a lot of peace of mind thanks to its locking latches, and it’s also easy to transport thanks to its recessed wheels.

3
Best Value
Gator Cases Lightweight Rolling Keyboard Case
9,6
Site Rank
Features
  • Type: lightweight case
  • Material: nylon and polyethylene, soft foam-lined interior
  • Size: 57.5 x 18 x 6 inches
  • Weight: 8.66 lbs.

Details: adjustable padded straps, built-in wheels

Gator Cases Lightweight Rolling Keyboard Case
Good
Bad
    Good
  • There are a lot of things to love about this case, including the durable construction. Most soft body cases are made of rugged nylon for a good reason, and this is a great example of a well-constructed nylon case. The polyethylene reinforced interior frame puts the mind at ease by reassuring you that your precious instrument is quite secure inside this bag. The soft foam further increases your peace of mind, and all in all, the bag is very well made. We also love the straps that help to keep the keyboard in place during transit. These straps are pretty thick and easily cover 3 keys apiece, which helps secure the keyboard in place with little possibility of movement. The wheels are also a great element of this case, and they functioned as well as could be expected.
    Bad
  • Although the case itself is well made, we found that the straps are not the best in this particular case. We read several reviews that stated that the straps broke after only a month or so of heavy use, which is a bit concerning. While we can't confirm this fact firsthand, it did seem to be a popular complaint about this bag. For this reason, it may be a better choice if your keyboard is on the lighter side.

Although this is a soft body case, it is one of the more durable ones around. This case has a rugged nylon exterior, soft foam-lined interior, and a reinforced interior frame made from polyethylene. It also has an accessory pocket that is large enough to fit most accessories, including pedals, as well as convenient wheels for easy towing. We think this is the best lightweight keyboard case for 88 keys.

This is great for someone who needs to transport their keyboard with ease but doesn’t intend to check the case on a plane. The case itself is lightweight enough to make solo transport easy, but it still offers more than acceptable protection for your instrument.

4
Most Affordable
NKTM 88 Key Electric Piano Keyboard Gig Bag
9,5
Site Rank
Features
  • Type: gig bag
  • Material: 420D oxford cloth
  • Size: 56 x 12 x 6 inches
  • Weight: 2.59 lbs.

Details: adjustable backpack straps, extra zipped pouches

NKTM 88 Key Electric Piano Keyboard Gig Bag
Good
Bad
    Good
  • For the price, this is a really good case. It holds up well, the fabric never tore, and we weren't ever worried about its ability to protect our keyboard. The backpack straps are nice due to their adjustable nature, but even with this feature, it was still awkward carrying the case on our back. To be fair, though, it's hard to envision a scenario where carrying a 4.5-foot long case on your back isn’t a bit awkward. We also like the zipper pouches because they’re nice and roomy, so we could include all of the accessories we needed for playing.
    Bad
  • This is a first for us, but one of the things we simply hated about this case was the strong smell that seemed to saturate it. From the minute we held the package— before even opening it— we were hit with the pungent odor of chemicals. To be fair, there is a note from the manufacturer that you should be prepared for the smell, but it was a bit too strong (and a bit concerning in terms of safety). We did some digging, and it seems that some people get the super smelly cases, and some people don't have a problem at all (and even go so far as to say they didn't smell anything). This may be due to variation in the chemicals that treat the bag or simply each person's sensitivity to such odors, but if you are sensitive to smells, we don't recommend this product.

This super-affordable case comes in at about $48, making it the most affordable case on our list. It has some good features that make it an excellent choice for that price point, but please keep in mind that it simply can’t compete with one of the other, more expensive models on our list. The case is made of 40D Oxford cloth and features adjustable backpack straps and zipper pouches for accessories.

This is a great case for a casual musician or someone new to keyboards. It functions well enough for short transportation stretches, so if you’re simply traveling with your keyboard too and from lessons, a friend’s house, band practice, etc., it will do the job of keeping your keyboard safe for these short journeys. We do not, however, recommend using this case for longer or more unpredictable travel, as it doesn’t offer the security and protection of some of the other cases on this list.

5
Best for a Yamaha P-125
Yamaha Soft Case
9,4
Site Rank
Features
  • Type: lightweight case
  • Material: not specified
  • Size: 54 x 9 x 13 inches
  • Weight: 3.5 lbs.

Details: compatible with P35, P45, P71, P105, P115, and P125 Yamaha digital pianos

Yamaha Soft Case
Good
Bad
    Good
  • We really like the sturdy stitching and sturdy zippers on this bag. The zippers feel like they're a lot bigger than some other zippers on keyboard cases, and as such, they never got tangled up in the siding or resisted opening or closing (but they simultaneously didn't feel like they would come unzipped on their own, which is great). The handles are easy to use and are comfortable to hang onto, which is nice given that most of these keyboards can weigh a lot. The storage pockets for accessories are also very generously sized, which allows you to hold pretty much anything you might need.
    Bad
  • One of the things that we didn't love about this case is the super light layer of padding. We typically look for cases that have a lot more padding (or even just a little more) because it makes us feel like our instrument is well protected and will withstand any bumps or falls that may come its way. The padding on this case, however, is pretty minimal, which was definitely our biggest complaint. We also wish that this case had an extra strap or two, particularly on each of the ends. These features would make loading and unloading the case a lot more efficient and also would help with stability and peace of mind if more than one person were cooperating to move the case.

This case is a great option for someone who wants a reasonably priced and well-made, lightweight case for local transport. It has a lot of good features that we love, and the manufacturing is sturdy and reliable.

This case is great for people who use a Yamaha P-125, but it also fits many other keyboards as well (and a lot of reviewers echoed our sentiment that it was as if it were made specifically for their type of keyboard, even if that wasn’t a P-125, so do with that info what you will!). It’s a nice, soft case for local transport, but probably wouldn’t do well for long-distance travel.

6
Best for Using as a Backpack
AKOZLIN Padded Keyboard Case
9,3
Site Rank
Features
  • Type: portable case
  • Material: 600D nylon, cotton inside
  • Size: 54.1 x 6.69 x 13.18 inches
  • Weight: 2.68 lbs.

Details: padded design, adjustable strap

AKOZLIN Padded Keyboard Case
Good
Bad
    Good
  • We really like the adjustable backpack straps on this case. They were super comfortable and stayed in place during use which is a big deal in our opinion. The treated exterior also is great for keeping your keyboard safe from water and dust, which can cause major damage with repeated exposure. We found that the padding was adequate for this case, and while it certainly wasn’t the most padded case we’ve ever used, it was great for the price.
    Bad
  • One of the things that kind of put us off of this case is the fact that the great waterproof and dustproof features are achieved using some chemicals that, according to several merchant websites, are linked to cancer. This is not a claim in any way, shape, or form that using this case will make you sick, but if it's bad enough that some sites are legally required to note that the chemicals are super toxic, we figured it was worth mentioning. On a less intense note, we also found that the padding was lacking for this case. Many reviews said that they bought the case for flying but needed to supplement the padding with bubble wrap or towels in order to ensure that their instrument wasn't damaged during transport. Additionally, we thought that the accessory pocket was pretty small on this bag and wouldn't be able to fit a pedal or a larger adapter.

For a lower-cost bag, this one really stands up to the test and is easy to transport. The adjustable backpack straps are great for quick and easy movement, and the waterproof and dustproof exterior offers a lot of peace of mind that your instrument will be well protected in all situations.

This case is ideal for someone who doesn’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a carrying case but still needs something that will offer a lot of protection and ease of transport. It’s definitely not as protective as many others on this list, but for the price of around $60, it really gives you some bang for your buck in the padding department.

7
Best for Maximum Protection
Harmony Cases HCKB88W
9,2
Site Rank
Features
  • Type: flight hard case
  • Material: eggshell foam
  • Size: 58 x 21 inches max
  • Weight: not specified

Details: spring-loaded handle, removable foam, smooth-rolling wheels

Harmony Cases HCKB88W
Good
Bad
    Good
  • We love all of the cool features that come with this case. It truly is a professional musician's dream case. The foam lining the interior is top of the line, and the eggshell foam is really awesome in terms of both function and aesthetics. One of the best parts about the foam is that it's removable, which allows you to customize your case to fit your specific keyboard. The wheels are incredibly smooth, and towing this case behind you is very easy, which is remarkable considering that the case weighs only slightly less than your standard 88 key keyboards.
    Bad
  • We won't beat around the bush— this case is pricey! The $440 price tag is a bit daunting, but it really does offer a lot of features and protection that, in our opinion, validate the hefty cost. That being said, we know that prices like this are unattractive for many people, so we consider it a bit of a negative. Similarly, while we understand the necessity of having such a heavy case, it really is a bit of a logistical nightmare if you're traveling alone and need to hoist this into a vehicle on your own. The case is also quite large and very bulky, so if you're looking for a sleek and modestly sized case, this is probably not the right choice for you.

When we say that this case is the best for maximum protection, we really mean it’s the best for maximum protection. The case itself weighs 60 pounds, and all of that weight comes from the enhanced protective features it offers. This case features laminated plywood, foam interior with eggshell foam on the lid, smooth-rolling wheels, a recessed latch, and heavy ball corners.

This is best for anyone who needs the ultimate protection for their instrument. In our opinion, this is a great case for someone who tours frequently and is constantly traveling and putting their case through its paces. There is absolutely no doubt that your keyboard will arrive in perfect condition if you use this case, and we think it’s one of the best keyboard cases 88 key users can buy.

8
Best as a Carrying Bag
Neewer 88-Key Keyboard Bag
9,0
Site Rank
Features
  • Type: lightweight bag
  • Material: waterproof nylon
  • Size: 59 x 19 x 6 inches
  • Weight: 36.45 oz.

Details: backpack straps, carrying handles

Neewer 88-Key Keyboard Bag
Good
Bad
    Good
  • We really like how durable this feels and how lightweight it is. It's one of the lightest cases on our list, and that goes a long way in helping it stand out. It also features two zipper pouches in the front that are definitely spacious enough for most accessories you could want to bring with you. The backpack straps are comfortable enough for carrying on your back but, like the bag itself, aren't terribly padded and might become uncomfortable with extended wear.
    Bad
  • To be a true all-around winner, this bag would need a bit more padding and maybe a bit thicker outer material as well. The price is great, and the bag does the trick, but many reviewers complained that the material was easy to puncture and snag on sharp objects and corners, which is not ideal for a lot of scenarios. Additionally, this bag is super roomy, which meant that our keyboard had a tendency to slide around inside the bag, which we didn't love.

This lightly padded bag is made out of nylon and features two handles for carrying and 2 adjustable backpack straps. It’s a super affordable bag at about $40, but it doesn’t offer much in the way of protection. This lightweight option is better used for toting your keyboard from place to place rather than protecting it during shipping or transport.

This is perfect for someone who is on the go a lot but is rarely parted from their instrument. What we mean by this is: if you are transporting your keyboard yourself on foot or with your own car, rather than checking or shipping it. It’s not the most protective, but it is well made and well-priced.


Things to Consider

Picking the right case for your 88 key keyboards requires a lot of research, and luckily, we did it for you! We looked at a ton of different case options and chose our favorites based on key features.

Important Features

We considered a lot of features, including type, size, material, design, fit, and weight. There is no “perfect” case across the board, but there is sure to be a perfect case for you!

Type

8 Best 88-Key Keyboard Cases to Protect Your Instrument!
Some cases are designed for traveling, so the materials they’re made from are very sturdy and durable.

The type of case refers to whether it’s a hard body case like the Gator Cases Molded Flight Case or a soft body case like the Neewer 88-Key Keyboard Bag. Hard cases offer more protection, but soft cases are often lighter.

Size

Some cases are super fitted to the keyboard, and some are roomier, like the Harmony Cases HCKB88W.

You should think about how much space you can take up with your case before you decide to purchase one.

Material

Material is also important to think about. Many soft cases are made with rugged nylon, and some hard body cases are made with polyethylene or plywood.

Material and type tend to go hand in hand, but you have some choice of material within each type.

Design

Design touches on the features offered by the case in question. Some cases have great features like removable foam (Harmony Cases HCKB88W), and others offer things like adjustable backpack straps.

Fit

How the keyboard fits into the case is a big deal for a lot of musicians. Many of the cases on this list offer straps to help secure the keyboard in place (like Gator Cases Padded Keyboard Gig Bag), and others have a removable foam to help get a custom fit.

Weight

Weight is important to consider if you need to be conservative with any additional weight. Some cases, like the Harmony Cases HCKB88W, weigh around 60 pounds without the keyboard inside and are better for serious musicians with expensive instruments. Lighter cases like the Gator Cases Lightweight Rolling Keyboard Case are super lightweight.

FAQ

Is there a weight limit for keyboard cases?

In terms of flight restrictions, some airlines do have weight restrictions in place for heavy instruments like keyboards. Delta, for example, has a hard and fast rule that prohibits carrying on keyboards that weigh over 165 pounds. Some airlines even require you to purchase a seat specifically for your bulky instruments. In terms of the weight of a keyboard inside of a given case, this is more of a case-by-case (no pun intended) basis type of question that doesn’t have a blanket answer. Some cases won’t be able to support the weight of super heavy keyboards.

What are the best ways to carry a keyboard case?

This question also doesn’t have a blanket answer. This is entirely up to you and your preferences and comfort, and there is definitely no “insider secret” to carrying your keyboard case around. If you prefer using a backpack case, then you should look for a case with padded and adjustable straps. If you prefer cases with wheels, you should consider investing in a hard body case that has wheels attached. The wheel method is probably the easiest way to transport your keyboard, but it is by no means the best.

How to clean a keyboard case?

This depends on whether or not your case is a hard body or soft body case, and it also— of course— greatly depends on the stain or dirt you’re trying to get rid of. Some stains are hard to get rid of and may require you to replace the whole case instead. If you have a hard body case, you’re going to want to take a damp rag with a little bit of soap and gently wipe the dirty area. Then take another damp rag with no soap and wipe the soap residue away. Soft bags will require you to spot treat the stain.

Our Verdict

We looked at so many different cases and read a ton of reviews that all examined the features mentioned above. As music lovers Trusted Source When Music Is the Best Medicine Music therapists can meet the spiritual, psychological and aesthetic needs of the afflicted by producing sounds testifying to the fact that beauty continues to exist in the world. www.nytimes.com , we were incredibly diligent in our research and are super proud of our top picks, especially our top three choices, which were Gator Cases Padded Keyboard Gig Bag, our Editor’s Choice, Premium Pick Gator Cases Molded Flight Case, and Gator Cases Lightweight Rolling Keyboard Case (Best Value). Each one of these cases offers unique features that will protect your instrument and allow you to transport it easily Trusted Source The Mystery Of Music: How It Works In the Brain The ability to perceive and enjoy music is an inborn human trait, said Dr. Mark Tramo, a neurobiologist at Harvard Medical School. While many animals use intricate sounds to recognize one another, attract mates and signal danger, humans have developed the richest musical repertoires of any species. www.nytimes.com and safely. There are different degrees of intensity regarding protection among the options on this list, but we hope that one of them is the right fit for you. We had so much fun reviewing these cases, and we hope this list of the best 88-key keyboard cases was helpful for you.

References

1.
When Music Is the Best Medicine
Music therapists can meet the spiritual, psychological and aesthetic needs of the afflicted by producing sounds testifying to the fact that beauty continues to exist in the world.
2.
The Mystery Of Music: How It Works In the Brain
The ability to perceive and enjoy music is an inborn human trait, said Dr. Mark Tramo, a neurobiologist at Harvard Medical School. While many animals use intricate sounds to recognize one another, attract mates and signal danger, humans have developed the richest musical repertoires of any species.
9,8
Total Score
Gator Cases Padded Keyboard Gig Bag - Editor’s Choice
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