10 Best Digital Pianos Under 1000 Dollars to Create Beautiful Melodies

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 16-01-2024
Updated 16-01-2024
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Digital pianos are available in various forms, sizes, and shapes. As well as the prices. Setting up a budget doesn’t limit you so much on the quality of the instrument or shorten your needs in it. The best digital piano under 1000 dollars can a professional instrument, as well as beginner’s first keyboard. But how to determine which instrument would be a valuable buy?

Our Top Choices

#Editor’s Choice
"High-quality digital piano with stand and sound protection system. 88 keys. 256 polyphony tones. 4-speaker system."
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#Premium Pick
"User-friendly digital piano under $1000 with reliable SF sound engine. 88 keys. 192 polyphony tones. Split mode."
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"A top-tier digital piano for beginners with 88 PHA-4 weighted action keys, three pedals, 200 onboard songs, and even an instructional DVD."
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In choosing the best digital pianos, we have considered some features which we think are vital. Sound quality would be the main factor to determine whether or not digital piano is even worth to ry. We’ve also took a look at keyboard action and touch response – they’ll determine how comfortable it would be to work with the instrument. Learning tools, number of sounds/tones, polyphony, and speakers and amplification were also considered in determining the best instrument. So let’s read on to find put which digital piano suits you.

Top 10 Digital Pianos Under 1000 Review 2024

1
Editor’s Choice
Casio PX-870 BK
9,8
Site Rank
Features
  • Number of keys: 88
  • Dimensions: 54.8 x 11.75 x 31.8 in
  • Weight: 75.6 lbs
  • Warranty: 3-year limited

More features: 19 tones, 256 polyphony notes, 3 sensitivity levels, 4-speaker system, comes in white color, USB connection, sound protection

Casio PX-870 BK
Good
Bad
    Good
  • The piano allows app connectivity, making it compatible with IOS and Android devices. This will enable you to listen to music at your own pace with a step-to-step app guide. Apart from the included 50 pieces, the repertoire is expandable with extra MIDI files.

    Bad
  • It could be better if the key action was of high-quality to prevent it from making noise

Casio PX-870 BK will give you highly-accurate sounds with a powerful performance. It has an upgraded 4-layer piano tone that will produce an incredible and realistic sound.  This piano also reproduces string resonance, damper resonance, and key on/off action noise. The 40-watt, 4-speaker system helps to fill your room with detailed and rich sound and leaves the audiences and listeners fully entertained.

The hall simulator helps to recreate the ambience and character of four popular concert halls. As a result, you will have a superior listening experience. The 256 polyphony’s notes guarantee you that even complex performances would still sound good.  You will also get unparalleled speed and accuracy, thanks to the tri-sensor scaled hammer action II keyboard.

2
Premium Pick
Yamaha P125
9,7
Site Rank
Features
  • Number of keys: 88
  • Dimensions: 52.1 x 11.6 x 6.56 in
  • Weight: 26 lbs
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: sustain pedal, weighted keys, SF sound engine, USB connection, split mode, app compatible, 192 polyphony voices, 24 preset voices

Yamaha P125
Good
Bad
    Good
  • You can connect the unit using digital devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and iPad. It allows you to choose settings, rhythms, and voices from the tablet or phone’s touch screen. Overall quality of the instrument is top notch.

    Bad
  • Navigation in the software is very difficult

Are you looking for a user-friendly digital piano? Search no more.  YAMAHA P125 is an excellent choice for you. Yamaha is one of the most trusted companies for making durable and quality products. This is well reflected in P125. The weighted digital piano is ideal for people who never want a lot of buttons and additional stuff.  The unit is compact with 88 keys that help to give an incredible performance. It also produces a dynamic and better-quality sound that meets your expectations.

You can play various voices with each hand, thanks to the split mode. The piano has a lesson function that has over 50 preset songs for practicing. The USB port allows you to connect the unit to your tablets, laptops, or computers.

One thing that you will notice about this digital piano is its portability. At only 26 pounds, this is one of the lightweight digital pianos that we reviewed. This means that you can easily carry it and storage will not be a problem either.

Also Product Ranking:
Read full review: yamaha p125 review
3
Roland RP102
9,6
Site Rank
Features
  • Number of keys: 88
  • Dimensions: 32.1 x 54.3 x 16.3 in
  • Weight: 83.37 lbs
  • Warranty: 2-year limited

More features: PHA-4 weighted action keys, 128 notes, 4 piano tones, 11 instrument tones, 200 onboard songs, metronome, 3 pedals, built-in 2 x 4.75″ speakers

Roland RP102
Good
Bad
    Good
  • For a beginner, there’s so much to love about the Roland RP-102 Digital Piano, including the design, simplicity, feel of the keys, sound produced, sound of the speakers, and the instructional DVD.
    Bad
  • While the piano is mostly exceptional, its accessories aren’t. Therefore you may have to upgrade at some point.

The Roland RP-102 Digital Piano is an excellent beginner piano, exemplified by the fact that it’s bundled with a playing bench and the full 88-key setup. There are 200 onboard songs to get you started. However, when you eventually outgrow them and are looking for a new challenge, the Bluetooth functionality should come in handy. After all, it allows you to connect to a smart device, i.e., your smartphone or tablet, and access other songs from your library to practice with.

The digital piano embodies almost everything about acoustic pianos, whether it’s the action of the keys, their feel, or the presence of three pedals. Nevertheless, you still get the advantages of a digital piano, including the 4 piano tones and 11 instrument tones. Also, practice should be easier with the built-in dual speakers allowing you to monitor your sound. You even get an Austin Bazaar instructional DVD.

Also Product Ranking:
4
Best Value
Casio PX-S1000BK
9,5
Site Rank
Features
  • Number of keys: 88
  • Dimensions: 52 x 9 x 4 in
  • Weight: 24.7 lbs
  • Warranty: 3-year limited

More features: 192 polyphony tones, 18 sounds, color variation, weighted keys, USB connection

Casio PX-S1000BK
Good
Bad
    Good
  • This is a great piano with excellent performance. Its built-in speakers will give you beautiful sounds that you will enjoy. It is also affordable, easy to use, and available. It also comes in various color if you want another style

    Bad
  • The instruction manual should have been made easier for users to follow.

The digital piano will make you happy, and you will definitely love it. It comes in classic black, and its goldish color shines, giving the unit an elegant look. The piano has a sleek and slim design; hence it’s compact and portable. The unit will bring smart technology into your musical life. The 18 different sounds and the in-built speakers will give you exceptional and quality audio that will fill your room with rich sound.

The digital piano is easily connected to your computer, tablet, or laptop in case you want to compose or record some music. The fully-weighted smart, scaled hammer action keyboard offers you with uncompromising touch, and the key scaling system reproduces all the 88 notes’ properties. Irrespective of the environment you are playing the piano, the ivory and ebony key textures make sure you have the optimal level of comfort and confidence.

You will release that the touch sensor controls are revealed once the power button is on and you can easily see them in any light. They then fade away after putting off the power, and they leave a clean, seamless top panel. The three-year warranty gives you the confidence to purchase the piano without any fear about the quality.

5
Best Home Digital Piano Under $1000
Korg SP280BK
9,4
Site Rank
Features
  • Number of keys: 88
  • Dimensions: 53.6 x 16 x 30.9 in
  • Weight: 41.9 lbs
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: weighted keys, stereo input, 30 sounds, folding stand included, sustain pedal, 3 effects, comes in white color, 120 polyphony voices

Korg SP280BK
Good
Bad
    Good
  • The piano is lightweight, making it easily transferable from one place to another. The piano also gives you rich sound. Tones and voices in it guarantee you’ll enjoy creating new music pieces every day.

    Bad
  • It could be easier for beginners to learn using it

Do you want to change your musical life forever? The unit perfectly recreates the experience of playing a concert grand piano. It offers a playing feeling similar to that of an acoustic piano. The SP-280 has 30 rich and high-quality sounds, which include organs, electric piano, grand piano, strings, and harpsichord, among others. It has a sleek and stylish design, which gives the piano an incredible look.

Apart from the provided damper pedal, the optional pedal unit offers soft and sostenuto pedals, giving you a complete, authentic piano playing experience. The Korg SP280BK also provides a soul-satisfying and most in-demand keyboard sound that has never been found in one instrument.

The LINE IN jack allows you to connect a portable audio player and listen to it via the SP-280’s speakers as you play along. The LINE OUT jacks are ideal for connecting the piano to a recording device or amplified speakers. The three effects help to change the brightness of the tone, and the reverb stimulates the ambience of the concert hall.

Also Product Ranking:
6
Best Digital Piano Under $1000 for Teaching
Korg B2SP
9,3
Site Rank
Features
  • Number of keys: 88
  • Dimensions: 51.6 x 13.2 x 29.5 in
  • Weight: 46.3 lbs
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: three pedals included, stand included, Ac adapter included, USB connection, 12 sounds

Korg B2SP
Good
Bad
    Good
  • The piano gives you nothing but quality sound and better performance.

    Bad
  • Pedals are not secured well and can come loose if you’re moving the piano

Are you serious about your music? Korg B2SP is the digital piano that you need. It has all that you require in playing the piano for great fun and enjoyment. The unit will give you the same experience of playing a real grand piano. It comes with an easily assembled stand that matches any decor for placing your piano. The stand has a sleek design that conceals the user’s feet. The piano also comes with a three-pedal unit that attaches quickly and easily to the stand for more comfort while playing.

The Korg B2SP is slim and lightweight, making it highly portable. It also has an elegant design with beautiful colors. The 88 keys ensure that you get better and exceptional performance. The unit also has a natural weighted hammer action keyboard that gives you incomparable speed and accuracy. This B2SP will give you an entirely piano playing experience, thanks to the Soft, Damper, and Sostenuto pedals.

7
Best Portable Digital Piano Under $1000
Kawai ES110
9,2
Site Rank
Features
  • Number of keys: 88
  • Dimensions: 11.4 x 51.6 x 5.75 in
  • Weight: 26.5 lbs
  • Warranty: 3-year limited

More features: 19 sounds, 192 polyphony voices, weighted keys, built-in stereo speaker system, Bluetooth MIDI

Kawai ES110
Good
Bad
    Good
  • The piano has great features that will ensure you will enjoy your playing experience. high-quality, durable, and comes at an affordable price. Its keys response is quick and produced sound is bright and melodic.

    Bad
  • It could be better if the instructions were easy to understand.

Kawai ES110 is the best instrument for a serious pianist since it is designed to change your music life. The built-in stereo speaker system produces a sound that is sweet and classical. The unit provides the tone and touch of an acoustic piano. The piano also has a fast response and great action, thanks to the responsive hammer compact action. The 88 weighted keys reproduce an outstanding feel that makes the beginners and experienced players feel as if they are playing a traditional piano.

The digital piano is Bluetooth enabled, allowing you to connect to digital devices wirelessly. The unit also possesses standard MIDI ports that you can connect to computers, musical instruments, and other devices. The audio line output helps to connect to an audio recorder or external speaker system. With the lessons and exercises, one is able to learn how to play the piano slowly and effectively. This enables one to enhance his/her skills in an efficient manner. Do not forget that the piano also comes with headphone jacks.

The ES110 has a built-in recorder that helps you to record or compose music or capture an inspiring moment. The separate pedal allows the piano to have a complete look, and it adds three operational pedals to the unit.

Also Product Ranking:
8
Best Digital Piano Under $1000 for Learning
Donner DDP-100
9,1
Site Rank
Features
  • Number of keys: 88
  • Dimensions: 53.9 x 15.7 x 33 in
  • Weight: 99 lbs
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: 128 polyphony voices, 1 tone, USB connection, stereo speakers, weighted keys, 100 preset songs, 3 pedals

Donner DDP-100
Good
Bad
    Good
  • The timbre allows you to adjust and test its details one time and another. This enables you to get excellent and realistic sound while developing your ability to create something new. This digital piano is great for students, 100 pre set songs make it easy to understand the work of the instrument.

    Bad
  •   It could be better if the stereo speaker system would be of high-quality to avoid making the buzz noise.

Do you need accuracy and speed while playing the piano? Donner DDP-100 is the piano you need. The 88-key full weight digital piano gives you unlimited sounds and tones to experiment and play. The notes offer rich and quality sound compared to other pianos on the market. Installing the unit is easy since it is lightweight with a sleek and slim design.

The DDP-100 has a streamlined design and a wooden cabinet that has a sliding key cover to secure the key. The 128-note polyphony helps you to get the best quality while practicing and excellent performance. The built-in amplifier allows you to play MP3 and support headphones and external sound.

The piano has three pedals with three functions. The Soft pedal makes the tone very soft, Sostenuto helps to reduce the damper effect when you press it halfway, and Sustain enables you to proceed with the previous style. The unit also has 100 preset songs for practicing.

Also Product Ranking:
9
Donner DDP-300
9,0
Site Rank
Features
  • Number of keys: 88
  • Dimensions: 56.3 x 21 x 13.7 in
  • Weight: 96.7 lbs
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: weighted action keys, 128-sound polyphony, stereo speakers, double setting, 10 pre-set timbres, 3 pedals, USB connection

Donner DDP-300
Good
Bad
    Good
  • The piano is user-friendly. It gives new users a great opportunity to gain new playing skills in an easy and efficient way. The unit is durable and comes with a simple design which makes it ideal for both beginners and professionals.

    Bad
  • Volume differences between instrument settings could be made better.

This is another great digital piano. It is ideal for both beginners and professionals. The piano has many great features that help improve your playing experience. It is suitable for concerts, home use, and stage performance. The 88-key weighted keyboard gives you a better feeling and touch. The keyboard also has a metal 3-pedal system that improves quality and creates great experiences and exceptional performance.

You can separate the keyboard into two sections using the double keyboard setting, allowing you to have one-on-one practicing and teaching. The piano comes with headphones that enable the player or learner to continue playing in case there are no speakers or late at night.

The 10 preset timbres, including Bass, Strings, Rock Organ, Electric Piano, and Grand Piano, together with 128-note polyphony, are ideal in ensuring the reduction degree is so high. The three-dimensional surround sound, high-quality speakers, heavy bass ensure your music is enjoyable and better. The piano has the Bluetooth MIDI function that allows you to connect to digital devices for great practicing.

10
Best Digital Piano Under $1000 for Beginners
Yamaha P71
8,8
Site Rank
Features
  • Number of keys: 88
  • Dimensions: 52.25 x 11.5 in
  • Weight: 25 lbs
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: 10 voices, sustain pedal, bench and stand included, 2 speakers, USB connection

Yamaha P71
Good
Bad
    Good
  • The digital piano possesses all the features and qualities on the box. Furthermore, the unit is affordable and user-friendly. We like the fact that you can easily start working with it and learn new chords, making it perfect first instrument that offers quick progress.

    Bad
  • It could be better if the sound selection was not that much limited.

This is an Amazon exclusive piano, and it’s among the best digital pianos on the market today. It is slim and lightweight, making it highly portable. The piano is also compact; hence it does not occupy more space. The unit offers you 10 different voices, giving you the optimal practice that you need. Also, you can lay the other two voices if you wish.

The digital piano can be connected to digital devices such as computers or laptops, especially when you want to record or compose music. The two speakers give you high-quality and exceptional sound with stereo rich. The unit also has 88 keys and has an adjustable padded keyboard bench, allowing you to change position for more comfort while playing.

Aside from having several features that make it a world class digital piano, you will also notice the great design of the Yamaha P71. Not only does this digital piano look good but playing it feels as great too.


Things to Consider

Do you want to buy a digital piano? Worry not. Buying any product is not easy since there are so many products on the market. This guide will show you some of the things to consider before purchasing a digital piano under 1000. There are many companies that manufacture digital pianos, such as Yamaha, Casio, Roland, Korg, among others.

The variety of tasks for budget electric pianos

10 Best Digital Pianos Under 1000 Dollars to Create Beautiful Melodies

Digital pianos come in different types, such as stage digital pianos, grand digital pianos, and upright digital pianos. These pianos differ in features, sizes, and designs. They are mostly used in music schools, churches, clubs, music studios, and live concerts. The following are some of the benefits of digital pianos:

Compact and portable

Almost all digital pianos are compact. They are also lightweight, making them easily portable. Therefore, these pianos are suitable for gigging artists to move from one place to another.

High-quality sound

Digital pianos give you high-quality sound since the sound is produced electronically, which is not the case with acoustic pianos. However, this depends on the type of digital piano you purchase.

Internet and expansion

The recent models of digital pianos allow you to connect to the internet. It is also possible to upgrade your piano using the built-in expansion slots.

Headphones

Digital pianos come with headphones that enable you to play or practice in silence. This allows you to learn slowly without creating any disturbance. Some of the models have two outputs, allowing you and your trainer or partner to move together.

No tuning

Unlike acoustic piano that needs tuning after every six months, the digital piano needs no tuning. Acoustic pianos must be tuned anytime they have moved around. This makes digital pianos suitable for home use.

Less expensive

Digital pianos are not much expensive compared to acoustic pianos. They are also easy to maintain and use.

Tips for digital piano users

10 Best Digital Pianos Under 1000 Dollars to Create Beautiful Melodies

Digital pianos are ideal for both beginners and experienced players. Even though there are many models of digital pianos, playing the piano is the same in all of them. The following are some tips for digital piano users:

  • Know the instrument: This is essential and is the first rule. Whether you are an experienced player or a learner, you need to understand the digital piano better.
  • Understand the pattern: It is important to know each and every key in the keyboard and the pattern that you will use while playing. Digital pianos have different patterns with a set of white and black keys.
  • Look on intervals: Intervals and timing are essential, especially to beginners. Stay focused and knows where and how your fingers are moving. Then try using both hands.
  • Learn chords: Many people find it hard to play chords initially, but with time, mastering them is easy.
  • Watch others play: This is very important if you want to learn faster. It is easy to master something while seeing other people doing it.
  • Learn while listening: Listen to a recorded song and start playing it. You will start memorizing the keys as you play regularly.
  • Keep changing the tones and styles: Do not restrict yourself to a certain style. Change the techniques as you practice.
  • Enjoy playing: Anytime you love and enjoy what you are doing, you find it easy doing it. The same case applies to the piano. Enjoy playing it as many times as possible, and definitely, your fingers will get used to pressing the right keys.
  • Practice more: Give yourself about 20-25 minutes or more every day. Play different songs and chords and remain at your expertise level. Never stress yourself by trying to play complex tones when you are still a learner.
  • Increase your speed: as you get used to playing, you can now increase your speed since you have mastered the keyboard.
  • Record: Most digital pianos possess this feature. You can play a song and record it as you continue with your practice. Then listen to the piece you have recorded, and in your next play, ensure you improve.

If you are a beginner, you need to be patient. Take your time and learn slowly. It is also essential to have a digital piano with a lesson function as it will help you learn some playing fundamentals. It is also advisable to get a trainer or an experienced player who can guide you on what to do.

How to pick the best digital piano under $1000?

Are you planning to purchase a digital piano? What is in your mind? We know you are thinking a lot and asking yourself some questions.  You need to know more before making your final decision. Since there are so many digital pianos on the market, selecting the best is not easy, especially if you don’t have any knowledge about the products. The following guide will help you choose the best digital under $1000. Here are some of the things you need to consider before buying the product:

Key types

The type of keys the digital piano has is very important. The keys should be sturdy and well-built and should have a realistic touch. It is essential to note that the majority of digital pianos usually have a weighted hammer action keyboard. Lower keys are a bit heavier and become lighter as the keyboard moves up. Therefore, the piano’s key action mechanism is essential, and you should consider it more.

Number of keys

10 Best Digital Pianos Under 1000 Dollars to Create Beautiful MelodiesMost digital pianos have 88 keys compared to others which have lesser number of keys. The larger number of keys helps to give you better and classical music. A good example of a piano with multiple keys is the YAMAHA P125.

Sound quality

This is an essential element to consider and pay more attention to it. Therefore, you need to look at the internal sound library and the speaker system. The speakers must be of high-quality and also ensure that they are audible enough to cater to your various needs.

Many digital pianos come with so many sound types such as strings, rock organs, clavinets, electric pianos, grand pianos, harpsichords, and many more.  A piano like the Korg SP280BK produces a high-quality to enhance your performance and experience.

Warranty

Most digital pianos come with a warranty. Be sure to check how many years of warranty a digital come with.  The more the number of years, the more advisable it is to buy the product because in case anything happens to it within that period, you will be on the safe side. A machine like the Casio PX-870 BK comes with a 3-year warranty while the Donner DDP-100 comes with a one-year warranty.

Dimensions and weight

The majority of digital pianos are lightweight, a feature that makes them be carried with ease. If you are a musician and you need a piano for live performance, no doubt a piano like the Korg SP280BK is a perfect choice for you. You also need to look at the dimensions. In case you move from one place to another performing, you need a compact digital piano such as YAMAHA P125 that is easy to carry.

Accessories

A digital piano that comes with multiple add-ons is better. For example, the Donner DDP-100 comes with multiple accessories like pedals making it a great option. The last thing you want is to spend more money on accessories.

Extra features

10 Best Digital Pianos Under 1000 Dollars to Create Beautiful Melodies

Other features that are in digital pianos include MIDI connectivity that allows you to connect your instrument to Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and record yourself while playing. To many music producers, MIDI connectivity is compulsory as it helps you get into a world of creativity and allows you to get high-quality sounds.

Another feature you will get from digital pianos is polyphony.  The best digital piano should have at least 64 notes of polyphony and above, and you are good to go. Other features are playback option, app connection, layer mode, split mode, transposing, accompaniment function, sound effects, preset songs, metronome, tuning, and recording.

FAQ

Which is the best budget piano for a beginner musician?

After researching for many hours, we have concluded that Yamaha P71 is the most ideal for beginners. This is because it perfectly reproduces the acoustic piano’s feel and gives you better realistic sounds and exceptional performance.

It has dual headphone outputs that give room to both the teacher and student. The piano is also affordable and easy to use.

Why are weighted keys better for digital pianos?

Weighted keys are better for digital pianos since they give a realistic and natural feel compared to other types of keys. Most preferably, they are ideal for beginners because they are sensitive and are easy to press.

Our verdict

Our first pick is the Casio PX-870 BK which produces high-quality sounds with excellent performance. The upgraded 4-layer piano tone gives you an incredible and realistic sound. It is also compatible with IOS and Android devices.

Our second pick is the YAMAHA P125 digital piano which is user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners. It has a lesson function that guides the learner on how to play the piano. It’s compact and lightweight, making it highly portable.

Lastly, our best value pick is the Casio PX-S1000BK. A piano that comes with a slim design and an elegant look making it one of the best digital pianos under 1000 dollars. It will breathe smart technology into your musical life. The 18 different sounds and the in-built speakers will give you exceptional and quality audio that will fill your room with rich sound.

References

1.
Toward High-Quality Live Sound for Digital Piano | Richard's Stuff
Keyboardists often complain that their digital/electronic piano sounds harsh, honky, thin, muffled, resonant, tinny, strident, boxy, like a toy/budget instrument, and other kinds of terrible and awful, such as the “ice-pick-in-the-ear effect”.
2.
Buying a Digital Piano: What to Look For | TIME.com
Sometimes a real piano just won’t work. You might be a cost-conscious parent, wary of snapping up a pricey Steinway for a kid more interested in baseball than bass clefs.
3.
What's the Difference Between a Digital Keyboard and a Digital Piano?
Digital keyboards, portable keyboards, arranger workstations, digital pianos … what are the differences and what do they have in common? And what's the difference between a digital keyboard and an acoustic one, like a piano? Find the answers to all these questions, and more, in this article.
9,8
Total Score
Casio PX-870 BK - Editor’s Choice
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