Learning how to play a musical instrument requires that you have plenty of practice, doesn’t it? If you do not have your own instrument, it can make it hard for you to practice effectively. One of the best instruments that you can learn how to play is the digital piano. In the past, an acoustic piano was the only choice for anyone that was looking to master a new instrument. Although these were, and still remain cool, they are quite expensive and require plenty of maintenance as well. In this post, we will consider 10 of the best digital piano under 300 dollars models on the market today.
Since there are so many options on the market, it might be difficult to find the right one that will provide excellent performance while being affordable. We considered some important features as we compiled this list. These include number of keys, type of keys, number of timbers, power, dimensions, weight and warranty. We will have an in-depth analysis of each of these features in our buying guide. Let’s now consider the 10 best models, including our Editor's Choice ― the Alesis Melody 61 MKII.
More features: 40 built-in demo songs, dual and split modes, all accessories included, 2 months free live videos
The first model on this list, and the overall best option from our testing and research, is the Alesis Melody 61 MKII. Alesis is one of the most popular manufacturers of musical instruments on the market today, and the Alesis Melody 61 MKII comes with plenty of useful features that make it an excellent pick. If you are looking for a portable unit then you will have a grand time with this model. While it comes at a relatively cheap price, you will discover that it has almost everything you could ever want from a digital piano.
Let us know consider the top features of this excellent model. First, the Alesis Melody 61 MKII comes with recording and playback function. One of the features that set digital pianos apart from other types of pianos is the ability to record and playback the recording, and the Alesis Melody 61 MKII is no exception. With just the push of a button, you can start recording your music. Aside from that, we also love that it comes fitted with a microphone. This features makes it the perfect companion for any musician. The microphone feature is easy to use. All that is required from you is to plug the microphone into the piano and press the recording button. This doubles as the playback option as you can listen to yourself after making music.
One of the best things about the digital instruments from Alesis is that they all come with educational features. This makes them to be an excellent option if you are a beginner. The Alesis Melody 61 MKII comes pre-loaded with up to forty demo songs and over 300 accompaniment tunes. Therefore, you can get started on playing as soon as the product is out of the box. That is not all. This digital piano also offers you a three month subscription to the very useful and educative Skoove tutorials. This will help you get the hang of the piano and get you playing tunes in no time. The online tool contains plenty of music across genres.
Another thing that makes the Alesis Melody 61 MKII an excellent model is that it is flexible and easy to move around. It weighs just 8.7 pounds, which is light enough for you to carry it around without plenty of hassle. Additionally, the model comes with a foldable bench and stand.
More features: 8 kinds of percussion instrument recording, 10 kinds of rhythm, 6 demos, for kids
While all of the digital pianos on this roundup come at a low price, the Tencoz Digital Music Piano Keyboard is our budget pick. This piano is very affordable, and similar to the models we have reviewed so far, also comes as an entry level piano that is superb for beginners and children. It comes as a 61 key piano, which might not appeal to professional players, but would be excellent for those just learning to play. The reduced number of keys also means that you have a unit that is compact and portable.
Part of the appeal of this unit, aside from the attractive price, is that you get some features found only in more expensive models. Take for instance, the recording and playback functions. These allow you to play and record your music.
The build of the Tencoz Digital Music Piano Keyboard also means that it is a top rated model. The construction is free of any dangerous chemicals and toxins and the plastic used is friendly on the environment. There are several in built sound here, although it isn’t as rich as those found in the units we have reviewed above. The Tencoz Digital Music Piano Keyboard comes with just eight percussion instruments recording, ten rhythms, 16 timbres, and six demos. While these are cool, they are limited.
The external microphone included is one of the several accessories that accompany the Tencoz Digital Music Piano Keyboard.
The Tencoz Digital Music Piano Keyboard is an absolutely delightful way of learning how to play and your kids will love using it. It is completely portable and can be carried around with plenty of ease. The playback function means you can play back your work , make improvements, and get better. There is also a demo mode that will even make you more inspired as you play. With the eight musical sounds to choose from, you kid will enjoy playing on this piano. Additionally, there are keys that correspond to music tones and help your kid get all the knowledge needed to play as well as having fun.
Due to the portable size, you can easily put it away when you aren’t using it. It is battery-powered, which makes it even easier to use on the go. And there are power saving features that come in handy when you aren’t playing the device. One of the best things that it has which will be great for your kids, is the sound mat.
More features: 50 built-in demo songs, 85 note record memory, playback, 32 beat rhythm programming, metronome, 3 teaching modes, accessories included
Next on this roundup is the RockJam RJ561. Aside from coming at under 300 dollars, the RockJam RJ561 comes with several features that make it an awesome pick for any one that enjoys playing the guitar. Although it is great for beginners, it is also a nice unit that over time will grow with you as you improve in your playing. To that end, you’ll find that there are plenty of features to make it a great pick. It might be a beginner keyboard, but it is good enough to accompany you on a live stage.
The RockJam brand might not be widely known for making professional digital pianos, but with the RockJam RJ561, they are certainly making many people sit up and take notice. This digital piano comes with some of the best learning modes that will ensure that the beginner masters the proper playing techniques. Although there isn’t a full keyboard, as this is just a 61-key model, you will likely not require more than that as a beginner.
Before talking about the features, let us look at some of the best things about the design. The RockJam RJ561 comes with a large LCD screen. Many people have remarked that this is one of the most attractive things about this product. The LCD screen, as well as the large and easy to use control pad, results as an easy to use digital piano. The large screen allows you to see whatever you are playing and will guide you in making any changes. As for the control panel, it is completely integrated and is the best thing when it comes to ease of use. It gives the instructions that any learner will require to master the keyboard. This panel will indicate the keys to press, the chords to play, and so on.
Another design feature that we liked is the presence of full-sized keys. Many of the cheap options on the market, and a few on this roundup, have small keys that do not give you that authentic piano feel. Expert players might not have any problem with that, but as a beginner, it is important that you use the closest thing to the original as possible. The full-sized keys here feel like the real thing, are durable, and are so easy to use.
Let’s now consider some of the features that lie under the hood. As with the best digital pianos, the RockJam RJ561 comes with record and playback function. You can have plenty of fun playing your music, recording it , and playing it back after your session. The RockJam RJ561 also comes with up to 100 rhythms. This large number of options means that you will not run out of beats anytime soon. This widens the range of your creativity and will help you in your learning process. It is a good feature, especially for beginners. Aside from the rhythms, there are also different voices you can select from. With these, you can make the digital piano sound like different types of instruments.
More features: 112 built-in songs, 130 accompaniment styles, 9 step lesson function, 32 polyphonies, 300 notes data capacity
The Yamaha brand is undoubtedly one of the most popular manufacturers of musical instruments on the market. The brand offers instruments at a variety of prices, but the common thing is that all their products are durable, of high quality, and offer superb performance. The YAMAHA YPT260 is no exception. Although it is even less than 100 dollars, the performance is excellent. It comes with durability, functionality and quality that punch above its weight.
One of our favorite things about this unit is that it is great at teaching you how to play the piano. It comes with features that make it a great option for any beginners. The Yamaha Education suite is an in-built bundle in the YAMAHA YPT260 that aims to tech beginners best practices and techniques to improve their playing. It comes in a systematic form, with a 9-lesson plan to guide the player. If you are just starting to learn how to play, then this feature will come in very handy indeed. In fact, it is so comprehensive that even expert players have remarked that they have learnt a few things from using it. Therefore, everyone, regardless of skill or level can still find this to be a useful digital piano.
Apart from the educational quality, the YAMAHA YPT260 comes with excellent keyboard quality. Although it is made of plastic, the plastic found here is high grade and durable. Therefore, even if you mistakenly drop the keyboard, it will still continue to work. Other parts of the piano also enjoy this top treatment. Therefore, you will find that the knobs, buttons, and other controls of the keyboard are made of high quality parts and are durable. All of the buttons, bar the volume knob are made of strong plastic and give a good feel. Unfortunately, the keys of the YAMAHA YPT260 are not weighted, which isn’t very surprising when you consider the cost of the unit. Other than that, there isn’t really any complaint about the keyboard. They come with good spacing and are very easy to use. The configuration of the keyboard is sensible and intuitive which will make it far easier to handle. Therefore, if you are a beginner, you won’t suffer plenty of stress while using the keyboard.
This model come with an AUX input that lets you attach different types of devices. This ranges from tablets to computers and smartphones. You can therefore integrate the keyboard with different recording software.
The other features under the hood are great. The YAMAHA YPT260 comes with up to 400 voices and 130 accompaniment styles. The voices give you the ability to make whatever type of song you want while the styles make your playing sound so much better. It also has 112 songs in the song bank, with the songs cutting across different genres.
More features: 50 built-in demo songs, 255 built-in rhythms, 32 built-in percussions sounds, 3 teaching modes, complete set
If you are a beginner, the Best Choice Products Electronic Keyboard Piano comes as the best set you can find. It comes with lovely features that make it an excellent buy that you’ll certainly enjoy using. Let’s see some of the features that makes this option stand out from the others on the market.
First, the keyboard is well designed and has a good layout. It is a 61-key option that is perfect for anyone that is just learning how to play the piano. The keyboard feels nice and the ergonomic design makes it comfortable for anyone to use. You will play for hours without feeling a strain.
Another good feature of the Best Choice Products Electronic Keyboard Piano is the presence of sounds. This unit offers you up to 100 rhythms and 10 demo songs. You also have eight percussion sounds for practice.
Accessories also come in useful in this unit as it comes with an X-style stand. This stand is adjustable and comes with strong grips at the bottom to ensure that your device doesn’t slip as you learn. The LCD screen makes an entrance here as well and allows you to customize settings.
As a beginner, you will find that the teaching modes will help you have a good grasp of playing in a short time. One of the best things a beginner can have in a digital piano is a recorder and programmer with a metronome. Thankfully, this model offers all of that.
More features: 80 built-in demo songs, 100 built-in rhythms, 15 hours battery life, FCC CE RoHS certification, PC compatible, foldable
There are different types of pianos on the market, but perhaps none of these are as strange as the foldable piano. As the name implies, this type of piano comes with a silicone construction that allows you to fold it into a roll. Therefore, it is the most portable type of piano that you can use. As it comes in a folded design, it works best when you place it on a flat surface. Out of all the foldable pianos, the ANDSF Portable Flexible Electronic Piano is the best budget model.
This unit is better than most of the options on the market in this category because of the solid build. It is more durable than others on the market. And unlike other options, it does not suffer from a double tone problem.
It comes with all the features that you might want from a piano. In fact, the ANDSF Portable Flexible Electronic Piano comes with a sustain pedal. The 80 songs included are surprising but welcome. Using the ANDSF Portable Flexible Electronic Piano is pretty easy as it comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts for over 14 hours.
Part of the best features includes the ability to record your sounds. It boasts of a microphone input.
Although this digital piano was originally made for kids, you can enjoy it as well. For that, you will have to connect the USB-MIDI.
More features: 50 built-in dance music rhythms, 100 built-in rhythms, 60 built-in songs, Reverb (10 types), Virtual Hall, Dance Music Effect, teaching function, metronome, iOS or Android compatible, accessories included
Just as the Alesis piano above, the Casio CTK-3500 PPK is a beginner level digital piano that comes at a low price. It comes with useful features like touch-sensitive keys and other features that you’ll usually only find on more expensive units.
First of all, the design of this unit will appeal to beginners and kids. It is an easy to use piano that boasts of nice keys. The 61 –key function is excellent for anyone that is just learning how to play. The Casio CTK-3500 PPK comes with in-built learning system that will guide any beginner. The systematic learning system, dance music mode, and other mods make it one of the most interesting options on this list. Just as with the model we reviewed earlier, this also comes with educational features like the onboard lesson system and Chordana Play app. Therefore, beginners and kids will have a fun time mastering the instrument.
One of the best things about the design of the Casio CTK-3500 PPK is that the keys are touch sensitive. Therefore, you will find them more responsive than your typical digital piano. Considering the price of this unit, it is quite surprising that it comes with this feature. Due to this feature, the volume is not controlled. It means that the harder the keys are pressed, the louder they sound. Aside from offering you that, it also ensures that you can adjust the level of sensitivity.
The next feature of note are the lessons. The Casio CTK-3500 PPK is made for beginners, and to that end, comes with plenty of features to help you learn how to play. The LCD display shows you important things to aid your playing. As for the piano itself, it boasts of up to 60 pre-installed songs. Another nice feature we love is the voice simulated fingering guide. This function works by tracking how your fingers move as you play and provides a guide on finger numbers. And the Chordana Play App comes with even more features and versatility to guide you.
As it is a 61 key piano, it comes in a portable, lightweight design that makes it easy for you to carry around with you. If you don’t have plenty of space in your playing area, the compact form factor of the Casio CTK-3500 PPK will likely appeal to you. It also weighs just 7.5 pounds, which is one of the lightest options on this roundup. As the model runs on battery, you do not need any electrical outlets before you can start playing.
More features: 50 built-in demo songs, 300 built-in rhythms, teaching function, comes as a set
If you head out to the market, you’ll discover that there are hundreds of piano keyboards on the market today. That can make it challenging to find the right option for your use. The RIF6 Electric Piano Keyboard comes as one of these digital pianos. However, unlike the majority of the models on the market, the RIF6 Electric Piano Keyboard offers good performance for beginners and expert players alike. It is convenient, portable, and relatively powerful and versatile.
There are several features found here that make it an excellent choice. First, it has a rich setup. The unit has more than 300 different tones imbedded and also features a similarly large number of rhythms. Therefore, you have a lot of sound that you can choose from to make music. With all the numbers, you have a near limitless number of sounds and music you can create.
Another excellent feature here is the built-in recorder and playback function. After making your music, you can play it back. It also comes with a mic inputs. Playback is easy and convenient to listen to because there are headphones included in this digital piano.
The physical components of this unit make it very easy to learn. The 61 keys are full-sized options. There are useful accessories that make playing more comfortable. For instance, there is piano stand, foldable stool, and a music stand along with the headphones that we mentioned earlier.
The RIF6 Electric Piano Keyboard also has two teaching modes to help you learn how to play up to 50 songs.
More features: 50 built-in demo songs, built-in speakers, ideal for small kids
All of the digital pianos that we have reviewed so far can be used by beginners and experts alike. However, the Korg tinyPIANO is unique in that it is specifically made for kids.
It comes in a very cute design that will look great in the nursery or living room. It comes from Korg, a brand that is known for its miniaturized approach to musical instruments. This time, Korg has made a digital piano for kids and kids alone. Is it worth the cost? We believe so.
It comes with a lovely and simple design. Instead of the 61 keys that are found in the other options above, the Korg tinyPIANO comes with 25 mini keys. These are used to play the 25 sounds found in the model. For a toy, it comes with a decent selection of sounds. You can play up to 25 sounds with this model, ranging from organs to piano and music boxes. This feature surpasses anything found in any toy digital piano on the market.
Aside from that, the Korg tinyPIANO also offers up to 50 demo songs that you child can play along to. These songs are kid-friendly and are easy to master. It is easy to select the sounds to play and your child will get the hang of it in no time. That is important because the Korg tinyPIANO does not have a screen or any labels.
The Korg tinyPIANO is powered via electric outlets and batteries.
Although it is basically a toy, it comes with a sturdy build that will last for a very long time. In fact, this will likely be that kind of toy that is passed down to younger children.
More features: 77 built-in rhythms, 60 built-in songs, built-in carry handle, chord a play app integration, Mac/PC/iOS/Android device compatible, 16 hours (alkaline batteries), approximately 13 hours (rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries) battery life, available in 3 colors
The last, but not the least on this list is the Casio Casiotone CT-S200RD. It is an excellent digital piano from Casio and offers a beautiful, ergonomic design that beginners and experts alike will love.
First of all, the design of this unit will appeal to beginners and kids. It is an easy to use piano that boasts of nice keys. The 61 –key function is excellent for anyone that is just learning how to play. The Casio Casiotone CT-S200RD comes with in-built learning system that will guide any beginner. The systematic learning system, dance music mode, and other modes make it one of the most interesting options on this list.
Inside the nicely-designed model, you will find that it gives you 77 built-in rhythms, 60 songs, and compatibility with tablets and smartphones.
The Casio Casiotone CT-S200RD is made for beginners, and to that end, comes with plenty of features to help you learn how to play. And the Chordana Play App comes with even more features and versatility to guide you. Therefore, beginners and kids will have a fun time mastering the instrument.
If you are reading this, you probably have never bought a keyboard or digital piano before. Therefore, it be hard knowing what to look out for when you are making a purchase. In the section above, we reviewed ten of the best options available on the market right now. This will help to narrow your choices. In this buying guide section, we will review some of the important factors that you should look out for when making a buying decision.
$300 is rather small as a budget if you want the best digital piano, especially if you are and expert player. However, if you are a beginner, it should be enough for you to find a digital piano that will provide all the features that you need to learn and play.
If you are not looking to perform on a stage, you don’t need to invest plenty of money in a digital piano.
As these types of pianos come at a low price, there are certain things that you will not find. For example, you will not find a fully weighted digital piano for that price. Additionally, you should not expect it to come with more than 61 keys.
Aside from these, the best digital pianos for under 300 will come with some useful features like inbuilt lesson, compatibility with other devices, and plenty of sounds.
Now, let us see some of the vital features to keep in mind as you head out to the market to buy your digital piano.
The typical acoustic piano comes with 88 Keys. However, most of the models on the market that come at this price do not offer that many keys. The maximum you will find is 61 keys. An example is the Alesis Melody 61 MKII. If you are determined to find a unit with the standard number of keys for less than 300 dollars, you will have to make some concessions. For example, the ANDSF Portable Flexible Electronic Piano comes with up to 88 Keys, but it is a foldable option.
Another feature which is related to the number of keys is the polyphony. This feature is the number of notes you can play simultaneously. Expert players would expect their digital pianos to have a high polyphony as it will help with playing complex pieces beautifully. The YAMAHA YPT260 comes with 32 Polyphony feature.
Another important feature to consider is the sensitivity of the keys. This often depends on the design and build quality of the keys.
Some of the best options on the market come with a weighted feel, but that is very rare at this price point. To compensate for the lack of weighted keys, these budget units offer keys that are velocity and touch sensitive.
The Korg tinyPIANO comes with velocity sensitive keys. The Casio CTK-3500 PPK, on the other hand, comes with touch sensitive keys.
The ability to connect your digital piano to other devices is an underrated feature. It improves the versatility of the unit and allows you to get more from it. An excellent unit can even serve as the central unit in a music production rig. Therefore, you should look for models that offer USB and MIDI connections. Some other useful connections include AUX and headphone ports. The ANDSF Portable Flexible Electronic Piano offers MIDI connections.
The means of powering the piano has an impact on its portability. That is why some of the best options run on electricity and batteries. An example of such digital piano is the Casio Casiotone CT-S200RD.
If you are looking for a portable option, you certainly need it to have the right dimensions and weight.
The bigger the piano is, the heavier and more cumbersome it would be to move around. The units that come at this price are usually 61-key models, which mean that they would be lighter and more compact than regular digital pianos.
The heaviest on our list is the RockJam RJ561 that weighs around 19 pounds, while the lightest is Tencoz Digital Music Piano Keyboard that weighs under three pounds.
We recommend all the ten options on this roundup. Among these include the top pick, the Alesis Melody 61 MKII. This unit is a portable option with 66 keys and comes with plenty of functions and educational features that make it a great fit for anyone looking to play a digital piano.
The budget model, the Tencoz Digital Music Piano Keyboard also sports 61 keys and comes with playback and recording functions which are found in far more expensive models.
Finally, there’s the RockJam RJ561 61 Key Keyboard Piano, which offers great learning modes to help beginners adapt and master playing techniques. It comes with 61 keys and comes with a useful LCD screen and an easy-to-use control pad.
We hope that this review of the best digital piano under 300 will help you choose the best product for you.
