A piano is a stringed instrument, that comes in a wooden case which covers the soundboard and the metal strings. The sound is produced on a piano by pressing a key on the keyboard which makes the padded hammer strike the strings of the instrument, which results in the production of a sound.
The depressible keys on a piano or any other instrument is known as a musical keyboard. They have a combination of keys; some are longer while others are shorter.
If you are a beginner and have a wish to learn to play a piano, or your kid is showing interest in the same and you thought of giving a look on some of the best pianos and keyboards for beginners, you have landed on the right page! We are here to help you out by providing the reviews for the 10 Best Pianos and Keyboards for Beginners in 2020, along with a Buyer’s Guide at the end of this article, so that you can get your hands on the best available product on the market!
So, keep reading!
Casio CTK-3500 EPA 61-Key Premium Keyboard Pack
This is a very lightweight keyboard set, that has a compact design and is easy to store. It is battery operated and also includes an AC adapter, which allows the user to play this keyboard any where they wish to.
It provides the user with a vast variety of tones, 400 tones, to be precise, along with 150 rhythms. This lets the user explore the musical world through this amazing keyboard. It comes with built-in speakers and also allows quiet playing, so that you can simply connect your headphones and play at any time of the day, without the fear of disturbing anyone. It also features a Dance Music Mode, through which the user is allowed to create electronic dance music remixes very easily.
It offers many effects, like, drum beats, synth parts, bass lines, and also allows the user to add flanger, filter, roll, etc. It allows the users the facility to connect the keyboard with their smartphones and use the Chordana Play app, which is basically a music learning app that would teach how to play the most popular and favorite songs.
Features
- Compact design.
- Lightweight.
- Battery operated.
- Includes AC adapter.
- 400 tones are offered.
- 150 rhythms.
- Built-in speakers.
- Allows quiet playing.
- Dance Music Mode.
- User can create electric music remixes.
- Allows effects like drum beats, synth parts, bass lines.
- User can add flanger, filter, roll, etc.
- Can be connected to Android devices for using Chordana Play app.
- eMedia Instructional Software.
- World Tour X-Style Stand.
- Samson HP30 Closed-Cup Headphones.
- Number of Keys: 61.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design.
- Simple to use.
- Good quality speakers.
Cons
- Not Midi capable.
Overall Ratings– 4.5/5 stars.
Yamaha Ypt260 61-Key Portable Keyboard With Power Adapter
Yamaha has been a household name for musical instruments and devices and this keyboard does not disappoint as well. It comes with a PA130 power adapter, which makes it more attractive buy.
It is a very versatile keyboard, that comes with 400 voices and 130 auto accompaniment styles that feature backing tracks as well. It also comes with 112 on board songs for you to enjoy and learn. It does not include a USB connection. It features the Yamaha Education Suite, which has a 9 step lesson function, that allows the user to connect Aux cables and play the keyboard with music from smartphones or PCs.
It also features a recording function that allows the user to record their playings. The number of Polyphony is maximum 32.
Features
- Versatile.
- 400 voices.
- 130 auto accompaniment styles.
- Backing tracks included.
- Includes PA130 power adapter.
- Includes 112 on board songs.
- Does not advertise USB connection.
- Yamaha Education Suite.
- Has a 9 step lesson function.
- Can be connected to phone or PC through Aux cables.
- Recording function.
- Number of Polyphony: 32.
- Easily portable.
Pros
- Highly portable.
- Gives the perfect pitch.
- Comes with an instruction manual which makes it extremely easy to use.
Cons
- Faulty stand, according to a user.
Overall Ratings- 4.7/5 stars.
Roland 88-Key Bluetooth Digital Home Piano
This piano by Roland is an affordable one, and is space saving too, compared to other gigantic pianos. It comes with an on board practice feature, which enhances the versatility of the product.
This piano is suitable for beginners and can be bought for use at home, or even for practice rooms or any other piano lesson studios. The best feature offered by this piano is wireless communication. Unlike most pianos, this piano can be connected to your phone or PC in order to access music apps simply through Bluetooth. It features Roland Piano Partner 2 app which makes it possible for the user to experience several advanced controls and features.
It features the SuperNATURAL Piano technology which makes this piano nothing less than an acoustic grand piano. It has a refined sensing technology, that gives the user a more expressive playablity. It has a metal construction along with 3 pedal controls.
Features
- Affordable.
- Space saving.
- SuperNATURAL Piano technology.
- Refined sensing technology.
- Metal construction.
- 3 pedal controls.
- On board practice feature.
- Versatile.
- Wireless communication.
- Bluetooth compatibility.
- Roland Piano Partner 2 app.
- Advanced controls and features.
Pros
- Easy to put together.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Sounds like a real piano.
Cons
- Fragile.
Overall Ratings– 3.4/5 stars.
Korg EK-50 Entertainer Keyboard
This is a complete bundle provided by Korg, which includes an entertainer keyboard, an adjustable keyboard bench, an adjustable key board stand, and a sustain pedal.
It features an automatic accompaniment functionality which gives a rich accompaniment without much effort. It allows the user to play with their right hand, since the accompaniment automatically changes according to the position of the keyboard or the chord that is being played. It provides more than 700 realistic sounds and features the amazing split function, which enables the user to divide the keyboard and produce different sound on both the divisions, simultaneously.
It features a bright and clear display right at the middle of the panel, which shows the style and sound that has been currently selected for action. This display is LED illuminated which makes it more convenient. It features in-built speakers that have an input jack through which external devices can be connected for sound reproduction by these speakers.
Features
- Comes with a bundle of accessories.
- Includes entertainer keyboard, an adjustable keyboard bench, an adjustable key board stand, and a sustain pedal.
- Automatic accompaniment functionality.
- Gives 700 realistic sounds.
- Split function.
- Bright and clear display.
- LED illuminated.
- In-built speakers.
- Input jack for connection with external devices.
- Playback and recording functions.
Pros
- Perfect size.
- Stand and stool are best quality.
- Excellent for jamming.
Cons
- Electric piano sounds are limited.
Overall Ratings- 4.7/5 stars.
RockJam RJ761 61 Key Electronic Interactive Teaching Piano Keyboard
This superkit by RockJam includes a keyboard with 61 keys, that imitate a traditional piano. It has a compact design and is easily portable. It is battery operated and also includes power supplies.
It comes with a display panel that is touchscreen which makes it easier to use than other displays. It comes with 30 demo songs, 200 rhythms and 200 tones, which makes it a very versatile product. It features a record and playback function which enables the user to add layers to their sound. It also features a teaching function and a Midi output.
The stand provided with this piano is adjustable, so it can be used by people of all age groups. It also comes with a padded seat which has a foldable design, and makes sure that the user is comfortable while playing. Padded headphones are another accessory included that ensures that other people are not disturbed while the user plays this piano. It also contains a sustain pedal which lets you construct your own unique music.
Features
- 61 keys.
- Compact design.
- Portable.
- Sounds just like a traditional piano.
- Battery operated or can be powered through mains.
- Touch display panel.
- 30 demo songs.
- 200 rhythms.
- 200 tones.
- Versatile.
- Record and playback function.
- Teaching function.
- Midi output.
- Adjustable and sturdy stand.
- Padded, comfortable seat with foldable design.
- Padded headphones.
- Sustain pedal included.
Pros
- Perfect for small spaces.
- Foot pedal is useful.
- Multiple connections possible.
Cons
- AC adapter cord is not long enough.
Overall Ratings– 4.4/5 stars.
Roland GO:KEYS 61-key Music Creation Keyboard
This keyboard by Roland is extremely attractive and is the best keyboard for beginners. It has 61 keys and is an easy to use keyboard.
It features on board speakers which allows the user to stream their favorite music wirelessly. It has Bluetooth feature which makes connecting this keyboard with your phone or PC extremely easy. It has a compact design and is lightweight, allowing the user to set it up in minimum space. It is a versatile keyboard that features up to 500 sounds by Roland that are ready to play.
It features a Loop Mix Function through which the user can construct their own songs very easily. It has simple buttons for sounds like drums, bass, synth, strings, organ, etc, that can be incorporated into the loop mix jams and a unique composition can be made.
Features
- Attractive design.
- 61 keys.
- Loop Mix Function allows mixing of various sounds.
- Easy to use.
- On board speakers.
- Bluetooth feature.
- Compact design.
- Lightweight.
- Space saving.
- Versatile.
- 500 ready to play sounds.
- Allows incorporation of sounds like drums, strings, synth, piano into the loop mix jam.
- Fully wireless operation.
- Battery powered.
- Midi support.
- One touch controls.
Pros
- Effective and simple design.
- Lightweight.
- 128 polyphony.
Cons
- Internal speakers could’ve been better functioning, according to a customer.
Overall Ratings– 4.2/5 stars.
Joy 61 Standard Keys Keyboard
This keyboard by Joy comes with a number accessories and is a standard 61 keys keyboard. It comes with a MP3 player function and is best suited for beginners.
It comes with 50 demo songs, 255 rhythms, and 255 timbres. The sounds and effects produced are high quality and ensure that the user is provided with the absolute best. It features an LED display screen that is multi functional.It makes the user learn better with the help of the demo songs that guide the user about the correct notes that they need to press.
It features mane patterns and functions like keyboard percussion, tempo control, accom volume, mater volume, etc. The accessories included in this pack are keyboard stand, music stand, headphone, DC 9V/AC adapter, music stool. In short, it carries all the required accessories.
Features
- 61 keys.
- MP3 player function.
- 50 demo songs.
- 255 rhythms.
- 255 timbres.
- High quality sounds.
- Multi functional LED display.
- Various patterns and functions.
- Keyboard percussion, tempo control, accom volume, mater volume, etc.
- Includes keyboard stand, music stand, headphone, DC 9V/AC adapter, music stool.
- Adjustable bench and stand.
- Padded headphones.
Pros
- Offers many functions.
- Adjustable and comfortable bench.
- Best for beginners.
Cons
- Few users complained about not receiving all the mentioned accessories.
Overall Ratings- 4.3/5 stars.
Casio PX-770 BK Privia Digital Home Piano
This piano by Casio comes in a classic black color, which makes it an attractive piece. It produces sounds that are totally similar to the ones produced by a grand piano.
It features the Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard, which gives the user an amazing feel while playing. It provides accuracy and speed that is unparalleled. It has a stereo amplification system that gives an extremely clear and powerful audio. It features the very useful Duet Mode, through which the piano can be divided into two parts with equal pitch ranges, so that the instructor or the teacher and the student can sit and work on the same piano.
It has the option of Concert Play that has ten recordings of famous orchestral pieces and lets the user play along with these. This piano can be connected to a Windows or Mac device through the class-compliant USB. The Chordana Play app can also be accessed by connecting the piano to your android or iOS devices.
Features
- Classic black color.
- Sounds similar to a grand piano.
- Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard for an amazing feel.
- Unparalleled accuracy and speed.
- Stereo amplification system.
- Duet mode.
- Concert Play feature.
- Can be connected to Windows or Mac through class-compliant USB.
- Users can access the Chordana Play app by connecting the piano to their android or iOS device.
- Slim design.
- Replicated Ebony and Ivory Keys.
- Space saving design.
- Suitable for all piano players.
- Headphone and USB Connections.
- Number of keys: 88.
- Polyphony maximum 128.
Pros
- Perfect for a small room.
- Weighted keys feel great.
- Accurate sound quality.
Cons
- Could be a bit louder.
- Frame is a little flimsy.
Overall Ratings- 4.4/5 stars.
Plixio 61-Key Digital Electric Piano Keyboard
This keyboard by Plixio definitely qualifies as the best first instrument for beginners. It is a 61 key keyboard and carries all the required features, starting right from being lightweight to being highly portable.
It allows the user to customize the sounds of the music they wish to play and lets them play along with their favorite songs. The Dual Power Supply makes it the most suitable keyboard for musicians who travel a lot. It works either on batteries or on the power adapter that is included. It needs 6 AA batteries to function.
It features 60 demo songs, 100 rhythms, 8 percussion and 40 tones along with the volume control. It can also be used as a Karaoke machine, since it features a microphone jack. (Microphone is not included) The components included with this keyboard are sheet music stand, aux cable, and a power adapter. It comes with a 1 year warranty.
Features
- 61 keys.
- Lightweight. (less than 9 pounds)
- Portable.
- Dual power supply.
- Power adapter (included).
- Needs 6 AA batteries.
- 60 demo songs.
- 100 rhythms.
- 8 percussion.
- 40 tones.
- Tempo or volume control.
- Can be used as a Karaoke machine.
- Microphone jack.
- Includes sheet music stand, aux cable, power adapter.
- Comes with a one year warranty.
- Variety of sound effects offered.
- Does not include USB port.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Easy to understand control buttons.
- Removable music stand is a blessing.
Cons
- Keys are 1″ shorter than real piano keys.
Overall Ratings– 4.0/5 stars.
Hamzer 61-Key Digital Music Piano Keyboard
This piano keyboard by Hamzer features in-built speakers, which produces the best flawless audio at a super affordable price. It comes with 255 rhythms, 255 timbres, 24 demo songs and 61 percussion.
It can be used by beginners, as well as those with intermediate knowledge of pianos. It is a 61 keys piano, that is multi functional and sounds and feels exactly like a traditional piano. It comes with a set of transparent stickers that can be used to label the keys, so that the learning process is made simpler for beginners. It is a portable piano that is suitable for single-fingered play and lets the user select chord timbres, edit rhythms, and add effects like sustain, vibrato, ensemble, etc.
It also includes interesting features like rhythm sync, accompanying volume, tempo adjustment, master volume control, etc. It provides record and playback feature and comes with a microphone having a 4′ cord, headphone jack, audio input and output. It is battery operated and requires 6 AA batteries for functioning. It can also be powered through the 110 -120 volt power adapter.
Features
- Easy to use.
- Portable.
- In-built speakers.
- Powerful sound.
- 255 rhythms.
- 255 timbres.
- 24 demo songs.
- 61 percussion.
- 61 keys.
- Sounds like a traditional piano.
- Lightweight.
- Includes a set of transparent stickers for labeling of keys.
- Allows single fingered play.
- Offers many controls and effects.
- Record and playback feature.
- Includes a microphone, headphone jack, audio input and output.
- 6 AA batteries needed.
- 110-120V power adapater.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight.
- Transparent stickers are helpful.
- Extremely affordable with high values.
Cons
- No sustain pedal.
Overall Ratings– 4.3/5 stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take piano lessons on a keyboard?
Yes, one can easily learn to play a piano on a keyboard, since they do not offer much difference, and keyboards are always much smaller in size and hence are more convenient to use. Why buy a huge grand piano when you can learn the same in a much smaller and manageable size, in the form of a keyboard!
Are keyboards and pianos the same?
A keyboard is an electric instrument that has unweighted keys. They also do not need to be tuned. A piano, on the other hand, has weighted keys and is an acoustic instrument. They also require to be tuned from time to time.
Which is better, a piano or a keyboard?
Both of these instruments have their own benefits. Pianos are better for professionals since they sound better than keyboards, but do not allow the user to play different styles like than in a keyboard. So, we won’t call either of them better than the other.
How do I get the best sound from my keyboard?
A keyboard may not sound as good as a traditional piano, but there are a few tips that would help in making your keyboard sound better. To know those tips, check out this video.
Do keyboards need amps?
Keyboards may not “need” amps, but sure, they can be used to produce a more crisp sound along with minimum distortion. Keyboard amps are used to amplify the sound produced by the keyboard and are mostly used by band members.
Buyer’s Guide
If you are a beginner, or this is your first time buying a piano or a keyboard, we understand that there might be many confusions in your head right now. Though we might have solved some of that confusion with the help of our reviews!
So, now you are aware of the products you can consider buying and must be waiting to read our buyer’s guide, so that you can be sure that you have selected the right product! Here goes what to look for while buying a piano or a keyboard for a beginner-
The size of the keyboard or piano. Of course, you wouldn’t want to buy a huge piano for various reasons. Do not believe in theories like smaller the size of the keyboard, worse is its performance. As a beginner, it would be best for you to go for a small sized keyboard that has unweighted keys. But never compromise on the sound functions provided by the keyboard or piano.
The sound produced by your keyboard must be exactly similar to the one produced by a traditional piano. Also keep in mind the polyphony and the multitimbrality of your keyboard.
Try to go for keyboards that have additional space for you to record new sounds apart from the ones that are in-built in it. This is not a necessity, but it does increase the versatility of the keyboard.
The presence of an audio input/output is also an additional feature for your keyboard since it would enable you to use recorders and amps.
MIDI compatibility is a must for your keyboard if you wish to get involved in electronic music.
Also, your keyboard should be able to connect to to your smartphone or computer easily, since that would make things easier and would allow you to create your own music.
Summary
You are now ready with the list of the 10 Best Pianos and Keyboards for Starters in 2020 and the necessary features to look out for in the same. This means, you are absolutely ready to buy a piano or a keyboard!
Don’t think much, buy that desired piano or keyboard, and welcome yourself into the world of music, if you haven’t already!
Thanks for reading this article! Please leave your comments below.
Don’t forget to check out our article on the 7 Best Wireless Guitar Systems of 2020.
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