If you can lay your hands on a digital piano that provides you the same acoustic sound quality along with additional advantages, wouldn’t you go for it? Well, whether you are a budding pianist or an advanced user, digital pianos can be a great choice over traditional pianos in many ways.
Digital pianos are portable with space-saving designs and enabled with digital features such as USB connectivity, built-in recorders, learning enhancement programs, and different voices, among many other special features. Here’s a list of the top 13 best digital pianos under $500. You can read the comprehensive review appended below that gives away complete information on each model to enable you to find the perfect digital piano for embarking on your musical journey.
Quick Summary: Best Digital Pianos Under $500
What Are Digital Pianos and Who Can Use Them?
The acoustic piano and the keyboard are the two primary components of the digital piano. The manipulation of sound enables a wider variety of tones to be produced. These keyboards are typically the same size as a full-size acoustic piano; but, in comparison to a standard keyboard, they feature a greater number of keys usually 88.
Both the power of music and the requirement for top-notch instruments are transformative. You need a musical instrument that will consistently play brilliantly and dependably whether you’re a pro or just getting started.
We’ve put together a list of the best pianos that are now on sale online if you’re interested in embarking on an exciting new journey into the world of music and you think the piano can soothe minds and move hearts.
Are Digital Pianos as Good as Real Pianos?
It’s possible that people who prefer more traditional forms of piano music won’t be interested in a digital piano. Nevertheless, a digital piano is an essential instrument for pianists of this day and age. Traditional pianos are more difficult to play than their digital counterparts to master for several reasons.
The adaptability of digital pianos is widely regarded as one of the instruments’ primary strengths. We now know that in addition to piano, organ, synth, and harpsichord tones may be created by digital pianos. Harpsichord tones can also be produced by digital pianos. This not only makes it simpler for you to achieve the sound that is appropriate for a particular genre or song, but it also provides you with additional opportunities to experiment.
Difference Between Digital Pianos and Electric Pianos
A digital piano may provide the most realistic piano experience, but it is also the most inflexible and difficult to transport. While electronic keyboards have the highest degree of portability and versatility, they cannot in any way replace the feel of playing a traditional keyboard. Performers should choose keyboard pianos rather than grand or electric pianos since they provide a happy medium between the two.
How Long Does a Digital Piano Last?
The average lifespan of a digital piano is between 20 and 50 years. Higher-end digital pianos have a much more amazing build quality than their cheaper counterparts. We use only the highest quality materials in our wiring, plastics, metals, and piano keys. However, if played ordinarily and maintained correctly, even the cheapest digital pianos can last for many years.
Can You Learn to Play Piano on a Digital Piano?
Yes, to answer your question in a nutshell! It is acceptable to begin one’s musical education on a keyboard or a digital piano. When selecting an instrument for a student, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind that will have a significant impact on the overall quality of their learning experience. Finding a keyboard with weighted action is the single most critical thing you can do.
Also Check out:- Best Digital Pianos Under $1000
Table of Contents
- Quick Summary: Best Digital Pianos Under $500
- What Are Digital Pianos and Who Can Use Them?
- Are Digital Pianos as Good as Real Pianos?
- Difference Between Digital Pianos and Electric Pianos
- How Long Does a Digital Piano Last?
- Can You Learn to Play Piano on a Digital Piano?
- Top 13 Best Budget Digital Pianos Under $500
- #1. Yamaha P71 Digital Piano – Best Overall
- #2. Yamaha P45 Digital Piano – Runner Up
- #3. Alesis Recital Pro Digital Piano – Editor’s Choice
- #4. Casio Privia PX-160 BK Digital Piano – Great for All Skill Levels
- #5. Yamaha P121 – Great Compact Digital Piano
- #6. Roland GO:PIANO (GO-88P) – Beginner’s Choice from Roland Brand
- #7. Donner DEP-20 Digital Piano – Amazing Choice Under $500
- #8. Alesis Virtue 88-Key Digital Piano – Value for Money Bundle
- #9. Yamaha PSR-EW300 SA Digital Piano – Popular Choice
- #10. Yamaha NP32 Portable Keyboard – Great for Intermediate Pianists
- #11. Yamaha EZ-220 Portable Keyboard – Superb Alternative Under $500
- #12. RockJam RJ561 Piano – Best 61 Key Keyboard Under $500
- #13. Korg B2N Digital Piano – Another Amazing Alternative
- Which Should Be Your Primary Digital Piano?
- Concluding Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 1. There is a Dizzying Array of Variety in the Pianos That Are Offered. When Looking to Buy a Piano, What Are Some of the Most Important Things to Keep in Mind?
- 2. When Determining Whether or Not a Youngster is Mature Enough to Start Taking Piano Lessons, Are There Any Particular Signs That Parents Should Look Out for?
- 3. Do I Need to Learn How to Read Music to Play the Piano?
- 4. Which Instrument Should I Buy, a Keyboard or a Piano?
- 5. Is There an Age Limit for Starting Piano Lessons, or Does It Depends on a Child’s Maturity and/or Interest?
Top 13 Best Budget Digital Pianos Under $500
#1. Yamaha P71 Digital Piano – Best Overall
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.5 |
| Connectivity | 9.1 |
| Build Quality | 9.1 |
| For Beginners | 9.7 |
| Value for money | 9.6 |
Pros
- Yamaha P71 is an ideal digital piano model for aspiring pianists as the GHS action aids in building the correct finger technique.
- Polyphonic; offering a maximum number of notes an electric piano can produce at a time.
- Offers a realistic feel owing to the weighted keys
- It is equipped with a USB port allowing connecting the instrument to smart devices, DAWs on PCs, and sustain pedals.
- It is enabled with MIDI data transfer technology
- Loaded with 10 different instrument voices
- Easy to operate; perfect for beginners
Cons
- No recording function
- Doesn’t come with a stand
The Yamaha P71 is an all-in-one model that’s the perfect home digital piano for beginner-level pianists. Designed with 88 weighted keys, this piano allows users to choose from 10 varying sounds. Additionally, users can layer two voices at a time to create impactful music akin to a stage performance.
Despite its elaborate features, Yamaha has a lightweight built. It is slim and can fit anywhere in your living space. The portable model allows for easy storage. It is also enabled with a USB connection that facilitates connecting it with external devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. Play, sing, compose or learn from scratch as your glide your fingers on the smooth keys of this remarkable digital piano!
Features
- Yamaha P71 digital piano comes with a sustain pedal and includes a power adapter for easy plug-in and play.
- The GHS weighted action of Yamaha P71 gives it the heavier touch at the base and the lighter touch in the higher notes. It replicated the hammer effect similar to that of the acoustic piano.
- The Advanced Wave Memory sampling facilitates sound recording akin to an acoustic piano. It is this sampling that uses digital technology to create high-quality sound.
- All-in-one button for operations. This piano offers a single button setting where users can hold down the function key to change voices, configure various modes as well as play the demo sources.
- Yamaha P71 is lightweight measuring only 25 lbs and has a compact design with a 12” depth requiring less storage space.
- Offers 3 levels of touch sensitivity
Also Check: Best Beginner Digital Pianos & Keyboards 2024
#2. Yamaha P45 Digital Piano – Runner Up
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.5 |
| Easy to Assemble | 9.7 |
| Connectivity | 9.2 |
| Build Quality | 9.1 |
| Value for money | 9.5 |
Pros
- The simple interface is great for beginners and all age groups of users.
- Yamaha P45B digital piano is portable, weighing 25lbs. Its lightweight design makes it easily transportable.
- Offers a rich acoustic experience
- Single button operation makes it a user-friendly digital piano
Cons
- This model from Yamaha is not equipped with a MIDI recorder.
- The sound quality is diminished by the increased polyphony.
Yamaha P45B is not just a budget digital piano, it’s a unit designed to cater to beginner level pianists. This model is equipped with almost every feature you need to get started.
P45B weighted action digital piano offers 10 sounds along with a headphone and 64-note polyphony. The weighted action can be powered on and off with the help of the switch. This is a big advantage for beginners as it facilitates a ground to get acquainted with the keys before using the weighted effect.
The 64-note polyphony allows players to perform reasonably dense musical tracks even when using the sustain pedal. The chorus effect and reverb enable the flow of deep and rich music.
This model is programmed with metronome and ECO Operation as additional features. The sustain pedal, music reset, and power adapter come as a bonus.
For its features at an affordable price, P45B from Yamaha is a good buy!
Features
- The SB connectivity allows users to download software updates from Yamaha. It also enabled controlling of the soft synths and VSTs on connected devices
- The Graded Hammer Action feature replicates the sound and feel of an authentic acoustic piano.
- It comes with an in-built metronome that’s fully adjustable. This allows users to easily adjust the volume and tempo.
- The transpose button allows users to change the key with a press of a single button. This enables users to tune the piano to match a backing track as required.
- The Dual Mode on the piano allows users to stack two presets. This creates a full-band sound effect.
Also Check: Best Digital Pianos: Top 15 Pianos to Buy in 2024
#3. Alesis Recital Pro Digital Piano – Editor’s Choice
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.3 |
| For Beginners | 9.6 |
| Connectivity | 9.1 |
| Build Quality | 8.9 |
| Value for money | 9.4 |
Pros
- Features 88-key full-sized hammer action keys with adjusting touch response
- Features about 12 premium sounds, including the electric piano, acoustic piano, chorus, and reverb.
- Two built-in 20W speakers render clear sounds, to fill a big room.
Cons
- When it is played hard, the tunes shake.
This is perhaps one of the best digital electric pianos available for professional piano players that is available at this cost. The product is too good, and it sounds close to a real piano. Its touch sensitivity is too good and thus helps in creating wonderful piano sounds. This piano feels close to the legendary piano brands but is available for under $500. Its touch response is too good and its display is also user-friendly. Its USB connects with the iPhone and the iPad to create innovative and creative piano sounds.
It is great that it comes with a Skoove premium subscription, which stands as the easiest way to learn piano lessons. In short, the Alesis Recital Pro is a complete and full-featured digital piano that features 88-hammer action keys along with adjusting touch response.
There are 12 voices, powerful 20W built-in speakers, and ambient connectivity options in this piano. And what impressed us the most in this piano is its 128-note polyphony.
You are free to play the keyboard as you go, as it can power with an included power adapter and also works great with 6 D cell batteries. Apart from rendering a professional piano playing experience, it also supports several educational features such as the split function, layer and record function, diverse lesson modes, and the best polyphone with skoove subscription.
The piano supports connection with the sustain pedal and there is also a ¼” stereo headphone output for private practice and for connecting with the amplifiers and the speakers.
#4. Casio Privia PX-160 BK Digital Piano – Great for All Skill Levels
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.4 |
| Connectivity | 9.1 |
| Portability | 9.3 |
| Build Quality | 8.8 |
| For Beginners | 9.7 |
| Value for money | 9.4 |
Pros
- It encases world-class features at a throwaway price
- Compact and portable
- Can be connected to Windows or Mac without having to download any additional drivers
- MIDI controller enables connecting the device with iOS devices.
- High-quality keys ensure a smooth feel the keys
- Perfect for beginners and can be used by professional pianists as well
Cons
- There’s nothing special or new about the design of the piano
- No LCD screen
When it comes to a reliable provider of digital pianos, Casio is a pioneer brand you can’t miss. The Privia PX160BK in black is a classic representative of its high-end quality available at an affordable price. This lightweight, sleek digital piano can record high-power sound at four dynamic levels.
It is the ebony and ivory textured keys on the Casio Privia PX160BK model that provides unbeatable speed and accuracy to even a new user.
The duet mode turns this piano into an excellent learning device as the keyboard can be split into two parts with the same octaves for 2 people to use it simultaneously. Privia PX160BK facilitates play, practice, recording, and performance.
Features
- The tri-sensor hammer action II keyboard is scaled to offer an incredible feel allowing the user to enjoy the crescendos of a performance.
- The AiR engine enables accuracy akin to that of a grand piano where the sound is rich and deep. The damper pedal creates the damper resonance offering a powerful
- the 8W X 8W speakers deliver amplified sound and an aesthetically pleasing look to the piano
- PX160BK is preset with different instrument sounds such as the grand piano, harpsichord, electric pianos, and more.
- It provides split capability so that players can enjoy the effects of two sounds with the bass on one side and dual tones on the other.
- It comes with an SP-33 pedal that provides the grand piano feel and sound; thanks to its three-pedal functionality
- Privia PX160BK from Casio is equipped with a stand that allows it to stand at a convenient height.
- Comes with a 2-track recorder that allows recording and playback
Check out: Best Digital Pianos for Learning
#5. Yamaha P121 – Great Compact Digital Piano
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.6 |
| Easy to Assemble | 9.8 |
| Connectivity | 9.2 |
| Build Quality | 9.1 |
| Value for money | 9.5 |
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- It is a smart digital piano enabling connectivity over iOS configured mobile devices for a richer experience
- Enabled with touch-sensitive keys
- Praiseworthy audio-quality
- Yamaha P121 is furnished with sustain pedals
- Easily adjustable tuning
Cons
- Provides a limited sound selection
- The cable required for downloading the iOS app is not included in the package
An electronic piano that combines rich performance with a user-friendly interface, the Yamaha P121 digital piano in Black offers value for money. The instrument allows players to experience the pleasure of playing a grand piano despite its sleek design. The touch, tone, and exclusive features of this 73-key weighted action piano offer a high-grade musical engagement to users.
The weighted hammer action is transcending as it offers the immersive resonance of the authentic piano. The instrument’s lightweight (22.1lbs) adds to its portability and compactness enabling easy storage.
The ‘Chord Tracker’ function is a fantastic feature for newbies at the piano as it enables learning how to play the chords of your choicest tracks. The smart function powered on the P121 reinforces its contemporary design.
The headphones on this digital piano ensure an optimized aural experience with its stereophonic system. This makes every sound realistic regardless of the instrument chosen on the device.
The reverberation effect, damper, and string resonance along with the key-off samples make the P121 model a desirable one. It has a recording function. The sustain pedal extends the comfort of keeping the note playing even after you stop pressing the key.
Features
- P121 Digital Piano from the house of Yamaha is enabled with the Pure CF sound engine which recreates the magical acoustic depths.
- It is engineered with advanced 2-way speaker systems that provide a stereophonic sound in both the higher and lower octaves.
- The Smart Pianist technology facilitates users to control and adjust rhythms, voices, and other settings through your tablet or smartphone touch screen.
- Regardless of the surface, it is placed on, the ‘Table EQ’ feature enables enjoying optimal and undistorted acoustics.
- Equipped with 20 rhythms in accompaniment styles: onboard drum and bass tracks
#6. Roland GO:PIANO (GO-88P) – Beginner’s Choice from Roland Brand
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.5 |
| Connectivity | 9.2 |
| Build Quality | 9.1 |
| For Beginners | 9.5 |
| Value for money | 9.4 |
Pros
- Premium piano that is available in a portable and compact design
- High-quality Bluetooth speakers that help with wireless smartphone connectivity
- Helps with complete wireless operation with battery power and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Connects with the tablet or smartphone wirelessly to learn from online lessons.
Cons
- The sustain pedal of this piano is very basic
- The piano is portable but heavy.
This is a legendary piano within a budget but features all the elegant features of a high-end piano. This is an 88-key full-size portable digital piano with onboard Bluetooth speakers. You will enjoy the premium piano experience that this keyboard renders and it is available in a portable format, at an affordable cost. It features full-size keys with standard spacing and also comprises a 128-note polyphony for ambient music creation. It also features a high-quality Bluetooth speaker for ambient wireless smartphone connection. It also includes a sustain pedal, music rest, and also a power adaptor.
It also features a completely wireless operation with exceptional Bluetooth connectivity and works on both AC power and battery power. As this is a lightweight and compact piano you can comfortably transport it anywhere and also store it at any place. This digital piano support MIDI through its Bluetooth functionality to help learn the advanced music lessons on the tablet or the smartphone. There are also other unique features in this digital piano, such as the transpose, metronome, and other recording features, to support its daily practice.
Its built-in speakers support inherent piano playing experience at any time of the day and it is also a great piano for professional and advanced piano players as well. Its sounds are sampled from the best of Roland’s pianos and thus will help you render the aptest expression and technique even for the most complex piano tunes.
Also Check: Best Digital Pianos Under $700
#7. Donner DEP-20 Digital Piano – Amazing Choice Under $500
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.3 |
| Connectivity | 9.1 |
| Portability | 9.3 |
| Build Quality | 8.6 |
| For Beginners | 9.8 |
| Value for money | 9.3 |
Pros
- This piano has the best sounds and its hammer action keys offer the best piano playing experience.
- A great piano that is very much close to the grand acoustic piano, available at a great price.
- Possible to program the piano to have multiple tones and create a symphony with simple adjustments.
Cons
- Doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity.
This is an excellent digital piano for beginners that features a full-size 88 keys weighted keyboard with a sustain pedal and a power supply. This digital electric piano comprises 88- full-size hammer action keys along with adjusting touch response. The piano is also loaded with about 238 tones from different instruments such as the drum, bass, etc., for a complete and power-packed music experience and it also comprises a maximum polyphony of 128 notes, that helps the player to play and distinguish both the chorus and the reverb in different occasions.
One of the best features of this piano is its dual-tone mode, where it is possible to combine both the voices together, such as the drum and the piano, inspiring the users to create ambient music. There is a triangle pedal along with audio inputs and outputs for this piano that helps with a perfect music arrangement and ensemble. There is also a backlit LCD screen on this piano that indicates the notation and the chord names. Other features of this budget-friendly laptop are its 25W amplifiers and MP3 player that help us in bringing a richer music playing experience. We were also able to use the MIDI for recording the tunes we created for future reference.
This piano perhaps has the best key bed and its 88-keys are streamlined and weighted to train the hands with the finest music every time. And two of us were able to play on this piano at the same time, with its double tone-setting function, that divides the piano into two equal parts. We can play at random and easily create a chord sound with its automatic multifunction and chord setting.
#8. Alesis Virtue 88-Key Digital Piano – Value for Money Bundle
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.3 |
| Connectivity | 9.2 |
| Portability | 9.2 |
| Build Quality | 8.5 |
| For Beginners | 9.4 |
| Value for money | 9.5 |
Pros
- The piano features the most powerful educational features
- The lesson mode divides the keyboard into two sections with the same voice and pitch
- Backlit LCD screen that displays the notation and the chord names.
- Comes with three months Skoove subscription for interactive piano lessons.
Cons
- The wood quality on the body of the piano is not too good.
In one sentence we can define the Alesis digital piano as a grand acoustic piano within budget. We loved the velocity-sensitive keys in this keyboard that help us with an exceptional piano playing experience. This piano has built-in speakers and features about 360 premium voices to play the rhythm of your choice. As a bonus, you also get three months of Skoove subscription included with the purchase of this keyboard.
The 88-keybed this piano is velocity-sensitive and adjusts for touch response. There are three pedals in this piano for an authentic piano playing experience, but they all come disassembled and we may have to assemble them, after receiving the shipment. But the product is easy to assemble and I just required assistance from a friend to put things in place. The music rest and the adjusting piano bench that comes with this piano is an additional advantage.
There are about 360 premium built-in voices in this piano and it is possible to split or layer two of the voices in this piano simultaneously. Its 30-watt stereo speakers and its 128-note polyphony help in exceptional playability and realistic piano sounds. Players can compose, create and record in this piano with a one-touch feature and it also features 160 built-in accompaniment styles and 80 demo songs along with record mode.
#9. Yamaha PSR-EW300 SA Digital Piano – Popular Choice
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.4 |
| Connectivity | 9.1 |
| Build Quality | 8.9 |
| For Beginners | 9.7 |
| Value for money | 9.6 |
Pros
- Though it is a light and compact instrument, it features an exquisite tone and is an exceptional combination of simplicity and elegance.
- There are eight voices in total, including the piano, electric piano, harpsichord, organ, strings, and vibes.
- There is also a metronome, recorder, and few voice function
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a power adapter.
- The key bed has only 76-keys
This product comes as a bundle with a piano, piano stand, and PA130 power supply. Though it is a portable and lightweight piano, it packs some of the best features from the legendary Yamaha brand. Its 76-key Graded soft-touch keyboard action renders gentle weighting and it also retains the soft touch of a grand digital keyboard. The piano features an advanced wave memory stereo sampling technology that helps recreate the natural instrument sounds in a stereo.
We can coordinate the keyboard sounds with the controller apps in iOS, which helps to add a rich and graphic user interface for quick and easy configuration and navigation. The USB to host port in this piano enables us to connect and interact with a range of musical and educational apps on both the computer and the mobile device. We can enjoy the additional upgrades in this piano, which include the 64-note polyphony, song recorder function, and extended battery life.
The PSR SA series of keyboards are an ideal combination of simplicity and elegance and it has been designed with all the essential elements in mind so that we can concentrate on playing the music. We can connect the iOS device to the USB host terminal of this piano with a camera adapter, though it is sold separately for easy operation and additional functionality and performance.
#10. Yamaha NP32 Portable Keyboard – Great for Intermediate Pianists
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.3 |
| Connectivity | 9.1 |
| Portability | 8.8 |
| Build Quality | 8.5 |
| For Beginners | 9.2 |
| Value for money | 9.1 |
Pros
- Features a simple and practical design with just a few buttons.
- Light and portable design with built-in speakers, and the piano is only 1-meter in length
- This piano is battery-powered with 6AA batteries.
Cons
- The position of the keys is a little awkward.
- There is no obvious transpose button on the keyboard.
Though there are just 76 keys in the key bed of the Yamaha NP32 digital keyboard, they all feature a graded soft-touch keyboard action and thus offer gentle weighting on the keys, while retaining the soft touch of a digital piano. The piano features an advanced wave memory stereo sampling technology, that helps in recreating the natural and the original instrument sounds in stereo. There is a controller app for iOS that adds a rich and graphic user interface and it also helps in easy and quick configuration and navigation.
There is also a USB to Host port that allows the users to connect and interact with a wide assortment of musical creation apps and education apps on both the computer and the mobile device. The additional upgrades on this piano are its 64-note polyphony, song recorder function, and of course extended battery life. All these features are comprised of a light and a compact instrument and we can say that this keyboard is a perfect combination of elegance and simplicity.
From the very first note, this keyboard amazed me with its compact size and high-quality voices. Its rich tones that are samples from the concert grand piano truly mesmerize the pianist of all skill levels. The piano-style keyboard is truly expressive and amazing and can be easily carried for classes and stage shows without much trouble.
Also Check: Best Digital Pianos for Intermediate players
#11. Yamaha EZ-220 Portable Keyboard – Superb Alternative Under $500
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.4 |
| Connectivity | 9.1 |
| Portability | 9.2 |
| Build Quality | 8.7 |
| For Beginners | 9.4 |
| Value for money | 9.3 |
Pros
- The piano features 61 touch-sensitive keys that are light weighted.
- There are a total of 392 high-quality instrument voices along with 100 accompaniment styles.
- There are about 100+1 demo built-in songs for easy learning and a fingering guide.
- It features a heavy-duty, single-braced, steel keyboard stand.
Cons
- The stand of this keyboard is not sturdy.
- The batteries do not last long.
This is an excellent portable keyboard that comes with headphones, a power supply, and also a piano stand. This premium keyboard bundle comes with a keyboard, closed-back stereo headphones, a power supply, and a keyboard stand. The key bed features 61-touch sensitive keys with a transpose function. This piano features a total of 392 high-quality instrument voices along with 100 accompaniment styles. The keyboard has 100 built-in songs along with one demo song for easy learning. The bundle also comes with a fingering guide, Yamaha education suite, and a page-turner app for iPad.
There is a USB port that allows the users to connect with the computer and helps to connect with a range of music programs. Its built-in education suite offers more ways to learn and helps to play seamlessly. The keyboard comes with an X-style keyboard stand with a PA130 adapter that eliminates the need for fresh batteries. The piano has a compact design so that it is easy to carry with a gig.
It includes a visual performance that is a new type of application for visualizing the musical performance from any MIDI device. Its built-in animations respond to the velocity and pitch of the instrument. It also connects with Piano Diary, which is a free application that enables the users to easily store and record the performance in the cloud server and playback whenever required.
#12. RockJam RJ561 Piano – Best 61 Key Keyboard Under $500
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.2 |
| Connectivity | 9 |
| Portability | 8.7 |
| Build Quality | 8.5 |
| For Beginners | 9.4 |
| Value for money | 9.2 |
Pros
- A foldable and padded seat helps with long hours of comfortable play.
- The piano stand is sturdy and adjustable for different height levels
- Over-ear headphones help to practice in private and connect with the keyboard with the 3.5mm audio jack.
- Its built-in speakers are good enough to fill the entire room with music.
Cons
- The music app is not free
- Very heavy piano
You can get a perfect piano bundle when you choose to buy the Rockjam 61-key digital piano. It is shipped as a complete package with a keyboard stand, piano bench, headphones, piano app, and keynote stickers. This digital piano features 61-keys and offers a traditional piano feel. It also features a compact and traditional design and can be powered either with a direct power supply or with its included batteries.
Its LCD is capable of displaying about 100 rhythms, 50 tones, teaching functions, and up to 30 demo songs and it also features a record and playback functionality, allowing the players to build great layers to the sound. Its foldable and adjustable stand with padding appeals to both kids and adults for long hours of comfortable play and this super kit comes with over-ear headphones as well, to play without disturbing others.
We can easily alter the sounds of the music we play with more than 100 tones. And players can also develop a rhythmic flow with the selection of over 100 rhythms to choose from. We also get to practice the songs as we play them with the help of over 50 different demo songs that are built on this piano. This piano is compatible with the simple piano app, which is available on both the Android and the iOS platforms.
#13. Korg B2N Digital Piano – Another Amazing Alternative
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.1 |
| Connectivity | 9.1 |
| Portability | 9.3 |
| Build Quality | 8.5 |
| For Beginners | 9.4 |
| Value for money | 9.2 |
Pros
- Features a headphone jack along with built-in speakers
- An excellent digital piano that sounds great
- Comes as a complete package with a piano, foot pedal, stand, and sheet holder.
Cons
- Seems very basic for professional piano players.
The Korg Digital piano has been skillfully sampled and it has not failed to capture all the nuances of an excellent concert grand piano. You will love its clean controls that are streamlined for a great stage performance. It sounds great and has all the features of a grand acoustic piano, but at a highly economical cost. This piano seems to have it all, connects with MIDI, and has a USB port to connect with other devices. It comes with free software as well and has excellent built-in sounds of the electric pianos, the harpsichord, the strings, the organs, and a lot more, to help create a perfect symphony.
Its weighted 88-key hammer action keyboard along with its adjusting key controls render three levels of sensitivity to match the response of the keyboard to any playing level and style. There are two headphone jacks for ample piano lessons between a teacher and a student or between a parent and a child.
The piano is extremely simple in design and is yet stylish. It is very lightweight and extremely portable as well, thus you can easily carry it for your piano classes and stage shows without a hassle. Its realistic sounds combined with volume controls and portability make it an ideal digital piano for beginners and for those who wish to take up their piano lessons seriously.
Which Should Be Your Primary Digital Piano?
You’re getting close to purchasing a digital piano, but there are so many different models available that you can feel confused by all of the available alternatives. Don’t worry; with this quick overview of the most important features, you’ll be able to home in on the digital piano that’s the perfect fit for your requirements. This holds regardless of whether you are searching for the most up-to-date model from Yamaha or Casio, the most recent product from Roland, a tried-and-true classic, or something else entirely.
To begin started, you need to have a solid understanding of exactly what it is that you require. You can put on live performances on a piano, record songs on it at home or in a studio, or do all three! Is this instrument just intended for private use, or will it also be used in performances that are open to the public? When searching for a digital piano, it is essential to first determine the level of expertise you now possess. Some of the versions already come with the lessons pre-installed, while others offer more advanced capabilities that are more suited to the needs of working professionals in the real world. They come into their own whether performing live or recording an album. We recommend either Casio or Yamaha to you if you are looking to purchase a new portable digital piano and prefer an appearance similar to that of a slab. Both of these layouts have garnered a lot of positive feedback and are excellent options for anyone, from total novices to seasoned veterans with years of experience.
Also Check: Best Digital Pianos Under $2000
Concluding Thoughts
All the above-featured digital pianos are not only budget-friendly but designed to deliver superior performance so that users don’t have to compromise on quality. Depending on your skill in playing the instrument, you can always select the appropriate digital piano under $500 to suit your style and preference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. There is a Dizzying Array of Variety in the Pianos That Are Offered. When Looking to Buy a Piano, What Are Some of the Most Important Things to Keep in Mind?
Because it will serve as a focal point of the family’s entertainment for many years to come, it is essential to invest in the highest quality piano that your budget will permit. Pick a model, size, and finish that is appropriate for your house. You should also select the piano that has the tone and feels that you prefer the most. When you or your children sit down at the piano to play, the instrument in question ought to be one that both you and they take pleasure in playing and listening to. In addition, it is recommended that you get a brand new piano. The methods used to construct pianos have undergone significant advancements in recent years, which means that households that receive a brand-new piano will be gifted an instrument that will remain in their possession for the rest of their lives.
2. When Determining Whether or Not a Youngster is Mature Enough to Start Taking Piano Lessons, Are There Any Particular Signs That Parents Should Look Out for?
Parents should be on the lookout for children who have a propensity for singing frequently or, if they own a piano, for attempting to play songs by ear. Their child may also be someone who is drawn to groups of individuals who play music or who concentrates intently on the music that is broadcast on the radio or television. However, in many circumstances, you won’t know for sure unless you offer them the opportunity to test it out first. Just keep in mind that you are not attempting to build a concert musician dressed in a tuxedo or formal attire… Just provide them with the chance to discover the delight and excitement that music can provide. After all, playing the piano is enjoyable, and it’s something that anyone can take pleasure in and gain benefit from.
3. Do I Need to Learn How to Read Music to Play the Piano?
You don’t have to do anything. If you want, you can make something up on the spot, but this is much riskier than the other options. Both. In response to your question, I would tell you to train yourself to read notes well. As if someone had asked, “Hey, do you think I need to learn how to read words to be able to read a story from a book?” Or, “Can I just have someone read the story to me and then try to remember it by reciting it word for word?” Which do you think people would use more often in real life? I once taught a Russian woman named Valeria, who was 29 years old, how to play the piano. Valeria had always wanted to learn how to play the piano well, but she had never taken a class. After only two weeks of practice, she was able to read the notes for a simple piano version of “Fur Elise.” This showed how well she could read notes. She might have won the whole game within a month. Do you know of anything she tried to keep from us? She just had a very strong need to learn. She bought flashcards to help her study, and she used them. My point is that you can learn your notes just as quickly as she did if you put your mind to it. If you put in the time and work to learn to read in less than a month, you won’t have to struggle with it for the rest of your life, right? Get up and start looking over your notes right away.
4. Which Instrument Should I Buy, a Keyboard or a Piano?
Ahhh, this is a pretty popular question that I am frequently asked. Do you have any money, in my opinion? Do you have room? Are you dead serious? If you responded yes to these questions, you should purchase a piano. If you don’t have much space or money, opt for the keyboard, but don’t go too cheap, since a cheap keyboard will not be worth it in the long run. You might even acquire a keyboard if you’re just getting started and want to see how you like it. If you’re buying an instrument for yourself or a child, having a good instrument is essential; performing on a mediocre instrument will make practice and performances boring, so please buy the finest you can afford within your budget.
5. Is There an Age Limit for Starting Piano Lessons, or Does It Depends on a Child’s Maturity and/or Interest?
It depends much on the individual child, their size, age, focus, etc. In the first test market program to provide after-school group piano instruction to first and second graders, the vast majority of students did incredibly well and greatly enjoyed the experience. Therefore, entering the first grade is not too early. An interesting case in point is a man who, as a second grader, was handed a ball and told to go outside and play sports. He never once looked back. Because of his bad knee and damaged Achilles tendon, he can’t play baseball as an adult. Instead, he laments that he didn’t take up piano, something he could do for the rest of his life and still enjoy.
