Back in the day, to get a high-quality digital piano, you’d need to spend a lot of money and it would usually be a big investment that musicians or recording studios would have to make. Luckily, due to technological advancements, there are now a lot of different brands and models you can choose from that don’t cost a lot of money.
With all the options out there, making the choice can be tough for a lot of people. That’s why today, we’re taking a look at the best digital pianos for under 500 in today’s market.
Our personal pick for the best option in the market is the Yamaha P45 because of the sheer quality of the piano and how natural it feels to play. That being said, it’s also one of the more expensive options, so if you don’t think this is the one for you, you might want to check out the rest of the options included in the list.
We’ve also included a buying guide at the end of the article, so keep reading to learn more!
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Quick Summary
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top 6 Best Digital Pianos Under 500$
#1. Yamaha P45 – The Best Overall Pick
- Includes the P45 Digital Piano, power adapter, sustain pedal and music rest
- 88 fully weighted piano style keys simulate the feel of an acoustic piano and provide a quality playing experience
- GHS weighted action is heavier in the low end and lighter in the high end, just like an acoustic piano
- Contains 10 different voices, including digitally sampled tones from real Yamaha acoustic grand pianos
- Dual mode lets you combine 2 voices together, like piano and strings, for an inspiring new playing experience. Tuning- 414.8 - 440.0 - 446.8 Hz
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Kicking off our list is one of the best brands on the market today, especially when it comes to pianos.
While a lot of people are familiar with this brand as a motorcycle manufacturer, they also make great musical instruments and music equipment, which is very evident with this model. It’s a full-size keyboard with 88 weighted keys, making it a great option for those who are looking for the feel of a real piano. And just like with a real piano, the action is heavier on the low end than on the high end.
It will come out of the box with 10 different voices available, which include digitally sampled sounds from a real Yamaha acoustic piano. And on top of that, you also have the option to blend different voices to get unique options when playing music, which can be a very freeing experience.
This is the overall best pick for a digital piano under $500, and while it is on the relatively expensive side, it’s an investment that any musician or hobbyist won’t regret making.
#2. Donner Dep-10 – The Best Semi-weighted Option
- 🥇【Full-sized 88 Semi-weighted Keys】Donner DEP-10 digital piano features 88 semi-weighted keys that simulate the real touch of playing a piano. Semi-weighted keys reduce the sense of strength than full-weighted keys for more sensitive touch response to suit different playing styles, provide greater control, and maximizes playing comfort.
- 🥇【8 Excellent Tones&128 Polyphony】DEP-10 88-key electric piano can switch between the sounds of eight different instruments, include Acoustic Piano, Electric Grand Piano, Church Organ, etc. And it can also play two tones at the same time( Dual Tone Setting Function). With 128 polyphony, digital piano can provide super clear rendition, natural feeling of different sounds , perfect for teaching and learning.
- 🥇【Superior Sound Quality】Equipped with two built-in 25W speakers, a sustain pedal, audio input and output, and an MP3 player. DEP-10 delivers a rich and immersive practice and performance experience for players.
- 🥇【Versatile Instrument】You can control the rhythm with diffrent four types of metronome beats. The effects can select from trill, suspension, and DSP. Meanwhile, you can record and arrange your music with the recording mode. DEP-10 is good for players’ different demands and allows you create complex songs with ease.
- 🥇【Modern Sleek Design】The streamlined piano body and textured keys of the DEP-10 88-key digital piano provide an extraordinary playing experience. Beginners can enjoy the beauty of music with this well-designed instrument.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When starting out with the piano, it can be pretty tough to learn on fully-weighted keys.
And aside from that, fully-weighted digital pianos can also be pretty expensive, which isn’t ideal for beginners. That being said, practicing on a non-weighted keyboard can also lead to problems when you shift to an acoustic piano.
Luckily, there’s a bridge between the two, and that’s a semi-weighted keyboard. This Donner model is exactly that, and it has a full 88-key layout, which will allow you to play the full range of the piano without having to deal with heavy hammer action. Aside from being suitable for beginners, this setup is also ideal for certain musical styles.
It comes with 8 different voices that include acoustic pianos, church organs, electric pianos and more. It has a maximum polyphone of 128, which will really allow you to experience the full potential of your playing. Polyphony, when talking about digital instruments, refers to the amount of notes that you can play at the same time, and in this case, it’s 128.
And if that wasn’t enough for you, there’s also a metronome built in to the instrument with four different types of beats that you can easily control, making this one of the best semi-weighted digital options on the market today.
#3. Yamaha P71 – Most Realistic Piano Sounds
- Amazon exclusive model includes power adapter and sustain pedal
- 88 fully weighted piano style keys simulate the feel of an acoustic piano and provide a quality playing experience
- Contains 10 different voices, including digitally sampled tones from real Yamaha acoustic grand pianos
- Dual mode lets you combine 2 voices together, like piano and strings, for an inspiring new playing experience
- Slim and stylish design with a depth of less than 12 inches, the P71 requires little space and weighs only 25 pounds
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Whenever you’re shopping for a digital piano, one of the most important aspects is the tone.
If you aren’t getting the right feel and sound that you’ll get from an acoustic piano, practicing, performing, or recording with the instrument can be a really tough task. The Yama P71 model is one of the best that the brand has to offer on a budget, and it comes with some of the most realistic tones and voices you’ll find in this price range.
It’s a full-sized keyboard with weighted keys, which allows players to get a very authentic feel when playing. It also comes with 10 different voices, which include digital samples from Yamaha acoustic grand pianos. Just like the P45, it has a dual-mode which allows you to blend different voices of the instrument together, allowing you to create really unique melodies with varied timbres.
On top of all of that, it’s a lightweight and slim instrument, only weighing 25 pounds, which can make it really easy for musicians to bring the instrument with them to gigs and rehearsals.
#4. Alesis Recital – The Best Practice Instrument
- An Electric Piano That’s Tailored to You - Feature-packed Electric keyboard with 88 premium full-sized semi weighted keys with adjustable touch response to suit your preferred playing style
- Premium Sounds - 5 voices (Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Synth, and Bass), built-in FX: Chorus, Reverb, and two built in 20W speakers that deliver crystal-clear, room-filling sound
- All The Right Connections - ¼” sustain pedal input (pedal not included), ¼” stereo headphone output for private practice and stereo RCA outputs for connection to speakers / amplifiers
- Play the Keyboard Wherever You Go - Power via the included power adapter or 6 D cell batteries (not included) for professional piano performance anywhere
- Powerful Educational Features - Standard, split, layer, and lesson modes with 128-note max polyphony and Skoove 3 month premium subscription for expert interactive online piano lessons
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’ve been on the hunt for a quality keyboard with 88 keys and built in speakers on a budget, this could be the right pick for you.
It comes with 5 different voices to choose from, which is just enough for beginners or students who need a practice instrument. The sounds it comes with are acoustic piano, electric piano, organ, synth, and bass. And the 20W speakers it comes with makes for a great and clear sound so you can hear yourself very well when playing.
It also comes with a headphone output and RCA output for performances, making it one of the most versatile options out there. And if you’re willing to spend a little more money, you can get the Alesis Recital Bundle that comes with the keyboard, a stand, a sustain pedal, and a stool for practicing.
All in all, this is one of the best options for anyone out there looking for an instrument to practice with.
#5. Rockjam 88-key Digital Piano – The Best Beginner Option
- This RockJam 88 digital piano keyboard has 88 full-sized, semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys that closely replicate the feel of a real piano.
- This weighted keyboard piano is packed with modern features including ten unique voices (upright piano, electric keyboard piano, grand piano, strings, synth, bass, guitar, percussion, Hammond organ, and church organ.)
- The inbuilt stereo speakers on this electric keyboard deliver a powerful 24 Watts of sound.
- This full-size keyboard piano includes a headphone input so you can practice in privacy and without disturbing others.
- This piano keyboard with weighted keys includes a USB input so you can play along to your favorite songs.
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
An ideal piano for beginners is one that isn’t too hard to play, doesn’t cost too much, and has all the keys an acoustic piano would have.
This instrument is just that. It has semi-weighted keys, so you can get a feel similar to an acoustic instrument without putting in that much effort, is budget-friendly, and on top of all of that, it comes with 10 unique voices that beginners can experiment with to find new sounds.
This is a great option for new musicians, as it also comes with an app to help you learn the basics of playing along with keynote stickers that you can use as a guide when going through practice routines. And if you want to practice privately, it also comes with a headphone output so you can plug your earphones in and practice for hours on end without worrying about noise.
So if you’re starting to learn the instrument and are looking for the right one to practice on, then this could be your pick.
#6. Alesis Recital Pro – Best Option For Students
- A Digital Piano That’s Tailored to You - Feature-packed Electric keyboard with 88 premium full-sized weighted hammer action keys with adjustable touch response to suit your preferred playing style
- Premium Sounds - 12 voices (Incl. Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Synth, and Bass), built-in FX: Chorus, Modulation, Reverb, and two built in 20W speakers for clear, room-filling sound
- All The Right Connections - ¼” sustain pedal input (pedal not included), ¼” stereo headphone output for private practice and stereo outputs for connection to speakers / amplifiers
- Play the Keyboard Wherever You Go - Power via the included power adapter or 6 D cell batteries (not included) for professional piano performance anywhere
- Powerful Educational Features - Standard, split, layer, record and lesson modes with 128-note max polyphony and Skoove 3 month premium subscription for expert interactive online piano lessons
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re a serious music student, then you’re going to need a good piano that’s affordable and sounds great.
The Alesis Recital Pro is an upgrade to the Alesis Recital model that we featured earlier on this list. It has 88 weighted hammer-action keys, which give you the feeling of a real acoustic piano, comes with 12 premium voices that you can use for a variety of musical styles, and it has an adjustable touch response that you can tailor to your own playing style.
The maximum polyphony on this instrument is 128 notes, so you truly get the full range and spectrum of a piano. On top of that, you also get a free 3-month subscription to Skoove, an app that can help you learn even more piano techniques to apply in your own music.
This is powered either via a power supply or a 6D batteries, which allows you to play wherever you are. This is a great tool to have if you’re a student on the move who needs to practice a lot, and on top of that, it’s also a very affordable instrument that will serve you very well for years to come.
What To Look For When Buying A Digital Piano
Number Of Keys
This would perhaps be one of the biggest concerns one should have when buying a digital piano.
One of the most important aspects of a practice instrument is that it will give you the full range of notes and tones that you would get from an acoustic piano. This is also one of the first things that anyone will tell you about when describing a digital piano.
Ideally, you would want to have a full 88-key instrument, however, they can be fairly expensive which is why there are 66-key and 72-key options that can help you save on money and also have an easier time getting the hand of the instrument.
Hammer Action
Hammer action refers to the weight on the keys. One of the complaints that a lot of people have with digital pianos is that they don’t feel the same way as their acoustic counterparts. The main reason for this is that the keys are light and don’t resemble acoustic instruments at all.
But technology has gone a long way, and now there are so many digital keyboards out there with weighted keys. This will give any player a much more comfortable feel (especially if they learned on an acoustic piano) when playing. And since weighted keys feel similar to acoustic ones, they can also help beginners develop proper technique.
In fact, there are even models nowadays with heavier action on the low keys as compared to the light keys which is a key feature of any acoustic piano. That being said, be ready to pay more for weighted keyboards, and invest even more if you want to get one that feels like a 100% acoustic instrument. But don’t worry, it is well-worth the money.
Tone & Effects
Another thing that you have to pay close attention to is how the instrument sounds. Even if a piano has 1000 different voices to choose from, if they don’t sound good, you won’t want to play it. In the sub-500 dollar price range, you won’t be finding models that are filled with different premium voices. Instead, you’ll be finding models with less voices, but high-quality ones.
Aside from the tone of the piano, you also have to check what effects it has. The most important of these effects is the sustain. Some options out there come with a sustain pedal, some won’t, but what’s most important is that it you have the option to use a sustain pedal if you want. And depending on your playing style, you might also want to get a piano with built-in reverb and chorus effects as well.
Portability
The last thing that you’d want to check out is the portability of the instrument. This is especially important if you play gigs or will be needing to bring the instrument around whether it’s to rehearsals, a regular jam session, or if you need to bring it to school. Ideally, you would want an instrument that’s not too heavy or bulky, since you don’t want to have a hard time carrying it around.
It would be ideal to consider options that will fit in a keyboard bag or case that isn’t too bulky so mobility won’t be an issue.
FAQ’s
What is the best brand for digital piano?
Generally, it would always be best to go for trusted brands that have consistently delivered for some time. When it comes to digital pianos, some of the best brands include Yamaha, Casio, and Donner, just to name a few of the options.
Do digital pianos feel like real pianos?
The goal for any digital piano manufacturer is to make an instrument that feels and sounds like an acoustic piano. Digital pianos are designed to have the same hammer action and weight as an acoustic instrument, and manufacturers will always try their best to add features that make the experience more authentic and geniune.
How long do digital pianos last?
If maintained well, these instruments could last you up to 50 years! That’s much better than cheap acoustic pianos, which tend to last anywhere between 30-40 years if taken care of right.
Do digital pianos hold their value?
Sadly, the more technology advances, the less value these instruments will have. For example, some of the best models from decades ago can’t really hold their own against the cheaper models today. This is because technology is always growing and manufacturers always find ways to improve on existing designs.
Do you need to tune a digital piano?
Since there are no hammers and strings present to produce sound, you will never have to tune a digital piano.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
That concludes our rundown of the best digital pianos that you cang et for under $500.
There are some options out here that are best for students who are starting to take the craft more seriously, while there others more suited for beginners and hobbyists alike. But what’s most important is to make sure that the instrument you’re getting is one that you enjoy playing and can do all the things you need it to do.
And when that happens, no one can ever tell you that you don’t have the right piano for you. So if you think the instrument you need was featured on this list, then all that’s left to do is head out and get your hands on one yourself!
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